08.08.08-A Wedding in Napa

Whew, this was a long post to put together! Last weekend, I shot a wedding in Napa with Becker on the best date of the year: 08.08.08. The number "8" in some cultures is considered to be very lucky, so it was no surprise that there were a plethora of weddings taking place that day! Napa is one of my favorite places, so it was a no-brainer for me to take the trip up and spend the day there with this wonderful couple.

These two are just so well matched for each other. I like to think that I can see a very revealing part of the relationship people share in those in-between moments--the way they speak to one another during a quick phone call, a look passed without saying a word. These two had such a genuine respect and sweetness for each other, it was lovely to watch, and fun to be around. Their families were both absolutely amazing, welcoming B and I fully into their lives for this brief but very important moment. We both left feeling like part of the family, as did everyone present that day.

The whole weekend took place at a fantastic location, The Carneros Inn. I always like to shoot the dress and details first, and check out what was waiting for me when I went to do that--quite a few outfit selections!

One of the bride's best friends did the makeup and hair, and she looked so fantastic:

She's a stylish girl and had several pairs of shoes to go with the different outfits! Here's the classic, Jimmy Choo's:

And some adorable Kate Spade's:

Ella, the couples' dog stole the show, but after spending about an hour being accosted by Becker and I because she was so darn cute, she may have been a bit over it:

The first outfit was a classic Chinese dress that the bride wore for the tea ceremony:

Waiting for the groom to show up. He had quite a course to navigate to come and get her--he was blocked by her girlfriends and forced to do some crazy things to be allowed entry!

He was a great sport and finally arrived to participate in the tea ceremony:

Afterwards, it was time to change for the wedding. I LOVE netted veils, so I shot lots of photos!

She looked stunning in white too:

Isn't this little flower girl adorable? She was just as cute as Ella!

Both the groom and the bride walked in with both parents--I loved that:

Oh baby. I shot most of the ceremony with the brand new 200 2.0 lens. What a beauty! I'll be picking one of those up, ASAP.

The lens and the light were just delicious:

The groom's four beautiful sisters. They all had such great attitudes and made the day so much fun!

First kiss!

After the ceremony, the couple was up for a little trek around the property, so we made the most of it!

One of my faves:

200 2.0--delicious.

My standby 50 1.2 is still my favorite, though.

First dance, and a third outfit:

Then a few more portraits out back (all with the 200 2.0). Handheld, by the way.

My true favorite:

Isn't this just a beautiful place?

Thank you guys both so much for having me, and Becker for letting me tag along!