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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Yosemite Under the Stars
May 24, 2011
| Landscape | Personal
Saturday night, after a long day spent with two wonderful people that married in Yosemite, I was driving out of the park when I couldn't help but be amazed once again by the beauty of Yosemite Valley. I've always said how thankful I am to be able to visit and work in the park throughout the year; each season covers Yosemite in an entirely new set of clothes. Every time I come up to Yosemite, there is something new and special.

Anyone who has spent anytime here knows how special it can be just to stop what you are doing, and lay down in a meadow to soak in the beauty. At no time can this be more true than at night. On a first glance, everything is pitch black. But as your eyes adjust, the sky takes on color, the water reflects the movement of the stars, the sounds of the night permeate everything. So the next time you are in Yosemite, take a walk at night and then turn your lights off. You'll be amazed at what you find.

yosemite star trails.jpg

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derek lapsley says: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

the different colors are insanely cool! are those straight lines (dots) going from the top left to center bottom airplane lights?
Patrick says: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Thanks Derek! Yep, the straight red lights are from an airplane. Pretty cool how the blinking pattern gets more pronounced as the plane gets closer too. Of course, I wish there were no planes flying over Yosemite, but that's another thing...
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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Holly and Chris
May 20, 2011
| Elopements | Weddings
Even though we were all together in Yosemite for the afternoon, Holly and Chris were all alone. It really was just the two of them, in each others arm, whispering in each others ears, and walking hand in hand through the meadows. At least that is what I saw on their faces. Everywhere we went there was a childlike playfulness with both of them. Pure love and thankfulness for the chance to share their lives with each other.

A few days earlier Holly and Chris traveled from the beaches of Florida to Yosemite, to exchange their vows in a place neither had never been before. Holly is an incredibly talented wedding photographer herself, so it was pretty cool to me that when she planned her wedding she decided to elope. I think it really says something about a couple when you are around high-end weddings all the time and choose a simple wedding for yourself. Of course when they planned this all out, they probably never thought that it would be freezing cold and snowing, but to me it just adds to the beauty of their wedding.

On their wedding day Yosemite was in motion. Clouds raced across the sky at one moment blocking the sun, the next showering us in hail. Moments before their ceremony it was raining, but it stopped long enough for Holly and Chris to exchange their vows at the edge of Cook's Meadow. The ceremony was all about them; when it came time for them to share their vows, both Rev. Autrey Nassar and I stepped away for them. While I did not listen to their vows, the love on their faces said all that needed to be said.

After their ceremony we continued to travel around Yosemite valley a bit as the weather continued to change around us. It left us with snow capped mountains, dramatic light, and gorgeous skies; all for Holly and Chris to enjoy. It was amazing to see so many different faces of Yosemite. 

Small weddings really are beautiful things. I keep saying how special it is to strip a wedding down to it's core, the love between two people, and focus on just that. Holly and Chris are wonderful people, deeply in love and devoted to each other. The funny thing was though, that even if it had been snowing during their ceremony that would have been okay too. So long as as they had each other, everything else was small stuff.

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Holly's Website: Holly Clarke Photography


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Holly says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Patrick - WOW, I don't even know what to say. When I saw that you posted this we were out and about and I begged some poor lady to borrow her computer so I could glance at these really quickly. Now that we're looking at them I can't stop staring at each one. Thank you for capturing us so perfectly. You were a joy to work with and so much fun. We could not be happier. There is always a place for you and your family to stay in sunny FL!
Chris says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thanks so much! the pictures are absolutely amazing. Thanks for all the extra effort- and I'll send some Florida beers your way as soon as we get back. - Chris
Tannen says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Incredible pictures, and I really enjoyed reading the story of your day together. What a nice way to start your life together! Thanks to Patrick for caturing my friends, their beauty, and their hearts...
Patrick says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thank you Holly and Chris so much for letting me be a part of this special day! Always treasure these photographs and let them remind you of why you had these smiles on your faces. I hope to join you one day in the future for that beer in Florida - cheers.
Patrick says: Friday, May 20, 2011

Thank you so much for sharing the love and your kind words Tannen!
John says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

These photos are gorgeous! No, they are stunning!! Better than our wildest dreams.

Thanks so much for doing this.
Ann says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

We were so pleased to see these amazing pictures today. What a magnificent display of God's handiwork. Thank you for documenting and sharing pictures of our precious son and his beautiful bride!
Linda Lee says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

What absolutely beautiful pictures! Holly and Chris, you show the joy of your love in your faces, and the magnificent scenery just adds to the beauty of your wedding. You will cherish these pictures for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations and best wishes. We are so looking forward to celebrating at your party....!!!
Cliff - Jacksonville says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Holly and Chris made Yosemite even more beautiful.
Carol Cardinale says: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Fabulous! Holly and Chris were such amazing people Patrick! You truly captured every nuance of their love!
On another note Holly and Chris...I met a friend of yours at a wedding in Wawona this weekend (Saturday) Marissa says congrats! Small world!
Gina Zeidler says: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Simply beautiful and amazing. Holly nothing makes me SO happy!!!
Consuela says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Mr. Pike these are the most amazing photos I have ever seen. They are all the perfect shots taken with A1 perfection. I am so happy to see two beautiful people such as Chris and Holly inside and out come together as a family. Your work is breath taking.
Patrick says: Friday, May 27, 2011

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your love!
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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Vanessa and Phillip
May 18, 2011
| Weddings
It had been a while when since I had seen Vanessa and Phillip for their engagement session in San Francisco, but when I arrived at Vanessa's parents house where she was getting ready on the morning of their wedding, she greeted me with the same warm smile from months earlier. Inside the house she was surrounded by her friends, family, makeup artists, and hair stylists all making the final touches on their perfect ranch wedding. There was an amazing level of love, support, and pride for her in that house.

