WINE COUNTRY BRIDAL EXPO 2011

What a fun & upbeat day! Expos can start out a bit hectic - with a mad-dash to get everything set up & ready on time...but, once the beautiful Brides begin floating in - what a blast!

An extra special THANK YOU to Dena @ Dandelion Floral! Knowing her floral arrangements always exceed expectation & simply take your breath away - I knew just who to contact when I wanted something a little amazing to pop in our Booth space.

You know you've got it right when other Florists are snapping shots to share with their own Brides! "-)

We had the opportunity to chat with quite a few budding Photographers yesterday - as well as connect with some amazing Vendors in the area. Thanks for coming over, introducing yourselves & I can't wait to cross paths again out there! xo

SONOMA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : SONOMA VALLEY CHURCH : RAMEKINS

What a PERFECT way to kick-off 2011!

I met Stephanie & Kevin just a month ago & when I heard they were doing all of their planning in about 6 wks, I was amazed! Shotgun Wedding? I should think not! IT CAN BE DONE!

Grooms ~ Can you recall that very 1st moment you saw your Bride? That one that made your heart skip a beat...the one that took your breath away & perhaps made your eyes well? (dont deny it - I have a Camera!!)

Sometimes...that moment happens BEFORE the 30-45 mins of hand-holding & near silence @ your Ceremony. Sometimes, that moment is on a Hotel Room balcony - with Champagne + laughter ... and photographers (who are sure to duck out so you can embrace it).

I love sharing that moment. It takes MY breath away...

January can be a tricky month when it comes to weather, so we were all ecstatic when the rains ended a week ago...which allowed for Niels & I to utilize the ridiculously amazing grounds at Ramekins Culinary School in Sonoma!

Their establishment is a perfect location to blend an upscale mission feel with phenomenal cuisine - can't ask for much more! Be sure to check them out!

Kevin spent the day just BEAMING every time he even glanced at his new Bride - it was so adorable! That smile warmed my heart - even as the entire group shivered in the 40' air! Thank you so much for roughing it out everyone!

As the Evening progressed, it crossed my mind more than once just how great Dave & Cirkl with Premier Productions were at keeping the evening flowing just right, as well as having the ENTIRE group participating in the upbeat evening. It was full of love, laughter & best of all ~ FUN!

This shot...this one alone...stunned me while I was editing. Maybe it's partly because I work on a 27" hi-res monitor - - but, I LOVE it!

People that help people - those are the ones that touch me. In whatever capacity...Teachers, Law Enforcement, Medical Professionals. Such a noble way to spend your days. Stephanie is one of those people. She travels to assist the hearing-impaired - and for that, I thank you!

Together, I hope your lives continue to bring you as much warmth as your day brought me. I don't think I've ever seen a more intimate group of people ALL absolutely enamored to be there! PERFECTION! xo