A-WEDDING LOCATIONS- Foothills

Jeff and Jonna exchanged their vows in front of 25 family and friends in the sweetest side-patio wedding at Serrano Country Club. While I’ve photographed many weddings at Serrano, it was my first time doing a ceremony on the side-patio and it was the perfect intimate setting, gently shaded by green vines overhanging on the terrace. The ceremony was officiated by Jeff’s brother, Anthony and Jeff’s children Sean and Marie were also present.  Sean, Jeff’s son, brought the rings to the ceremony. Jonna looked absolutely stunning in her dress, and the two of them were so kind and happy. I’ve…

I was so excited when Megan asked me to save their date! I’ve photographed her family’s milestones at numerous times over the years it was the cherry on top to photograph the final O’Rilley wedding. We did an engagement session last year and once I met Ryan and saw the two of them together I knew this would be a great day, and it was. When they booked, in the back of my head, I thought this might be my last wedding—the beginning of me winding down a bit. It seemed a perfect punctuation to the cyclical nature of my…

We chatted about Leslie’s plan for a fake first look for Dan with their friend Trevor who was all dolled up as a bride. Let’s just say, Dan was very surprised as he shined that big smile knowing that she got him and he fell right into it. Then, when Leslie finally arrived behind Dan for their first look, these two were ready to get married.

Serrano Country Club is a beautiful location for a wedding and even provides back up plans, just in case it rains, as it did for Robin and Troy’s nuptials.

As this year is about to close, here is my last wedding of 2023 – Juliana and Evan. Gorgeous day, gorgeous location, gorgeous couple- and while I admit bias, they’re one of the sweetest couples I’ve had this year. I’ve photographed Juliana and her family several times over the years after meeting them through a dear mutual friend. I was honored to get to capture these moments for them. I love a good “meet cute” and this one places both of them in Salem, Oregon where they were both working and going to University. Juliana was asked to rearrange a…

It’s that time of the year when families and their extended families get together and make sure to get their annual photographs of the whole crew and their growing families. I met up recently with the Hinds’ extended family at the Fausel Ranch– Deanna and David Fausel are old friends of Susan and David and their kids all grew up on the Ranch together- a second home if you will. A little of this, a little of that- it’s like a Thanksgiving feast in photos. Many thanks to Deanna for always keeping it real and above all- lively and fun.…

Jessica and Cory exchanged their vows under the shade of a big oak tree at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, CA. Unlike the name of the location, their day was sunny and hot but the skies were a gorgeous blue, scattered with puffy clouds. They shared a quick first look under the big blue sky but quickly moved inside due to the heat. The grounds at Black Oak Mountain are amazing and even though Jessica and Cory chose to keep their event at the barn, the venue let us take in the sunset up on the hill.  These two…

Richard and Bonnie got to know each other when Bonnie showed up at Richard’s door during the Caldor Fire in order to evacuate her home.

Backyard weddings can be a lot of work but they also can be that perfectly small, intimate vibe that you are looking for. Add in a whole lot of elbow grease, the love and support of family and friends, and an extraordinary designing, planning and styling team (Elysse Goerss, Blessings From the Moon Events Co,) and you have yourself a gorgeous celebration right in your own backyard. That said, June 17, 2023 was a very hot day in El Dorado. The sun was strong and bright and shade was hard to find. Donna started out at an Air BnB in…