LAKE COUNTY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : CEAGO VINEGARDEN : RANCHO DE LA FUENTE

Ramiro & Kelsy have been waiting for this day for a long while now - and here it is!!

Along with all of their closest Family & Friends, we met up at Rancho de la Fuente in Lakeport to get ready for the day.

While the boys were fortunate enough to be assigned to the icy-cool Cottage - the girls were TROOPERS as the day pushed 100' without much of a breeze.

The kids made the most of it out in the Fountain - where they found plenty of new 'friends' hopping around! 

Once we had everyone picture perfect, it was time to head to the Ceremony to be held at the Ceago Vinegarden. As you explore the grounds, you feel as if you've been whisked away to your own enchanted Villa. Overstocked vegetable gardens, lavender fields, grape vines, a dock - just a wonderfully romantic location to 'take it all in'. 

One of the Ceago care-takers was kind enough to bring out chilled Champagne as we focused on Kelsy for a few...and a special 'thank you' to Ramiro, too! Such a perfect Gentleman to assist! "-) 

Thank you, guys, for tackling that Summer heat with us! I hope the rest of your weekend was relaxing & restful & absolutely beautiful!! You two have GOT to be some of the sweetest Clients we've had the pleasure to work with! I hope nothing but joy & love is with you always! xo

Always make the most of EVERYTHING!

Surprisingly to me - over this past year, a LOT of enthusiastic & passionate artists have reached out for input & ideas on starting their own paths into the Photography industry!

So, I'd like to take a minute & share some thoughts that are in the forefront of my mind today as I'm tidying up the house (ooh - an excuse to hide in the office!?) & getting ready for a gorgeous Lake County Wedding...!

As you embark on your Journey, be very aware of how much of your Life will be encompassed by all things 'Business'!

Shooting may take an hour - it may take 10....but, there's SO much more to it than that! Answering calls, Quote requests, following up with Quotes, maintaining your website, sharing new favorite images, blogging, editing, learning...its a lot!

When we first began, we had no idea. You jump in & want to be the best from the very beginning & that takes ALL of your time. Well, at that point - I had the time.

We weren't booked out yet & we weren't Parents yet. Now - that has all changed...for the BEST!

Just yesterday, I had a dear friend tell me she's amazed at how well we've found our 'balance' between Family & Business - realizing, when I claim "One kid is perfect for us!" that really - - this Business is my 2nd baby.

It seriously takes up THAT much of my time, energy & dedication. Add in the fact that I insist Clients receive their finished product ASAP - sometimes, it can be all-encompassing! "-)

But, let me get back to what prompted me to share with you today...

While making a living may be your need for starting your own Business - - or perhaps just a little extra spending money - - know that your Clients will come first on their day. They have to!

Today is the Larsen Family BBQ in the city - honoring Niels' father who was recently diagnosed with Cancer. While our hearts & thoughts are with our Family - our minds & body's belong to someone else today. That's our commitment.

In the next couple of weeks, we're also missing a Family Wedding Reception, 1st Birthday party with friends...and a Baby Shower...

So - just be prepared for that. Know that your life will change in many ways.

And always find your 'balance'.

Larsen's Photography decided to scale back by about half in 2011 in order to focus on our little Family - to still have time to take Adventures & attend functions. But, well, as you can see - sometimes those little gigs (Parties, BBQs, Camping trips) don't plan a full year out like a Wedding does! "-)

So - we always take our time together & make the most of it in every way...because, in my opinion, our experiences & memories in Life are all we really have! xo

HOPLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : BRUTOCAO CELLARS

As a Photographer, we all have a 'Wish List'. A perfect location, plenty of adorable kids, a Wedding Party that's totally 'into' it, everyone Dancing...whatever the case may be.

As I told Alisa & Bryan - everything about their day made it 'easy' for us! A check-check-check off the List! For sure - one of those things being the most STUNNING bride. H - O - T - T - I - E!!

I met the girls at the couples' newly purchased home. Which they moved into just LAST WEEK! (yeah!! Someone who just might be as crazy as us!!) Weddings - Moving - oh, my!

Once we had everyone dressed we were off to the Venue! Right in the middle of Hopland, rests the Brutocao Schoolhouse Plaza - a beautiful location for an indoor/outdoor Wedding combo. For our hot, Summer days - being able to get your guests inside works out perfectly!

A special 'shout out' to Tim Miller Videography - THANK YOU enormously for being so patient as we worked our 'magic'!

Can not WAIT to see what you create!!

...ooohhh - you had me at PINK & PURPLE!!! I think I've gone to Wedding Heaven. Oh - yes - that's where I'll be some day!! THANK YOU Dandelion Floral for making all my dreams come true! xo

We all know 'Toasts' are a tender time for reflection, sharing & Congratulations. That is, of course, unless you're attending the evening 'Grooms Roast' (as he pointed out)! Thank you to all the young men that added some light-hearted fun to the evening!! ... and ENTIRELY t.m.i.! hee hee

And, then - of course - time for a friendly BATTLE!!!

Congratulations to a beautiful Family - I hope your years together are filled with fun, laughter & tons of love!! And, I'm sure that amazing Honeymoon is RIGHT around the corner! You deserve it!! xo

BOONVILLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : JESSICA & WT

When Jessica & WT met with me a full year ago, I could instantly tell this young lady was on it! She knew exactly what she wanted out of her day - it was just a matter of pulling it all together + getting to the end of the Final Countdown!! IT WAS FINALLY HERE!!

Us girls all met up at the Anderson Valley Inn , which was just a few minutes from their Family Ranch Wedding site. It provided a wonderful backdrop for our formals before we were on our way. With the Weather warming up considerably this past week - we certainly didn't want to keep guests waiting!

Jessica was breathtaking - her hair in long, flowing ringlets - her jewelry coordinated to the day...no detail missed! WT (in all his Cowboy grace) caught his first glimpse of his Bride as she strolled up the hill, and welled up...OF COURSE!

In fact - everyone looked phenomenal that day! The girls wore a shade of Periwinkle that complimented their Hydrangeas perfectly - and the boys were just too cute ('Grandma Maile' all of a sudden?) in their Wranglers & hats! FUN!!

Boots Boots Everywhere!

I absolutely ADORED the Cake Jessica put together - so sweet & just PERFECT! But, watch out - sometimes they manage to EXPLODE! hee hee

Of course - the most 'photo ready' of the day were none other than their sons...LOVE IT!

I hope all the dedication & hard work you've put into the past yr of planning paid off & we were able to capture memories that will be with you always...that remind you of your beautiful day! xo