engagement | roxanne + michael | sacramento, ca

I met Roxanne and Michael last fall when I photographed Michael's sister's wedding (Laurel+Jason). And within a month of photographing Laurel and Jason's wedding I received an email form Roxanne to see if I was available to photographer her wedding the following September in Tahoe.  So when they asked if we could shoot their engagement session in Sacrmamento, I was excited to shoot in a new city.  Photos of their "babies" Bell and Pepper in front of the capitol building were a priority for Roxanne and Michael, and of course, we couldn't have done it without the help of Roxanne's mom. Then off to old downtown with the cobblestone streets and old railroad tracks for sunset and twilight photos. I just love the color, layers and texture of the photos in old downtown. Roxanne and Michael, Thank you so much for a fabulous day. You are one classy couple.  Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

HOT HOT HOT!  Roxanne really knows how to work the camera.

engagement | emily + adam | san francisco, ca

Emily and Adam came across these murals in Lower Haight in San Francisco while on a walk and thought how perfect this would be for their engagement session. I love that they wanted to incorporate a bold and colorful theme in their session. After exhausting these murals and I mean exhaust, we headed to the Marin Headlands for some sunset/twilight photos. Not only do I love the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from this side of the Bay, there are some really cool WWII military fortresses which were great for photos. Juxtaposing Emily and Adam against these historic military fortifications made for stunning photos. And into nightfall, we go. The lights of the bridge and the rolling fog created a warm romantic feel despite the cool air. Emily and Adam, Thank you so much for an amazing evening.  Your chemistry mixed with your location selection were a perfect recipe for beautiful images. Enjoy!!! xoxo, Stacey

The Golden Gate Bridge just had its 75th birthday! Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge! :)

 

engagement | laura + bo | walnut creek, ca | san francisco, ca

Never judge a book by its cover.  A self proclaimed tomboy, Laura was climbing and jumping out of trees, trudging trough brush, scaling up a ladder in heels and a cocktail dress. Laura and Bo were "up" for anything. Did I mention she also rides dirt bikes?! The weather was perfect!  After sunset, we headed to the W Hotel in San Francisco for some night photos.  And went straight for the roof where it was a tab bit windy--to say the least.  Limbs and bones frozen we headed back inside for some martinis at the bar. Yum! Laura and Bo, thanks for an incredible evening and night of love, laughter and fun!  Can't wait for your wedding day next Saturday!  I expect more of the same. :) Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Elegant & Lively Wedding | Alison+David | San Rafael Mission, San Rafael, CA | The Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley, CA

Topographer by day and sax player by night, music is very important to David and his beautiful bride Alison. So much so, they decided to commission "an electrifying 14 piece tribute Michael Jackson [band]"--Foreverland, to play at their wedding as a surprise to their family and friends. Mix that with a charming venue, The Outdoor Art Club, gorgeous decor, blooms and succulents (see photos below), and you have yourself an elegant, smart wedding.  I would add exceptionally fun and lively too! Alison and David, I really appreciate the thought and love that you put into the details of your wedding day. Enjoy your pictures! xoxo, Stacey

So love Alison's splash of color on her ears. :) Doesn't she look beautiful!

Love the expression on Alison's Dad's face.

Love both of these photos! Alison and David you make a stunning couple.

I love that Alison's Mom got to see this moment between Father and daughter.

Thanks to the team of people who collaborated on this amazing wedding: | wedding coordinator, Juliette Goyhenetche | hair and makeup, Katie Nash Beauty | Florist, Claire with PoppyStone | Caterer, Ann Waker | Decorations, the bride, Alison Corbett, her Mom Cindy Corbett | Graphics, Annie Drury

And of course, a HUGE thank you to my fabulous team, Jessica and Chelsea! Love you gals to pieces!

