Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu

Drawn for the complimentary Valentines shoot Cami and Tod stopped by the studio on Sunday. I think they enjoyed themselves! Here are a few I wanted to share from our session. Happy Valentines everyone*

So I’m lucky!, what can I say. My intrepid younger sister lives and works in Asia. First Shanghai, China. Now Seria, Brunei — from metropolis to jungle. She continues to challenge herself and come out on top. Teaching yoga part-time keeps her grounded and her children loving her. During the week she teaches kids the curriculum, of course, and a few life lessons along the way. She’s opened up traveling to Asia for me and it continues to surprise, amaze and delight my life. Organized chaos is often the only way to describe it. Cars, trucks, scooters — frequently with three or four people on them, coming from every angle.

Surprisingly, no one bumps into each other. This is often all best seen from the back of a Tuk Tuk. What is a Tuk Tuk? It’s a little hybrid-motorcycle thing. Well, the official name is a Tuk Tuk. Traveling always offers you a new view, a chance to step back from home and experience new cultures. Mouth-watering food, great value for money and renewed curiosity. Rural bus rides that won’t soon be forgotten are soothed away with a fantastic foot massage on the street of the local markets.

Mixing and eating with the locals is always the way to go, roadside cafes, noodle soup trucks, everything in between. We ate a fresh lobster Christmas day, prepared with a Thai red sauce. A road side cafe might not have received a second look back home but this was one of the most delicious meals of our trip.

Thousands of temples dating back hundreds of years are scattered across Thailand. These small temples are never built in the shadow of homes or businesses. Instead, they are placed right out front, positioned for daily offerings of garlands of flowers, food and water. The Thai people are warm and generous of spirit, incredibly welcoming.

We rented scooters one day and with mother on the back we explored the small island of Koh Samui, a gorgeous location with white sand beaches.

I had a lot of fun shooting photos with my phone and the having the ability to edit and process on-the-go was eye-opening. A small collection of photos is in the video above. Shooting weddings in Sonoma County is fantastic, but I would love to cover weddings on the gorgeous islands in the Gulf, even in Bangkok “the city of Angels.” I can’t wait to return and continue my exploration of Thailand. Pom rak Meuang Thai { I love Thailand.}

The circle was complete, Ellie & Keith tied the knot on the porch at Cavallo point. An intimate group of family and friends looked on as Jane a close friend, today’s officient, and the person responsible for introducing Ellie & Keith to each other, presided over an elegant ceremony. Toast’s and readings were made, Lucy the Jack Russell brought the rings, and the service was sealed with a kiss. It was on to the Farley Bar for appetizers and drinks.
Dinner was served in a private room at the Murray Circle Restaurant . Norwegian toast’s and songs rang out at one point. Ellie’s father had everyone in stitches with story’s and toasts, tales of Manhattans in Manhattan, and small Northern Mill towns.
We finished our day with a quick photo shoot on the hill over looking the Golden Gate Bridge. These old bunker’s were just their style, great textures, colors and details. Lucy posed for one and I was on my way.

Sonoma county weddings where  the groomsmen, friends and fathers, all play their parts celebrating, supporting and standing buy our Groom.
From boys to men, building life long relationships, they embark on another milestone together as they take part in the wedding day.
Restored motor bikes, whiskey flasks and LSU on the iphone {don’t want to miss the game you know} the guys bring their own spin and style to the day. The cufflinks that function as a way to hold one’s shirt cuff together are also a vehicle for a confident  man who is interested in his own fashion to express himself and show the world his air of breezy confidence. The boutonniere are the male equivalent of the bride’s bouquet, both a centuries old tradition often thought to ward off evil spirits and bad smells, today there in as many styles and colors as you can imagine. Like the cologne and the haircut these details give that touch of elegance to your men.

Groom and father with the best man amongst the redwoods.

The majestic Redwoods of California are yet another stunning backdrop in the heart of Wine Country. Sonoma wedding photography is often best when you incorporate the scene, a sense of place. From Trentadue winery, to the back roads of the Russian River and Occidental. Madrona Manor in Healdsburg, our Gentlemen this year have been exactly that. I’ve had a the real pleasure to capture these images along side, with and for some great photography studios. Tibidabo Photography, Studio Tia & Claire, Maria Villano. All great friends and photographers.

Nestled in the northern tip of the Alexander Valley outside of the town of Geyserville, the Vineyard Club was the venue Sophie and Allen chose for their wedding day. Simple elegance, style and family love defined the day.