Craig Wolfrom :: Wedding Photography :: Idaho, California, Mexico, and Beyond

New Blog

2010-08-18T06:35:00.004-06:00

I'm excited to share with you a new logo and look! In doing so, please follow the link listed below as I've decided to move my blog to a new location:

http://www.craigwolfrom.com/blog

I hope you'll move your bookmark over and subscribe to keep current on new postings. Many thanks to everyone who has visited this site and left all your wonderful comments!
Cheers,
-Craig

Wedding :: Emily and Evan :: Boise, Idaho

2010-08-15T15:04:00.005-06:00

As with every wedding, the location is significant. Whether it is the bride or groom's hometown or a destination, where guests gather for a wedding ceremony and reception means a great deal. Evan and Emily were married on home turf--literally. This wonderful couple brought together family and friends from all over the nation to Emily's grandfather's front lawn in Boise, Idaho. The grounds have been in the family since the mid sixties when the surrounding landscape was open range and the Boise river was only a short walk. Still, even today, the space was ideal for their wedding--not only because of the family roots, but, also because it sat under the same Poplar trees that shaded and the home that raised this family. After their ceremony, Emily and Evan moved the group to the Linen Building in downtown Boise. The reception had both a swing band followed by a DJ. In all, it was a fantastic celebration! Congratulations to Emily and Evan and thank you for everything!

Wedding :: Colleen & Jordan :: The Valley Club, Idaho

2010-08-10T10:10:00.012-06:00

One of the amazing aspects of the Wood River Valley is that once you visit--you will want to return again and again. The longer I live here, the more people I meet who visited this valley as small children and have been returning yearly. This was the case for Colleen and her family having spent summers here throughout her childhood. So, considering the fact that Jordan proposed on the slopes of Baldy, having their wedding here made all the sense in the world. She and Jordan hired the amazing wedding planner, Amanda Seaward, arranged a beautiful wedding and threw a fantastic party for their family and guests. DJ Lenny spun tunes until the last bus was leaving and the crowd was still chanting for more!

Congratulations Colleen and Jordan!

Wedding :: Kristin & Trent :: McCall, Idaho

2010-07-14T16:47:00.007-06:00

What do you get when you bring a family from the South to a wedding in Idaho? A raucous party--especially when that family plays together in a band! Kristin and Trent's wedding was held in McCall at the incredibly beautiful, "Blackhawk on the River." If you've not read about how this wonderful couple met, be sure to go back and visit my blog post from their engagement session to read how meant for each other they are, click here. Their ceremony exit was especially fun--down a river on a raft!

Kristin & Trent, I hope your marriage together is like the rivers you love: full of placid and relaxing stretches to compliment the thrilling and exhilarating moments!

Wedding :: Aaron & Kineta :: San Francisco, California

2010-07-02T15:17:00.011-06:00

On June 5th, a strong breeze cleared the San Francisco Bay Area of its summer fog allowing Kineta and Aaron to be married under sunny skies on the beach near Crissy Field. Their backdrop was the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which acted as sentry to any June gloom attempting to breach its span. Aside from Kineta and Aaron's beautiful wedding ceremony was their wild reception. They chose a nautical theme that even included a few of their guests dressing up as pirates. After the band wrapped up their sets, the DJ started spinning tunes as energy was still high and Kineta and her girls were soon dancing on tables!

Congratulations Kineta and Aaron--God Speed or Argh Matey depending on whose vessel you sail!

The Bride's Cafe :: Featured Vendor and Wedding

2010-07-01T08:29:00.001-06:00

The world of wedding blogs is like a supersaturated solution--overflowing! That said, there are a handful that are stellar and useful and inspiring for many a bride (and groom). In my opinion, The Bride's Cafe is among the best of the wedding blogs out there! So, I was flattered to have TBC invite me to join their exclusive vendor list (especially when photogs like Jose Villa are on there too)! TBC also posted Carrie and Ryan's wedding as a feature this morning! Head on over and check it out--click here.

Wedding :: Brooke and Craig :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2010-06-01T09:49:00.009-06:00

As a commercial pilot, Craig studies weather reports with a passion. So, when Craig and Brooke, who live in Alaska, chose "Sun" Valley for their wedding location--he didn't think he'd have to be checking NOAA every few hours to see if they would be having their ceremony inside or out! This was a bit ironic because they had just left sunny and seventy degree Anchorage for a week of mixed snow and rain here in Idaho. I was impressed with Craig's determination to have his ceremony outside and on the lawn at Trail Creek Cabin--even when a squall was visible and heading our way ten minutes prior to their start time! In the end, Sun Valley's amazing wedding coordinators, Fanny and Nicole, convinced everyone that inside was the better option and during the ceremony, between the words of Brooke's uncle and Pastor, the pitter-patter of drops could be heard falling upon the tent.

