Wedding Photography: Kari and Julian's Wedding Reception

Kari and Julian were married at one of the most beautiful spots in San Francisco, City Hall. You may remember the photos from their wedding, but if not you can re-visit them here: http://photosbyrhonda.blogspot.com/2009/11/julian-and-karis-wedding.html.

Kari and Julian has a unique plan to their wedding events. They were married at San Francisco City Hall and after the wedding we took photos of them around the city on a gorgeous day. Then they were off for an intimate dinner with their family and a lovely night in the city. You're asking...what about the reception?

Well that's the unique part...they decided to have their wedding reception a month after they got married. They invited their friends and family members to celebrate with them at the Thirsty Bear in San Francisco.



Kari and Julian love visiting breweries and tasting different types of beer, so the Thirsty Bear and their private upstairs area made for a perfect setting that was uniquely them.

In addition to mingling, chatting with friends and family members, the Thirsty Bear had games to challenge both the young and young at heart.



And the food was absolutely amazing! From the appetizers to dinner no one went hungry and most went back for seconds!


And the focus of dinner? The Paella! Not only was it mouth watering but it was huge!

After dinner, the bride and groom and their guests were treated to a tour of the brewery.


And were able to taste the grains and smell the beer in the barrels.


Don't forget about the traditional toast and of course the wedding cake. The couple and their parents gave touching toasts to their guests before cutting the cake.

The cake highlighted fall with rich colors and yummy fillings.


Even though the temptation was there for the cake exchange...

everyone behaved....

The guests and family members, as well as myself, had a great time and we wish Kari and Julian all the best!

Henry 3 Months

It is so great when I get to document the growth of a cutie like Henry! Each month he has learned something new or discovered how to do something and I just get the biggest kick out of it. For Henry's 3 month photography session, he had learned to smile! He was just full of smiles when he came into the studio and they lasted for a while.

I even got some bubbles out of him....




And the greatest look of....hmmm, what can I do now to just melt their hearts?


And don't forget that hands are very, very tasty!


I can't wait to see Henry for his four month photos! Wonder what will be discovered next?

Top Wedding Trends for 2010

As a wedding photographer I am slightly amused by the Top 10 Wedding Trends of 2010 lists that have been popping up on the web lately. There are a ton of them out there and each day my Google Alerts tell me about more trends that newly engaged couples should consider. Therefore, I thought I would compile a list of the common...and no so common trends being posted on the web.

Trend #1
This is my trend to you, if you are planning your wedding feel free to take inspiration from upcoming trends, but always be true to yourself. If you make your wedding personal to you and your fiance, then you will always look back on the wedding photos and memories fondly and never say..."Wow! What was I thinking!"

Most Popular Trends
Eco-Friendly Favors: These can range from seeds that people can plant in their yard to tea leaves to anything bamboo created.

Backyard Weddings: Cozy settings of backyards with personal DIY touches and close friends and family members.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: The bride picks the color and the bridesmaids pick the style and shoes.

Groom Cakes: For anyone who is addicted to the Food Network as I am, you have seen the amazing cakes that they make and grooms are hopping on board for personal and unique cakes just for them!

Wedding Photo Booths at the Reception: This can be handled one of two ways. One, you can rent a photo booth for the reception. Two, you can talk with your wedding photographer and set up a photo booth area for the second photographer to take fun pictures of your guests!

Buttercream Frosting: My mouth is just watering thinking of that! Instead of fondant, buttercream! If you haven't tasted buttercream frosting and filling get yourself to a cake store and do some tastings in the name of your engagement!!! (It was one of my favorite parts of being engaged!)

Color: Adding vibrant colors into the wedding and reception.

HD Videos: Get your weddings on Blu-Ray now.

Strapless Wedding Gowns: Enough said.

Other Trends
Bird Cage Veils: These veils are inspired from old Hollywood and give a spin on a traditional veil.

Feathers: On the veil, feathers can add a unique touch...think Sex and the City the Movie.

Videos at the Reception: Videos of photos from the couples childhood, engagement, and trips they have taken set to music.

Mix of DJ and a Band: To get the best of both worlds couples are mixing these two together to keep their guest dancing all night.

Photo Engagement Guest Books: Couples are using their engagement photos to create memorable guest books.

Landscape Centerpieces: Add drama and impact with centerpieces that can later be planted in your backyard.

The Color Red: Add punch to your reception and ceremony by incorporating red into bridesmaid dresses, table linens, cake, and centerpieces.


Now there are several other trends floating around out there that would take all year to compile, but these are the most popular and some that have even shown up on a couple of lists. If you have more trends or want to share your own, feel free to post in the comment section!

Getting Fancy in a Red Tutu

Shilio was as cute as a ballerina in a red tutu could be and became the dancing queen when the music began! Her Mom and Dad got some great family portraits for their Christmas gifts but also thought ahead to bring the cutest little tute and set of pearls ever! Shilio was a complete doll and so wonderful to work with!

Family Fun

I always try to have fun when I am photographing. However, it helps a bunch if you have a family that is also full of fun and are willing to try out some crazy poses!

Of course, with any fun, you have to start with the basics. A family that is happy and smiling!

Kids with their personality shinning through.


Parents often put their kids first, but they deserve to be center stage too.

Now sometimes to get the family all looking and smiling all at the same time I bribe them with candy. This is what happens when someone finds the candy jar and gets their own candy. ;-)

And then after that the kids were all ready to pose to get more candy...even if it was just a "normal" pose.


All in all this was a great time and I'm happy that the family had as much fun as I did. Plus there will always be candy here if they want it!

On the way back...

We had a lovely time in Seattle and started our trip on the way back to California. We decided to travel 3 days back and enjoy the sights of the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Here are some of the pics from that trip!

On the Washington Coast we saw some great reflections on the side of the road and pulled over.


And the Cascades were out and beautiful as ever!


On the Oregon Coast we stopped at Cannon Beach and my hubby and four legged child had fun on the beach.


As the first day on the road came to a close we saw breathtaking views of the ocean.



Day 2 we spent most of the time in Oregon. We woke up to fog and sea lions. If you look closely in the picture below you'll see little dots that are the heads of sea lions.

There were lighthouses at every turn.

And bridges that looked like a movie set.


In Newport, Oregon we stopped at Rouge Brewery.


There was an overlook along the road where tons of sea lions gathered to sun themselves.

And the sunset did not disappoint and Day 2 either!

Day 3 did not let us down with the sights either. The Redwoods were tall (so tall I couldn't get an entire one in the frame of my camera) and peaceful to walk through!



And of course we had to drive through the famous tree!


All in all it was a great trip and we are happy to be back home and spent such a lovely time in the Pacific Northwest!