Up Country

I met Stephanie paddle boarding a few years ago and we connected almost instantly. Set free on the lake, with our paddles and boards we got to know a little about each other as we headed out across Jenkinson Lake. While our lives tug us in different directions, we connect. And, while a beautiful lady, it is that part of her beauty that radiates pure kindness and self reflecting honesty that intrigues me. It’s a part of me I am always looking to foster. She seems to be always searching and exploring both internally in her heart and externally in…

Stephanie and Aaron drove up from San Jose for their engagement session up in high country. Little did Aaron know that he was just up this way the previous weekend when he was 4-wheeling with his friends out past Loon Lake. I enjoyed meeting Stephanie and Aaron outside of their wedding day. It’s great to get to know my wedding couples through a photo session prior to their wedding day. It helps me to better understand their connection so when the big day arrives, I know what is natural and what is comfortable for them, in order to capture them…

THE BEST phone call to receive is from a bride asking you when you are available so that she can choose a wedding day and THEN book their wedding venue. And it all makes me smile. I photographed the wedding of both of her sisters, Courtney and Erin, and now it’s Kristin’s turn! Kristin is tying her own knot to Derek at a beautiful vineyard-side wedding this fall, in Lodi. If it is anything like her sisters’ previous weddings, the absolute abundance of love, family and laughter will abound. I love her family and all the fun I’ve had documenting some very special milestones.…

Ahhh, Simone.  Even her name is graceful!  Just like the lovely dancer that she is, Simone exudes a delicate beauty and poise that takes my breath away. When I arrived for her senior session, Simone subtly dropped that she had brought her toe shoes with her, and I not-so-subtly exclaimed that we MUST head upcountry for some dancing shots in the mountain sunset! (“text your mom, we’re going to be late”). Both nature and dancing have always been in my blood and I thrill at any chance to combine the two into an artistic expression of grace and beauty.  Simone…