We usually come to the Palace of Fine Arts to photograph bridal portraits so more often than not we are there on a Saturday afternoon (when the area is full of kids and strolling tourists). This time we were there on a weekday evening and it was quiet and absolutely gorgeous.

Laura and Joe were inspired to have a vintage look for their session and I think they looked super cute! Here are some favorites:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christina and Brian’s wedding at the private Menlo Circus Club in Atherton was a day full of gorgeous details, a glowing bride & groom, and quite a large bridal party. There was beauty and emotions to be captured from the moment we walked into Christina’s home for the preparations.

Driving down the peninsula in the morning we saw pockets of rain on our way and it had us a bit concerned about the outdoor portraits we had planned ahead. Not to fear, though, because as soon as Christina was ready to go to the church the clouds parted and the rain had stopped. I can’t even describe how happy we were about that because everyone was very much looking forward to the outdoor wedding portraits at Menlo Circus Club.

Here are some highlights from the day:

 

Christina was getting ready at her parents house which was just full of beautiful details. Love this dress reflection in a mirror:

 

When we first arrived in the morning we were greeted by Charcoal – Christina’s gorgeous greyhound! Charcoal was dressed for the occasional and looked very elegant in his tie. There were also two Sheltie pups running around in the house making it very difficult to pay attention to anything but them :)

 

Christina’s grandmas came by a little later and were absolutely mesmerized by the wedding dress hanging in the living room.

 

Love it when all the make-up and hair take place in front of a big window with beautiful light. This time we got lucky – Christina was getting ready on the first floor so we were actually able to come out of the house to capture the preparations from outside:

 

Yummm! :)

 

 

 

Brian was getting ready along with the guys at a nearby hotel in Palo Alto:

 

I think this one is one of my favorites from the day – Christina and her dad coming down the aisle of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Church:

 

These two just could not stop looking at each other:

 

After the ceremony, when all the guests and family left for the cocktail hour, we we left alone with the newlyweds and this gorgeous old Ford:

 

The car was properly outfitted with “Just Married” signs on all windows and a bunch of tin cans behind. I rode with Christina and Brian to the Menlo Circus Club and I got to tell you – we turned quite a lot of heads in downtown Palo Alto with all the clinking and clanking of the cans behind us. It was entertaining to see people get annoyed at the sound at first, but when they turned their heads, they would see the newlyweds’ car and smile and wave.

 

Did I mention we LOVE vintage cars for wedding day portraits?

 

 

Christina looked absolutely stunning:

 

Driving to the reception:

 

We got so very lucky with the weather because by sunset time even the lawn at the Menlo Circus Club was dry and we were able to steal the newlyweds for a few sunset photographs:

 

Christina and Brian both looked stunning and the light was so beautiful. It was a pleasure to photograph these portraits:

 

 

 

Back at the reception it was time for the toasts:

 

 

Christina’s dad giving a very nice and a equally funny toast:

 

The Menlo Circus Club at sunset:

 

All the vendors of the day:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Menlo Circus Club
DJ/Band: Chad @ Denon & Doyle
Florals: Edmond’s Plaza Florist
Catering: Menlo Circus Club
Wedding Cake: Just Caking It

 

We had the pleasure of meeting Gemmy and Karen when they were referred to us by their friends Megan and Albert. It’s definitely flattering when couples appreciate our work enough to recommend us to their friends and family.

For Gemmy and Karen’s engagement session we had a lot of fun roaming around UC Berkeley. Both of them graduated from there a few years back and it was nice to be there with people who really know the area and can point out all the interesting parts. Perhaps we were there right in between the semesters but i’ve never seen the campus so quiet.

Gemmy and Karen are going to be wed at Auberge Du Soleil in Napa and we are so excited to document their big day! Here are some of the engagement session favorites: