250
December 5, 2011
On a brisk fall day in Yosemite, Patti and Curt were married at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Much of the fall color was stripped away the day before in an early snow storm and replaced with a light coat of snow across the valley. Things were changing in the valley and it was a blessing to see the first hints of winter.
If there is one thing I love about my clients, it's their love. Patti and Curt seem made for each other. When they are together you can see the world around them slow down and relax because they have each other. Even through they were both surrounded by friends and family while they prepared in the early morning, the moment that they held each other for the first time on the old stone bridge the cold air around them seemed to disappear.
With the threat of rain, their wedding ceremony was move from the wedding lawn to under the East Portico of the Ahwahnee. It worked out to be the perfect place for the elegant and intimate wedding that they planned. Patti and Curt even planned to give each of their guests a fleece blanket to keep warm with in the cool air. The strength of stone pillars surrounded them while a clear view of the expanse of Yosemite kept life in perspective. This was their perfect place.
As soon as the ceremony was over, we headed inside the warmth of the Ahwahnee. This day perhaps more than others, its rustic and elegant beauty fit perfectly. Patti and Curt visited with their loved ones while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by the fire.
Eventually everyone made their way to the Solarium to enjoy dinner. No one was in any rush and it was a very relaxed meal. Everyone took their time to enjoy the delicious food and each other's company. Sounds of laughter and good cheer filled the high ceiling and bounced off of every wall leaving everyone feeling warm.
With toasts shared, everyone gathered in the Winter Room to watch Patti and Curt share their first dance as husband and wife. Slowly and tenderly they revolved around the floor together holding onto each other and the very moment. Then the room broke out in a party of celebration as everyone danced the night away. Even though it was not a large wedding, when all of their guests packed the dance floor to be with Patti and Curt, it suddenly seemed like everyone was there with them.
Congratulations to Patti and Curt on the wedding of their dreams. The both looked stunning, with intricate details and designs throughout the day that were uniquely theirs. Set in a beautiful location like no other, the wedding was instantly elegant and timeless. But most importantly, they had each other.
Photographer: Patrick Pike Studios
Planning and Flowers: Addyrose Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Ceremony and Reception: The Ahwahnee Hotel
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248
December 2, 2011
The past few days have been a bit rough for me. Too much on my mind and too much emotion spinning me in different directions. But let me back way up....
When I was a child I was bitten by our family dog, a Chow. Twice. Both were very serious bites and required a fair amount of stitches, but no permanent damage. It was the kind of thing that made me think twice about approaching unknown dogs. At that time, to me any dog was unpredictable and I did not want to be around one that was stronger than me and unpredictable. For years this was the way I operated, I still loved dogs, just not big scary dogs.
Then just about ten years ago I had moved away for a job after college. Nothing seemed to be going right for me; the job was a bust, I didn't like where I lived, and I had a roommate that didn't believe in paying rent. But the roommate did believe in trashing our apartment, eating my food, inviting strangers in to live with us and all sorts of other tragic behavior.
One morning I woke up early on my half of the apartment, walked out my bedroom door and right out side I saw a huge dog growling at me. About ninety pounds of muscle wrapped in fur and punctuated by sharp teeth. No explanation. Just a big scary looking dog. Growling. At me.
After carefully sliding by the dog I went to my roommate to find out what the heck was going on. The story, as he told me then, was that it was his cousins dog Rocky, a huge boxer. The cousin was moving across the country but could not take the dog with him. My roommate had been asked to take Rocky to the pound to drop it off because no one wanted the dog. But of course my roommate being the flake that he was couldn't even do that.
Looking back on it, I think it happened in about one day. I was taking care of Rocky over the weekend (my roommate split town and abandoned the dog) taking him on walks and sneaking him back into the apartment where we were not allowed to have dogs. I fell in love with Rocky.
Over the past ten years he has been an amazing friend to first Katie and I, and now our family. Incredibly playful and loving, Rocky became a part of our family. He boxed with me using that famous growl, shared countless hikes and trips with Katie and I, loved and licked our children, and loved us all. It may sound weird to say this, but I think we all learned from Rocky.
