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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Laura and Gary
October 10, 2011
| Elopements
About two weeks ago I joined Laura and Gary on their wedding day in Yosemite. They traveled from Indiana to Yosemite to have a wedding for just the two of them in the Chapel. Like the majority of my clients, I did not have the chance to meet them until their wedding day and really did not know what to expect. Talking with someone over the phone and through email can only reveal so much. Within seconds of our first meeting I remember making a mental note to myself to ask them for the location of the fountain of youth, because it was obvious that they had found it. Within each others arms they acted like young teenagers on a first date.

Inside of the Yosemite Valley Chapel there were only the four of us, Laura, Gary, and Rev. Michael Ireland officiating there ceremony. I've photographed many weddings in this chapel, but before this even the smallest of them had at least twenty guests. Standing in the back row as they whispered their vows to each other was amazing. It was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, or in this case the views being spoken in the opposite end of the chapel. There was no other sound at all, no other people, no distractions of any kind - just Laura and Gary madly in love. True and honest emotion poured out and shared in love. It suddenly seemed so clearly right, as if this was the only way the chapel was meant to be used.

That love really does sum up my entire experience with Laura and Gary. As we traveled throughout Yosemite after their ceremony it was really only Laura and Gary; no one else was around and nothing could take them apart. We traveled through clouds, rain, heavy winds and sunshine, but none of that seemed to matter. There were breathtaking views as light played off of granite cliffs and wandered through treetops, but they were not the stars of the show. Instead it was two lovebirds names Laura and Gary that stole the glory that day.

Hair and Makeup: Bellissimo


Yosemite wedding at Superintendents Bridge.jpg

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Sarah says: Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Love to see fellow Hoosiers marrying in Yosemite! With such a quiet ceremony, they are lucky that they had a photographer ninja to capture the moment :-)
Carol Cardinale says: Monday, October 17, 2011

Fabulous shots! Thanks Again Patrick they are BEAUTIFUL! And Amy did an amazing job!
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228
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Daniella
October 6, 2011
| Portraits
After a long dry summer, the day we planned her senior portrait session a storm loomed. Dark clouds covered the sky and cooled the afternoon air. Just as we all arrived on site, we felt the first raindrops. We collectively willed the downpour away for just a little bit longer, but the change was evident in the air. This is Daniella; standing near the end of one of season of life, getting ready to jump into the next.

Daniella brought us to a location that I had never been to before, an old fence just down the road from her home. She had chosen it for the contrast of the country life with her personality. Instantly I saw lines and textures that told me we had come to the right place. Within a few moments of working together, her camera shyness melted away to reveal her strong confident beauty.

The range of emotion that comes through these portraits is somewhat staggering to me. Each and every photograph seems to reveal something new about Daniella, some new side of her personality. What do you see?

mariposa senior portraits.jpg

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filmz says: Thursday, October 6, 2011

simply beautiful Patrick. Par usual.

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229
Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Susan and David
October 5, 2011
| Weddings
It was very early in the morning when we arrived at Susan and David's room at Tenaya Lodge. Somehow, they managed to be getting ready for the huge day ahead of them in the very same room, but all without seeing each other. How is that possible?

Once David was dressed and ready, he headed downstairs to wait for his bride. They wanted to have a moment to themselves when they would first see each other and bride and groom on their wedding day. And so he waited, not too long, but long enough for me to soak in the meaning of the day... until that moment when the woman soon-to-be-his-wife tapped him on his shoulder and sent the rest of the day in motion.

Seemingly moments later we were transported from Tenaya Lodge all the way up to Glacier Point for the wedding ceremony. Standing at the top of Glacier Point, it's hard to imagine a wedding ceremony that could not be emotional. You're right there, at the top of the world; deep canyons and waterfalls below, the sky ripped with clouds above and right beside you almost close enough to touch, is Half Dome. It's a magical place. It's also the place that Susan and David, surrounded by their friends and family exchanged their vows and promised their love to each other.

