Rachael & Ryan Got Married- Beautiful Donner Lake Wedding, Truckee CA.

Since Rachael & Ryan's engagement session back in March, I have been looking forward to their fall mountain-style wedding. The day finally came for Rachael and Ryan to join each other at the hitching post and say their vows to one another.

First thing in the morning, Ryan and his boys met my crew and me at the Rainbow Bridge on Old Hwy 40. Next, we made our way down to the Lock Leven Lodge on the north side of Donner Lake. Here we took photos of the bride-to-be and her girls getting ready. The entire bridal party would come together and join family and friends as Rachael and Ryan walked down the aisle to become man and wife. The love from all of the family and friends was in the air as the time came for their first kiss as man and wife.

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Rachael & Ryan Brown, married one week ago today. Here are some teaser photos of your magical day - it was as beautiful as a fairytale.

Kristine & Jeff's South Lake Tahoe Creative Session - Romantic Photography Session the Day After the Wedding

Early in September of this year I was lucky enough to photograph the wedding of my old Truckee friends Kristine and Jeff in Reno, NV. It was a fabulous day from beginning to end. Even though we took romantic photos of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony, there just wasn't enough time to get all of the shots they knew they wanted. Because of this, they opted to do a Creative Session the day after the wedding.

There are so many great places in Reno to photograph, but being from Truckee, Kristine and Jeff have a love for Lake Tahoe. We decided it would make the perfect spot because of the sentimental value and ... well, it is an absolutely beautiful place. Once that was decided, the next question is where on the lake do we go? We knew we wanted a wide open view of the lake, a semi-private location to avoid distractions and a nice sandy beach in case the couple decided to get wet if they chose to go that far (I never push TOO hard).

My crew and I left for Tahoe early so we could cruise the lake looking for a good spot. We started our search at Incline Village because Kristine and Jeff would be driving in via Mt. Rose Highway. As we travelled clockwise along the edge of the lake, we noticed that Nevada's east shore is not endowed with a whole lot of sandy beaches. So, once we drove by Sand Harbor and saw the large boulders and the sandy beach, we decided to stop and take a closer look. It did not take long to realize that this was the place.

While we waited for Kristine and Jeff to arrive we explored the area. It was a busy weekend so we weren't sure how things would play out. However, just before the couple arrived it began to lightly rain - only for a few minutes, but it caused almost all of the beach goers to scatter. Once the couple arrived, we practically had the place to ourselves.

First, we took a bunch of shots out on some large boulders. Because it was evening, the sun created a spectacular glow across the cove, enhancing the already dramatic rain clouds in the distance. The sky looked awesome and the wind was blowing Kristine's hair and her elegant gown.

Below are some of my favorite shots from Kristine and Jeff's Creative Session.



















Because soccer is such a huge part of Kristine and Jeff's history together (it's kinda how they began their relationship), I asked them to bring a soccer ball as a prop. I wasn't exactly sure how I would use the ball during the Creative Session, but I knew we would have fun playing around with it. In the end, I love these shots.






It was getting later in the evening and the sun was going down. Kristine told me that it was time...time to get wet! I could tell she was a little nervous about actually trashing her dress but she was excited, nonetheless. The moment made for some stunning images.









Kristine and Jeff cuddled tight for the camera...one last image wrapped in their towels to end our Creative Session and time together. It was an amazing wedding weekend and I am so thankful to be able to document such a beautiful relationship and the love they have for one another. Congratulations to the high-school sweethearts once again. Your story is one to cherish forever.

Dana & Jacob's Beautiful Mountain Wedding- Russell Valley, Truckee CA.

Dana and Jacob tied the knot on Sept. 24th, 2011 in beautiful Russell Valley located in Truckee CA. Dana is a good friend of mine from Truckee so I was super excited to shoot her wedding. For one, I knew she would make an exquisite bride and, of course, Jacob a handsome groom. Additionally, the choice of having the wedding on the edge of a meadow in beautiful Russell Valley was sure to make for a unique photographic experience.

When my team and I arrived in the morning we were greeted with open arms by the entire family...then got right to work. I was to take pictures of the girls getting ready and my second shooter, Don, would photograph the guys. The entire bridal party was to get ready at the Brides house just over the hill from the venue. All the girls were wearing their cowboy boots and their dresses were handmade. In fact, the entire wedding day was filled with whimsical do-it-yourself details and fun surprises.

Once the Bride and her girls were all dolled up and ready to go, we loaded into the Father of the Bride's Army Jeep - photographer on hood, of course - and were shuttled to the meadow. It was time for Dana and Jacob to have their "first look." Because the couple opted to see each other before the wedding ceremony, it allowed me ample time to take a good amount of romantic bride & groom shots in addition to photos of the entire bridal party. This way they would not have to break away from the wedding after the ceremony to rush through the bridal party photo session. After the couple said their vows and were pronounced man and wife, the party began with the entire bridal party having a toast under the photo booth tent. It was an amazing evening of dancing and celebration.

One thing I learned growing up in Truckee is that the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. Luckily, the puffy, dramatic clouds held their moisture and created a warm glow across the valley. Once the sun was tucked behind the mountains, it cast a beautiful, albeit painfully brief, Alpenglow across Mount Rose in the distance. Really, it was a wedding photographer's dream.

Congratulations, Dana and Jacob. Your day was beautiful. Thank you so much for having me and my team there to document your special day.



































Dana and Jacob knew they would want a photo with the Alpenglow of Mount Rose in the background. These are some of the first "romantic" photos of the couple as man and wife.