Category Archives: Tips

Pete + Suzy = Married!

Pete and Suzy were my last wedding of the year, but definitely one of my favorites. I loved their autumn theme, their numerous personal touches (I’ve included TONS of photos), but most especially their large family with their even larger personalities. Suzy even made sure to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday with song, and sugar free cake. Now that is sweet.

Many wonder how I choose the songs for my slideshow and I’ll let you know that it’s a combination of things, one, did I write down your first dance song? Ha. I know, but often I’m moving so much and so often that I don’t get a chance to do this one simple thing. In addition what if I didn’t recognize the song? In addition, I may not own the song (very possible), and it may be hard to find online. If one of these things have happened I’ll fall back on, what new songs have I heard, and new artists have I discovered or read about recently? From there I’ll listen to dozens of songs to pick the right one, with just the right spirit and perfect lyrics. Sound hard? It is a bit. But I love to listen to music so much that it works out.

In Pete and Suzy’s case it was a lot easier. First of all they had key songs written down in their timeline. Yay for me! However only one could be found online. Now, songs don’t always stick in my head, since I tend to go a bit deaf as I shoot I can honestly say I don’t always know what people have said in their toasts, or played at their wedding. But at Pete and Suzy’s wedding? Well, when Monster Mash came on it was just way too fun to NOT notice. In addition, Suzy’s step-mom was doing just the cutest dance playing around with her son (of course I got pics) that I don’t think I could’ve forgotten if I had tried. In the end I picked this unusual song to end their slideshow, and I think it worked out beautifully.

I hope you enjoy their Log Cabin pics, autumn themed event, and love filled wedding. It was gorgeous.

- T

This has to be one of my favorite ring shots… mostly because I just love the little wild flower in the back.

Followed by my favorite dress shot for most original location, Pete and Suzy’s roof top.

I’m so digging Pete’s tie.

Some pretty getting ready shots of Suzy (sorry I didn’t include Pete’s shots, as they were by my assistant/second shooter, and not myself, they didn’t make it to the blog, but make sure to watch the slideshow to catch some of her fab work!

Suzy and Pete had these great goody bags for their guests in a unique bag.

I LOVED their save the dates and cute little magnet buttons!

You know I had to catch the feet.

Plus the hair… which was just so pretty.

When you haven’t been a bride you don’t know that even your back get’s special attention.

I love this expression on Suzy’s face as she applies her perfume.

I had to drag her up to the roof as well for a few shots before we left to meet Pete.

And then it was time for their pre-ceremony reveal. So sweet.

From there we took care of their formal pics, this way they could later join their party directly after their ceremony.

Their beautiful cake.

On the sides of their aisle runner they had these great lanterns with orange candles.


Okay, they had SMORES at their wedding! Yeah, that’s what me and about 99 percent of their guests said. Some great shots of smore fun follows.

Some friends surprised them with pumpkins carved with their initials.

And last but not least, some Hora fun.

And of course, slideshow.

Ruthie - November 14, 2008 - 2:58 AM

This wedding looks like it was a blast!

And you amaze me every time!

Debbie Frankel - November 14, 2008 - 2:41 PM

Never in my life have I seen the kind of photographs that have COMPLETELY AND LOVINGLY captured the wedding of such a beautiful young couple. You have enchanted and amazed me with your creativity and fresh approach. You will undoubtedly become The #1 most sought-after photographer in San Francisco and beyond! Thank you so much for giving us a gift of special memories and the essence of my daughter’s wedding. Suzy and Pete Gavin will be blessed with a “visual gateway” of this day forever. Terra,you are brilliant! Debbie Frankel

Lauren Cohn-Frankel - November 27, 2008 - 3:59 PM

Wow Terra. When we met I forgot to tell you how much I love your work. Many of the photos in this wedding and the one below it made me gasp aloud, they are that beautiful. And I love the whimsy and humor in your perspective, the way you write definitely compliments that. This blog is very entertaining. You are going places for sure.

Lauren

Da`Nae Leo - December 2, 2008 - 3:29 PM

The pictures from Pete and Suzy’s wedding are absolutely incredible! I love all the textures and colors, there are amazing candid moments in there as well. So beautiful!

Suzy Gavin - December 15, 2008 - 1:03 PM

Wow Terra – you did such an amazing job and captured everything I could have possibly dreamed of. I am so happy that we chose you to shoot our wedding. You are so talented! Thank you for creating everlasting memories in the most amazing way!

Dawnette - December 15, 2008 - 6:06 PM

More Amazing shots… love the detail shot of his tie and cool boutonnière as well as the cool sequence shots of her coming up behind him… the couple shots were captured perfectly! ;-)

Jeannette + Miguel = Engaged!

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!!

____________________________________*_____________________________________________

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

ERIKA LUNA Y FAMILIA - October 12, 2008 - 10:49 PM

FELICIDADES Y KE DIOS LOS BENDIGA SE VE GENIALES LOS DOS NO TE CONZCO PRIMA PERO ERES BIEN VENIDA A LA FAMILIA OJALA QUE SIEMPRE DIOS ILUMINE SU CAMINO Y LOE LLEVE A FORMAR UNA HERMOSA FAMILIA EN HORA BUENA POR SU FUTURA BODA UN ABRAZO DE PARTE DE ERIKA LUNA ZINTHIA LUNA Y LUISA RODRIGUEZ.

LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR PARA LOS DOS!!!!:)

Cecilia - October 13, 2008 - 4:09 PM

Some of these should be post cards! Amazing work great location choices!

Bonnie - October 13, 2008 - 4:10 PM

As always i highly recomend you to people I meet becasue you are truly an artist with a wonderful eye for the photogenic moment being captured so perfectly! Great photos T!

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