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Dear reader,
I’m going to inundate you with photos, drown you in images, overload your brain.
Well… maybe not. But I loved Jeanette and Miguel’s wedding just as much as I loved their engagement session. Words can do no justice, so I’ll simply type this:
They were married at All Souls Catholic Church in South San Francisco, reception held at Dominics, and it was fabulous.
Enjoy,
T
Sarah and Jesse were married in a beautiful ceremony held at the Sacramento Ballroom, which is fabulous location that was once a bank. Yes. I know. Buildings with history are usually pretty stunning, and this location was not a let down. That morning Sarah prepared at her childhood home, which proved to be a great backdrop for detail shots of both her dress and shoes. I just fell in love with these images. In addition right before we left I noticed a pullout of a cake from Martha Stewart’s magazine. It seems they had recreated it. This might be my favorite cake so far. Wow. Why does it seem like I say that at every wedding??
Later Sarah met Jesse downtown where they saw each other for the first time and took their lovely lovely photos. Okay. Maybe I’m just a tad biased.
Sarah’s mother actually made the floral arrangements for their big day.
More photos of their lovely day. I love how you can almost always catch a parent or four tearing up.
Congrats you two!
- T
Often times you’ll hear these words of advice when looking for a photographer, “Make sure you click”. And that’s a big question in itself. How do you know when you do? On my end I also find myself wondering, ‘did we? didn’t we?’. Ah, the possibilities of rejection!!
=)
With Kath and Jim there were two things I noticed right away, I liked her outfit. Her friend that had found me seemed super nice. And Jim? He was one of those quiet guys that oozes mellow. At the end of our meeting Kath mentioned that she loved my shirt and also owned my jacket. Client after my heart. And when I showed up the day of the wedding I just couldn’t wait to see what she had in store.
Her and her Brides Maid had stayed up the evening before watching Princess Bride, and I just have to say, I hope I have a friend cool enough to do that with me one day as well. And Jim? Well Jim was holed up at a hotel watching sports with his friends. Another version of Heaven I am sure.
Their wedding was held at the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, and the rest, as they say, is history. Enjoy.
- T
(you should see the other guy…)
Jack and Christina were married at the Log Cabin in San Francisco. It was an interesting wedding because rain was forcasted for the weekend, but although the sky became beautifully overcast, not more than a few drops fell during their lovely ceremony. Wanting to incorporate traditions for their backgrounds, they chose to have a horse shoe with their names and dates inscribed for luck presented to them, and a lasso placed over them by friends to bind them.
It’s funny how many different ingredients go into weddings, flowers, attire, venue, and what a struggle it can sometimes be as you look for the right touch, flavor, that will describe you as a couple perfectly. In the end it doesn’t change the main ingredient, the couple that is getting married that day. And what hit me as I was editing these photos for the slideshow was how special their ceremony and whole day was, how all of the special touches added to that, and how in the end it was nothing more than Jack and Christina who were the cause of all this. I hope they feel it was everything they hoped for, a celebration of their life together, and the perfect entry into their future.
Christina and Jack’s home was perfect for taking photos of her lovely Greek inspired dress and shoes. The fact that their home is featured I hope makes these photos extra special for years to come.
I loved this image I took of Christina even before I clicked the shutter on the camera. Bracing herself between the two walls of the hallway as one of her friend steam cleaned the bottom of her dress she seemed for a brief moment, serene, reflective, ready for the future. Most likely she was thinking of her list of things to do and was far from any of these thoughts, but I guess I’ll never know so I get to make up my own interpretation!
Seeing each other before their ceremony I caught this special moment. More in the slideshow.
What caught me as I took this picture was just how transitional it was, passing from one of the most important men in her life to the next.
As the ceremony progressed it got downright chilly. Christina wrapped herself up in one of the blankets they had chosen to give their guests as a gift. As explained by Jack, years ago a friend gave them one, and it has traveled with them everywhere since, proving to be one of the most useful presents ever, and consistently reminding them of the person thoughtful enough to provide it.
After the lasso was wrapped around them Jack pressed a hand to his chest.
I love lassos, so pretty.
Best of wishes to you both!
- T
I’ve been friends with Tonie for 10 years, back when we were COUGH COUGH. So you can see that we’re all still quite young around here thank you very much.
Actually we really are, but I’m prepping for ten years from now so that I can be safely and easily deluded. I’m sure my friends and Drivers License will try to shoot me back down to reality, but thankfully reality is now a tv show. YAY for me!
In any case, I’ve been taking photos off and on for Tonie and adorable daughter for ages. This time it was a new request, she wanted to include the hubby, the baby, and the NEW baby. Of course the new baby was still hiding away. Welcome to my very first maternity sessions. Can you have one of your own? Of course.
Also please keep your eyes open as Tonie’s lil baby made her debut and I’m just processing the photos now. Uber adorable.
OR:
Super duper handy tips for your own E-Session.
As I’ve posted more and more on my blog I’ve noticed couples are more and more prepped when they arrive. Coincidence? I think not. And whom I really thank is Kevin and Emily. Their E-Session on my blog really demonstrated what happens at my engagement sessions, and I think started the ball rolling. I’ve also heard SO MUCH buzz back regarding Tim and Sarah’s E-Session. I’d like to seperately thank them as well. While editing my most recent engagement session, Jeannette and Miguel, I thought that I could take this one step further and give you a bit of background info on all that goes into this.