Shortly after the ceremony we went out on our own little adventure hiking up the nearby Sentinel Dome. We climbed up above the tree line and on top of a granite planet. I love the way the photographs took on an equally dramatic look to match the dramatic landscape. After a short while of enjoying the 360 degree views, we headed back down to the car ad started to drive back to Tenaya Lodge, making a few more adventurous stops - somehow even stumbling into a pioneer reenactment.

Back at Tenaya Lodge in the Ponderosa Room, the handwork of Roshel from AddyRose became evident. The room was decorated beautifully. Earthy flowers were centered on the tables and custom made reusable drink containers were awaiting each guest. For dinner, everyone had a choice between fresh fajitas were grilled up on the spot, or equally fresh paninis. They even had a sundae bar, complete with fresh waffle cones and every topping known to man. Purely delicious.

Everyone enjoyed a slow paced dinner with conversation. So many family members and great friends to visit with kept Susan and David bouncing from table to table, never wanting to eave the good people they found themselves with.

Then suddenly dinner was behind us and the dance floor in front of us. I must say, I have never really seen a bride attack the dance floor the way that Susan did. Every song, she had to be out there, dancing her heart out with her loved ones. Outside on the patio, the stars passed over the pines slowly painting the sky with color not he first night that Susan and David held each other as husband and wife.

Wedding Planning and Design: AddyRose Weddings
Ceremony: Glacier Point
Ceremony Musician: Sierra Entertainment
Reception: Tenaya Lodge


Night wedding at Tenaya Lodge.jpg

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Brigette McMurtrey says: Thursday, October 6, 2011

These photos are breathtaking!!! I can't wait to see more!!! Patrick, you are amazing!!!!
Amanda says: Thursday, October 6, 2011

What an amazing set of pictures! Bravo!!!

marie santos says: Friday, October 7, 2011

beautiful..
Cami says: Friday, October 7, 2011

WOW!!! I don't know what else to say...AMAZING....that might be another adjective to describe these BEAUTIFUL pictures!!!
Carol Crouch says: Friday, October 7, 2011

These are absolutely incredible! David and Susan were so beautiful on that day, and you captured it all and even more in these photos.
Gregory Crouch says: Friday, October 7, 2011

Best pictures I've seen in a long time

Karlene Rahn says: Friday, October 7, 2011

Absolutely Beautiful! Best wedding pictures I have ever seen!

Jennifer Ardery says: Friday, October 7, 2011

Patrick you did a fantastic job! David and Susan certainly picked the best photographer for their special day at Glacier Point and the Tenaya Lodge. You certainly delivered on your promise to be adventurous, energetic, and most importantly creative. David and Susan look wonderfully happy and you helped them relax and enjoy the moments they were experiencing. Your photographs are breathtaking and I cannot wait to see more.

Matthew McMurtrey says: Saturday, October 8, 2011

These pictures are simply amazing!! You have captured some incredible moments between David and Susan that really show the love that they have for one another.

Brandyjo says: Sunday, October 9, 2011

These are not photographs they are art work. The bride and groom are gorgeous and the natural surroundings are breathtaking. Beautiful.

Sarah Fezler says: Monday, October 10, 2011

Wow! What fantastic photos - you and David look absolutely amazing. I love the picture of the two of you in front of half-dome, the colors and wide angle are fantastic. Get that framed!

Halberg Photographers says: Monday, October 10, 2011

beautiful images!!!! great job on the lighting, and what amazing views and scenes!!!!
Maggie says: Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Patrick, you are not a photographer, you are an Artist. Truly amazing photos - David and Susan are beautiful and you captured the most important day of their lives.
Karen Peterson says: Wednesday, October 12, 2011

What more can I say that hasn't already been said? These pictures are truly stunning. Susan and David are lucky to have such beautiful memories from their special day!
susan says: Saturday, October 15, 2011

Patrick, Thank you so much for these timeless works of art. When people ask what was the best part of your wedding day, I tell them it was the Photographer and assistant that made the day so special. Thank you for the great hike to setinal dome it was nice to be on top of the world with my new husband.

