Sunday, January 29, 2012

See if you love us...!

So - here we are after a very FULL couple of days - Wedding Expos, Vendor networking & meeting TONS of fabulous Brides! What a great weekend! YAY!

An extra special THANK YOU to Birchwood Floral for sending our little Princess home with her very own Bridal bouquet! She was over the moon!
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Speaking of Moons! I just loved this elegant Bouquet design presented by Blue Moon Signature Weddings! We had crossed paths several times on-line, but it's always such a treat to chat in person!!
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As the whirlwind fog of the bustling weekend clears, there's a couple of interactions that are standing out in my mind I'd like to share with all of you upcoming Brides out there...!

We had one young lady approach our booth & begin thumbing through our various Albums...along with her Maid of Honor. I started chatting just a bit, answering their questions & ended the interaction with, "Well - check out our Website...visit the Blog...see if you love us & give us a call!"

"Love you?! (she chuckles) I like that...not just 'like' you...!?"

Absolutely!! I feel every Bride should genuinely LOVE her Wedding Photographer!

If you're hiring someone just because they have a camera & you need your Wedding documented...someone you like...then, I feel they might not be the right fit for you! There's a perfect match for everyone - - in every Budget...! Trust me! There are SO many Photographers out there! Some good, some great - some FANTASTIC!

This is someone you're going to be spending your entire Wedding day with - - every moment! You should LOVE them...you should most certainly LOVE their work & I feel you should also LOVE their work ethic! Put those hard-earned dollars to work...and make them worth every penny!

We also had a newly engaged Bride approach us & ask me about her particular Venue for our input.

It's an indoor location with Redwood siding + hard-wood floors. Another Photographer at the Expo had mentioned that the reflection off the dark siding can create an issue for photos...so, I explained to her a little about how cameras work...how lighting works...and how important it is to hire someone that can handle both! "-)

My point? Don't be sold on the 'idea' or 'feel' of Wedding gorgeousness you might find on a site that is heavy on all those fabulous 'details'. You know all those awesome pictures that make you just 'EEEK' with planning excitement? The flowers, the shoes, the rings...

Trust me - - those are the EASY shots! Bouquets placed on chairs don't laugh, dance or walk away after all!

As a shopping Bride, you want to look at the PEOPLE photos - the emotional capture...are the photos clear - do they tell the story & evoke emotion?! Just recently, I had an inquiry from a Bride telling me that her & her fiance had sat down yet again to enjoy our Website images. She glanced over to find a tear rolling down his cheek...!

I was so touched...SO touched! To know I've triggered those emotional responses through our Photography? THAT is the entire reason we do this...so, I do hope our Booking Brides positively LOVE LOVE LOVE us...!

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I must mention a very special THANK YOU to Ms Dana with Passion Parties for putting on another fabulous Expo! I know just how much time & energy goes into putting something like this together so flawlessly! And...ohhh - the Fashion Show! The kids always steal it! xo

Saturday, January 28, 2012

WINE COUNTRY BRIDAL EXPO 2012

OF COURSE you attend Bridal Shows to reach out, flaunt your stuff + hope you find a couple awesome new Clients that love your work...but, another favorite part is seeing great, new inspirational Wedding ideas and getting to make a ton of really cool Vendor FRIENDS, too!
(sorry we didn't have more time to shoot -- we were SWAMPED!!)
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LOVED these elegant & fun designs by Calistoga Cakes!
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...Willow Tree Bakery had some totally wild designs we've never seen! LOVE it!
(is it obvious we don't get much time to eat at these things?! craving me some CAKE!!)
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BONUS!! One of the young ladies that booked with us today will be hosted by the Oakmont Golf Club - a Venue we've been hoping to shoot for years now! YAY!!!

And, while the crew at Planet Entertainment DJs admits they're not the most savey at the whole Social Networking thing - they've got upbeat, fun personality NAILED!! Hope to see you guys again SOON! As for me? Well...it's time to fall into bed - we have another full Wedding Event tomorrow!! xo

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

SONOMA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : THE LODGE AT SONOMA

I have to admit...I find myself posting more & more photos each Wedding! This one? It's pretty easy to see exactly why - gorgeousness in all directions!!!

Camille & I met a few years ago - we had worked together on a great Sonoma County Wedding. She's a fabulous Coordinator + super friendly, upbeat & fun! So, when she called me to cover HER Wedding - I was so excited! (and...well...nervous as heck, too!)

