Private San Francisco Rooftop, Vintage-Inspired Wedding | Laurel+Jason | San Francisco, CA

I was totally smitten with this wedding from the beginning.  It was only 4 months before the wedding that Laurel and Jason approached me to photograph their vintage-inspired wedding.  "To a Wedding...Guess who?" was the invitation.  This intimate DYI wedding came as a some surprise for most of their family and friends.  Every detail was thought out. Laurel with the help of her bridesmaids hand-made everything from each invitation to her bouquet and the boutonnieres.  The wedding was hosted at Laurel and Jason's good friends' apartment rooftop in San Francisco which was a perfect backdrop for their intimate affair.  Did I mention how the weather was amazing with the sky so blue which complimented the blue color palette of the wedding. Following the ceremony, where Laurel's Mom and Dad escorted her done the aaisle and Jason's Mom expressed delight and pride for her son (see photos below), there was an intimate cocktail party where toasts were made and cupcakes, provided by Kara's Cupcakes, amongst other goodies were eaten.  The reception was at Greens Restaurant with dancing and sparklers to follow in the ally outside Greens.  Laurel and Jason, Thank you for bringing me in to capture your intimate wedding.  You two are so kind and full of love for each other.  Enjoy!  xoxo, Stacey P.S. Doesn't Laurel look BEAUTIFUL?! Birdcage Beauty did a fabulous job on her hair and make-up. And Laurel's amazing figure can be contributed to the fact that she is an instructor for The Bar Method in the Walnut Creek and San Ramon.

Laurel and Jason elected to do a "First Look" where they see each other before the wedding.  Love Jason's expression in seeing his bride for the first time.

 A special thank you to Jessica Barrie who once again helped me capture the day.  Jessica, you are an amazing photographer.

engagement | j + t | san francisco, ca

So I was very excited to do this engagement session because J had just bought a Buddy scooter and wanted to incorporate it into their session.  J is a big Amelie fan and there is a scooter scene in the movie. I love how J was in the drivers seat and T was on the back a la Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck. :) So much fun!  J+T, What an adventurous day!  Our own San Francisco Holiday! Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

 

engagement | camille + jeff | san francisco, ca

How would I describe this engagement session? Hmmmm..... Fun, fun, fun photos followed by hot, hot, hot night photos. :) Don't you agree?  Camille and Jeff wanted to do their engagement session at Crissy Field where they got engaged. Unbeknownst to us, it was the Friday before Fleet Week in San Francisco and there was  A LOT of activity. We even got buzzed by the "Blue Angels" on the Bay Bridge on our way over. You would never know that Crissy Field was packed with people not but 20 minutes before.  Then we headed over to AT&T Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, while Rihanna's song "We Found Love" played on the radio. And took some night photos behind the ballpark. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE taking night photos?! Camille and Jeff, What an adventurous night full of laughter and hotness! Enjoy! xo, Stacey

Vintage-Swing Wedding | Jenna+Jason | The White Palace, San Francisco | Lyford House, Tiburon, CA

Jenna and Jason's wedding vintage-swing wedding was a labor of love!  All of their loved ones had a hand in creating such an amazing wedding.  Each thoughtful detail at the White Palace in San Francisco and Lyford House in Tiburon had meaning right down to the hand-sewn pillows by her Dad. (He used to sew Jenna's Brownie patches on her Brownie sash when she was little.)  Joy, love and laughter was all around! Jenna and Jason never stopped smiling--smiling at each other, at family and friends, and my camera.  The day was pretty darn perfect minus an MIA tuxedo and some party crashers. :) Jenna and Jason, you two are in one word FABULOUS...okay make it two and FUN! Enjoy xoxo, Stacey

Since Jenna and Jason decided to do a "First Look," they were able to exchange their wedding gifts before the ceremony. :)  So much fun to photograph! :)

engagement | laurel + jason | berkeley, ca

I had to keep myself from posting this engagement session since their wedding was going to be a surprise.  Laurel and Jason had planned out the entire engagement session. We started at the library in Albany (near Berkeley), since Laurel is a BIG reader! We made one detour just around the corner from their home.  There was this tree lined street that was GORGEOUS (see first photo). Then headed to the bike shop where Jason grew up working. (Jason is an avid cyclist--to say the least.) We then went to their favorite ice cream parlor where, YES, we got to eat some yummy ice cream. Then jetted, I mean JETTED to the Berkeley hills to catch the sunset and night photos.  What a fun day!  Thanks Laurel and Jason!  Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

newborn fine art photography | baby girl 8-days-old + family | san francisco, ca

Shadi and Rob had their sweet baby girl!  It seems like we JUST did their maternity session. :) Little Baby Girl "H" was so fun to photograph!  I have never had a baby "pose" and stay in position for me while they were still awake. (see first photo) Thank you Shadi and Rob for giving me the opportunity to photograph your growing family! Your little girl is so lucky to have you as parents! Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

child & family fine art photography | lafayette family | borges ranch, walnut creek, ca

