Bay Area Wedding Photographer: Shanna and Adam November 12th, 2011

One of the best parts of shooting a wedding is getting to know your clients, and I really enjoyed getting to know both Shanna and Adam. What I loved most about them as a couple was watching them interact, so effortlessly; they really fit together: yin and yang, peanut butter and jelly mac and cheese, you get it! :)

I teamed up with the amazing Melissa Morelli, of Melissa Morelli photography to capture every detail of their day. We started at the Airport Westin in their bridal suite while the ladies enjoyed the pre-wedding pampering and they boys, well they were just being boys!

Their ceremony was held just after sunset at the Peninsula Temple Sholom in Millbrae, CA. After capturing the father of the bride seeing Shanna for the first time, then Shanna and Adam seeing one another for the first time, all of their family gathered with the Rabbi to sign the Ketubah.

Once their ceremony commenced, it was time to head back to the Westin for an AMAZING reception!! And the party did not stop until 1am! Adam even prepared a specific playlist for the 11-1am crowd ;)

To Shanna and Adam, Mazel Tov!!! Thank you for allowing me to capture your special day!!

XOXO,

Stacey

Cherie & Garrett's E-session

Check out these two, how cute are they?? I met Cherie and Garrett through another bride that I had photographed last year :) Referrals are great! Makes my heart pitter patter ;) Instantly, I knew at Starbucks where we met for the first time, that I wanted to be this couples wedding photographer!!

I loved the genuineness of their relationship: true love. I loved both of their personalities, easy-going, fun, smart. I knew that the 3 of us would make a good match! Lucky for me, they thought so too!

After many months of trying to find a perfect day to shoot their E-session, we finally got perfection! I think these images say it all! We started out at Kunde winery on Hwy 12. We then ventured south to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. That place is GORGEOUS!!! Our last stop, right as the sun was getting low, was an open field next to this super cute white church.

Then, the crazy photographer I am, suggested that they take Anniston's sidewalk chalk to scribble on the pavement at the church parking lot..........steading myself on my dad's wooden ladder I borrowed, I snapped some very fun shots!

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do. Can't wait for your wedding Cherie and Garrett! XOXO

So, a little of what I did with Julie & Jeff during their E-session in Los Gatos!! This happens to be the second portion of their day. We started at Powells Candy Shop in Downtown Los Gatos. The cutest place ever!!! Floor to ceiling candy, bright colors, gelato, Willy Wonka playing in the background complete with movie seats to sit and watch. J&J like to grab candy there from time to time, so we thought it would be fun to start. We then strolled along to a flower shop, and even a bridal shop called, "She Said Yes!" (perfect for photos!)

The blue tandem bike seen in these pictures belonged to Julie's mom! Her parents (high school sweethearts) would ride it together in high school...........how cute is that?? Whats even cuter is that J&J got to ride it for their engagement session :)I love using props in sessions, but what is even better, is a prop that has meaning.

I know that these two are going to be together forever!! Wishing you the best of luck and love for a happy marriage!! XOXO

Moms in Sonoma County, California??

Hey followers, or friends just stopping by!

As you may or may not know, I have a little baby girl, Anniston. 15 months old and all over the place! I was searching for more info in my county about being a mom here. Activites, websites, playgroups, etc. I came across a great website I thought you may enjoy!

www.sonomacountymom.com

I found on there, My Gym!? Apparently it is world wide company that provides different types of classes for children of all ages. These classes are building motor skills, social skills, all types of skills! Check it out!

Hope you all have a great week!

XOXO, Stacey

Huge Maternity and Children's Consignment Event in Sonoma County, CA!!

Huge Children's Consignment Event

Saturday, Aug 21 9:00a to 7:00p

at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA

Just Between Friends, the nation's largest children's & maternity event returns to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Aug. 21-22. Find GREAT deals on back to school kids clothes, toys, books, outdoor gear, furniture, maternity wear & more - for all seasons. Ask about our presales for first time parents, volunteers, teachers & daycare providers!

(As a fellow mommy, I thought I would share this posting I found from the Press Democrat Website) I am always looking for a bargain when it comes to clothes, toys, ect. for my little one!!

Did you know that I do children and maternity photo sessions?!? Check out my website!!

www.xoxowithlovephotography.com

What the BBB says about choosing a Wedding Photographer Wisely!

I found this great article on the BBB this morning about choosing Wedding Photographers. Thought I would share with followers and potential clients!!

Among the saddest complaints Better Business Bureaus receive concern wedding photographers who do not deliver what was promised. The vast majority of professional photographers will indeed provide unforgettable images of your special day. But you need to do some research beforehand.

The BBB offers the following suggestions to prospective brides and grooms:

• Ask for photographer recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.
• Check with the BBB for reports on the photographers you are considering.
• Schedule interviews with two or three to get a feel for the types of services they offer, the quality of their work and related fees.
• Ask the photographer if he/she is the one who will be photographing your wedding. If so, that should be stated in the contract. If not, request to meet personally with the photographer who will be shooting your wedding and review photos from several events before making a decision.
• The price should not be the only determining factor, but you should know what fees you will be charged for what services.
• Does the photographer work with an assistant? If so, is that included in the fee?
• Ask for references and talk to previous clients. A photographer who is reluctant to provide references is of questionable quality.
• Is the photo package fixed or customized? How many photos are included and what about reprints, enlargements and albums?
• What is the time frame for delivery of proofs and other products? Is there a Web site to view your images? Can you keep the proofs or negatives?
• What type and how many cameras will be used? Is color and black-white photography included?
• What is the payment schedule? Is a deposit required; if so, how much and by when?
• What types of photographs can you expect – formal, informal or spur-of-the-moment?
• Does the photographer know the policy of your church, synagogue or other institution; some have very specific rules regarding photography.
• Obtain a written contract that details every service to be provided and the name of the photographer who will shoot your event; the location, date and time length of all events; the type of package; a list of guaranteed prices for enlargements and any additional charges, like taxes or travel fees. The contract should also specify what happens if your photographer doesn’t show up, as well as the cancellation/refund policy.