Sarah & Wes // Wine Country Wedding // Sonoma, CA
This gorgeous couple came to us through our dear friend Albany, who works for our favorite photo lab––Richard Photo Lab. What an honor it is for a fellow photographer to recommend us for her friend's wedding!
Starting the day at Sarah’s house in beautiful Sonoma was an epic treat. Her home is a wine country-wonder, complete with that perfectly-rustic feeling and grand views all around. We showed up early and were greeted by a cheerful Sarah who exclaimed, “Yay! So nice to meet you… I am ready to go”.
Full stop. What!? This was a first for us as––nine times out of ten––it is often the brides getting-ready time that runs late and sets the day’s schedule askew. But not this bride! Sarah is a teacher, and thus, is always on her A-game. (PS: teachers are superheroes).
Despite her eagerness, we could also tell that she was very nervous (as most people are on the morning of their wedding day! This is why we always recommend a first-look. Shake off those jitters, share an intimate moment––first-looks all the way. Your partner will still be thrilled to see you coming down the aisle!) Sarah and Wes shared a first-look at The General’s Daughter in downtown Sonoma.
Once Wes saw his bride, the two of them started crying, and that was how it was the rest of the day. Backtrack to the first look for Sarah’s dad. Gary was hustling to put on his coat after being told to be ready by basically every member of his family. We went outside to get him ready and staged outside on the balcony, which took some figuring out, as we faced some harsh highlights from the midday sun.
Gary was very patient with our adjustments, and when Sarah tapped him on the shoulder for his first glance at his daughter on her wedding day, Gary hesitated, remarking when he finally turned to face Sarah, “Oh, it’s you! I thought it’d be Michaela moving me all around again!” And with that, they began to dance together on the balcony.
The ceremony took place at their local church. We admittedly always get nervous with churches––sometimes they’re incredibly dark, and oftentimes we’re not allowed to use flash! Luckily, this one had plentiful windows and, thus, was bright and lovely. You could tell that the pastor had known Sarah for quite a long time––her whole life, I’m sure! He led a very personal and unique ceremony where he wandered around the entire church giving great advice and making people laugh.
Although it was unexpectedly hot that day, family portraits outside were a breeze! To our surprise, the amazing wedding planner, Cierra, picked up our portrait list and began to help us wrangle the family for a painless portrait session. We are always incredibly grateful when the planner steps up to help us with this, as this is generally the most stressful part of the day, and getting it finished in a timely and easy manner is our M.O.
The reception took place next door at Ramekins. It was a first for Tim and me to photograph their event space, although we have always thoroughly enjoyed their catering services at events in the area. Their outdoor-garden-turned-cocktail-area was divine. We moved inside for dinner and, naturally, fun ensued. From epic speeches to silly dances and the BEST father daughter dance-off, we adored these two and their families.
Well-wishes to Sarah and Wes––thank you for having us capture your special day!
Thank you to our fellow creatives!
Planner | Something Borrowed Weddings
Floral Design | Steele Designs
Hair & MUA | Crush Beauty Bar
Reception & Catering | Ramekins Sonoma
Film Scan & Process | Richard Photo Lab
Film | Kodak Professional
