Jessica and Daniel celebrated their vows over fourth of July weekend at a family vineyard in Petaluma, CA. It was my honor to be able to share their day with them. The skies were perfectly blue, and the couple so obviously commmitted to one another. It was an amazing experience! Jessica and Daniel opted to have me fly out to CA rather than hire someone already residing in the area. It’s a smart choice and something to consider if you’re going to be married in an area where photography services perhaps are a bit more spendy. The moral of the stroy is, find a photographer you love and then see if it would be in your budget to fly them to your wedding destination. It may save you some money in the end.
I was accompanied by the lovely and talented Jenifer of Jenifer Johnston Photography. Some of the photos below are her stunning work.
Now on to the photos!
The day began with Jessica and Daniel’s first look at Saint Vincent du Paul’s Catholic Church in Petaluma, CA. This was the moment Daniel first got to see his glowing bride in her gorgeous wedding gown. I am always excited when couples choose to see one another prior to the ceremony and have a little private “first look” moment. It feels special and intimate and allows them time to calm any nerves they may be having.
The next stop was the Petaluma Visitor’s Center with it’s perfect arches letting in the most phenomenal light!
Right outside the Visitors Center are some old abandoned train cars. Jessica didn’t even question our sanity when we asked her to climb up onto the dirty caboose. I think the images prove that a stunning portrait doesn’t always have to take place at a pristine location. Jess and Dan, you ROCKED it!
Next stop was the actual wedding site; a family plot of land out in the hills of Petaluma featuring plenty of weather worn out buildings, barns, tall golden grasses, cows, curly trees, and a vineyard!
A couple detail shots of the ring and wedding gown…
The wedding party was comprised of family and close friends. Eveyone was so welcoming and fun and GORGEOUS!
Daniel is a Ranger in the US Army and a bunch of his buddies were able to make it to celebrate with the happy couple.
The ceremony was perfect and intimate.
There was a live band at the reception and everyone danced the night away. We even were treated to a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America” sung by the military guys!
Finally, as the sun crept closer to setting, we snuck away for a few shots in the vineyard way up in the hills.
As we were driving away, I couldn’t resist a snap of this dairy cow, quietly munching on grass at the top of a hill. What a perfect evening.
Best of luck in the future and wherever life takes your family. Thank you again for asking me to play a part in your wedding!
by Jenny O'Donnell
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