Dia Rao Photography

Real Simple Magazine Shoot

2009-11-12T17:46:33-08:00

We're excited to be photographing an event for Real Simple Magazine this weekend. Come stop by for an afternoon of holiday entertaining tips from food to fashion, gift bags, and discounts at the new Eileen Fisher store in Mill Valley.

To RSVP, log on to realsimplerewards.com/eileenfisher

This Saturday, November 14
1–3pm
149 Throckmorton Ave
Mill Valley, CA
415-388-4400
eileenfisher.com

Dia Rao Photography Featured on Style Me Pretty

2009-10-22T13:31:52-07:00

This morning we were so pleased to find that Bree & Nick's Wedding was featured on the fabulous S tyle Me Pretty. Such an honor for such a fabulous wedding blog! If you haven't already been to the blog, it's a must stop for any wedding planning.

We love the idea that Abby from Style Me Pretty says that "This is one of the sweetest weddings I've ever seen." And we couldn't agree more. Thanks Bree & Nick for having us be a part of your wedding day!

Location: Hacienda De Las Flores, Moraga, California

Florist: Anne Mendenhall

Catering: Miraglia Catering

Now Booking Holiday Portrait Sessions

2009-09-25T18:21:13-07:00

It's that time of year to start thinking about setting up your holiday portrait session! Consider a family portrait, a new baby, or a just the kids holiday session. Photos make great gifts and you can get all of your holiday shopping done in one place!

Sessions include 1-3 hours at the location of your choice, an online gallery and slideshow of 30-50 images, and 1 Digital File for holiday card or personal use. We'll also help you determine the best location for you session, and give you ideas on how to decorate your home with your new photos! Sessions are $250 weekdays, and $350 weekends. And if you book before October 15th, you will get 10% off all prints.

Sessions filled up fast last year, so don't delay in booking your session now, and you can get those holiday cards out early!

Handmade Wedding

2009-09-03T13:48:40-07:00

Lauren & Steven

Theme: Black White, Tourquise + Red
Ceremony: Santa Barbara Presidio
Reception: Rockwood Women's Club
Florist: The Bride

Lauren & Steven's wedding is one of my favorites, because of the amount of detail that Lauren, the bride, took to hand make each and every one of the florals for the day. Colored tissue, cut into flower-like shapes were wrapped around wires and hand tied with ribbons and lace to make these beautiful bouquets. She even made all of the Groomsmen boutonnieres, the table Centerpieces, and the beautiful hairpiece that she wore in her hair. I also love the black satin shoes that she opted to wear, and the flirty and fun black lace cocktail dresses her bridesmaids wore.

The Ceremony took place at the Historic Spanish Mission style adobe building in downtown Santa Barbara. This chapel is so cute, you even have to see the detailing inside to be transported back in time. Also one of my favorite details of the day was the couples use of the Groom's father's classic car to drive them around for the day. The car made a great backdrop for some vintage photos and was a fantastic mint green color!

Anyways, I'll be posting more on detailed information on how each of the flowers were made, and some interview from Lauren in the future, so check back soon. For now, here are my favorites from the day:

Featured on Rock n' Roll Bride

2009-08-28T10:00:00-07:00

We're excited to have Kerr & William's Engagement Session Post featured on Rock n' Roll Bride!
We love all of the creative and inspirational un-wedding ideas being posted by Kat on her blog. If you haven't been to the site you have to check it out.

The Brit & The Santa Barbara Girl meet in NY

2009-08-26T16:47:39-07:00

Sarah & Neil - 7/24/2009

Theme: White, Black + Silver
Where It all Happened: Montecito Country Club
Rehearsal Dinner: Stella Mares
Coordinator: Events by Philippe
Florist: Nico Designs
Music: DJ Gavin Roy
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Hair + Makeup: Mishay Salon & Spa

This wedding was extra special and fun for me, because Sarah and I both worked together in the Restaurant Biz in Santa Barbara, many years ago. So, having the opportunity to watch her and Neil tie the knot held a special place in my heart. Although Sarah is from Santa Barbara, her and Neil currently call NY home.
And I remember the days when I was her first guest in her tiny little NY Apartment that cost an arm and a leg! Fast forward to 2009, where her and Neil now live in a fabulous Brooklyn Pad.

Also, I have to say that this was the first time having worked with Philippe from Events from Philippe. Although his reputation precedes him, I have to say that his jovial personality, classic charm, and genuine kindness certainty exceeded my expectations. And is definitely someone you want to have on your team for your next wedding or event.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day:

To view the Slide Show from their day, Click Here.
Just FYI, it's a tear jerker!