She is on the executive track with HP and even her thoughts are well organized. Josh is a helicopter pilot with a free spirit and a smiley expression. The two love good food, good sake, and travel — oh, and Josh’s baby sister Dakotah!

This week, the pair reunited for a family holiday in Santa Cruz. We ordered perfect weather for their informal e-style session near the Crow’s Nest at Twin Lakes Beach.Seeing their expressions throughout the session, it was evident that this might be practice for an — ahem — different and more grand type of session in the future. No worries, and no pressure, Josh and Jessica!

Getting back to the shoot itself, we didn’t overly stylize it because we wanted to celebrate the local environment. Ever feel like there are a million people around but you are the only ones present? I’d imagine that this is how Josh and Jessica felt, as there were a million people around and they were the only ones featured. As a photographer, I am interested in isolating out the distracting elements; however, sometimes the distractions are part of the story. We saw people, extraneous railings, and aged driftwood throughout the beach and harbor.

Of course, to reinforce Josh’s willingness to engage in this shoot, we had to allow an occasional bite or two!

As the light changed, we just allowed it to do so; they gracefully pivoted around its dancing colors. This was the beauty of chasing the light; I loved the intimate moments between the two as the sun set. Looking back at the images now, I adore the couple’s sunset dancing and the light kisses.

Come home soon, Josh and Jessica!

I bet that the sand dollars caught your eye as much as Holly’s simple, elegant bouquet. Mine too! These were hand selected and bleached by her mother, Jenny. If you haven’t been to Sand Dollar Beach in La Selva, by the way, it’s a must. In fact, I’m talking Holly and Dave into a “trash the dress” session there once the dust settles.

The mood in the bridal suite was supportive, reflective and celebratory.

I also loved Holly and Dave’s attention to accessories. Dave made sure that his Prada shoes were both stylish and comfortable. Holly’s Louboutin PigaLove shoes were to die for. And yes, they DO spell the word LOVE when paired together!

It seemed appropriate to pair Dave’s shoes with the piano herein since he is a celebrity musician and DJ, officially part of the dynamic duo Gabriel & Dresden.

Special thanks to father of the groom, Phil Dresden, for joining us as artistic director for the morning! Phil envisioned the shoes/piano and ring shots. Hope we made you proud, Phil!

For those of you who didn’t catch our sneak peak on Facebook, Jack the Dog was a must-see guest at the wedding. In fact, his “mug” was on the stamp sent out to each guest!

Jack primarily chose to guard his mama in the bridal suite. No one minded — not even Park Winters proprietors John and Rafael.

Holly and Dave’s floral pieces were arranged by Posh Shoppe Florist.

Hair and makeup styling by Priscilla Wright of Priscilla Francine Makeup.

Dave is charming and can find my eye behind the camera’s lens in an instant!

Remember Jack? He checked in on his daddy’s suite down the hall a time or two before settling into his own wedding attire. Gotta love Sleepy Jack, as he became this character as his mommy gave him a rub or two during the dressing process.

Holly carefully selected her dressing attendants — longtime friend and roommate, mother and mother-in-law, sister- and daughter-in-law. What a lovely group to share the day with.

It was so heart warming when, just before the ceremony, fathers of the bride and groom entered the bridal suite for a sneak peak. Who could have prepared them for this vision? Love it!!!

The Jewish ceremony retained tradition yet was eclectic with Buddhist and contemporary accents; giggles and tears were released aplenty.

I particularly enjoyed the officiant’s presentation, enriched with stories. Holly was the first recipient of Dave’s cooking skills. He is well known for his kale chips! Cindie Wilding was engaging and thoughtful, showing that she had taken the time to actually get to know Holly and Dave prior to their big day.The reception began just as the light began to change and the sun began to set. The DJ played songs hand-picked by the couple, who greeted their guests with organic tomato bars, local cheeses and wines featuring Full Belly Farm. Full Belly also provided the florals for the table centerpieces. Love!

Mother-of-the-bride Jenny hand picked those sand dollars I shared with you earlier. This time, they were used as party favors for each guest.

The beautiful Park Winters fountain was a favorite of both adult — and children — alike. I couldn’t help but snap this photo through a window; nephews of the bride loved this so much that they asked Aunt Holly and Uncle Dave to have another wedding!

I was impressed that Nicole Hankton of Nicole H Life Events was able to work so seamlessly with catering and Park Winters itself throughout the day. Running right on time and without stress meant that Holly and Dave were able to catch a few moments to snuggle and freshen up before the evening’s festivities.

See that peering through the tree? None other than a full moon. Planned by the couple especially for their guests, of course.

The couple’s first dance was a tear jerker, but a wonderful way to start a wonderful night — and life.

Special thanks to Rhonda Thorn for shooting by my side. I am ever grateful for your presence, my dear

It’s springtime
and warmth
and a hug
in your mother’s arms
It’s joy and it’s love

Yellow is
buttercups and daffodils
smiling up at me
embracing and illuminating
the wintered earth

- Author unknown

Or perhaps it is the beautiful people, rich foliage, strong breeze, fresh produce — you get my drift.

