Maeba and Kevin's Wedding Vows

Maeba and Kevin initially planned to just have a commitment ceremony. After a few months, they asked me to be the photographer on their wedding instead.

What is special about their wedding is that it is intimate..with only a few friends and family... and it is done at the backyard of their parents' farm. With the help of their loved ones, almost everything in the wedding, they took care of themselves....... lucky for me, except for the photography ;-)

The farm has a stunning and magnificent view..........

Even with the wind against me, I hung Maeba's dress by the tree........ I was literally holding the bottom of this dress as I was taking the picture at the same time...

The simplicity of everything is beautiful........ as with her shoes.....

Maeba is just so beautiful.... and it's not just her Greek goddess-like dress ...

The couple wanted a "first look" at the same spot where they will have the ceremony ........ A lot of their loved ones wanted to be a witness there even their buddy in this photo.... but Maeba and Kevin told everybody else this is a moment for just the bride and groom ........

PERFECT moment!

And soon they have to exchange vows in front of everybody....

After taking photos with family and friends..we headed to the lake and the gazebo for some alone time... ("their" alone time... with me taking photos :p )

Maeba uttered her "thank you" to me as they got their "alone time"... And I said "welcome" as we head to the others for the celebration..........

At the reception, it was as "personal" as the wedding... 

drinks made by Kevin...

music mixed by Kevin...

The table arrangements.. dishes borrowed from their grandmother.. decorations by the mother...

Thank you Kevin and Maeba for trusting me with the memories of your special day ....

Mike and Christine celebrated 25 years

Mike has contacted me about 9 months ago to photograph their  25th wedding anniversary at the Vint Hill Inn in Warrenton, Virginia..... It would be a grand surprise for his wife... And just the thought of a husband 's gesture for the love of his life plus the fact that i again met a couple that withstand the long years of marriage, I was excited....

Even though, Mike's surprise no longer was a surprise on the actual day of the anniversary celebration, everybody could witness how happy Christine was.....

There was dinner and reunion with family and friends..... 

   They shared cake as they did 25 years ago ..

Relived the "first dance"...

.. Took portraits around the Inn... 

And the big part of Mike's gift to his wife was the presence of "Elvis" impersonator Michael Hoover.

This day has truly inspired me as I witness another couple whose love for each other is enduring.... Congrats to Mike and Christine!

Wedding at Rose River Farm

It is a long ride for me to the Rose River Farm but the view of the mountains and farms is amazing.

The weather seemed to be cooperating when I arrived to meet Julie who was still having her make up done.

I was prepared to take some photos in case of rain ...as my weather app had forecasted it: 

I had: umbrella and rain cover for the camera..... 

But then when the bride is about to do the processional, the weather did not hold up and drizzle started..............

Alex got his own umbrella.....









I never really noticed the rest of the guests as I was focused on taking photos  and holding my own umbrella with my other hand :) 

Alex and Julie have technically been married a few days before this day but they just wanted to share a special day with family and friends...The drizzle was on and off as they renewed vows.... 

I wondered if they would have cancelled for a hard rain.... again just a thought... 


I always wanted to shoot in the dramatic rain background.










Here are a few of our shots in between the "on and off " drizzle: 

The three of us are having fun shooting these ones:

It was one of the simplest weddings I have to cover but I did have lots of fun working with Alex and Julie....

I wish them the best!!