As with all weddings, the weather is something you simply have and work with and talk about afterward. It had no bearing on Craig and Brooke's amazing wedding. Their ceremony was filled with emotion, the toasts were fantastic, the dancing entertaining, and the day will be remembered as beautiful!

Wedding :: Carrie & Ryan :: Wente Vineyards, San Francisco Bay Area

2010-05-27T12:19:00.006-06:00

On May 8th, Carrie and Ryan were married among the vineyards and mission style buildings at the beautiful Wente Winery in Livermore, California. It was a bit cold during the ceremony and their priest humorously rambled on a bit, but coincidentally, the heart of his sermon was brought up again by one of Ryan's best men, Michael. The magic of their words talked about the definition of love and how it is one of the rare things in life that just "is." The essense of Love, of couples like Carrie and Ryan, of soul mates, is that of their "Isness." Maybe you can see how there were humorous moments while these two spoke of how Carrie and Ryan "is" and "are" and that there really isn't any other way to describe the indescribable feeling they share--that which is known as "Love!"

Their "isness" resonated throughout their wedding day--from their getting ready to the closing song on the dancefloor at 1:30 the next morning!

Jennifer and Chris of Major Diamond Productions were at Carrie and Ryan's wedding working as their videographers--check out their fantastic same day edit here.

Engaged :: Andrea & Branden :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2010-05-24T13:07:00.002-06:00

Andrea and Branden grew up in Idaho, currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and are getting married here in Sun Valley this October. They came up on a fantastic weekend for their engagement session a few weeks ago. Though it was a bit cold, we were able to hit a bunch of locations around the Wood River Valley and had a great time doing so. Here are some of the images from our day together...

Wedding :: Laura and Kevin :: Barcelo Resort, Cancun, Mexico

2010-05-10T09:54:00.008-06:00

(For something different, I thought I'd post this one in reverse...)

Laura and Kevin were married at the beautiful Barcelo Resort near Tulum, Mexico, on April 17th. I had an amazing time photographing both Kevin and Laura, as well as their family and friends. The old saying, "Good things happen to good people" was in full effect on their destination wedding weekend. Monsoonal rain clouds came and went throughout their rehearsal and wedding day, but, held off at the last minute for their ceremony. Besides the weather, their entire wedding was good, good, good, and we ended the weekend with a Trash-the-Dress session.

Congratulations Kevin and Laura!

Wedding :: Pamela and Miroslav :: Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA.

2010-05-03T12:55:00.006-06:00

On April 9th, I had the pleasure of photographing for Pamela and Miroslav (aka "Mickey") at their Ritz Carlton wedding in Half Moon Bay, California. Their day was filled with high spirits, amazing weather, and the incredibly scenic Ritz! "All that Jazz" belted out great songs and kept the dance floor packed. I also was fortunate to have Mauricio Arias along as my second shooter and have included some of his images as well.

Congratulations Mickey and Pam!

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Mauricio's image:

Engaged :: Sunny & Ken :: Davis, California

2010-04-15T13:43:00.004-06:00

On my way home from my family's annual Spring Break pilgrimage to San Diego, I stopped through Davis, California, to photograph Sunny and Ken's engagement session. These two recently moved to California because Ken took a position as an engineering professor at UC Davis; Sunny commutes into San Francisco to work in the financial district. Their wedding is going to be held in Lodi this summer at an exclusive winery. We had a great time cruising around their neighborhood, downtown Davis, and took a quick drive into the Central Valley for the sunset...

Wedding :: Kristin & Howie :: Grand Cayman

2010-03-30T20:38:00.015-06:00

When couples decide to have their wedding on a distant and foreign land, far from both their home and the homes of their guests, those who make the journey are typically within the closest circle to the Bride and Groom. As a photographer documenting these weddings which inadvertently pare the attendees to those in the "inner circle," I arrive as an outsider. True, I have the history of either talking with, meeting in person, or photographing engagement images with the couple; sometimes all three. Though, as I arrive an outsider, I am constantly touched by the welcoming spirit that both my "clients" and their guests extend to me in a way that makes me feel part of their crew. As with most weddings, the happiness and exuberance that accompanies friends and family when they arrive on an island like Grand Cayman, is infectious and typically lasts the entire weekend. An example of this is seen when friends from opposite ends of the couples' lives meet and are enjoying one-another's company--as if they had been lifelong friends themselves.