Fun family session with an "old" friend of mine and his beautiful family!!! James and I were in the same class at a small, private Catholic elementary school for 8 years where our class size was a mere 30 kids. And so when he and his super sweet wife contacted me to photograph their family, I was a delighted!!!...And to photograph these two sweet little girls...ohhhh...so darling!!! Big sis would help her little sis in the session (see photos below) by singing, hugging, dancing and telling secrets. Adorable!!! Enjoy their sneak peak! xo, Stacey

Vintner's Inn, Wine Country Wedding | Jessica+Bret | Santa Rosa, CA

The bride was glorious, a modern day Brigitte Bardot, the groom was handsome and might I say sexy in his tailored J-Crew suit. And the two together....well....BAM--the electricity, the romance!  Look at how Bret looks at his bride--such love, such admiration. :)  Jess is an amazing woman--one of the hardest workers I know, running a very successful photography business in the Sacramento area, a single mom to twin, adorable 3-year-old girls, and is still able to put an incredible meal together at dinnertime. And how she organized and created such an amazing, super detailed wedding is beyond my comprehension.. Ok so she did have a fabulous team: the gorgeous Vintner's Inn, a hardworking wedding coordinator, Rochelle, an amazing florist Kevin DeHoff at The Country Florist, lighting and entertainment by TSP DJ, to name but a few. So I hope you enjoy the result of all of their efforts!  Jessica and Brett, you two are such an amazing couple, complete with love, romance, support, and smiles. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

HELLLLOOOO, Handsome...... :)

FIRST LOOK!  YAY!  I love the look of excitement and joy and the electricity of bride and groom when they see each other for the first time! :)

The glorious wedding dress is Pronovias by Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo.

Look very close...see who snuck into this moment. :)

SO many BEAUTIFUL details.... While we were out taking photos, Rochelle of Sienna Aline Events was busy making the details perfect. :)  I just love a king's table. And look at those flowers! Great job Kevin DeHoff at The Country Florist:)

BEAUTIFUL cake.... thanks to Patisserie Angelica. :)

I LOVE to sneak off with my couples to grab sunset photos.  Have I mentioned how the light from two different directions can give you a totally different feel and look. :)

Once again....my fabulous team did it!!! Thank you Jenna for capturing so many of the details of day so beautifully. And to my supportive husband! LOVE YOU GUYS!!! xo, Stacey

ruby hill golf course wedding | penny + drew | pleasanton, ca

The weather was warm, the bride was beautiful--complete with poise and grace, and the groom was debonair and full of emotion, the makings for a perfect day! No detail was overlooked--Penny and Drew put thought into everything, including a wooden structure built by Drew's Dad that held the 1000 handmade colorful origami cranes.  Penny put so much attention into her wedding details, she "forgot" to eat and nearly passed out---but nothing a little Twizzlers and Goldfish didn't fix. :)  Penny and Drew, thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph your beautiful, emotional day.  It seems like yesterday, Penny, that you and I were sitting in Starbucks on a rainy winter day chatting about your wedding day. :) xo, Stacey 

Penny and Drew elected to do a "First Look."  There was this beautiful Oak tree that was PERFECT for them to see each before the wedding. So romantic--stunning! :) I LOVE the 3 different perspectives we got from Jenna (my fabulous second shooter), Erik (my husband, photographer and assistant) and myself. :)

Once again, I want to thank my WONDERFUL team, Erik and Jenna, for the immense amount of support given and photos taken.  I couldn't have done it without you. xo, Stacey

newborn fine art photography | baby girl 14-days-old + family | san francisco, ca

...and baby makes 3.  Yes!!! 3 kids all 4-years-old and under. :)  How our dear friends do it, I don't know but one thing is for sure it involves a lot of patience. :)  With 2 little boys, running around, it was a challenge to wrangle them up to get photos with their little sis. With a little help from modern invention--the iPhone--we were able to grab a family photo (look closely at the family photo below). :)  One of my favorites moments was when I was taking photos of Daddy with little sis, her big brothers were running circles around and through Daddy's legs. Enjoy the sneak peak!!! xo, Stacey

sweet wedding affair with a taste of pink | cindi + jeremy | wedgewood golf course, san ramon, ca

Everything was sweet about this wedding from the licorice in the candy bar to the sweet giggles of the bridesmaids.  And ohhh...the sweet, beautiful bride, Cindi, who may I say was one of the most laid back brides I have ever seen. And it became quickly apparent to me why. She had an amazing group of gals (i.e. bridesmaids) who love her and wanted her day to go oh so sweetly, perfect for her.  They were incredibly helpful and thoughtful. :) And of course I have to mention the groom and his group of adorable misfits. :) Jeremy and his groomsmen were Hangover--the PG-13 version. So fun!!! :) xo, Stacey

