Jackie and Matt flew out from Tennessee to get married at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz this past weekend and they got the idyllic Californian weather that they deserved. Gabe and I absolutely loved spending the day documenting their beautiful wedding, here’s a little sneak peek from the golden hour…more to come!
Jackie and Matt live in Memphis, but are getting married at the Hollins House at the Pasatiempo Golf Club next year so they wanted their engagement photos to show the coastal beauty of the area. I’m happy to report that California co-operated perfectly that day with its warm weather and amazing golden light. All we needed was one camera, two people in love and 3 locations with three outfit changes (minus two pairs of shoes that were accidentally forgotten, but thankfully bare feet look best at the beach and my shoes looked great with Jackie’s last look.) This was one of those days that made me feel so thankful to live in such a beautiful town, and thankful that I chose a job that often doesn’t feel like work. Jackie and Matt, I had a blast with you both and I can’t wait to document your big day next year!
Some things are just meant to be. When I first met with stylist Laura Cook and we both had on the same wooden cuff bracelet and the same handbag I took that as a sign that we were destined for some quality collaboration, and this shoot was the first of what I hope will be many projects together. From the very start we knew that we wanted DIG gardens in Santa Cruz to be our location. DIG is not only a beautiful space for events, but it’s also a garden store and nursery, so it seemed fitting to unify the shoot with the theme ‘love grows.’ This shoot was inspired by all things organic, bohemian and local, and I loved how Laura blended vintage and modern elements to make this wedding so full of character. Laura also did an amazing job sourcing all of clothing and accessories, helping to design all of the printed goods and then styling everything from the alter, to the table, to the models. We had a stellar team of vendors, each of whom helped to bring our vision to life, (please look below for the full list) and I was in heaven photographing this gorgeous couple as well as all of the unique details including invitations and menus that were printed onto thin slices of wood, signature rye-jito cocktails, a turquoise fisheye toy camera, and the whole wedding party holding up a ‘love grows’ sign in front of a vintage cadillac. A huge and hearty thanks to everyone who helped make this day happen, it inspired me as a photographer and I hope it offers some ideas those in the process of planning their own big day.
venue and flowers: DIG gardens
concept, co-ordination and styling: Laura Cook
makeup & hair: Sarah Viraphanth of Mimi & Taylor Salon
jewelry: Cameron Marks Boutique
feather earring and feather and suede place settings: Fly Love Jewelry
printed materials: (menus, escort cards, wine labels, love grows signage & invitations) Heidi Allen at Probos Creative
cadillac: George Purnell of Rides 4 Brides
bride’s dress: vintage …and additional accessories sourced from Urban Outfitters, Piperlime and Stripe
Audra and Matt are both so sweet and seemed truly deserving of a wedding day as beautiful and full of fun as this one was. Their ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Church in Los Gatos, after which we all headed to the Cypress Manor in Monte Sereno for their reception. I loved the formal tree-lined driveway that led to the estate, but I loved the antics that occurred in that driveway with these two and their great group of friends even more. Audra and Matt were surrounded with so much love that day, from their families who they’re both close to, to their huge group of friends who flew out from Italy, to their old soccer and high school friends who helped make the the dance floor such a good one. Audra and Matt, I know you future together is a bright one!
Beautiful couple, best bridal party, rockin’ dancefloor…what more could you want in a wedding? Just a little preview…more to come!