For Howie and Kristin's wedding on Grand Cayman a few weeks ago: everyone was genuinely welcomed, everyone had a fantastic time, everyone left a lifelong friend. Their wedding day was full of smiles, tears, laughter, and excitement. Here are some of their images...

Grand Cayman :: Kristin & Howie :: Day One

2010-03-13T07:28:00.009-07:00

I flew down to Grand Cayman yesterday to photograph Kristin & Howie's destination wedding. Arriving on Grand Cayman is incredibly easy and it's almost like you've never left the States, in that English is the language and the USD is accepted. I hit the ground running--within an hour of landing, their wedding planner Danielle, of Crystal Blue Wedding Studio, whisked us off on a tour of Seven Mile Beach and some favorite spots. After a fun rehearsal dinner, the crew went to Coconut Joe's for some drinks. In the few hours I have been with Kristin, I can tell you she is a very fun ball of fire--and last night she was the life of the party!

Today is wedding day and I'm about to get going, but, thought I'd share a few images from yesterday...

Engaged :: Aaron and Kineta :: San Francisco, California

2010-03-06T22:09:00.005-07:00

One of the most amazing aspects of San Francisco is it's proximity to open spaces. I've spent enough time in the City by the Bay to know that leaving can take ten minutes, or and hour, and in that discrepancy lies a defining characteristic of this city's people--they enjoy sophisticated city life surrounded by natural beauty. I spent last Saturday with two such San Franciscan's, Aaron and Kineta. Aaron reminded me how great his city is in that nearly everything is accessible: food, art, music, and every sport or activity imaginable. Aaron and Kineta are going to be wed on the beach near Crissy Field this June. The famous quote, "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco" is at ends with Aaron, if you ask him, June 5th, 2010, is going to be an amazingly sunny day! Here are some of the engagement images we captured, both North, South, and in San Francisco.

Engaged :: Kristin & Trent :: Boise, Idaho

2010-01-25T10:37:00.006-07:00

I am nearly certain I have said this before--one of the most interesting and fun parts of my job is learning about how couples meet. There are three characters to this story: Kristin, Bride to be; Trent, Groom to be; and Andrea, Kristin's best friend and Maid Of Honor...to be.

Act one: Andrea randomly meets Trent while detoured at a breakfast en route to the Boise airport.
Act two: Andrea calls Kristin and tells her she has just met Kristin's future husband.
Act three: It is three months after Andrea's phone call to Kristin, Halloween night in Downtown Boise, Idaho. Kristin eyes Trent. Trent eyes Kristin. Andrea says, "That is the guy I told you about, the one you are going to marry!"
Act four: The rest is history!

Kristin grew up in Idaho and Trent in California, they both attended rival Universities in Idaho. Kristin and Trent currently live in California and return to Idaho as often as possible. They chose the small mountain town of McCall, Idaho, for their summer wedding as it represents them well: their love of adventures on rivers and in the mountains, their optimism, and it'll bring their families and friends into a beautiful setting. Here are some images from their December 27th, Boise engagement session.

Side note: While Andrea is Kristin's Maid of Honor, Kristin is going to be Andrea's--and I'm lucky enough to be photographing both weddings!

Wedding in McCall, Idaho :: Shawna and Derek

2010-01-15T10:12:00.008-07:00

The weekend before Christmas I traveled to McCall, Idaho, to photograph Shawna and Derek's intimate wedding. Shawna and Derek rented a private home in Tamarack for their ceremony and reception. About thirty of their closest family members and friends traveled through some crazy weather to attend and were rewarded with a beautiful ceremony, and a fun receptions with a well stocked bar, a fantastic meal prepared by Chef Nikki Humphries of Edible Arts, and finally dancing and gambling. Congratulations Shawna & Derek!

Wedding :: Amy and Jeff :: San Francisco, California

2009-12-16T21:43:00.008-07:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving I was fortunate enough to work for Amy and Jeff photographing their San Francisco wedding at St. Ignacius Cathedral Church and their reception at the Officer's Club in the Presidio. Amy and Jeff are grade school sweethearts and because they have been in love for so long, have wonderful families, and incredible friends--it was difficult to distinguish their guests as either family or friends. Their wedding was a hometown wedding: Amy's parents still live in the house she grew up in and is where she got ready for her wedding. Because Jeff got prepped with his boys across town near Union Square, I was grateful to have Dave Getzschman along to cover those moments--and to have his wonderful skills with us for their ceremony and reception. The Officer's club handled their 250+ guests with ease and their DJ filled the dancefloor for many hours. Congratulations Amy and Jeff! Here are some teasers from Dave and I...

