The dancing part comes naturally, being that the new husband and wife are old hands at the American dance form known as the Lindy Hop. And having known them for many years in the swing dance scene, it was truly an honor — as well as great fun seeing old friends — to shoot their wedding.

There was lots of laughter, tears of joy and love all around.

Cheers to you both in your journey in life together!

Their wedding day was beautiful and they could not have picked a more magical place — Mission Ranch in Carmel. Dennis was dressed to perfection and Amanda was beautiful (as she always is). Her Mom and sister laughed and made the morning fly by. Dennis’s sister was his best person and had on a stunning outfit as well! Their friends and family shared a moment of sunshine (even the weather changed for their ceremony) and Mazel tov was heard loud and clear!!

It was an evening of fun dancing with a great live band, a heartfelt poem by Amanda’s Dad and powerful cigar moment shared with Dennis and his Dad.

It was an enchanting evening and we know that the laughter and love from the evening will echo for a lifetime!

hair and makeup by: Travis Smith with Bobbi Brown at Macy’s Monterey, florals by Kathryn Smith

First, we arrived on scene at the San Jose Fairmont to get bridal prep shots before heading out to Mission Santa Clara for Sandie & Colin’s first viewing and then their beautiful ceremony inside the historic church.

Mission Santa Clara is a wonderful old church — it’s got that classic Spanish architecture, and makes one think of what it must have been like in the early days of California. (Seeing places like this is definitely one of the perks of our jobs).

After the ceremony it was a quick run through of family photos and cool, fun shots of the wedding party before heading back to the Fairmont for their reception.

There, the menu called for whole lot of dancing, eating, drinking and more dancing!

We had a beautiful City Hall ceremony, followed by a jaunt deep into the heart of Golden Gate Park, to both the Japanese Tea Garden and Stow Lake, where yes, it was cold! We ended the day at the Rose Garden before picking up again a few days later for their Chinese tea ceremonies — complete with entry games — and evening banquet at Tong Palace.

Both Susan and Michael have sizable extended families, who, along with old friends, were out in force to celebrate their wedding. It was great to see Michael, whom I’ve known for a lonnnng time, finally meet and marry the love of his life.

We wish them all the best in their life journey together!

They got ready at the Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove (and yes, the image below of Darien is showing him using his iPad to learn how to fold a pocket square — ah, techology…

Their ceremony was held across the street at Lovers Point. Even the fog couldn’t cool down the warmth we felt from their friends and family (okay, Darien’s family is from Oregon, so they are used to an occasional chilly day — Go, Ducks!)

From there it was off to Tarpy’s Roadhouse in nearby Monterey.

We’ve shot at Tarpy’s before — and this time just confirmed again the close intimacy this venue provided.  It’s a place where Jessica and Darien were still able to be close to everyone for hugs, laughter and good conversation, but still allow anyone to hop onto the dance floor.  Jessica’s mom kept the dancing going into the night with a mixture of flamenco and modern music. It was a great combo!

The night flew by far too quickly and as we left, the air was filled with music and laughter, celebrating Jessica and Darien’s day!

That said, Felicia and Jeff planned out their day to the “T”, but still left room for a good bit of improvisational fun! Who could resist photos in a decked out Ford Mustang convertible AND the cutest playground area you can find anywhere?

The entire wedding party had a blast, complete with a groomsmen serenade!

We had a great time capturing photos of the day, and wish Felicia and Jeff all the best in their continuing journey!

It is timeless.

A force that connects us and inspires us at any age or time. Case in point is Carl. He’s 87.

He knew that he had found his life partner in Mary Ann.

Surrounded by loving families that they had raised and laughing grandchildren that their children were raising, they exchanged their vows. Love is the force that opens us to being alive. We know that Carl and Mary Ann will celebrate each day with their best friend. We wish them and their families the best!

They shared their vows in front of loving families. We also know that Francisco will make a devoted and wonderful life partner for Beryl. His many sisters have prepared him to be a great husband:)

Our best to the two and thank you for letting us share a little of your day!

It finds its way past the tricky man-made boundaries of country and language.

Michele and David are case in point. She is Swiss and he’s American. They met and fell in love.

So they decided to get married in a city that is a melting pot of architecture, people and ideals — San Francisco.

It was a beautiful day — a veritable climatic oasis in a week of wild & windy & hailing(!) weather.

After their ceremony in San Francisco’s palatial City Hall, they laughed at the city’s waterfront, through old North Beach (stopping for a pint of course) and wandered the streets and beaches finally settling in for a long kiss at sunset with that Golden Bridge in the background.

We raise a pint to you both — thank you for letting us celebrate your day together!

One of the great things about a City Hall wedding is the freedom afterward to go to different nearby locations, as San Francisco simply offers a veritable plethora of picturesque locales. We went the touristy route, but at the same time found a couple of little nooks for some quick shots.

Congratulations to Yang and Jay!