Here is one picture of Rocky from around 2001. Katie's father had this beautiful Harley in his garage that some friends and I wheeled into the street to take pictures on. I'm not sure who it was, but one of us suggested putting Rocky up on the bike and that's exactly what we did. I love this photograph because it reminds of such great times in life, so much promise (even if it is absurd) and for some reason I have never been able to look at this photograph without smiling. Of course, at the time, I don't think Katie's father was so happy that we did this to his Harley.
Today Rocky has died. All of us are overwhelmed with emotion and tears, but it is good. His heath had been sharply declining over the past week and it was time. We were thankful and blessed to have him in our lives and create so many great memories. I could go on and on, but the simple truth is this: you will be missed. Rest easy good boy.
Comments
Krista Brooks says:
Friday, December 2, 2011
This picture made me smile too... Sorry for your loss
Liam Kidney says:
Friday, December 2, 2011
Sorry to hear about Rocky....That is one of hell of photo thou.....at least you gave him a far superior life than your house mate could....Great story and again what a incredible picture ;-)
Jonas Seaman says:
Friday, December 2, 2011
Patrick, I'm so sorry for your loss. That image is amazing.
Wendy Maybury says:
Friday, December 2, 2011
How lucky Rocky was to have you! What a great story and a lovely image... it's a bummer can keep our wonderful furry family members around longer... :(
Sending you lots of warm hugs from the great white North!
Dennis Pike says:
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I am terribly sorry, Patrick. I know what you are going through all too well. There is nothing better than a wonderful dog... and there is nothing harder than losing one.
Cat Rodery says:
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I love this photo of Rocky, I'm so sorry for your loss :(
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November 30, 2011
When I first met with Elle and Anthony a few months ago we talked in great detail about them and their wedding plans. I could tell quickly that they had their priorities in order and knew that I would love to work with them. However peppered throughout the entire conversation was the idea that Elle and Anthony did not like having their photographs made. I told them not to worry about that at all, that was my job. After all, how many times have clients said the exact same thing to me? All they had to do was love each other and get married. I would take care of the rest. And that is exactly what happened.
They planned an intimate wedding outdoors in Yosemite Valley for just their close friends and family. Everyone gathered just across from Bridalveil Fall (which was still flowing this late in the season) on a cool autumn day for the ceremony. As Elle walked down the aisle to her groom, everyone followed her lead and gathered close to hear the ceremony. It was a small and incredibly intimate ceremony. Standing outside in the clearing of the meadow, everyone's attention was clearly focused on Elle and Anthony as they shared their love in a beautiful place.
When the ceremony was over, both Elle and Anthony were immediately surrounded by their friends and family. It seemed that everyone needed to share a hug.
After photographing the new families together, we traveled around Yosemite Valley stopping in a handful of locations as we went. The weather was not perfect (very cold and raining), the light was not perfect (dark and overcast), but none of that really mattered. Elle and Anthony were starting something new together - affirming and sharing the love that they have in each other.
And that is exactly what I love about these photographs from their wedding. They are close but not perfectly posed in some dramatic fashion. Instead they are caught up in the love and emotion of the moment because they can't contain themselves. The laughs, the giggles, the sweet tender touches make these photographs perfect. Nothing but love in it's most pure form.
Comments
Elle Duerr says:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
What an amazing job you are doing with these pics Patrick... We absolutely chose a beautiful backdrop! You captured the happiness of the day.
Anthony: You look soooo handsome!
XO
Elle
Francois says:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Awesome pictures!!! Congratulations ... Again!!!
Kathi Duerr says:
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Great pictures. Looking forward to seeing the rest.
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November 18, 2011
After their engagement session in the tide pools, I knew that Nicole and Jason would be up for a little adventure on their wedding day, which was quite fitting considering that they planned their destination wedding for Yosemite. The came to the park not only to marry, but also to enjoy the natural beauty of this place with their loved ones.
On the day of their wedding, Nicole and her family were tucked away in a cabin at the hotel. When we arrived at the Ahwahnee Carol from Bellissimo was already there working her magic on Nicole. With such a peaceful state about her, I could tell even at this early hour that Nicole was relaxed and soaking in every moment of her wedding day.
I've got to stop here for a bit and tell you about Nicole and Jason, because they really are the ones that made the entire day happen. It's too easy to look around at the beautiful scenery and the decorations and think that is why the wedding was as good as it was, but that would be wrong. Sure they are outdoor adventurers through and through, but it's more than that.
