Megan and Ken are both educators in a world that desperately need teachers. They are patient, soft spoken and in love. Their wedding was held at the Hollins House at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz, overlooking the spectacular Monterey Bay. It was the precursor to a larger reception 2 weeks after.

We shot photo + cinema for this wedding, edited the 20 minutes long feature presentation that surprised the couple 2 weeks after in their reception in HS Lordship, Berkeley.

The great thing about having a photo • cinema team is that the photographs can also be embedded into the cinema, something most videographers can’t do.

Not ever seeing Club Del Monte in Monterey, never did I know realize an existence of an art deco jewel set within the acres of oak, cypress, pine and beach setting in Monterey. Club Del Monte, Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey is spectacular, not only because it resembles a Spanish-Moorish fortress but the interior setting reminds one of a castle, with a ceiling that looms 3 stories high. It’s hotel had the reputation of being “The Most Elegant Seaside Resort in the World” and “America’s Most Loved Resort”.

The chef came from none other than Pebble Beach Resort and Carmel Valley’s Quail Lodge. Their gardens is extremely well maintained and when I was there this past weekend, their magnolia tree flowered, filled the outdoor scene with pink, white and green. It’s a setting that makes one wonder, why bother with destination wedding when such a beautiful locale is so close to home.

The wedding of Jillian and Adam started in Hyatt Regency Monterey but only within a few hours, we are at the Club Del Monte, just 5 minutes away. I have never ever seen a bride smile so bright walking the the aisle before. It’s just a delightful bloom in my heart, seeing her photos of how happy she was and how Jillian’s mom shed tears of happiness the entire day.

When You Know

A chance introduction by friends brought Laura and Stroy together. Stroy knew from the first day that he wanted to marry Laura. She thought it was weird and a red flag! But by the second or third day, she knew she had to have him too.

Laura, I knew I had to have Stroy too, but for a different reason. After photographing his beautiful work for his construction website, I knew I wanted to hire Stroy to build the addition to my home/studio because of his attention to detail.

It was a compliment likewise when the couple only considered my team for their wedding photography and cinematography needs, especially knowing what a perfectionist Stroy is. We enjoyed spending the day shooting their wedding in Nicholson Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Aptos, California. It was a beautiful Saturday spent under blue skies, surrounded by sunflowers, with a wonderful couple in love.

Thanks for having us be a part of your day, Laura and Stroy!