Tonight I met with Karra and Jared to talk about their wedding and shoot some engagement photographs. They are getting married in October at Paradise Springs, so it was fitting that we met there. Paradise Springs is a beautifully rustic mountain retreat, filled with various cabins and lodges - Karra knew after she visited that it was the perfect spot for their wedding and it's easy to see why.

We talked about their wedding plans and life in general for a while before touching the cameras. They live near Bass Lake, letting Karra and Jared live the life they want to live. They are constantly able to spend time outdoors and together.  How great is that?

Eventually I brought out the camera to create some art together. After a while at Paradise Springs we drove over to the Nelder Grove which is one of my favorite places for a local hike. We were only there for a few minutes before the mosquitos came after us even with a quick bath in bug spray. We finished up the day in an open meadow with gorgeous light on our way back down the hill.  

At the end of the day though, the story really comes down to Karra and Jared. To me, that's where these photographs really shine. Karra and Jared make these shots come alive with their tender touch and style. I know I have my favorite shot from tonight, what's yours?

Comments
Beth Alberta says: Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Love them all Great work Patrick!!!!

Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Thursday, June 24, 2010

Beautiful Work as usual!!

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Yesterday Katie and I joined Shanna and Phillip for what I must say was the most emotional weddings we have been a part of. They had their wedding on their terms with their friends and the result was their perfect wedding. Just one photograph for today, I can't wait to share the rest, but I think this one sums them up pretty well.

yosemite_wedding_preview-1.jpg

Comments
ted says: Monday, June 21, 2010

I envy you. Period.

Patrick says: Monday, June 21, 2010

Thanks Ted! I'm lucky to constantly work in a place the constantly shows me new things.

Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Thursday, June 24, 2010

Cant wait to see the rest send me a link PLEASE!!! Love this one already!!

Emily Resling says: Sunday, June 27, 2010

Patrick you were a terrific addition to the wedding. I've seen a lot of wedding photogs at work - but you circled the crowd like a champ! Can't wait to see the rest of your pics of Phil & Shanna, and the rest of us. =)

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June 14, 2010
Sheri and Tom visit Yosemite park together every summer. Two years ago, Tom proposed to Sheri in Yosemite and she said yes. One year ago I joined them in Yosemite for an engagement session and created beautiful photographs together. Two days ago the story started a new chapter with their wedding in Yosemite and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

Of course they both have a shared love for all things outdoors. For them their dream vacation is camping and hiking in Yosemite. Sheri told me that on a previous trip to Yosemite they climbed Half Dome together. Sheri and Tom are two of the happiest most content people I have met. They have learned the that the true value of life is in sharing love with each other.

They have had a lot of help planning their wedding, not only from friends and family, but also from Roshel of AddyRose. Together they focused on what was important to both Sheri and Tom and created the perfect wedding for them. They created a small intimate wedding for their closest friends and family to share with them. Details reinforced their unique style with hand made watercolor invitations and smores making kits for everyone to take home. All of their guests traveled up to Yosemite Valley to share their love and celebrate with what you could feel was a momentous day.

Sheri and Tom did not see each other on the day of the wedding until the ceremony, but they both got ready in the same room in the Ahwahnee. This created some interesting scheduling but somehow we pulled it off. The hard work was worth it just to see the tears in Tom's eyes and smile on his face when he got his first glance of his bride walking toward him.

Inside the Yosemite Valley Chapel everyone gathered for a full Catholic mass. As soon as it was over, everyone headed out of the chapel and into the warm afternoon to congratulate the newlyweds on the new chapter of their lives. After a while Sheri Tom and I parted with their guests for a while to take a few portraits on the way back to the reception. We didn't spend too long, but created some amazing art together.

Back at the Ahwahnee, their guest enjoyed cocktails and music on the patio. Once we arrived, everyone headed into the Mural Room for the reception for a delicious dinner. The room was beautifully decorated with unique touches in every corner. Most important however was the conversation that filled the room.

As the night continued on Sheri and Tom visited with their family and friends sharing stories and creating memories. At one point we brought out these really cool thought sticks for everyone to write a message on for a photo. It was a very cool and unique idea!

It was a beautiful wedding for everyone. A wedding with real emotion and delicious food, but more importantly it was Sheri and Tom's wedding and it was perfect. We ended the night with one fitting shot of Sheri and Tom, all by themselves underneath the stars of a warm Yosemite night.

Ring Bearer Bowl: Paloma's Nest
Handmade Invitations: Momental Designs
Flowers and Planning: AddyRose
Hair and Makeup: D'Andre Design

Comments
Roshel says: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

They are Amazing! You captured Sheri & Tom's Special Day Perfectly!

bernadette says: Wednesday, June 16, 2010

wow amazing photos ,amazing wedding ,just like something u see on tv good job on planning pics etc...

Monique says: Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Congrats on your beautiful wedding day...these pictures are beautiful...many many happy blessings for years to come....

Melisa O'Brien says: Thursday, June 17, 2010

Oh my gosh! Getting all emotional again, beautiful pics! Captured some wonderful memories! Patrick your the best!

Kristy R. says: Thursday, June 17, 2010

Magical wedding! Gorgeous shots! Thank you for capturing the stationery so beautifully.

Sheri Garcia says: Friday, June 18, 2010

Oh Patrick, Wow. Just looking at these pictures brings back the wonderful day in my mind! You have captured every detail perfectly and years from now I can look at these memories and smile. You are so awesome!

Dennis Pike says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Absolutely beautiful work here, Patrick. The shot of Tom, against the wall with the shadow from the window really speaks to me. Then entire set is truly inspiring

Amanda says: Thursday, July 15, 2010

Beautiful Patrick! Amazing work, and it was a joy to work with you!

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It had been a year since I had seen Sheri and Tom. The last time I was with them we traveled all across Yosemite for the perfect engagement photos. Last night I joined them at their wedding to create this. Full story coming soon!

yosemite_wedding_at_night.jpg

Comments
Roshel says: Monday, June 14, 2010

An Amazing photo for an Amazing Couple! Can't wait to see the rest!

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On Tuesday I had the chance to assist DJ Ellis of La Bella Vita Photography for Marlene and Charlie's wedding at the Elderberry House. DJ is a talented photographer and incredibly personable. It was great to watch him work and deal with tough lighting situations like the pro that he is while I was in the passenger seat.

I love working with other photographers and seeing how they approach situations differently than I might. When I started with weddings, I was almost always working with different photographer every time. I have learned so much from watching different photographers see.  DJ and I kept talking all day long about how we would shoot a giving situation and rarely we would come up with the same answer. It's so cool to see such personal expression come out in your work!

As you would expect, it was first class wedding at the Elderberry House, but at the same time down to earth and relaxed. It also helped that Marlene and Charlie were up for just about anything. Somehow, I was able to squeeze off the last frame of the day as we caught Marlene and Charlie enjoying a glass of wine all by themselves.

dj_ellis-1.jpg


Comments
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Sunday, June 20, 2010

The hair and make up by Carol @ bellissimo

Marlene & Charlie says: Monday, July 26, 2010

Patrick:
You are sucha telented photographer. You made a great team compliment to DJ -- we kinda thought you were brothers after a while! Thank you for your hand in creating the memories of our most special day!

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