Everything about the wedding was because of Nicole and Jason. The wedding was a celebration of their love. They would hold each other and talk to each other with the utmost respect, each knowing how lucky they were to find the other in this lifetime. They are two of the most gentle souls I have met, the kind of people that can make anytime a good time just because they are there.
That is why when they first saw each other on their wedding day,hidden away in a grove all alone, Jason cried tears of joy at the sight of his bride. And in love, Nicole laughs at him encouraging him through good humor to simply relax and enjoy every moment of the day. Only a few hours later, as they exchanged their vows in front of their loved ones, Jason once again became overwhelmed with love and emotion for this bride as Nicole smiles his tears away. Is it any wonder they fell in love?
This love is what set the mood for the entire evening. It put a smile on everyones face because Nicole and Jason's smiles made the world a little brighter. This is why the dinner conversation was as good as it was. I'll even bet that it made the food taste better.
Given the chance to honor the couple, their loved ones captured this same spirit in a round of heartfelt toasts before everyone took to the dance floor. Out on the dance floor the energy building all throughout the day cut loose as everyone partied like a rockstar. It was amazing to see so much life in motion in such a small area. And right in the middle of it were Nicole and Jason, all night long.
Photographer: Patrick Pike Studios
Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo
Flowers: Sweet Pickins
Ceremony and Reception: The Ahwahnee Hotel
Made it this far and you still want more? Click here to see a slideshow from Nicole and Jason's wedding.
Comments
Jason Cozby says:
Friday, November 18, 2011
Patrick, you are amazing!! We knew you would do a great job, but these photos blow my mind!! And to top it off, we had such a great time with you and Katie! Thank you so much!!
Nicole Vandevelde says:
Monday, November 21, 2011
The wedding was literally the best day of my life -- more amazing than I thought possible. Thank you for capturing the day with your beautiful photographs. No one else would have been able to create images that surpassed even my own memories.
Jason Cozby says:
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Patrick, you are amazing!! We knew you would do a great job, but these photos blow my mind!! And to top it off, we had such a great time with you and Katie! Thank you so much!!
Carol Cardinale says:
Saturday, November 26, 2011
These are amazing I am even ok with the one of me! :) I really need some for my site! :)
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November 17, 2011
Most of the elopements that I photograph are almost more like an intimate destination wedding. The couple plans out the details weeks if not months in advance for their wedding in Yosemite. It wasn't until two days that I was contacted about my first true elopement.
Brenda and Timothy decided to marry and knew a small wedding was in the works. When Timothy whisked Brenda away to an undisclosed location for a few days the wheels were set in motion. They traveled from Southern California to the Yosemite area staying in Tenaya Lodge for one night. It was the next day when they came to the Mariposa Courthouse for their wedding that Brenda and Timothy first saw the place where they would be married.
Their ceremony was in a small courtyard just next to the Mariposa County Courthouse. Over time the courtyard walls have become covered with vines, which seemed to glow in the afternoon fall light. It was there, in a very simple ceremony that Brenda and Timothy pledged their lives together.
We spent only a few minutes together after the ceremony, walking around the Courthouse grounds and taking advantage of the fall colors in the trees. In that short time I got to know Brenda and Timothy well enough to know that I would love to spend even more time with them. Timothy seemed wholly transfixed on his wife, holding her with tenderness in his hands. Likewise you could see that Brenda was wrapped up in love for her husband. It was in their eyes.
Before too long we said our goodbyes, as they were off to Yosemite to stay in at the Ahwahnee. For me it was the shortest amount of time the I have ever spent with a couple in such an important point in their lives, but at the same time it seemed so fitting. Brenda and Timothy were off jumping headfirst into life together.
Comments
John Piper says:
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I recognize that counter in the courthouse... and come to think of it, I think that was our same clerk too! Nice shots as always... and congrats to Brenda and Timothy!
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Patrick and Katie you did an amazing job. What wonderful memories you captured that we will share for a lifetime. We had such a fun day with the both of you. We are just in awe of the beauty of the landscape and of our friends and families. Thank you.
Fabulous Again! I have come to expect no less! I truly enjoyed workin with Patti and her family…You captured her sweet and elegant personality! I love seeing the finished result Thank you again for your fabulous work Patrick and Katie!
beautiful wedding my friend, love every detail of it!