Fashion Inspired Couture

I've worked with Tiffany before........so when the opportunity to shoot at a totally cool, run down, yet historic location presented itself, I knew she would be perfect! Tiffany exudes glamour with a bit of an edge, so I applied a dramatic make up with equal emphasis on her eyes and lips. Tiff was a blast to work with, and happy to run around in the dust (and stand in dark places) for the sake of creating art. Here are a few of my favorites!

Willow and Cesar

Willow and Cesar were married on a gorgeous October day at the Historic Sonoma Mission. The celebration began the day before with a fabulous picnic. Guests enjoyed a bright sunny day, wonderful food, music, wine, and laughter! Willow was a beautiful and sophisticated bride. It was truly a blessing to be a part of their amazing day, and to create images that captured the love between them! Many happy years to you both!

You can view a slideshow of this wedding here.

Napa Valley Florist

Two weeks ago, I shot the most amazing Wedding at the historic Sonoma Mission. ( A post on that wedding will be coming soon!)
I couldn't help but notice how unique and amazing the bride's fower arrangement was. When we arrived at Estate for the reception, I was truly impressed with how the wedding's theme was carried out in every floral arrangement. Just stunning! The bride worked closely with Polly Harrington of Valley Flora, who according to my client "was a dream to work with".

Sonoma is especially beautiful this time of year. I was thrilled when I spied this darling pumpkin patch on the way to a wedding in September..............and just had to go there with the kids. We went twice, once in September, and then a few weeks later mid October. The first time, Sophie was only interested in eating the hay. I couldn't get her to look at me at all, but she looked so adorable surrounded by pumpkins and sunflowers! Last week, we decided to go back with her halloween costume.........an adorable pink bunny. And yes, she still wanted to eat hay!

Beach Wedding at the Hotel Del

Hollywood Producers Adam and Claudia with Joss Media, celebrated their wedding at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. It was a beautiful yet unassuming celebration that I enjoyed being a part of. They had a small and intimate ceremony surrounded by their family and dearest friends.

The Hotel Del is always a great choice for a wedding, as the grounds are extensive, it's on the beach, and of course, there are numerous places within the hotel to utilize for photography. I love it most during the weekdays when it is less crowded!

Matt and Kane with Northstar Session, a local band in LA, and close friends with the Groom, performed the opening songs. Their music can be heard on PBS "Roadtrip Nation" and Discovery Channel's "Surgery Saved my Life", to name a few.

The ceremony was officiated by Grant with A Beautiful Wedding. I have worked with Grant and Renate numerous times, and they always do such an amazing job. My favorite part of the ceremony was the hand washing ritual.........so beautiful.

The flowers were done by LaVonne at Adorations , and were just stunning. Claudia had asked for a classic yet beachy look, and the end result couldn't have been more perfect!

Many happy years to you both!

They grow up so fast!

My son Jake started kindergarten on Monday. It's taken all week for me to adjust to our new routine. I would have preferred the afternoon schedule, but the teacher we wanted was in the morning..........so I will just have to get into bed earlier! Jake is doing great and loves school. Today he "let" me leave right away after 3 hugs and kisses............
Here's my little man on the first day!

Details, Details, Details!

What wedding photographer doesn't love photographing details on the wedding day!!?? The dress, the flowers, the ring.............and oh yes, the shoes!!

Lauren and Nic

Here's a few from Lauren and Nic's wedding! They were married at Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon. It was really amazing and somewhat surreal to photograph their wedding, because I've known Lauren since she was 5 years old. Needless to say, I was really excited when they hired me to capture their special day!

Beautiful Lashes for Brides

In the 10 years I've been operating my spa, I have tried many different product lines. To date, Jan Marini Skin Research continues to stand out as a phenominal product line formulated to produce amazing results. In this article, I will be sharing with you some of my favorite products. To prepare your skin for the wedding day and beyond, a comprehensive skin care program designed for your skin's specific needs is ideal. Contact me for more information, or to place an order through my spa.