engagement | julie + mike | san francisco, ca

As you may already know, I ask my brides and grooms to choose where they want to have their engagement session.  Julie and Mike not only chose their location, they scouted the location beforehand and took photos of the areas that inspired them and sent them to me.  We started on the outskirts of the Presidio in San Francisco and took advantage of the old brick buildings surrounding the area.  With a quick wardrobe change, we headed off to Crissy Field for sunset photos.  The wind was freezing cold and we could barely move but that didn't stop Julie and Mike from smiling and laughing.  Then we caravaned to the Ferry Building for night photos.  But on the way, we took one "quick" detour to the Fog City Diner for some sweet pics.  I love how spontaneous Julie and Mike were. Julie and Mike, thank you so much for being so uninhibited and free to show your love and joy for each other. What an amazing day! xoxo, Stacey

I just love their smiles in this next photo.

Julie, you are HOT HOT HOT!!! :)

engagement | elizabeth + morgan | san francisco, ca

Elizabeth and Morgan...where do I start?  I wish I could start by sharing the answers to the their questionnaire.  (In preparation of the engagement session, I ask all my brides and grooms to answers some questions about themselves so I can get to know them a little bit better.) They had me in stitches but on the flip side they were completely endearing--just like Morgan and Elizabeth. Since Elizabeth and Morgan love to hang in San Francisco, we headed into the city for some fun. We started our session at one of my favorite spots in San Francisco and where one of my favorite restaurants, Bix, resides--Gold Alley.  I just love the varying, old brick buildings and how the modern skyline peaks above the roof tops (see photo with the TransAmerica Pyramid.)  Once we exhausted our fun and their hotness in Gold Alley, we headed to Elizabeth and Morgan's "hood"-- the Americano at Hotel Vitale.   The staff there were so accommodating and kind.  Not missing a beat Morgan bought his beautiful lady a glass of wine and I got some cool images of them just hanging in the Americano and the lobby of Hotel Vitale.  Elizabeth and Morgan! Once again, thanks for all of the laughs! Seriously, a very memorable session. I can't wait to see what your wedding day holds for me. You two are not only fun to photograph but so much fun to hang out with. :) Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

engagement | whitney + matt | walnut creek, ca

Whitney and Matt love their Scrabble and love their beer (so much so, they brew their own beer).  So we decided to combine the best of both worlds---playing some Scrabble at a local beer bar in Walnut Creek, OL Beercase & Bottles.  From downtown to the Diablo Valley views--the competition was hot and sweet romance was in the air.  Whitney and Matt, I loved watching your chemistry especially when you were drinking beer and playing Scrabble.  Looking forward to photographing more of that same fun on your wedding day. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

child & family fine art photography | burlingame family | burlingame, ca

Family fun!  I don't do as many as I use to but when I do photograph families, I am just well...reminded how much I LOVE them! And I loved photographing this beautiful family.  Lots of laughter and love!  In celebration of Little "M"'s first birthday, Mom baked a cake (a yummy lemon cake with lavender frosting, I digress) for cake smashing fun--cake smashing turned into a cake fight once Mom and Dad got involved. (see last photo.) Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

engagement | brie + chris | at&t park, san francisco, ca | chewy + teddy bear | lafayette, ca

My anticipation for this engagement session was running high because we had the opportunity to shoot inside AT&T park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Brie and Chris love the Giants, and through Brie's good fortune, her aunt was able to arrange stadium access for us.  I wish we had more time to spend there.  I could have shot there all day.  But we had to make it back to the East Bay to pick up their other loves, Chewy and Teddy Bear for the second part of their session.  Chewy and Teddy Bear were obviously practicing for their close up and they were all so cute together! (see photos below)  Brie and Chris, your chemistry was so fun and flirty and I had a blast photographing you guys.  I can't wait for your wedding day. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Meet Chewy (on the left) and Teddy Bear (on the right). Adorable!