Meanwhile, Phillip was busy taking care of a few last minute details of his own (including the marriage license that was left at home) with the support of his close friends and family. He never really seemed nervous about the wedding, but just excited to see and be with his bride.

Both the ceremony and the reception were just down the street at Mount Diablo Ranch. Their ceremony was unique to say the least. Set outside in the afternoon sun under a large oak tree, Vanessa and Phillip were married by two pairs of their friends. That's right, four officiants performed the ceremony. They each took turns sharing advice and playing an intimate role in Vanessa and Phillip's marriage perfectly setting up the feeling of community.

Perhaps it was when Vanessa's sister gave a reading that brought one of the ceremonies most touching moments. It was obviously an emotion moment for her to read the passage at her sister's wedding; quickly it became clear that she was not going to be able to complete the reading without shedding a tear. Picking up on this before anyone else, Vanessa walked over to her sister and placed her arm around her, finishing the reading arm in arm. If that doesn't speak volumes about Vanessa I don't know what does.

That same intimate vibe carried right out of the ceremony and into the reception. We spent a very short amount of tim taking formal portraits just so that Vanessa and Phillip could visit with their loved ones for as long as possible. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and cocktails as we listened to the toasts that were offered. Guests sat at long tables as they dined, reinforcing the idea of community even more.

All of that was the perfect setup for the dance floor. Shortly after Vanessa and Phillip shared their first dance as husband and wife, the dance floor opened and was filled with everyone from every age shaking what they had. One of the things that really impressed me was they way that Phillip was on the dance floor for every possible song with his wife. He had told me previously that he didn't consider himself much of a dancer, but nothing was going to keep him from sharing every last second with his wife.

Throughout the day Vanessa and Phillip were obviously overwhelmed with joy and love - it was written all over their faces. From the moment that Phillip first glimpsed Vanessa as she walked toward him, to later in the evening when Vanessa and Phillip slowly dancing poolside by themselves arm in arm, they couldn't hide the love on their faces. It was real and out there for everyone to see.


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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Susan and Greg
May 9, 2011
| Elopements | Weddings
It seems like the more that life throws at you, the more you realize exactly what you need. That basic idea sums what is going on between Susan and Greg. In the midst of life's ups and downs, they have learned already that they can always count on each other. More than that, they need each other and both of them know it. It's that good.

When you start with that, the wedding day really is a celebration of love. In fact at the time that they first contacted me, they did not even know where they wanted to marry. That seemingly important detail was a distant second to the simple fact that they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Love really is the most important part in the wedding. I was liking them more and more.

For their wedding, they decided to marry in Yosemite at El Capitian meadow. They were joined by their pastor as well as Susan's parents who traveled up to be with them on their wedding day. The weather was gorgeous as they stood in the meadow directly under El Capitian to share their love. It was a solemn and tearful moment as these two individuals joined their lives forever. As Greg spoke his vows to Susan, telling her that he wished that he had met her earlier in life, tears of love and joy were shared.

Of course after the ceremony, we traveled around Yosemite valley for a little bit for photographs. At every stop both Susan and Greg were blown away by the beauty of the park and thankful to be able to share them together. Talking with them as we traveled they were relieved to finally be married to each other, knowing that their next steps in life are taken together. It really was a wonderful day for a couple to enjoy the park.

Susan and Greg are such wonderful down to earth people, thankful for the small and large blessings that we all have in our lives. It is inspiring. It was an honor to spend the afternoon with them, to slow down and share in love. I wish you both the best that life has to offer.

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Ted says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Man I can think of so many peeping/voyeur shots that I can do out in Yosemite looking at your work!

Did you use a lensbaby on the 2nd to last?
Patrick says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Thanks Ted! There are lots and lots of things that can be layered into the foreground here for sure. The second to last shot and the first are both from the Lens Baby. It's a lens that I don't use enough, but is always fun to play with.
Gloria bowen says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Soo amazing and beautiful :)
Luv u both !

Cindi says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Those pictures are extraordinary! You are very beautiful Susan. Love them!!!!
Patrick says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Thank you Cindi and Gloria for sharing the love!
Merrily Wilson says: Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Those are the most fantastic wedding photos!!! It was like walking through an art gallery as I sat at my desk. Patrick, I think you captured the magic of Susan and Greg. I can see their love for each other and yours for photography. Great job! Great subjects!
Jennifer says: Friday, May 20, 2011

These photos are absolutely beautiful - the setting, the couple, the light - everything. I love that you add a little narrative at the beginning to introduce the couple and talk about their commitment. It's a wonderful idea! Congratulations, Susan & Greg!
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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Emily and Justin Rock
May 9, 2011
| Personal
Emily and Justin are Yosemite fanatics. As you remember from their engagement photographs, they are both avid rock climbers and see Yosemite not just as a beautiful landscape, but also an active playground. She recently told me of their plans to visit the park one day a month in every month this year. 

So this past weekend they came up to climb and camp (and a tiny bit of wedding planning) with friends. I was able to meet up with them for a little bit after a wedding that I photographed on Saturday, but I think I surprised them when I once again brought my camera out. Just a few fun and playful photographs of them climbing just outside of the Ahwahnee.





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Emily says: Monday, May 9, 2011

These are great :) Thanks for stopping by. It was so much fun to see you again. I can't wait till August.

Patrick says: Monday, May 9, 2011

So this was just prep for climbing in your wedding dress right?
Emily says: Monday, May 9, 2011

Yep. We did some scouting on Sunday too. There were a couple boulders at LeConte Memorial look like they might be good. I'll send you a link to Cristina's pictures when she posts them so we can get a professional opinion.

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