spare me the details… what??? I recently read an article about things in weddings that have become passe’, and one of them was photography of the details. I was flabbergasted. I know brides (and coordinators) work tirelessly throughout the wedding planning time to conjure and craft the most amazing “visual feast” of details we see on the wedding day and to say that photographer’s should just snap a few shots, and then go looking elsewhere is ludicrous. Of course, a wedding is made up of so many things, traditions, moments, emotions, sacredness, and most of all, special people, and I consider it my duty to tell the story of the wedding using all of these amazing things. The details show us little things that might be missed – a ring passed down from generations, a photo of a loved one who is no longer with us, a charm to remember a best friend, special flowers, signature cocktails, hand-made items from crafty friends and family (or a vast genius of artists on etsy.com). Now, how I capture the details is my own special thing… I try to take something in the environment of the venue, and combine it with a crisp, sharp shot of a treasured item, and make it as unique as the event I am covering! I can shoot two weddings in the exact place, and they will never look the same… the cast and crew make it come alive, and it’s my job to capture every little detail… Viva la details!!

Last Saturday started out just wonderfully for me… first getting to see Kim & Derek, and Kim’s parents to show them their wedding images for the first time at the Napa Valley homestead, and then just up the road to the beautiful Silverado Country Club to meet my wonderful friend Jill of Jill Doherty Photography, to photograph her sweet clients, Stephanie and Matt — such a beautiful day for a wedding! Steph’s shoes were just amazing (we all know how obsessed I am with fabulous wedding shoes…), and every detail of their black and pink themed wedding sparkled and shined! The sun shined brightly on their ceremony in the grove, which was performed by my favorite wine country wedding officiant, Reverend Blane Ellsworth, who is so much fun to work with… it was my second time in his congregation for a wedding, and I honestly just want to hug him a million times! After they said “I Do!” Steph and Matt grabbed their golf clubs and whacked one down the green for good measure! Here are my favorites from the day…

One of my album “babies” goes to its rightful home… I put so much heart and soul into every wedding I photograph, and it doesn’t stop there… This beautiful book went home today… an amazing clouded glass cover with exquisite leather details, and a really beautiful design. Ginny, the lovely bride, took it out of its box, and just looked at the cover and said that would have been enough for her, but continued to glow as she paged through it, commenting on how it totally reflected their style as a couple, and pausing to remember the memories the images invoked. (Gin, you had me smiling from ear to ear with your compliments on my work!) For a peek at the whole Hans Fahden wedding album design, view the slideshow!

First wedding of 2010, and what a day it was! We kept having to remind ourselves that it was January! Beautiful sunny skies with white puffy clouds, temps in the 60′s, and a beautiful wedding venue, The Silverado Country Club! Got to shoot with my dear friend, Jill Doherty, whose work you’ll find featured on the cover of their wedding information brochure (way to go Jill!)  Just as I promised in my blog post about film for wedding photography, I brought along my Holga, and took some shots of the bride’s beautiful dress… It’s hard to ration myself to one or two shots per photo shoot…

The stunning bride Io was absolutely sweet and wonderful, and the strong love between her and Tim kept us all warm and fuzzy! Her impeccable taste was evident in every wedding detail, and when Jill pulled the wrapping off her wedding gown we both gasped… WOW – there could have been no more perfect dress for this lovely lady! Thanks to Jill for having me along, and all the best wishes for only happiness in the future for Io and Tim!

Finally getting another few minutes to post some wedding images from an amazing wedding I shot this summer with Shannon Stellmacher Photography. It was such a gorgeous Napa day, and the couple was incredible as well! I love the Meritage Resort - it is simply stunning… warm Tuscan colors, great cave, and beautiful accomodations. Oh, and really amazing food… Here they are!!!