Jamie Walsh says: Sunday, October 16, 2011

The pictures are amazing. You can really see the love between you two.
marleneSmail says: Thursday, October 20, 2011

Susan these pictures are gorgeous. You guys look like should be in a bridal magazine.
Dot Campanella says: Thursday, October 20, 2011

These photos are so incredible! You chose one of the most beautiful locations on the planet for your wedding ceremony. And, you chose a very talented photographer. Your photos are so unique and spectacular. You both look so happy. I wish you a very long and happy life together.
Gillian says: Saturday, October 22, 2011

Wow. You make a beautiful bride Susan, the picures are incredible. You were simply breath taking! : )
Laurie Rubel says: Saturday, October 22, 2011

ok I thought my redo in Hawaii was amazing but you put me to shame. Thanks
Randi says: Saturday, October 22, 2011

SO AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Lorrie says: Saturday, October 22, 2011

SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doris says: Sunday, October 23, 2011

Your pictures are absolutely wonderful. Patrick has an incredible talent for capturing the special moments of your special day! Can't wait to see more.
Peggy Ardery says: Sunday, October 23, 2011

David and Susan congratulations on your amazing wedding.These pictures are wonderful, Your photographer did an amazing job capturing your special day.
Merri Farmer says: Monday, October 24, 2011

These pictures are Great! My favorite is the one of her dress, hanging in the sunlight, show all the details, so beautifully. The wedding ceremony was a spectacular view. Great job!
Lauren Lumbattis says: Monday, October 24, 2011

I am amazed at these pictures! So incredibly gorgeous!
Barbara Barnes says: Monday, October 24, 2011

Amazing photos of a beautiful wedding!!
Denise Yanagisawa says: Monday, October 24, 2011

Those are the most beautiful wedding pictures I have ever seen! I am so impressed with the photography! My favorite is the black and white with the tree limb - you captured their emotions of the day perfectly!

Patti says: Monday, October 24, 2011

beautiful...beautiful pictures...amazing place for a wedding
Jason Ardery says: Saturday, October 29, 2011

Congratulations David & Susan, Patrick your pictures are awesome. Thanks for letting us be part of this special day.
allison Price says: Thursday, November 3, 2011

These photos may be the best wedding photos I've ever seen. I am in awe of the filters and lighting used to get such magical effects in each shot. You both look so perfect and natural. Susan, your beauty was captured effortlessly and you look just lovely. I'm in love with how your photographer got such creative angles and lighting. Does he travel to L.A? I may need him soon!! xoxo Allison
Theresa McKee says: Monday, November 14, 2011

Beautiful couple in a beautiful place! Awesome pictures!
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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Three more
October 3, 2011
| Previews
We're going to start off this week with a preview of what happened last weekend. Once again we had the chance to share incredibly special days with some wonderful people. Here are three previews of what is to come, three different takes on three entirely different weddings with three unique couples. So much love!

yosemite wedding photography.jpg
sentinel dome wedding.jpg
abstract wedding photography.jpg

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sheri says: Monday, October 3, 2011

whoa! the last one!!! do tell!
Patrick says: Monday, October 3, 2011

Thanks Sheri :) The last one was taken well past sunset - I panned the camera vertically across the horizon while lighting the couple with a strobe.
michelle brooks says: Tuesday, October 4, 2011

That is masterful! What a cool effect.
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Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Three great couples
September 30, 2011
| Previews
In the past few days I have spent much more time with a camera in hand than I have in front of a computer. That's just the way I like it too.

The downside is that I have more great couples and their weddings to show to you here than I have time. It's already the weekend again and I have to run out the door for more weddings (just the way I like it). So at the end of this week I leave you with previews of three of the weddings from last week that did not make it here in time. Three different weddings, three different couples, three different expressions of love. Check back next week for more!

Elopement in Yosemite Valley.jpg
Wedding at Tunnel View in Yosemite.jpg
Wedding at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake.jpg

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