Another amazing body by Bar Method and isn't her top super chic?! Brie is a manager at Lululemon in Walnut Creek.  Check out the back of it in the last photo. And the coat she is wearing in the previous photos with Chery and Teddy Bear is also Lululemon coat. Love it!

elegant wedding affair to remember | amy+ryan | morris chapel, stockton, ca | wine & roses, lodi, ca

I can't believe the 2012 wedding season has kicked off. And I was so happy to kick it off with Amy and Ryan's wedding. It was exactly a year to the date that Amy and Ryan contacted me to photograph their beautiful wedding. It was particularly meaningful, since Amy and Ryan's "First Look" was so emotional. (See "First Look" photos below.) As you may already know, a "first look" is when the bride and groom see each other before the wedding. Ryan hadn't even turned to see his beautiful bride, and Amy was already tearing up. The day was filled with happy tears and lots of laughter. And then there was the speeches. There were so many great speeches, but Matt's (Ryan's brother and best man) speech took the cake...so colorful and full of brotherly love. Amy and Ryan, Thank you for welcoming me like an old friend and allowing me to capture your love, your memories! Your wedding was beautiful and I was honored to be a small part of the day you married your best friend. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Amy's sweetie pie, Molly, stayed at her feet the whole time she was getting ready.

The very emotional "first look":

I am often asked if having the bride and groom see each other before the wedding takes away the moment the groom sees his bride walk down the aisle, and I can easily say no. But I think this photopretty much says it all...

Thank you to my amazing team, especially Jenna Hesse for all of your support and fabulous work! Love you! And all of the vendors who made the day so beautiful and amazing. Without you, I wouldn't have had so many opportunities to capture so many photos.

Intimate City Hall Wedding | Sharni+Ryan | San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, CA

Their story reads like a fairytale. Sharni and Ryan met while working as summer camp counselors--Sharni at the girls' camp and Ryan at the boys' camp.  The perfect premise for a John Hughes movie. They spent their days off together going to movies and concerts, hanging out, and well...falling in love. Sharni left camp thinking she would never see Ryan again and her heart broke.  Fast forward years later... Ryan's job and Sharni's post-graduate Master's program brought them both to the Bay Area.  Sharni had her dream guy, dream job and was planning her dream wedding set for the fall in Oregon.  But like in any movie, there is a dramatic turn.  Sharni is Canadian and her visa was denied. She had 7 days to leave the country, leave her job, and leave her man. Tears were flowing!  What to do?  So they decided to get married in a private ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. Her mom flew in as well as Ryan's folks and sister. And it was a beautiful and emotional ceremony.  I was so happy to be a part of the day. (They are still planning their big and beautiful wedding ceremony this fall in Oregon.)  Sharni and Ryan, Thank you so much for...well...just being you and being so in love. You two are amazing! Enjoy! :) xoxo, Stacey

engagement | beverly + adam | danville, lafayette & san francisco, ca

This was one of my most ambitious engagement sessions yet. Beverly, Adam and Kona began their session in downtown Danville at and around Sideboard cafe.  One wardrobe change later and we were on our way to one of my favorite lookouts in Lafayette for sunset photos.  Did I mention how FREEZING it was?  (I could barely push my shutter button.)  But Beverly, Adam and Kona were troopers.  Another wardrobe change and one brief stop at home to get a warner coat and we were off to the city for some romantic, sexy night photos sans Kona. Beverly and Adam, thanks for such a fun filled and romantic engagement session. I expect more of the same on your wedding day. xoxo, Stacey

WOWZERS, Beverly! You are HOT, HOT, HOT!

 

Fun, Flirty, & 30 | Birthday | San Francisco, CA

Fun, flirty and 30!  4 elementary school BFFs since elementary school decided to have some fun and ring in their 30th birthday with an inspired photo shoot. They each chose wardrobes that fit each of their personalities and......brought it!  They even said that they might even do it again when they are 60. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

engagement | elena+derrick | san francisco, ca

I couldn't stop smiling when I was culling through the photos from Elena and Derrick's engagement session.  Elena,  the bride-to-be, was full of joy and elation and it is written all over her face.  And you can see why the groom-to-be, Derrick, has fallen so head over heels for Elena. We started the session out in Golden Gate Park at the Shakespeare Garden. On our way to the Golden Gate Bridge we made a brief stop at the beach.  Sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge couldn't have been more romantic and the chill help create some cozy moments.  Then off to our final stop for night photos at the Palace of Fine Arts. Elena and Derrick, You have such love and pure joy for one another. And I LOVED that I got to capture it. xoxo, Stacey

