The historically grand Hayes Mansion used to be a private estate. It now is a grand hotel with lush landscape and dramatic views. Yuanyuan & Mike’s wedding started in that estate and mansion and the ceremony was set at The Ranch Golf Club in San Jose with a sunset that casted a golden glow on the couple, literary.

As usual, Tiffany Chiang crafted a beautiful bride into a princess in both her hair styling and makeup artistry. Although we have never photographed in The Ranch Golf Club of San Jose…in fact, we have never been there but with 5 minutes of prep time and blessings of a beautiful sunset, everything beautiful was showcased in light.

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!

Your flowers have died. The cake has been consumed. All the alcohol bottles, emptied. You are left with hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars worth of fabric and lace.

What to do with your used wedding dress?

That has been the ultimate question for brides for decades! Some decide to donate it to a charity. Some go the eBay route. Others pack it away in hopes that their daughter will one day wear it, although you know your daughter will politely decline as she secretly cringes. Why not take that dress out before it begins its asphyxiation process in its bag. And then, have some fun with it?

So, there you have it, the fine art of trashing the wedding dress. I have shot high fashion, glamour and have taught a large variety of photography and photoshop workshops but this one, is by far the funnest photoshoot.

All the images can be found in the Trash the Dress Gallery.

- MS