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Dave's shot:

Engaged :: Laura and Kevin :: Denver, Colorado

2009-12-14T19:53:00.003-07:00

Laura and Kevin were kind enough to fly me to their home, Denver, Colorado, this past weekend for their engagement photos. We caught the afternoon light at "Garden of the Gods" before heading into Denver for dinner and some low light photography. The time I spent with Laura and Kevin was really fun--they were always laughing and having a good time. I am looking forward to traveling down to the Riviera Maya this Spring to photograph their destination wedding!

Engaged :: Pam & Mickey :: San Francisco

2009-12-11T08:28:00.006-07:00

I pulled up to Pam and Mickey's place on a warm and golden late November afternoon that could only have occurred in California. It was so fine a day, we just started walking and capturing images of them in their neighborhood--as they live a block from the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina district. At sunset, we headed over the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands, then, after the sun sank into the Pacific we wandered around downtown for food and more images. It was a great time getting to know these two. Pam and Mickey are getting married in a Catholic Church south of San Francisco this Spring with their reception held at the Ritz Carleton in Half Moon Bay! Here are some of their engagement photos...

Engaged :: Shawna and Derek :: Calistoga, California

2009-12-09T20:18:00.007-07:00

A few weeks back, I met up with Shawna and Derek in Calistoga for their engagement session. We started early Sunday morning in Calistoga where they had escaped the city for a romantic weekend. Though the weather report called for sunny skies, clouds were low and a fine mist filled the air. The good people at Schramsberg Vineyard allowed us to photograph around their property and in one of their caves before we headed south stopping a few times en route to Sausalito; where we enjoyed lunch and some photographs under the Golden Gate Bridge. I'll be photographing Derek and Shawna's wedding in McCall, Idaho, the weekend after next. It'll be a white wedding as the snow has already begun to fall!

Engaged :: Carrie and Ryan :: San Francisco Bay Area

2009-12-03T21:14:00.005-07:00

I first met Carrie and Ryan when I photographed their friends Alice & John wedding earlier this year. I was honored that Carrie and Ryan liked Alice & John's images enough to ask if I would shoot their wedding this Spring at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, I enjoyed the afternoon cruising around the East Bay cities of Emeryville and Berkeley photographing them for their engagement photos. Here are some of the images we captured...

Engaged :: Colleen and Jordan :: Berkeley, California

2009-12-01T21:28:00.005-07:00

Colleen and Jordan are going to be married up here in Sun Valley this coming summer as Colleen's family has enjoyed coming here for years. Since they live in the Bay Area and I was there over the Thanksgiving holiday, we decided to shoot their engagement session in the Berkeley area as they both met while attending the University of California at Berkeley. I really enjoy engagement sessions as I get the chance to know the incredible couples I photograph--and they get used to being in front of the camera(s)! Cruising around with Colleen and Jordan was no different--it was a great time. Aside from the images on campus, we enjoyed an amazing sunset and sneaking around the Claremont...

Four Engagements and a Wedding

2009-11-30T12:18:00.004-07:00

I'm just wrapping up a week in San Francisco where I photographed four engagement sessions and a wedding. Check back soon as lots of photos are going to be posted! Here is one from Colleen and Jordan's Berkeley engagement session....

Wedding :: Kim and Dave :: Stanley, Idaho

2009-11-03T19:22:00.004-07:00

Kim and Dave met while fighting forest fires here in Idaho. I should say that forest fighters are a clan all their own--a good, well intentioned, rowdy group of people! So, it was no surprise that Kim & Dave had a really fun wedding up in Stanley. Their wedding day was a rare, beautiful and warm, October day. Their reception was a swing dance marathon with pretty women being swung in every direction to the great Honkey Tonk music of the Jeremiah James Gang. Congratulations Kim & Dave!

Wedding - Ahmed & Natasha - San Francisco, California

2009-10-23T08:21:00.013-06:00

I grew up near San Francisco and enjoy traveling back any chance I get. So, when Brett Butterstein asked if I would photograph a wedding with him, I didn't hesitate. I covered Ahmed getting ready while Brett spent the morning with Natasha and we converged for their ceremony and reception. It's coincidental that this wedding showcased Ahmed's amazing drum skills as last week Bran blew his guests away on guitar--two professional musician grooms back to back! Isabella Boyer Sikaffy, owner of Florabella, planned this wedding with such incredible attention to detail and grace in the execution--both Brett and I were amazed. In all, Ahmed and Natasha's wedding was wonderfully colorful, full of tradition, and festive--it was a very fine wedding celebration!