Chic San Francisco Wedding | Kristen+Sidney | Hotel Adagio, San Francisco | The Winery, San Francisco

Kristen (aka KC) and Sidney's wedding was my last wedding of the year. And a spectacular one at that! So many colorful and fun details to photograph.  KC and her mom worked with some amazing vendors to get her day just right including taking a chance on a new wedding venue--The Winery. KC & Sid, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph your very chic, very colorful and so fun wedding. When I see the chemistry you two have, it makes me smile. I'm so glad that your wedding was my last wedding of 2011. Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Thank you to:  Wedding Coordinator: Wendy Harrop | Venue Coordinator: Fiona Tropiano, The Winery | Hair: Lindsay North, Magnolia Salon | Make up: Katie Nash | Florist: Spiral Hand Design | Caterer: Nine Catering | And a special thank you to my Dream Team, Jessica Barrie and Jenna Hesse, for once again hitting it out of the park. Score! 

Did I mention that KC's Badgley Mischka wedding shoes were custom designed and embosed with her wedding details by her co-workers at Zappos. Nicely done! :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE that KC and Sid elected to do a first look and saw each other before the ceremony. :)

So behind The Winery I saw this really cool bus parked outside an open hanger.  And the "owners" not only allowed us to photograph in front of it but gave us permission to photograph inside.

inside the bus..

engagement | alison + david | sausalito and mill valley, ca

Another amazing and fun engagement session! Alison and Dave had the day all planned out. We met up at charming a restaurant in Sausalito.  Then headed down to the marina to get some cool shots on a sail boat. Then we were off to the storied Dipsea steps in Mill Valley. Then up the hill for sunset photos (I felt like I ran the Dipsea by the time our session was all over). But the payoff was one of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen let alone photographed.  Alison and Dave, you two have a shared genuine joy and contentment to be in the presence of each other. And I loved photographing that chemistry! Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Might I say....HOT!

engagement | lindsay + wyatt | san francisco, ca

LOVE San Francisco weather in the Fall--our best kept secret.  Lindsay was in her cocktail dress after nightfall without even a shiver. Anyways...we started our session at the Palace of Fine Arts where Wyatt proposed to Lindsay which happened to be the day after the SF Giants won the World Series in 2010.  We then did a quick wardrobe change and off to photos near the St. Francis Yacht Club, Golden Gate Bridge and Marina. And then 1 more wardrobe change and we were off to A 16. Lindsay and Wyatt, what a great session--fun, sassy, and...well just beautiful!  Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Wyatt proposed to Lindsay on this very bench.

A 16 is a restaraunt in Tokyo where they dined together and coincentally, there is only one other A 16 in the world in their very own Marina neighborhood in San Francisco.

I love that Lindsay and Wyatt can look back at this photo and see what movies were playing when they had their engagement session.

newborn fine art photography | baby boy 12-days-old & family | pleasant hill, ca

I have been waiting to post these photos so Mom can have some time to send out her birth announcements.  Anyways...my dear friend Andrea and her wonderful hubby, Tom, are now the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy! I can't believe it was over a year ago that I photographed their wedding!  Andrea and Tom are BOTH huge fans of '80s and '90s rock including Van Halen and Guns N' Roses and decorated little Jake's nursery accordingly. It is so sweet how Tom plays the guitar for his son while he sleeps. And well....Andrea is such a natural at this mom thing. LOVE it! Enjoy! xoxo, Stacey

Are you ready for your close up Jake? :)  His Mommy had this brilliant idea about photographing her little guy on this wagon.  LOVE it! :)