Lianne + Nik // Paros, Greece Wedding

In the depths of my 2020 Covid stress, I often wandered over and through the thought of, "Can my photography business can come back from this?", and while I braced myself for a possibly wonky 2021 wedding season and potentially more rescheduled weddings, I pleaded with the universe to let this wedding that has been on my calendar for what feels like forever remain unscathed. Greece opened its borders to tourism only a few weeks before this wedding was scheduled (not stressy at ALL), and it was the biggest Christmas miracle (in July), and wiped away all residual Covid-blues from the moment we landed.

Every once in awhile, I get to shoot not only incredible destination weddings, but I also get to shoot weddings for very special, dear people in my life. This wedding was a combination of both, and I have known the bride, Lianne, and her family for what feels like a lifetime, and they have been such amazing supporters of me/my entire family for as long as I can remember. It felt only natural to volunteer myself for the role of Lianne and Nik's wedding photographer, and I was really excited when they didn't reject this offer/me. :)

Lianne and Nik have one of those love stories that feels too "The Notebook" to be real, but truly and wholeheartedly, they were meant to find each other again in this exact season of life. Their story is not mine to share, but it's a heartmelter, and it made this wedding day so special to document. I have never seen such a bright, permanent smile on Lianne, and it brings me such friend-peace to know that she found her person, and to meet Nik even just once, is to love him forever.

Cheers this couple that made this trip possible, and also ruined me on international vacations. I really can't understand why i'd ever-ever go anywhere else.

Jessie + Mike // Bodega Los Alamos Wedding

I think a large majority of people might loathe a solo 5+ hour car ride, but not this mom of two who (barely) survived the pandemic, and is forever enjoying every.bit. of solo time that (hardly ever) exists. All this is to say that when Jessie and Mike had to move their Aptos wedding to Los Alamos, I was ALL FOR IT, especially when they revealed that Bodega Los Alamos was their new venue...

Beyond the beautiful drive and the 10 podcast episodes I was able to get in, driving through the itty bitty town of Los Alamos made me feel like I was instantly on vacation. The town itself was both quirky and vibrant, and I got strong Marfa vibes as I drove through the town "strip" and pulled into the venue parking lot. I had been dying to see this venue in person, and if you're wondering if it's cute enough to plan an entire road trip around, it is, and you should.

I had already anticipated easy-going and kind clients based on all of our email exchanges, but Jessie and Mike were BEYOND LOVELY, and so my kind of people. Mike gave me a big hug upon arrival and Jessie and I said at the exact same time, "It's so nice to finally meet you!", and it set the easy-going vibes for the whole day. I must have said to myself, "I love my job so damn much" about 25 times on this day, and it was such a privilege to get the opportunity to travel to such a lovely location, be all the way back at work, and surrounded by the good energy that Jessie and Mike and their wedding guests exuded all day long. Don't even get me started on seeing people on the dancefloor again...

Cheers to one of the sweetest couples who somehow made me feel like a wedding guest on this day (and let me take home the fanciest beer!).

Special thanks to the following vendors who were extra amazing to work with on this day:

Venue: Bodega Los Alamos

Planning: Wunderland & Co.

Florals: Fluid Bloom

Catering: Lucca WoodFired

Hair & makeup: The Queens Bees

DJ: DJ Curly

Photo bus: Bessy The Foto Bus

Rentals: Amigo Party Rentals

Cake: Solvang Bakery