123
May 22, 2010
Shanon and Jeff travled from St. Louis to Yosemite to marry last week. Although it was just the two of them, this was by no means a spur of the moment thing. They have been planning their wedding since last summer when I first talked with Shannon. The best part of their wedding is that it isn't just for one day. They are spending the entire week in the area, sampling a bit of everything - even some whitewater rafting.
For almost all of their vacations and free time, Shannon and Jeff will end up outdoors, so it was only fitting that they would marry outdoors. One of their dreams, which I secretly share, is to purchase a VW bus and travel to all of the National Parks together. Shannon and Jeff decided to marry in Yosemite simply because of the park's amazing beauty, and it's easy to see why. Their down to earth nature feels perfectly inline with the this setting.
We met up in my hometown of Mariposa and were a little ahead of schedule going into the park, so I pulled over in El Portal to stop by the old Hetch Hetchy Railroad. It's the old railroad that used to run to Yosemite, but is now sitting unused just across the river from highway 140. It's worth checking out on the way to the park, especially if you have little ones that like trains.
As we moved into the Yosemite Valley, the weather began to quickly change. The blue sky overhead turned grey near the west end of the valley, but it remained warm. They had a small ceremony in El Capitan Meadow standing in a small grove of trees - just the two of them and Rev. Carol Dewey. Just as they shared their first kiss, the sky opened up and a light rain fell on them. I'm not going to add in some cheesy metaphor here about what that means, I'll just simply say it was a cool experience for us all.
As soon as their marriage started, we traveled around the park for a while creating images in a few different spots. Shannon looked awesome and Jeff knew it. Of course, just like everyone else I work with, they both made it clear to me that neither of them photograph well - yeah right. Where ever we went, Jeff seemed not to know where to look, the beauty of this world or at his wife. Shannon was living in the moment, soaking everything in. Together they were all smiles.
I finished the day with two more friends that I started with. I love days like this - beautiful light and great people. Congratulations again Shannon and Jeff!
Officiant: Reverend Carol Dewey
Comments
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Shannon and Jeff
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/122
122
May 20, 2010
Erica and Brett are getting married this August just outside Yosemite at Tenaya Lodge. We attempted to do an engagement shoot up here a few weeks ago, but unfortunately the weather was no where near cooperative. So we traded in the serenity of nature for the familiarity of their home town San Francisco.
They have the most laid-back calming feeling about them. It's as if they have already been married for ten years or so and are about to embark on the next ten. Their interactions are always filled with kindness and love. They love living in the city, but also enjoy traveling together to both mountains and beaches far away. Both Erica and Brett have a strong love of art and both work in artistic fields.
Together we explored the Marin Headlands and their home neighborhood, including a a stop over at their favorite local store. We attempted to shoot at the Palace of Fine Arts, only to fine it closed - what's up with that? We talked about their plans for the wedding and life in general and let me tell you, this is an awesome couple.
It was a beautiful day in the city and their artistic side shines through in these pictures. I'm really excited for their wedding - they have some very unique plans! Oh yeah, they took advantage of my offer for free engagement photography - why haven't you?
Comments
Ted says:
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I love the voyeur shot the most! The bridge shot, did you run back there and just stalk them?
Anonymous says:
Sunday, May 23, 2010
You guys look great! The pictures really show your true colors!
Anonymous says:
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Whoops
Anonymous = Blake ; )
Claire Meadows says:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
LOVE. THEM!!!
TAMMY D says:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
AMAZING! I LOVE THEM ALL! CANT WAIT FOR THE BIG DAY!
Espo says:
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Just think, years from now you both can say "Damn we look good" Amazing pictures...See you soon!!
Missy B says:
Monday, July 26, 2010
Great photos, hot couple! love the various location choices. congrats.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Erica and Brett
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/121
121
May 19, 2010
Way back when I shot their engagement photos, I knew Nancy and Josh's wedding was going to be something that I had to experience. When the day came, it really was unlike any other wedding that I have ever been to. The raw emotion shared not only between husband and wife, but also between friends was palpable. Everyone who was there shared in the love.
Josh was alone in his room before the wedding. I found him cell phone in one hand, iron in the other as he was busy getting ready. One by one, his groomsmen joined him in the room sharing stories and memories of the past while looking forward to the future. Eventually, glasses were poured, and toasts made, but throughout it all the look of joy never left Josh's face.
Just downstairs, Nancy and her bridesmaids arrived back at the hotel from the salon. Nancy look stunning. She was a bit nervous, or perhaps more anxious and excited for the wedding. What I saw was someone who was looking forward to spending her life with the man of her dreams and wanted to start that moment. As the girls were all finished up, Nancy and I stepped outside for a few quick portraits inside the hotel.
Soon enough, we all headed over in two limos to the Woodside Chapel. It is a quaint country style chapel nestled in the hills. As she walked down the aisle, Josh surprised everyone by quickly turning around and grabbing his guitar to play to Nancy. The ceremony was beautiful, focusing on the how Nancy and Josh found each other and found love.
We had to be quick, but went up the street after the ceremony to Huddart Park for a photograph of the entire bridal party. From here, we drove to the Saratoga Foothill Club for the reception so that Nancy and Josh could spend time with their guests. The weather was perfect for everyone to mingle while enjoying cocktails and appetizers on the patio.
After finding their own coke bottle vase pointing them to their tables, the guests sat down to enjoy the meal. The room was designed by Julia Morgan and beautifully created with hardwood. Throughout the room, memories were created over dinner and toasts.
After a bit of dancing to the DJ, Josh took his guitar to the stage with his band and rocked the house for a short set. As they drove into song after song, the energy in the place was amazing. Finally we stepped out into the cool moonlight for one last photograph to close the day.
It was a special day for everyone, not just Nancy and Josh, but it was the first day of a new life for them. It's days like this this make me realize how amazing my job is. Congratulations again Nancy and Josh!
Hotel: The Inn at Saratoga
Ceremony: Woodside Village Church
Reception: Saratoga Foothill Club
Comments
gennett says:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ohhhh my gosh!!!!!! soo amazing patrick i could cry!!!!
Michelle Brooks says:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Patrick, Patrick, Patrick....sigh...when will you STOP this creative genius?!? These are brilliant.
Adrienne Migos says:
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Patrick. Your creativity, the beauty of your work touched our hearts.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Nancy and Josh
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/120
120
May 18, 2010
Today I joined Shannon and Jeff for their wedding in Yosemite. They are the kind of people that I felt like bringing home for dinner at the end of the day. Naturally, we took the Hetch Hetchy Railroad to get there. We were blessed with beautiful weather and light all day. Much more soon!
Comments
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Shannon and Jeff: Sneak Preview
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/119
119
May 17, 2010
You remember Nancy and Josh from their engagement session right? On Saturday their wedding finally came! Ever wonder what happens when a groom picks up his guitar and beats it into submission for a set during the reception? Find out soon with lots of great shots and the full story!
Comments
Gennett says:
Monday, May 17, 2010
I'm dying! Omg! LOVE!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Nancy and Josh: Sneak Preview
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/118
absolutely, ridiculously, beautiful light, canvas, and subjects! WOW, well done!
Hi Patrick,
We just returned to St. Louis tonight and are finally getting to see these wonderful pictures! We love them, and can't wait to see the rest. Thank you for making it such a memorable and fun experience for both of us!
Best,
Shannon and Jeff