Wedding :: Michelle & Bran :: La Caille, Salt Lake City, Utah

2009-10-06T15:33:00.008-06:00

Michelle & Bran's wedding at La Caille in Salt Lake City was incredibly enjoyable for Jared and I to photograph--emotional, colorful, and exciting. These two put together an amazing day bringing together traditional ceremonies and events that highlighted both their cultures and their interests. One of the highlights for me was when Bran and two of his band mates played half a dozen songs for their guests--the guy is a world class musician. Congratulations Bran & Michelle!

Jared's:

Jared's:

Jared's:

Jared's:

Jared's:

Jared's:

Jared's:

Wedding :: Rachel and Larry :: Stanley, Idaho

2009-09-23T21:02:00.009-06:00

Every wedding is a destination wedding. For me, living in the Rockies, I often only think of a destination wedding as one on the Yucatan Peninsula or in Costa Rica--somewhere tropical. For the East Coast crew that Rachel and Larry brought out, my favorite "Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch" was their destination wedding. The picturesque mountains, rushing Salmon River, soothing hot springs, and the dusty small town of Stanley set the backdrop for their wedding weekend. It was a wedding that brought people together and gave them time to get to know one another--it was also a great party. Congratulations Larry & Rachel!

Friday evening:

The Great Muzzie Braun played all weekend

Sunset over the Sawtooths

Wedding Day:

Rise & shine/git yer ass outta bed for a hike!

Wedding :: Autumn & James :: Ketchum, Idaho

2009-09-17T13:46:00.006-06:00

As it was with Adam & Tess, I met up with Autumn and James a week before their wedding to shoot their engagement session. We hit up the Southern part of our valley and headed over to the lava flows just before Craters of the Moon National Monument. Then, on September 5th, we met up for their wedding. Autumn was born and raised here in the Wood River Valley and James hails from Philly. These two brought together a great crew and had a fantastic time riding a school bus up to the Wagon Days parade and having their reception at a private home in Gimlet. Congratulations Autumn and James, here are some of your images!

Wedding :: Adam & Tess :: Ketchum, Idaho

2009-09-03T10:56:00.005-06:00

Adam & Tess flew in from Tennessee to be married here in Ketchum. We met up the Monday before their wedding day to shoot some engagement photos. Tess used to live in Ketchum, working at a local fly fishing shop, but Adam had only visited in the winter. So, the week prior to their wedding was a mix of adventures that included teaching Adam how to fish. At the engagement session, Adam mentioned he was likely to start his wedding day on the river and I said I'd like to photograph this. I was blown away that after partying the night before he called me at 5:45 a.m. to say he'd be on the water by 7 with some friends--a true fisherman! Tess & Adam rented a property in the Gimlet area just South of Ketchum for both their ceremony and reception. The home transformed itself wonderfully and their wedding day was filled with good moments catching up with friends and family, touching toasts, and a fun dance floor!

A few engagement photos (image above and next two):

Wedding day images:

Wedding :: Courtney & Jon :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2009-08-10T09:13:00.006-06:00

Whether it be a change in weather, a religious tradition, or a Navy fighter pilot--new is always enjoyable for a wedding photographer! So, it was fun when Jon wore his whites to marry Courtney this past Sunday at Trail Creek in Sun Valley. Their wedding was filled with great people. A first occurred on the dance floor--a push up contest (I'll leave the results confidential to avoid embarrassment)! Fanny Horn at Sun Valley and Amanda Seaward both worked their planning skills seemlessly, DJ Lenny did a great job spinning all the right tunes, and mother nature kept her thundershowers at bay until we all were under the tent enjoying a fabulous dinner! CONGRATS Courtney & Jon.

Wedding :: Emma & William :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2009-08-03T15:28:00.006-06:00

Emma & William, aka. "B," were married here in Sun Valley at Trail Creek Cabin this past Friday. I was there with Jared as my second to photograph their wedding and we both had a blast doing so. Emma & B had just about 400 of their friends and family in attendance and from the number of bodies on the dance floor, it seemed that everyone had an incredible time. Here are some of my images from their day and I'll be posting some of Jared's as soon as they arrive!

Wedding :: Jessica & Chris :: McCall, Idaho

2009-07-22T14:55:00.008-06:00

Jessica and Chris had initially reserved the chapel at Tamarack Resort for their wedding celebration and had to completely change gears about six months ago when Tamarack went belly up into foreclosure! They both did a great job, stuck with McCall, Idaho, and found beautiful Jug Mountain Ranch as their venue. Jessica had her hair and makeup done at Spa Del Sol, then headed to Jug Mountain to set up with their wedding party. Everything went off without a hitch and it was great working for these two! Here are some photos from their day....

