Known as the Port of the Moon, Bordeaux is an elegant and enchanting backdrop for a wedding full of delicate florals, captivating conversations across a candlelit table as the echo of the last song of the night waltzes across the dance floor. 
Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is full of stunning architecture, romantic culture and lives up to its stellar reputation for having world-class wine with an inviting climate and breathtaking landscape. Perfect for couples looking for a way to make their destination wedding luxurious yet laid back, Bordeaux has a well connected airport, clean and efficient public transport and thriving culture for guests hoping to extend their stay.

French Wedding Traditions
One of my favorite French wedding traditions is when all guests get up and stand on their chairs while waving their napkins above their head to welcome the newly married couple to the reception dinner. Full of entertainment, French wedding receptions often also include family and friends putting on sketch comedy routines, silly speeches and videos celebrating the couple.

Another fun French-inspired element you can add to your day is a champagne pyramid, add extra style by sabering the bottle before you pour.


Some of my favorite venues around Bordeaux include;
Le Domaine de la Ros
Clos Saint Esteve
Chateau Estoublon
Chateau Provence
Chateau Saint Georges
Chateau des Demoiselles

And one of my favorite wedding planners in the area;
Oui Mon Coeur

Wine country
Wedding

Sonoma CA

Getting married in Austin and looking for some fun Southern wedding traditions to embrace? Check these out!

Legend has it that if a couple buries a bottle of bourbon before their wedding day, their wedding will have great weather! A fun way to do this is to find a spot that is meaningful to you (and accessible post-burial) to hide the bottle in the ground upside down. 

Another fun tradition stems from weddings in Victorian England. The ‘cake pull’ involves symbolic charms attached to ribbons being baked into the bottom layer of the wedding cake. During the reception bridesmaids and single ladies gather to pick a ribbon and pull. The charm they find attached to their ribbon is like the fortune of a fortune cookie-- the hot air balloon foretells of travel adventures to come, the four leaf clover signifies good luck, and the fleur-de-lis represents prosperity.

Some of my favorite venues in the Austin area include:
Ma Maison
The Contemporary Austin
The Line
Brazos Hall

City Glam
in Austin

Austin, TX

A week away with your nearest and dearest? 
Haute-couture affair that seamlessly matched the splendor of the venue?

Oui, oui. 
This stunning couple from LA created a magical experience for all.  They privatized the Château Couffins as their centralized home the week of the wedding so that the bridal party and family could explore the region, craft memories of a lifetime, and serve as the most stunning setting for their wedding. 

A stunning, moving, never to be forgotten wedding that left all believing in true love, and excited for the adventures to come. 

When fashion meets fairytale

Bordeaux France

To me, New York is one of the most romantic places in the world. My first trip with my now husband was to NYC, and some of our favorite memories are just wandering the City, discovering it’s secrets and making our own stories to add to the legend of the City that never sleeps. 
Some of my favorite romantic spots in NY include 

Central Park
The Met Cloisters
Le Boudoir
Lincoln Center Fountains
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Apotheke
Stick With Me Sweets

Love in Manhattan

NYC, NY

The love felt during this engagement session was as passionate as the incoming storm -- and a little rain only added to the magic of the session! I loved getting to meet this sweet pair, and was lucky enough to capture their love story from engagement, to wedding, to first little one on the way! 

Outdoor shoots are my favorite and we can always work with the weather to create something magical! 

Bay Area
Romance

San Francisco CA

A top destination wedding location, Italy has a splendor all its own. Art weaves itself through the landscape, cuisine, and architecture in a way that will enhance the romance of your wedding and captivate the hearts of all in attendance. 

A few of my favorite Italian wedding traditions begin before the big day; 
During the rehearsal dinner, the set man toasts ““Per cent'anni," or “A hundred years," to wish the new couple a century of good luck, often with a glass of prosecco. Also heard throughout the evening, are calls of "Evviva gli sposi!" (“Hooray for the newlyweds!"). Historically, Italian brides wore green on the eve of their wedding to bring good luck. You too can embrace tradition with emerald earrings, or maybe accent heels for the night before. 

Italian Grooms used to serenade their brides on the eve of their wedding. Known as ‘La Serenata’, Bridegrooms would stand outside their Bride’s window and sing to them late into the night. Sometimes Brides would respond by sending down a basket full of gifts to the Groom, symbolizing her acceptance of his love.

Come the wedding day, guests at Italian wedding receptions break out into ‘La Tarantella’ to wish the couple good fortune. Guests hold hands as they dance clockwise as the music accelerates, then they change directions. The tempo and direction play with one another until ultimately everyone is laughing and embracing. 

