They were wed this past September 3, 2010 at the historic Benson Hotel in Downtown Portland Oregon in an elegant and traditionally beautiful ceremony and celebrated into the night surrounded by family and close friends.  The bride was radient with her hair pulled back and smoothed into perfectly round pin curls in the back, secured by jeweled hairpins.  The groom was dashing in his tuxedo with silvery blue details.  The Benson’s Cambridge room was gracefully refined in all white linens with black sashes.  It was an extraordinary day for two extraordinary people.  Congratulations to the bride and groom and best wishes for a marriage as loving and warm as the wedding. 

When MaryAnn called to discuss the feel she’d like from her engagement photos, her first word was “playful” followed shortly by fun.  She wanted to incorporate a baseball and mitt in the photos somehow as well.  We had already chosen an outdoor location that told the story of how they like to hike and spend time outdoors together.  Our time together was full of giggles, kisses and tight squeezes from the newly reunited love birds.  They tossed the baseball back and forth, smooched in the sunset, and held hands as they walked.  It was my honor to be able to capture these moments from them. 

Wedding photos coming soon!

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!