While I did enjoy the unique patterns (stripes, gingham and polk-a-dots aplenty), I most loved the simple lines, colors and textures.

Meet Mathilda, a Taylor Swift lookalike whose groom will be lucky to have her. She is graceful and contemplative. I collaborated with stylist/photographer Wilma Howells and photographer/life friend Claire Morgan on this shoot. We wanted to show the innocence of youth, the transition to adulthood and to eventual marriage. We found that in Mathilda. I love the look of hope, promise, optimism I see in her eyes.

 Du and Jag = You and Me

For me, the magic happens when I press the shutter. However, after the long days are over and I upload the images to each drive, I find myself being romanced all over again. Romance and elegance seem to come up a lot for me. In addition, I find that my brides desire exclusive coverage. Holly is no different — she wants to offer input on those images that others do (and do not see). She trusts in me, and this relationship with my brides brings up another word — intimacy. Define it as you will. For me, I am grateful that my clients include me in the most personal and vulnerable moments of their lives.

The first feature that we posted on Park Winters was high fashion meets nature in its theme. Herein, as the sun began to set, we walked shortly off the beaten path above, past the whispering blades of grass and encountered a rustic (call it vintage if you must) structure aglow with tungsten light. The character of this building is undeniable. Walk inside on a wedding day and you will find blush Victorian couches with treasured trunks and farmhouse tables. John and Rafael, owners of this miracle find, envision this as a walkthrough space where guests can linger and enjoy cocktails, throw off their Jimmy Choo pumps before the music begins.

As for Holly, she found herself admiring the split lighting sources and few of the renovations underway outside.

Have I told you what happens once the sun sets at Park Winters?

This and much, much more!

Venue: Park Winters in Winters, California

Makeup and Hair Styling: Melisa Hall (San Francisco)

Set One Clothing:

Black Dress: BCBG Max Azria Rochelle cap sleeve dress

Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent

Set Two Clothing:

Top: JCrew Collection

Skirt: Zara Argentina

Booties: Rosegold

Necklace: Amoretto Boutique

You may recognize Holly Carrington from her engagement shoot with celebrity DJ/music producer Dave Dresden (of Gabriel & Dresden). This couple represents the ultimate of creatives — her with a design and marketing background and him with a music background. Holly and Dave searched far outside of their Oakland Hills and San Francisco comfort zones in search of a site that was unique and reminiscent of the weekend-long affairs that are so common in European countries.

Park Winters is off the beaten path, lending itself to a vast expanse absent of neighbors grumbling over loud yet tasteful music. Winters is and up-and-coming getaway for many hard working San Francisco creatives. Park Winters couples — Holly and Dave included — typically select local and organic fare for their wedding delicacies. Check out just a few: Turkovich; Berryessa Gap; Terra Firma Farm; and just last weekend, the Capay Valley Almond Festival took place.

I won’t leak all of the exciting details of their September wedding. However, know that it will be special. Each and every nook of Park Winters is being touched — some with construction, others with decor. There are photographic opportunities for the classic couple, the vintage bride, the nature enthusiast alike. John and Rafael were kind enough to allow Holly and me the opportunity to preview some of these nooks and crannies last weekend. There is more — much more. I can’t wait to share some of it with you. When I say “some” of it, read this to mean that there are a few photos that only Dave and Holly will enjoy over time.

With that said, Holly and I have chosen to break her pre-wedding bridal and styled shoot up into multiple posts so that we — ahem — you, can savor them. Savor them just like the local wines, heirloom tomatoes, and truffle-infused cheeses served at Park Winters events. We used warm-toned camera settings to mirror the warm feel that Winters brings.

Oh, and for the girls who are reading this post and who are already asking about her attire and styling, please appreciate the BCBG Max Axria dress and YSL pumps!

Venue: Park Winters

Hair and Makeup Artistry: Melisa Hall, San Francisco

Dress: BCBA Max Azria Rochelle cap sleeve dress

Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent

In light or shadow,
current or timeless,
elegance can
beautifully
renew.

- Lauren at Seasoned Time

I’ve traveled paths you’ve yet to walk
Learned lessons old and new
And now this wisdom of my life
I’m blessed to share with you
Let kindness spread like sunshine
Embrace those who are sad
Respect their dignity, give them joy
And leave them feeling glad
Forgive those who might hurt you
And though you have your pride
Listen closely to their viewpoint
Try to see the other side
Walk softly when you’re angry
Try not to take offense
Invoke your sense of humor
Laughter’s power is immense!
Express what you are feeling
Your beliefs you should uphold
Don’t shy away from what is right
Be courageous and be bold
Keep hope right in your pocket
It will guide you day by day
Take it out when it is needed
When it’s near, you’ll find a way
Remember friends and family
Of which you are a precious part
Love deeply and love truly
Give freely from your heart
The world is far from perfect
There’s conflict and there’s strife
But you still can make a difference
By how you live your life
And so I’m very blessed to know
The wonders you will do
Because you are my granddaughter
And I believe in you

- Becky Netherland

What a wonderful way to celebrate a bride on her wedding day!

Jewelry by PYRCE