The dancing part comes naturally, being that the new husband and wife are old hands at the American dance form known as the Lindy Hop. And having known them for many years in the swing dance scene, it was truly an honor — as well as great fun seeing old friends — to shoot their wedding.

There was lots of laughter, tears of joy and love all around.

Cheers to you both in your journey in life together!

Their wedding day was beautiful and they could not have picked a more magical place — Mission Ranch in Carmel. Dennis was dressed to perfection and Amanda was beautiful (as she always is). Her Mom and sister laughed and made the morning fly by. Dennis’s sister was his best person and had on a stunning outfit as well! Their friends and family shared a moment of sunshine (even the weather changed for their ceremony) and Mazel tov was heard loud and clear!!

It was an evening of fun dancing with a great live band, a heartfelt poem by Amanda’s Dad and powerful cigar moment shared with Dennis and his Dad.

It was an enchanting evening and we know that the laughter and love from the evening will echo for a lifetime!

hair and makeup by: Travis Smith with Bobbi Brown at Macy’s Monterey, florals by Kathryn Smith

We met up with them at the old pier by the Ferry Building, on a day when most of San Francisco was enshrouded by fog — yet it was sunny in that neck of the woods, albeit with robust breezes — and off we went!

From heel kicks to push ups, the session had it all

We would up in the financial district, protected from the gusts, and utilized on of our favorite alleys, as well as finding an incredibly cool, RED wall.

Iris & Kirk are very playful with one another, and they were truly a blast to work with. We look forward to shooting your wedding this fall.

First, we arrived on scene at the San Jose Fairmont to get bridal prep shots before heading out to Mission Santa Clara for Sandie & Colin’s first viewing and then their beautiful ceremony inside the historic church.

Mission Santa Clara is a wonderful old church — it’s got that classic Spanish architecture, and makes one think of what it must have been like in the early days of California. (Seeing places like this is definitely one of the perks of our jobs).

After the ceremony it was a quick run through of family photos and cool, fun shots of the wedding party before heading back to the Fairmont for their reception.

There, the menu called for whole lot of dancing, eating, drinking and more dancing!

Sun filled afternoons and family coming to town.

We were so lucky to catch up with Anne and Tim when they visited Anne’s mom. They have a new member of the family and it was so much fun getting to meet him!

Oliver had GROWN, too, since we last saw him. We had fun seeing the chickens and watching the sun slowly fade over the beautiful vineyards.

We know that Henry and Oliver will have this time as a childhood memory for a lifetime!

A magical place filled with great bars, fantastic food, fun people North Beach is the neighborhood where Lupe and Chau started dating, so what better place to do their engagement portraits than along the storied streets of one San Francisco’s elder ‘hoods?

Okay, so Chau had a bachelor pad there, too — and we do mean pad — and, yes the apartment is still vacant after he moved out

They are awesome people and were sports for going to the bars and starting off with a quick shot (a true North Beach tradition, we think!)

A kindly patron there offered true advice on relationships, even posing some tough questions to our lovely couple, both of whom handled the queries with great aplomb.

We also visited their old haunts: Golden Boy and Mama’s before heading off to Chrissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge.

But for a little wind, the weather cooperated nicely, especially for a San Francisco “summer” day.

We are looking very forward to their wedding in October!

We had a beautiful City Hall ceremony, followed by a jaunt deep into the heart of Golden Gate Park, to both the Japanese Tea Garden and Stow Lake, where yes, it was cold! We ended the day at the Rose Garden before picking up again a few days later for their Chinese tea ceremonies — complete with entry games — and evening banquet at Tong Palace.

Both Susan and Michael have sizable extended families, who, along with old friends, were out in force to celebrate their wedding. It was great to see Michael, whom I’ve known for a lonnnng time, finally meet and marry the love of his life.

We wish them all the best in their life journey together!

They got ready at the Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove (and yes, the image below of Darien is showing him using his iPad to learn how to fold a pocket square — ah, techology…

Their ceremony was held across the street at Lovers Point. Even the fog couldn’t cool down the warmth we felt from their friends and family (okay, Darien’s family is from Oregon, so they are used to an occasional chilly day — Go, Ducks!)

From there it was off to Tarpy’s Roadhouse in nearby Monterey.

We’ve shot at Tarpy’s before — and this time just confirmed again the close intimacy this venue provided.  It’s a place where Jessica and Darien were still able to be close to everyone for hugs, laughter and good conversation, but still allow anyone to hop onto the dance floor.  Jessica’s mom kept the dancing going into the night with a mixture of flamenco and modern music. It was a great combo!

The night flew by far too quickly and as we left, the air was filled with music and laughter, celebrating Jessica and Darien’s day!

A long cherished tradition of vacation and laughter.

As we get older it becomes a dim memory of a vacation time

This is our homage to when all of us were young and the world was a little simpler.

It is full of vibrant color and “looks” with attitude. You remember, don’t you?!

We get to capture images of very special life moments.

It is doubly neat when one of the couple happens to be a friend. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for many a moon. The moment she told me she was getting married, I knew that I wanted to meet the man that could keep up with her AND make her smile at the same time.

Darien is that guy.

He wasn’t looking forward to the photos, but he couldn’t help but be who he was and that is pretty cool.

We had a blast as we wandered around Stanford.

They even kissed in front of the Gates of Hell.

For the piece de resistance Jessica got to climb a tree and Darien kindly helped her down, after a little shoulder ride. Nice.

It is a very special moment when you see a good friend and how happy she is when she has found her love. My best to both of them and I can hardly wait for the wedding — soon