Destination Wedding :: Clara & Gabriel :: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

2009-07-07T21:00:00.012-06:00

I love asking couples how they met. Of all the couples I've asked, Clara & Gabriel's first encounter has been the most amazing...

Gabriel and Clara worked for the same company while they lived in San Francisco--only they worked on different floors and in different departments. Basically, only payroll connected the two of them together. Clara had put in her notice that she was leaving the company and on her last day of work she and Gabriel entered the same elevator together; remember, they'd never met before. I don't know the specifics, whether they simply said, "Hello," or if this chance encounter had more substance? Regardless, they got off at their different floors and went to work for the day. Here is where it get's good! Chance had it that they both entered the same elevator on the way down at the end of the day. Chance also had it as they both had suitcases with them and were both headed for SFO! On the way down they struck up conversation, decided to share a cab to the airport, exchanged digits along the way--and the rest is history! I love it--perfect. The only other thing that is so incredible is that on the day Gabriel proposed to Clara, they were treated to a spectacular sunset. Then, as you'll see on this post--another sunset blessed them on their wedding day!

Photographing Clara & Gabriel's wedding day down on Isla Mujeres was magical. The day started out overcast and by 2pm the clouds had opened up with monsoonal rain showers. I found myself with the incredible task of holding an umbrella in one hand and photographing with the other! Clara & Gabriel never missed a beat and kept such a great attitude throughout the downpour. Miraculously, the clouds parted with less than an hour before their ceremony and as mentioned, everyone was treated to a spectacular sunset. The party kept on till Zama's closed down with folks partying for about 5 hours!

Ok, ok, I'm a photographer--enough of these words, here are some photos!

Destination Wedding :: Clara & Gabriel :: The Day Before The Big Day, Isla Mujeres

2009-07-02T14:08:00.006-06:00

Today was one of those days that I had to pinch myself to make sure all of this was real. First, Gabriel & Clara chartered a catamaran off Isla Mujeres and took 60 of their guests on a snorkeling cruise. The day was incredible and the open bar was a treat--to most! We came back, rested for two hours, then took the ferry back to Cancun where Clara's father hosted a party for everyone. Federico, who owns Taller Gourmet, put together an amazing meal representing the many different flavors from across Mexico and the ten piece band belted out all kinds of great music and the only bummer was that we had to catch the 11:30 shuttle back or we'd be sleeping on the dock benches. That said, the party continued on at the now termed, "Club 707." I'll mention how Clara and Gabriel met in the next post--too perfect.

Destination Wedding :: Clara & Gabriel :: Arrival Day, Isla Mujeres

2009-07-02T13:32:00.008-06:00

Ahhh, Isla Mujeres! Golf carts and scooters. Palm trees, white sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, blue and green tropical waters. If your don't have a margarita in your hand, it's because you are probably headed to the bar for another. I met up with Clara & Gabriel today to start photographing their destination wedding. This evening they held their rehearsal out at the Zama Beach Club and then hosted a welcome dinner at Rolandi's and then headed back to their Hotel and suite 707 for a bit more fun. I'll share more about this great couple in the next two posts! The favorites from this evening...

Wedding :: Naomi & Brad :: Galena Lodge, Idaho

2009-06-22T07:47:00.006-06:00

I'm starting to sound all too redundant writing about how great of people the Brides and Grooms I've been working for, but, thankfully, it is true. So, to keep my job at the department of redundancy department--Naomi & Brad are truly awesome people! This past Saturday's weather was cold and wet. At time there were cloud burst rain squalls. The original plan for Naomi & Brad was for their ceremony to be in Senate Meadows, but, the conditions didn't permit this and they moved everyone inside little Galena Lodge--without missing a beat. Their chuppah just fit and you'd have never known that anything had changed. Their crew got down on the dance floor and it made for a great party. I'll leave you with a quote that Naomi's sister said in her toast. One that especially struck a chord with Brad...

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” -Edward Abbey

Congratulation Naomi & Brad!