Cindi and Jeremy were so sweet towards each other. They elected for the "First Look" where they see each other before the wedding. They brought presents for each other. And I LOVE presents!!! :)

And a very special thanks to my fabulous second shooter, Jessica Barrie, for capturing so many beautiful photos on this wedding as well as being my support. :)  You rock Girl!!!

elegant wine country barn wedding | mo + patrick | witt estate & barbara's barn | st. helena, ca

The venue and details were harmonious... the bride was radiant... the groom was dapper...  And together they made for a beautiful dream wedding day. The ceremony was at the gorgeous Witt Estate in St. Helena with the reception to follow on property in "Barbara's Barn."  The weather was warm and perfect for a September wedding in wine country.  The girls got ready in a private cottage on the property where the French doors were open, letting in the beautiful light and vineyard air. Mo was so sweet, sitting as quietly as a church mouse getting her hair and make-up done.  Throughout the day, you could catch her taking deep yet quiet breaths to calm her nerves. :) While Patrick could be seen wiping away tears of joy whether it was at the first look or after singing a song for his bride. Can I just say Patrick's gift to his bride was the best gift.  Without Mo knowing, he learned how to sing and play "Here Comes the Sun" on guitar--mind you Patrick isn't a musician or singer. Seeing the photos of them together, you can feel the pureness of the love they share.  Mo and Patrick, Thank you for having me be a part of your day not only as your photographer, but for making me feel like part of the family. Enjoy some of the snippets from the day. :) xoxo, Stacey

Mo and Patrick elected to do a "First Look"--where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony.  Patrick is so in AWE of his beautiful bride. :)

...which resulted in an emotional embrace from Mo. :)

I love when I can capture the bride and groom exchanging gifts. :)

I love the 2 different looks you get from 2 different viewpoints.  Thanks to my fabulous second shooter Jenna, I was able to capture the 2 perspectives at the same time! :)

And of course the day couldn't have been so beautiful if it weren't for all the people that put it together.

Venue: Witt Estate | Wedding Coordinator: Alison Events | Florist: A Simple Ceremony | Caterer: the girl & the fig

I would also like to thank my WONDERFUL team.  The fabulous Jenna Hueckstaedt who I can always count on to not only get the shot but get cool creative photos as well.  The support and assistance of my husband, Erik, who gives me strength and helps to make my day run SO much smoother.  And Paula McCuaig, for being the sweetest, most thoughtful mother-of-the-bride. :)

engagement | emiko + adrian | palo alto, ca

Self-proclaimed geeks.... they are anything but. :)  Wicked smart, silly, and deeply in love is more like it.  They met while pursuing their Master's degrees at Stanford University at an engineering department mixer, where the guy to girl ratio was like 50 to 1.....ok, so maybe 40 to 1. And well... Adrian nabbed "the One." :)  We started their session in downtown Palo Alto, and then headed to the Stanford campus to visit their old haunts where they first met. I had loads of fun, Emiko and Adrian and can't wait for your wedding! xo, Stacey

engagement | cindi + jeremy | danville, ca

It is hard for me to forget my first meeting with Jeremy.  (Cindi couldn't make it.)  I have never met with just a potential groom before. And it was very refreshing hearing their engagement story from his perspective, and I have to say it was very endearing.  Jeremy is so in awe of his bride Cindi.  Not only does admiration and love come across in how he spoke about her, but showed in the actually engagement session.  So, I was very excited when Cindi decided to have their engagement session in downtown Danville. What can I say, other than their session was full of fun and lots of love'n. Cindi and Jeremy, I can't wait to photograph your wedding and spending more time with you two!  Your sweet, genuine love and affection for each other is inspiring. :) Enjoy your sneak peak! xo, Stacey P.S. And yes their eyes are both that blue!!! Hello!!!:)

maternity | andrea | san francisco, ca

My dear friend Andrea is expecting her first child, a baby boy, with her hubby this September, and I couldn't be more excited for them. :)  It feels like yesterday when I photographed their gorgeous wedding last October. :)  Andrea is radient! Love you girl! Can't wait to meet your little guy. :)

xoxo, Stacey

P.S. Of course I have to mention how she keeps her pregnant body in such great shape... she practices the Bar Method, and is one of the Bar Method's AMAZING instructors!

high school senior | kellen | san francisco, ca

I just love taking senior photos.  When I showed up for this session, Kellen was dressed in her favorite ripped jeans, flip-flops, knit top, and a pair of stunning earrings she borrowed from her mom. This babe--can I say babe? :)--wanted a casual laid back shoot in San Francisco. Perfect!  Hanging out and photographing her was not only a breeze but a ton of fun.  I learned that she wants to be a Kindergarten or 1st grade teacher and plans on doing her senior project related to teaching. Talk about a reality check - she considers Pearl Jam "classic rock." Kellen, You are an amazing, beautiful young woman.  And don't ever lose that laid back, easy going confidence. :) xoxo, Stacey