Marini Lash™ NEW! A Non-prostaglandin Eyelash Formulation Containing a Proprietary Peptide and Other Essential Factors* In 2005 Jan Marini Skin Research revolutionized eyelash enhancement with a technological first that inspired a host of imitators. Now, JMSR sets the pace again by introducing a proprietary and spectacular non-prostaglandin eyelash formulation that has surpassed even our expectations. Our research uncovered a recently discovered proprietary peptide which when combined with other essential factors produces extraordinary eyelash and brow enhancement. Case study subjects have all demonstrated the most remarkable results yet. Now you can enjoy amazingly gorgeous, dense and lush eyelashes….the eyelashes of your dreams from Jan Marini Skin Research. .23 oz. mascara-style tube with eyeliner brush applicator (one tube lasts about six months) * Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist safety tested

Bioclear® Cream and Lotion For Multifaceted Dramatic Resurfacing Bioclear is a revolutionary cream that targets multifaceted resurfacing for all skin types. This versatile product has remarkable anti-aging and skin resurfacing properties and is also remarkably beneficial for adult acne. Our proprietary research has resulted in a formula that produces exceptional benefits for acne, acne scarring, inflammation, discoloration, enlarged follicle openings, textural changes and the appearance of wrinkling and textural changes due to cumulative sun exposure. Cream: 1 oz. jarLotion: 1 oz locking pump containerI have never developed a more versatile product. Bioclear has amazing resurfacing capabilities. Your skin looks airbrushed! —

Jan MariniTransformation CreamContaining TGF Beta-1, Thymosin Beta-4, Pentapeptides GM and GD, and VEGF Suitable for Any Skin Type Jan Marini Skin Research presents a powerful anti-aging technology that combines two newly developed Pentapeptides with Thymosin beta-4, Transformation Growth Factor beta-1, and Vascular Growth Factor. Transformation Cream utilizes ingredients specifically tailored to signal certain activities, including the rebuilding and repair of damaged cells, in order to maintain and augment the appearance of youthful, healthy skin. The Transformation Cream formula features a superb moisturizing base containing advanced supplemental agents such as Hyaluronic Acid and Nayad™, along with selected protective emollients. The lightly emollient cream is suitable for any skin type and absorbs immediately, leaving a silky and refined texture. Users will experience a more refined, smoother-looking skin texture and a significant decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 1 oz. jar8 oz. jar Clinical/Professional use only

Age Intervention® Enlighten With Retinol Provides a More Refined, Resurfaced and Illuminated Facial Texture Discoloration and uneven skin tones can age the look of facial skin just as dramatically as lines and wrinkles. Overly pigmented facial areas that may occur due to melasma, cumulative sun exposure, and ethnicity are some of the most common and difficult to treat concerns. Age Intervention Enlighten is a remarkable new composition that brightens and encourages the uniform appearance of facial discoloration – even stubborn hyperpigmentation. Enlighten contains a combination of two exceptional topical agents that address the appearance of facial discoloration. Plus, we have included Retinol, a superior retinoid that discourages the production of excess melanin and assists in resolving the appearance of existing facial discoloration. Retinol is also a potent anti-aging tool that provides a more refined, resurfaced and illuminated facial texture. Enlighten combines exceptional brightening technology with de-aging agents that result in the refined, rejuvenating and illuminated skin we all want. 1 oz. pump

To order call: 858-342-3671

Bridal Couture Sessions!

I'm so excited to announce that I have officially added a Bridal Couture Collection to my list of services! My first official Couture Shots were with Jennifer. Jennifer was a gorgeous and fun bride who did tons of acting on stage. She felt really comfortable in front of the camera and we did an impromptu "boudoir session" on her wedding day during the getting ready phase.

I was immediately hooked on creating such beautiful images. Naturally, as more of this type of work surfaced on my website, I received more calls from brides who were interested in being photographed this way on their wedding day.............and from those who wanted to do a session pre-wedding.

To celebrate, I decided to dig into my archived files for some of those shots that started it all...........and create this piece.
Thanks Jennifer!
Shannon

Wedding Vow Magazine

One of my favorite weddings from 2007 was recently featured in Wedding Vow Magazine. The wedding was at the gorgeous Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, Ca. You've seen Sarah and Jeramy on my website, but here's a look at the article!