Engaged :: Amy & Jeff :: Lake Tahoe, California

2009-06-15T13:30:00.007-06:00

I first met Amy & Jeff at Matt & Rene's wedding last summer which was up at Redfish Lake near Stanley, Idaho. When I got the call from Amy asking if I would be interested in shooting their San Francisco wedding this Thanksgiving holiday--I was incredibly flattered! After being down in the Bay Area photographing Alice & John's wedding (previous post), I invited Amy & Jeff up to Lake Tahoe for their engagement photos. As the date approached, it became obvious we'd be under overcast and perhaps threatening skies. Amy & Jeff didn't back down! So, we hit up Truckee, King's Beach, Tahoe City and used Lake Tahoe and all its splendor as our backdrop. Amy & Jeff's wedding is going to be off the charts with their ceremony at St. Ignatius and then the reception at the Officer's Club in the Presidio! Here are some favorites from Tahoe...

Wedding :: Alice & John :: San Francisco Bay Area

2009-06-09T14:49:00.010-06:00

A little over a week ago, on May 30th, I was down in San Francisco photographing John & Alice's wedding with Jared Boyd as my second shooter. If everyone on earth were as welcoming, generous, loving, and happy as Alice & John, the nightly news anchors on TV would be reporting about all the good in life. So, needless to say--it was a complete pleasure to work for the Vuong's.

As with their engagement session--they planned a fabulous day. At the hotel, John's bid to win Alice from her friends and family was hilarious. Their ceremony at Nestldown was gorgeous. Then, at their reception at the ABC Restaurant in Foster City, the Lion Dance, Sponge Bob pinata, and a bottle game I had never seen before had their guests well entertained with some folks in tears!

Thank you John & Alice--CONGRATULATIONS!

Here is their slideshow followed by some favorites...

Boyd Photo:

Boyd Photo:

Boyd Photo:

Engaged :: Naomi & Brad :: City of Rocks, Idaho

2009-05-19T19:17:00.003-06:00

There is no time like the last minute. Naomi, Brad, and I had been trying to set a date our engagement session for a while, when, last week I mentioned that I would be down at the City of Rocks with my family over the weekend and would love to have them down for their session as they love the City as well. It worked out and we were able to get out early Sunday morning and catch the rising sun. Naomi & Brad are going to be married up in Senate Meadows at Galena Lodge in about four weeks. With this years long lived snowpack, we'll hopefully be enjoying their ceremony surrounded by tall green grasses and snowy mountain peaks!

Wedding :: Josh & Cassy :: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2009-04-29T11:18:00.013-06:00

A famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is, "The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it." I must say that during Josh & Cassy's wedding weekend in Cabo San Lucas thier house was quite ornamental! One of the pleasantries of wedding photography is getting to meet the inner circle of family and friends of my clients and this wedding was no exception. Jared Boyd, my second photographer on this trip, and I were welcomed into their circle and allowed to photograph without limitation. We spent Thursday through Saturday with Josh, Cassy, their son, Brandon, and their guests at the house, on a cruise, downtown Cabo, on the beach, in the water surfing, and in every minute of the weekend--everyone was happy. It was a good time and a great wedding--congrats Josh & Cassy!

Here is their slideshow followed by some favorites:

THURSDAY NIGHT:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

SATURDAY:

Engaged :: Emma & B :: Wendell, Idaho

2009-04-18T21:03:00.004-06:00

I headed South to Wendell, Idaho, this past Friday morning to spend a few hours photographing Emma and B's engagement photos. These two both grew up on ranches, Emma in Idaho and B near Bakersfield, California. Emma's ranch is along the edge of the Snake River canyon which we used as a backdrop along with other areas around the property. These two are getting married here in Sun Valley at Trail Creek Cabin at the end of July. I'm really looking forward to spending time with them--they are so easy going and just plain happy! Here are a few images...

Engaged :: Alice & John :: San Francisco

2009-03-24T21:59:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday I met up with Alice & John for their engagement photo session in San Francisco. Alice & John planned a spectacular day that included stops in the Marin headlands and Napa valley. A rain storm was on our heals throughout the day. However, our timing was perfect and as we got into our cars after each stop--drops would just be starting to fall! It was a true pleasure getting to know these two kind and generous people. If their wedding planning (and timing) goes any where near as good as the other day, the wedding is going to be an amazing event!

Wedding :: Connie & Tom :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2009-03-11T10:27:00.003-06:00

This past Friday I photographed Connie & Tom's wedding up in Sun Valley. They had their ceremonies and reception at Elkhorn's new restaurant. I say ceremonies (plural) because Connie's family is from South Korea and we all had the pleasure of experiencing a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. Their friends and family flew in from around the world to attend their wedding and spend the days prior skiing up on Baldy. After DJ Lenny finished spinning tracks, the party moved over to the Casino! Here are a few images from Connie & Tom's day...

