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Griffen and Curtis had a lot of attention during their Trash the Dress session. At the time, the Cinematography team was holding a workshop in California, and they decided to bring their students to the shoot. It was Patrick, Konrad, Jaime and myself, with students Big Shawn, Little Shawn (sorry Little Shawn), and Jim. Not to mention all the spectators along the way! We started out close to Napa Valley at a vineyard and corresponding castle. What an incredible place! We went deep underground to where the barrels were kept and along the way we found a torture room, musty nooks and crannies, and about a million photo opportunities. It was pretty chilly down there, which was nice since it was scorching hot just outside. According to my estimates, it must have been at least 35 Celsius, 95 Fahrenheit. We took some shots outside and then headed to the coast…where it was freezing! We were wearing fleece sweaters and shivering to bits - especially Patrick and Griffen who went swimming for a few shots. Because we went to 2 vastly different locations, we got an amazing variety of photographs.
-Amina
Griffen + Curtis’ Trash the Dress Shoot in CA from StillMotion on Vimeo.
Napa is one fun place! I knew from the moment Sandy told me that she wanted to go to Napa that we’d be able to find some cool locations to shoot at. Not only that, but Sandy and John both have had modeling experience. Check out Sandy’s portfolio and web design work at Sandswirl.com; she’s got some great shots in her galleries!
It was super-hot in Napa that day, and we were constantly battling the heat, but Sandy and John were troupers. We started off shooting at the front mushroom garden at the Domaine Chandon winery in Napa. It was a fun location with all the mushroom rocks that a local artist made. John was pretty excited to bring his retro Ford Thunderbird to the shoot, and we made some good use of that fun prop. The huge wine crates at the winery served as a very cool backdrop, and we didn’t get kicked out!
I can’t wait to shoot their wedding in August and then their post-wedding session! I’m sure Sandy’s going to look absolutely stunning in her dress. Thanks, guys, for the wine and everything else!
Sandy lookin’ cute.
Jennilee and Brett had a beautiful wedding at the Harvest Inn in St. Helena. Spending time with them during the engagement session was so fun that we were definitely looking forward to seeing them again. We had so much fun with them on their wedding day that it went by all too fast.
When we met the wedding coordinator on the day of Jennilee and Brett’s wedding, one of the first things she said was, “Make sure you take pictures of all the amazing details! They are everywhere!” I think the credit for that goes to Jennilee, who stayed up late nights to make all those great details. She rocked it!
Thanks, guys, for all the time and effort you put into creating such an awesome day for us to shoot.
It was good seeing Jennilee and her bridesmaids enjoying the small moments in between.
Photos by Richard Wood
This post is a special request for several of our clients who can't get enough of pink peonies or the stunning Auberge Du Soleil in Rutherford.
In keeping with my promise to show more of this stunning wedding, I give you peonies! The bride could not have picked a more beautiful backdrop for her stunning white canopy with floating white cymbidium orchids.
How to make the orchid garland:
In the Bay Area, legion of weary commuters flock on the weekends to Sonoma and Napa to escape the congestion and demands of urban living. One of the most picturesque places off of St. Helena Road is the stately, manicured gardens of Beaulieu Vineyards, hidden from the main thoroughfaire. People unaware drive pass this lush garden on a daily basis, never experiencing its secretive yet magical quality. I feel as if I was transported to a lovely French park. Known for its foliage trellis, guests fortunate enough to attend an event at BV usually dine al fresco style below its organic vine. When I think of a quintessential Napa wedding, Beaulieu is my ideal location. If you are planning a wedding in Napa, you must consider this enchanting place. Paula Le Duc Fine Catering who are the premier caterers in the Bay Area are exclusive caterers for this venue and also manage the events. If you are interested in having your wedding at Beaulieu, I would highly recommend that you visit Beaulieu.
Photography by Tara Arrowood
Linens and Tables by Classic Party Rental Napa (formerly La Bella)
Wedding Coordination by Custom Event Group
Invitations by Good on Paper Design
Catering by Elaine Bell Catering
Venue location Beaulieu Gardens
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