I knew they were planning a very elegant affair & wanted to make sure to enjoy every moment with their Family & Friends...who they just don't get to see as much as they'd like since their jobs have lead Vince & Camille to Florida this past couple of years.

The Lodge at Sonoma right in the heart of town was their selection to host their intimate day.

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When we arrived, Camille was all set! Her hair & make-up was simply gorgeous & her dress selection was just perfect for her! She was positively STUNNING! But, don't take my word for it - we could all see it in Vince's face...those baby blues sparkled ALL day - every chance he had to catch a glimpse of her!
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I just LOVE when our Grooms are so 'over the moon' to be getting married...Seriously! I was tearing up as we were getting Camille into position for her 'reveal'. I couldn't help it - - Weddings just do that to me...EVERY single TIME!!!
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Since the Ceremony was set to evening candlelight, we did our Formals before-hand while there was still light. And, luckily, the Weather was perfect for us, too!
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Throughout the day - one thing was apparent : This group likes to have FUN! From the Tebow Tribute to the Boys II Men 'Momma' Serenade - - wearing your heart on your sleeve is a good thing!
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We were accompanied by the lovely Jendi Coursey of Indigo Studios as our 3rd Shooter for this event! THANK YOU for coming along, sharing your vision - and well - giving me some GIRL TIME! YAY! This lovely capture of our Bride is courtesy of Jendi.
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And...well...we can't forget to mention the amazing Niels with some of these shots, too!
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Okay, boys - let's get MARRIED!!!
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Camille & Vince - as I mentioned Sat, you two are wonderfully & adorably compatible! From your laughter, your tears, your hottie looks to your drive - you two just 'fit'! Enjoy this wonderful time...now that you can finally unwind & know all that hard work has paid off! Your Wedding was fantastically AMAZING - just like both of you!! xo
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Shoes | Steve Madden
Coordinator | Marisa - So Eventful
Flowers| Aunt Kelly - Heaven Scent Florals
Hair & Makeup | Lauren Kelsay
Menswear | Hugo Boss
Ties & Squares | The Tie Bar

Monday, January 2, 2012

LAKE COUNTY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : MOORE FAMILY WINERY

One thing I believe all amazing Photographers are born with is their hefty attention to Detail. One thing that NO ONE could miss on Saturday? - Bills' complete adoration of his new wife...his best friend...Cheyenne.

Several times throughout the evening, I would simply tear up as I watched him gaze at her - he could not take his eyes off her...his kind words during his Speech...the way he was constantly kissing her gently on the forehead...just...awwww!!
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I began our day with the Ladies at The Tallman Hotel in Upperlake - a beautiful location to get ready that's full of elegant charm. Cheyenne was SO excited about her perfect dress! She showed it to me not too long ago - as Bill slunk away grinning from ear to ear to let us girls gawk. I think he had an idea just how stunning she'd look...although, I doubt he could ever imagine she'd be THIS breathtaking!!
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With nearly an hour drive ahead of us, we were quickly on our way through the countryside to a quaint church not far from the Reception Venue for an intimate Ceremony...surrounded by those that love them most.
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Able to relax a bit (well, hopefully they were!), we were excited to finally be working with Moore Family Winery ! We met Stepheny a few years ago & have been waiting for our paths to cross ever since! The Winery grounds are beautiful - even in the middle of Winter! Yay!
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CONGRATULATIONS to another set of gorgeous Newlyweds!
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I don't think I've ever seen brothers more in awe of their Sister...you could positively see the love they have for her...
...and one another! "-)
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THANK YOU, Cheyenne, for being such a Trooper as the cold settled in & the goose-bumps arrived! We shot as fast as we could in order to get them indoors & to their Cocktail Hour! Hosted by Mike Keating with Grand Slam Mobile DJs - the evening was a BLAST!
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It may have taken you 10 yrs to get to this day...but, believe me...the wait means nothing more than having extra time to form a bond that will last an Eternity! Congratulations...I don't think I could've said it any better myself - - May your new Life be...
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Ceremony | Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
Reception Design | Lake Event Design
Dress & Shoes | Vera Wang
Hair | Nicole Worthen ~ Envy Salon
Cuisine | Chic Le Chef
 
© Larsen's Photography