Here is their slideshow:

Engagement :: Jessica & Chris :: Ketchum, Idaho

2009-02-21T19:23:00.002-07:00

I'm going to have the privilege of photographing Jessica and Chris' wedding this Fourth of July at Tamarack Resort near McCall, Idaho. Today, they drove in from Boise and we headed out for their engagement photos. It was a great time getting to know Jessica & Chris & their two dogs, Hailey & Stanley. We photographed North of Ketchum at the 4H cabin & Billy's Bridge area, as well as inside the city limits. Ketchum is a super small town and I am always trying to find new places to photograph as I do not like replicating shots. It was fun finding some new backdrops in places I hadn't looked before. Here are some of their shots...

Rise and Shine for some Backcountry Skiing

2009-02-11T10:48:00.002-07:00

My alarm went off at 3:50 a.m. the other morning. I tried to set it low enough so as to not wake my wife. I snuck out of the bedroom, got dressed into some ski clothes next to the laundry room, and hoped not to wake the neighbors when the car turned over. I went out back country skiing with a few friends out near Triumph, Idaho. It had been a long time since I'd seen the sun rise from a mountain top. Here are some images....

Wedding :: Kailie & Kevin :: Sun Valley, Idaho

2009-02-05T08:45:00.003-07:00

Just before I left for Mexico I received a phone call from Jane McCann who is another local photographer here in the Wood River Valley. She called asking if I could cover a wedding for her as she had broken her right wrist--her shooting wrist. I had the date free and was able to help out. And so I was able to meet and photograph Kailie and Kevin, their friends and family, who were a hoot (I don't think I've used that word on my blog before) to work for! They were up for anything, even an impromptu stop at a laundromat en route to their reception. Here are some of their images. Congratulations Kaile & Kevin!

Destination Wedding :: Sarah & Scott :: Tulum, Mexico

2009-01-22T08:25:00.008-07:00

Mexico weddings are a blast and Sarah & Scott's held true to this fact. These two live in Chicago as well as most of their friends and family. So, leaving single digit temps and arriving in Cancun where it was in the 70's made for a nice winter escape. Everyone stayed at Dreams Tulum which is an all inclusive resort--just your room fee and everything else is on the house. Scott & Sarah threw a fantastic wedding and their crew got down on the dance floor to a great cover band which played on the beach, Sarah's mom swam in the ocean (photos omitted for her reputation!), and the party continued over to Dream's "Desires" night club. Here is a preview of the photography I captured from their wedding day. I'll most likely be adding images from the days prior later this week.

Thanks a million Scott & Sarah--congrats!

Before their BIG day :: Sarah & Scott :: Tulum, Mexico

2009-01-16T23:45:00.001-07:00

When you stay at Dreams Tulum, there really isn't any reason to leave--so, we didn't! Scott & Sarah's family and friends spent the day before their wedding hangin' around the beach, bar, pool, bar, beach, bar...you catch my drift. Their rehearsal dinner was at the Seaside Grill and was followed by one of the hottest bon fires I have ever stood next to. Here are some of their images...

Pulling into Tulum, Mexico

2009-01-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

I pulled into Tulum tonight, unpacked, and was shooting within 20 minutes! Scott and Sarah have hired me down to shoot their wedding weekend and they met up with some family and friends at one of the bars at their resort, Dreams Tulum. It was a fun night for everyone: reunions, karaoke, whips, and lots of smiles! Here are some pics....

2008 Wedding Year in Pictures

2008-12-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

What a year 2008 has become! It has been such a blast working for the amazing couples whose weddings I've been fortunate to photograph. In all, I photographed 21 weddings, both big and small, in Idaho, Montana, & California. As I did last year, I have put together a slide show highlighting some of my favorite images which you can watch below. Thanks to all the great couples, their family and friends!

Wedding :: Stacy & Randy :: Hailey, Idaho

2008-12-27T08:50:00.002-07:00

Stacy & Randy rented a home between Hailey and Ketchum for their ceremony and just barely made it into town because of all the snow we've had. Her dad even brought along his ATV in case his truck got stuck! All their family and friends were seated and accounted for as their ceremony started. I was hired for just two hours to photograph a bit of time before their ceremony, the ceremony, and then some portraits--and had to hit the ground running as preperations were in full swing. Congratulations Stacy & Roger! Here are some of your images....

WPJA Q3 Contest

2008-12-14T13:38:00.003-07:00

This past week the WPJA announced the Q3 contest results. I placed 7th in the details category with an image from Amy & Dave's wedding! I have the image posted below, however, if you would like to see more images from this contest, visit the WPJA by clicking HERE.