Thursday, July 31, 2014

CAPITOLA MATERNITY SESSION : JENN + ADAM

When we met Jenn + Adam last October here in Wine Country, they were pretty 'ready' to start a Family. What they didn't know? It would happen this quickly - just like that!! Yaay!

Jenn contacted me a few months ago to set up their Maternity Session (so excited!) & knew she wanted it completely different than the rustic feel of their Wedding. And, when the opportunity came to work in Capitola? I was thrilled! Not only to see this sweet couple again - but, to get my lens on this adorable baby bump!!
These two are SO cute together - I love getting to see couples all dolled up for their Wedding day...and, then, laid back & just being 'themselves' later!!
I had a whole folder of inspiration ready to go before we even left home - but, they didn't include the endless Summer vacationers flooding the Beach & walkways. My samples must've all been from the Winter months. (oh yes - now I see - wet concrete + sand bags - that explains it!) Ah well - all part of the 'moment', right?
 Jenn!! That belly is sooo adorable!! I can't wait to see that little Man!!
After our carefully strategic shooting amongst the Vacation Rentals, we headed to the dock & down onto the Beach...
Well, guys, you know Life's about to change in just about every possible way...ENJOY it!! Wishing you all nothing but joy + amazement...and, endless patience - not only with the baby, but one-another...and, most importantly...yourselves. The Journey into Parenthood is nothing anyone can ever prepare you for - yet, somehow we all manage to figure it out (although, I KNOW I sent in for the Manual - where IS that dang thing?!). CONGRATULATIONS + tons of love!! I'm sooo honored to have had the privelage to see you again during such a special time!! xo

Friday, July 25, 2014

MENDOCINO COUNTY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY : VINCE & MICHELLE FORMAL SESSION

Vince & Michelle were married 3 1/2 years ago now - and, I have to admit that theirs was one of the few 'rainouts' we've ever had...it rained on our Wedding day, too, so OF COURSE I know it's totally Good Luck...but, still - not so much for the Photographer in that moment.

I'll let you know that in a Photographers' perfect World? Weddings all take place outdoors, fully shaded with overcast skies + a slightly cool breeze that, of course, only moves in the direction that the brides hair needs to flow...

But, alas, that's not always the case, right? ...so when I heard that they were looking to add to their Wedding portfolio? I immediately jumped on it screaming - pick me pick me!!! "-)

Not only is it so much fun to shoot without the time-constraints of a Wedding day, but you also don't have to worry about that phenomenal dress quite as much...! YAY!

You can clearly see why I was sooo excited - Michelle is not only beyond stunning, but they make a perfect couple & I am honored that they chose me to take these for them!
Is it just me? Or does Michelle look like an even more adorable + young Janet Jackson?
Thanks for taking the time to come out & play, you guys!! I can't wait for our next Session, Michelle - - and, hopefully we can get the whole Fam in front of the Camera before the Holidays! Wink wink! xo

Monday, July 21, 2014

NAPA VALLEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY : THE MERITAGE RESORT & SPA

Warning : This Wedding is full of nonstop & contagious Laughter + Joy! Prepare to walk away with a HUGE smile on your face! xo

When I first met with Joey + Caitlin a year ago...exploring his Grandparents stomping grounds in Guerneville as we shot their E-Session - we all had an instant connection. 

Caitlin reminded me (in looks) so much of one of my Sisters & I immediately felt like I needed to do everything possible to make her day absolutely perfect! I could clearly see these two were Best Friends & adored one another immensely - something I find makes my job so much easier - when the couple is 100% 'right' for one another...it just makes it that much more FUN!
Niels & I were spending our own Anniversary Weekend with these two for the 2nd year in a row & I couldn't have been happier! They are an amazing couple, the drive over to Napa was stunning (as always) & I knew Caitlin had been working very hard to orchestrate the perfect day for all of their friends + family. I was so excited to be there!
I arrived at the Resort & went right to work as the girls continued getting ready in the Suite...
 ...no better way to keep those loved ones near...
Smart girl! Cozies for later!
Caitlin had sent me pictures from her dressing room when she was picking out her dress. I could tell instantly she'd found just the right one!
Hottie!
All dressed, we stepped out onto the terrace for a few photos...
...awww - I always love the Momma one!
 Sweet surprises! Always a must!
 Hey! No posting before me, guys! "-)
...with just a few more minutes before departure for the Ceremony - here's Dad!! Handsome!
These two were SO ready for this moment! Beaming!
 Looking on as a proud Sister + doting Father...
Dads start the Sand Ceremony...
 EVERY Bride + Groom should enjoy that time at the Alter by breaking out in random dance!
Don't ya think?
OMG! We just did that?! We're MARRIED!!!
 Hold on! Refresh! Wait...
 ...that was my CHEEK - not my mouth!
 By this time? Formalities were over - they just wanted to play...!
Works for me!
Knowing we wouldn't have the opportunity to pull them away at Sunset, I was positively thrilled everyone was so cooperative during Formals - it gave us the time we needed to get all of our photos squeezed in now. 
 Just gorgeous, guys!
I told Caitlin as I worked that this one needed to be on a Magazine Cover - her Momma agreed!
With just about 5 mins left before Dinner, I knew I had to get across the Property to this wall! Quick!
No, really, STOP!! Just STUNNING!
Okay, guys - let's bustle & line up for the Reception!
(...always my goal to have our Couples RIGHT on time)
 I've been told these two gentlemen spend an awful lot of time 'waitin' on that woman'...!
 Enough time away from our Guests - let's journey into the Cave!
I love when a couple slides right into their 1st Dance...it's a wonderful opportunity to bring the focus back to the real meaning of the day - this happy + amazing couple!
 I've said it once or twice...be prepared...veils can really be a pain...lol
 Uh-oh! Toast time!
 Kids! Cover your ears...
 ...oh, phew! Sleeping works too! "-)
...this one's for all you Photographers that might try to only shoot with natural light -
here's our light...! hee hee
This group had us laughing in all directions!
 11pm - that's cerfew & a wrap! Sparklers aren't allowed? Let's POP 'EM!
Mr. & Mrs. Junta - I am sooo completely honored that we got to share in this day. You know we've had a bit of a rough go of things here at home lately & I can't think of anywhere else I would've wanted to be that day than with you - - laughing & enjoying all the joy you had to share! It was magical!! Wishing you both an AMAZING journey in this Life together - - there's nothing better than getting to share it with your BEST FRIEND - trust me - we're already 25 years in! xo
_______________________________________
Dress Design | Melissa Sweet
Bridal Store | David's Bridal
Boots | Lucchese
Hair & Make-up | Bride
Her Rings | Shane Co.
His Ring | Helzberg Diamonds
Grooms Attire | Vera Wang
Floral Design | Floralisa
Officiant | Michael Wright
Cake | Sweetie Pies
Coordinator | Jacque Porter
 
© Larsen's Photography