Some FAQ:
Q: Where should I have my E-Session?
A: I actually don’t leave this up to you very much. When scheduling your e-session I ask you the following questions: 1. ‘Do you have a place that holds sentimental value that you might like to take photos at?’ 2. ‘Do you prefer urban or rural?’ And that’s it. These are the same questions I had for Jeannette. Her response? ‘Miguel and I almost held our wedding at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. It is beautiful and really reminded us of Mexico… Could we have it somewhere similar?’ After looking at the website I decided that there was enough variety and the place was so pretty that we should just do everything there.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Up to three hours. Less if we have only one location that we’re shooting at. But, as in Kevin and Emily’s case, there were three locations and so we used the full three hours. Jeannette and Miguel had barely any travel (even walking!) involved, and so in that case we wrapped up early.
Q: What should I wear?
A: I don’t like matchy matchy. I once even said this out loud to my friend’s fiance when I noticed them wearing matching outfits. Can you imagine how much I wanted to slap myself as soon as it came out??? But seriously, for photos it helps for you to not be wearing the same colors as we want you to be clearly defined (where your body ends and his begins) in the photos. Otherwise you both can end up looking like one person with two heads. Here Jeannette and Miguel wear three different outfits that compliment one another, are figure flattering, and cute shoes too! I heart cute shoes, and as they always end up in photos I definitely recommend them.
Q: Do I have to dress up a lot? Me and the fiance are much more casual.
A: No you don’t have to dress up as much as J and M did. For more casual gear I definitely recommend you do a search (sorry I suck at links) for Tim and Sarah. As they do three casual outfits superbly on their session.
Q: Will you help pose me?
A: Yes. I will. I’ll also make you jump around, tickle each other, and possibly get wet or dirty. However I ultimately want you too look very natural and relaxed so for much of the time I’ll be at a distance asking you to merely interact with one another.
Q: Do you have favorite locations that you shoot at?
A: NO. This is a weird preference that I have that not many other photographers share. I don’t like shooting at the same place often. So after you tell me your preferences for shooting locations I start scouting for cool new locations. Or sometimes I already have something specific in mind and haven’t been able to trick - er - talk some one into it. Yet.
Q: When do you shoot E-Sessions?
A: Typically Tues - Thurs 3 hours before sunset. This is optimal lighting time AND optimal traffic time. Meaning since it isn’t the weekend or Friday, most people are at home wishing it was. With more privacy I find that your photos are more intimate and we’re able to get a much wider variety.
Q: Can I ask more questions?
A: No! Just kidding, of course you can. Please email me at info@terratabbytosavit.com if you have any other questions. For now let’s enjoy Jeannette and Miguel’s images!!
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Miguel and Jeannette actually caused me to tear up right at the beginning of their E-Session. When they arrived I told them how I had spied this cool walkway with bushes. I wanted them to sit down in the aisle and just act lovey dovey, enjoy their time together and forget I was there. As soon as I had them positioned I ran off several feet away and began to take pictures. From that very first frame it was so completely apparent how much Miguel loves Jeannette and how much she equally adores him. It’s the little gestures that gave them away (not that they were trying to hide it!), how she fixes his collar, how he held her hand and kissed it. I was glad that I was so far away so they didn’t see how emotional I got so very quickly.
When I had them pose by this cool door I had found, they spontaneously hugged each other, and just held on.
I can’t pose this people, I can’t create it out of thin air, I can’t even in any way take credit for many of the photos you see. I was simply there, the reporter.
When you view these photos I hope you felt what I felt, that the world only consisted of these two people during these special moments.
- T
PS
check out Miguel’s face as Jeannette jumps for him! Priceless!
I love Miguel’s expression as he looked back at Jeannette Jumping
And I love this image even more
Dear Person that Created the Virus that Invaded my Computer:
I don’t like you.
When I was younger and much more immature I had an explosive, and some would say, very inventive descriptive temper. Now I’m older, and though not any wiser, I simply lack the energy to care anymore. Fine. Your dumb virus shut my computer down and cost me several days of work. Whatever.
In fact, the only curse I’ve even bothered to try and curse you with is this: may your car break down. Continuously.
If you think about it? That’s an ingenious curse. I love love love it. And hope it comes true. It would be complete karmic balance. The universe righting itself.
Signed,
One person who actually works for a living.
PS
If you need a hobby? I don’t know, try collecting stamps.
More to come soon folks, but in the meantime a quick sneak peak of this Saturday’s wedding.
Kath had fantastic pieces of jewelry created for each of her bridesmaids… oh my. I thought this was a fabulous idea and so just had to share!
As Kath was having her hair done I started to notice something was off… I couldn’t quite see her vision until I unbustled her wedding dress and found… A MERMAIDS TAIL!! This has to be my favorite dress of all time.
Once her makeup was complete, jewelry added, I just had to make them perform this image that formed in my head
Kath and Jim, your ceremony was beautiful and a true reflection of your relationship. I often leave a wedding feeling how lucky and happy my clients are to have found one another, but often fail to say the words out loud. I should put a stop to that.
And because I simply can’t leave you without an image of Jim (it would be a crime!!), here he is.
Congratulations once more, can’t wait to see you again for trashing that beautiful dress!!
- T