Some of my favorite Italian Wedding Venues include
Villa Montanare
Isola del Garda
Villa Sola Cabiati
Villa del Balbianello
Castello di Vincigliata
Villa San Michele
Villa la Vedetta

Italian
Spring

Saratoga, CA

I love when couples weave different cultural traditions into their wedding day! This wedding included some Indian traditions such as the Baraat, the arrival of the Groom and his wedding party to the ceremony site. This arrival is full of dancing, upbeat music and lots of celebration. 

I love learning more about other cultures, and legends of love. 
Here are more Indian wedding traditions, as well as some love stories throughout the ages.

Indian Wedding
 

San Francisco, CA

This sweet session was inspired by Valentine’s Day. 
Love is what makes life so sweet, here are some of my favorite San Francisco Date Ideas;
Comedy night at Punchline Comedy Club
Adult Science Night 
San Francisco Ballet
Underground live classical music
Forage and create your own meal
Roller Disco 

Valentine's
Day

San Francisco, CA

I love outdoor weddings. Annnd it is important to plan with the unknown in mind when selecting an outdoor venue. I’ve found the best case scenario is when venues have an outdoor/indoor option, but also know there are ways to work with any location. 
Thinking about the weather can be a fun and creative way to decorate your wedding. Consider printing your wedding programs on eco (and heat) friendly bamboo fans. Sprigs of rosemary, lavender, mint and thyme act as natural insect deterrents and add a lovely sense of natural beauty to the decor.

Condor's Nest 
Ranch

Pala, CA

I love love. I love love of all kinds and am an ally and believe everyone has the right to marry their love! 

Resources some of my same-sex couples have found helpful when selecting vendors for their weddings include;
Equally Wed
Pridezillas
Engayged
WedWeCan

LA
estate

Beverly Hills, CA

I adore beach weddings and elopements!

There are so many stunning options along the West Coast, and thanks to the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill, each of the 363 miles of beach is free and open to the public. While everyone does have public access, wedding ceremonies on the beach require a permit, available from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For that classically beach feel, check out Seaside, Cannon or Manzanita Beaches. Each provide a captivating small-town coastal vibe where practically every shop from candy stores selling saltwater taffy, to trendy boutiques feel like you are discovering a local gem. The northern coast also offers the longest stretches of unbroken beaches of the three regions of the Oregon coast.

No matter which beach you choose, an evening bonfire is a must. S'mores are an easy treat to keep your guests going and can be a great excuse to prolong your time by the sea. Places like Surf and Sand Resort in Cannon Beach are pros at utilizing every bit of thrill the coast has to offer, and can even set up a bonfire for your wedding party for your post-dance hangout. 

beach
elopement

Canon Beach, OR

In addition to shooting love stories of all kinds, I also shoot editorials. I have been honored to have my work featured by;

One Fab Day
Willowby Watters 
Equally Wed
Storyboard Wedding
Love Inc Magazine 
Bliss Magazine
Twigs and Honey
Hannah Kong
Claire La Faye
Wedding Dress Official 
The English Department 
Offbeat Bride

Editorial

2019

While many weddings can be steeped in tradition, why not take a more modern approach and create your own traditions?

Some of my favorite modern takes on saying “I do” include;

Custom cocktails for the cocktail hour. This can be a fun way to add an element of personalization to your reception. Inspired by everything from your favorite signature drink to the color shoes you wore on your first date, get creative and have some fun!

Another idea for a more modern approach to your wedding can be through an innovative menu. A seated dinner can be fun and doesn’t have to last three plus hours. Draw inspiration for the cuisine from places you have visited together, what was on the menu for your first date, or maybe the first meal you cooked for your partner.

Try mixing a natural setting with unexpected decor elements; think velvet chaise under a palm tree, or a rustic table with a chandelier suspended by a large oak tree.
 
Finally, consider adding entertainment to your reception. We know and adore bands and DJ’s, but some couples are adding in comics, dancers and even MC’s to lead guests through group games and activities as the day progresses.

Modern
Wedding
Vibes

Palm Springs, CA

Love is love...

And I love capturing all of the kinds of love that fill your life! 

Whether that is your newborn's first month at home, you and your four-legged furbaby at the beach, or a Friendsgiving I adore getting to know you and capturing those moments that mean the most to you. 

Send me a note and let's connect to create meaningful portraits for this special time in your life.

Family

Everywhere