Erica + Tristan: A Secluded Wedding in Berkeley

I absolutely need to blog about Erica and Tristan's wedding! It was a stunning affair in Berkeley, California at the Brazil Room. I really love their color choice of chocolatey browns and vibrant reds and oranges. I shot alongside the talented FC Wong.

I'll let the pictures mostly speak for themselves!






The boys met up with the girls at the awesome and colorful antique Tilden Carousel nearby. I love the look on Erica's face as Tristan helps her out of the car.




The venue was gorgeous. The ceremony was held on the outdoor grounds on a hill overlooking Tilden Regional Park. It was really like we were the only ones around for miles. Nothing but trees and a beautiful wedding. How perfect is that?!



The group there was a lot of fun. We had some great dancers out there on the floor.



Thank you for having me at your fantastic celebration. All the best to you both!

"A friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths, fields your fears but fortifies your faith, sees your anxieties but frees your spirit, recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."
~William Aurthur Ward

Sunday Snapshots around Philadelphia

I had a friend in town last weekend and we definitely did the touristy Philly thing. Thankfully he showed up during the window of absolutely great weather and I was able to proudly show off where I grew up, some classic Center City Philadelphia spots, and some of my favorite places in the area.

Here are a few images from our day in the city. We started out at the Independence Visitor Center of course and took the Phlash around. I could not get over the incredible clouds that hung out with us all day.


We stopped off at the Reading Terminal Market and enjoyed some really delicious vegetable lasagna and took in all the sights, sounds, and smells.




He got excited about the Franklin Institute (who wouldn't?) so that was our next destination. If you grew up in the area, how many field trips did you take to the Franklin Institute?





Here are a few more of that stunning sky as seen from outside of the Franklin Institute. (Philadelphia City Hall to the southish and The Inquirer Building to the eastish.)



We came back to square one after a day of walking and wandering. (That's the Bourse Building.)


We had big plans for going out dancing that night but were just too pooped to consider anything but watching movies and reminiscing.

It was a fantastic weekend that also included brunch at Carman's Country Kitchen, a driving tour of Lower Merion and Narberth, 4 slices at Peace a Pizza (baked ziti is still my favorite), a visit to the Independence Seaport Museum, a leisurely drive through Valley Forge National Historical Park, scrumptious cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, an introduction to the largest mall on the East Coast, and the purchase of some very strange shoes (for him, not me).

Sadly, there were no Wawa hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, or cheesesteaks. There's only so much Philly one can learn in a weekend. Maybe next time…

I love Philadelphia. I was shocked at what a great city this is. For me, it is the cat's pajamas. I love everything about it. I love where I live. I love the people. I have been met with such kindness and affection here.
~ George Dzundza

Jenn + Matt: a Catholic Wedding in New Jersey

Last month I photographed a truly beautiful wedding. The couple was the stunning Jenn and dapper Matt. They had a lovely ceremony at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Merchantville, NJ. I loved that they had a bagpiper!





After some serious getting lost looking for a park, we scrapped the idea and headed towards the aquarium for some fantastic shots of the couple with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background. I let the pictures speak for themselves…





I just adore that long cathedral veil. It may be a pain, but it makes the most beautiful pictures! Jenn was absolutely adorable. She was all smiles and loved being a model for us. Her laughter was contagious.


I took a quick shot back at the aquarium while Jennifer and Matt rested for a few seconds against the Philly skyline.


The reception was held at Camden's Adventure Aquarium in a big dark L-shaped room. The two inner walls came from a floor to ceiling shark and fish tank. The tables were adorned with tall branches and hanging candles and orchid blossoms. The entire scene was quite a sight. The couple even hosted a sundae bar for guests towards the end of the night.



A truly special part of the night came when Jenn danced with her father, a musician, to a song he had written just for her for that day.


I loved the intricate swirly details on their cake.


At twilight, we took the couple outside for some shots while the sky was turning from that creamy purplish into night.


It was a great day with great venues and a truly sweet and easy-going couple. All the best to you both!

The arms of love encompass you with your present, your past, your future, the arms of love gather you together.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

June Desktop Images

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

Summer is in full swing. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more, everyone's outside, and there's just a summertime bliss hanging in the air. Living in San Francisco, I had missed this. I had missed my seasons, especially the warm, sunny ones. I now have sundresses and I intend to make full use of them. Go on, have a picnic…

Enjoy!




*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

In summer, the song sings itself.
~ William Carlos Williams