184
February 28, 2011
Vanessa and Phillip are in the midst of planning a fairly large ranch wedding in the countryside near Vanessa's family home. They first heard about me through one of my favorite wedding resources, A Practical Wedding, so I knew straight away that they were great people.
When we first talked about their engagement session, we discussed three potential locations; their home in Yosemite, San Francisco, or Half Moon Bay. As I shoot in Yosemite most often, I was excited for the possibility of working in new unexplored locations. So when Vanessa and Phillip finally decided on the streets outside of their San Francisco home I was ready. Outside of that initial meeting place, nothing was scouted out or planned. Every street corner held new opportunity, just the way I like it.
We met just before sunset and quickly began to walk through the streets together, discussing plans for their wedding and life in general. It was wonderful to just relax and go on a walk together. When it came to the photographs, they were naturals. Any bit of initial hesitation or nervousness of having their photographs taken quickly disappeared. In fact, I really don't think that they were ever the slightest bit nervous. They made me feel like an old friend, catching up with them on life as we strolled through the neighborhood.
It was great to get to know them throughout the night. Their playfulness and love is evident in the way that they hold each others hands and look into each others eyes. They have a quality of a couple that has been together for years past, but still as excited as if on their first date. Already they each put the other first and simply enjoy being with each other no matter what they are doing. In short, they are two wonderful people, madly in love, and about to be married.
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183
February 14, 2011
I can't think of a much better way to celebrate Valentine's Day on this site than by sharing a this recent engagement session. Here are Janet and Matthew; two great people that are full of love, laughter and emotion.
Janet and Matthew have known each other for quite a while but it wasn't until last month that Matthew proposed. They have always enjoyed traveling together, especially to the National Parks, so it made perfect sense that they planned their engagement session in Yosemite. Likewise, they are planning an intimate small wedding on the beaches of Hawaii.
Last weekend they traveled to Yosemite from Southern California. We met up on Saturday afternoon for a few hours to explore the park together. There was still quite a bit of snow on the valley floor from the past storms, but the weather was absolutely delightful. After spending the afternoon with them, I could feel the honesty and years in their relationship. They already seem to know each other so well and fit together like pieces of a jig saw puzzle.
Just a few days earlier I had been in the park to photograph the evening light on Horsetail Falls so I knew that when the sky was clear as sunset approached, we were in for a treat. Unfortunately being a Saturday, so did everyone else in the park as hundreds of visitors and photographers gathered to watch the phenomenon. So instead of standing in a clearing in the trees packed with people, we chose a clearing in the people packed with tress. It was better than way, somehow more real and more beautiful. We all stood in amazement watching the last rays of light light the waterfall as the sun disappeared.
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158
September 29, 2010
It was just over a month ago on a recent trip that Andrew proposed to Julie in Yosemite. But even before that day, they knew they would marry in Yosemite. As avid campers and hikers the natural beauty of Yosemite was calling them. Julie told me the story of a trip to Yosemite, when passing over Sentinel Bridge she saw a bride posing for a photographer with Half Dome in the background and knew that was where she wanted to marry the man of her dreams.
Julie and Andrew are the kind of people who are too busy enjoying life to slow down. They live in Santa Barbara, my college hometown and one of the most beautiful places on earth as far as I am concerned. When I asked them what they do on a typical weekend at home, they had a good laugh - they are always out doing, not waiting for something to come to them.
I met up with them late in the afternoon to catch the last rays on sunlight in the valley. We traveled around to a few of my favorite spots and kept shooting even the sun slipped behind the granite walls. Throughout it all they both had these beaming smiles across their faces and it was obvious why; they were with each other. Have I mentioned how cool it is to work with people swimming in love?
Their wedding will be next spring in Yosemite. It's fitting that the next time I see Julie and Andrew winter will have come and passed and new life will be blooming throughout the valley. And somehow by then their love will grow even larger.
Comments
Roshel says:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
These are Great! So fun to see them! Congrats again Andrew & Julie!
Dennis PIke says:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Awesome work, too bad you have such garbage light to work with in Yosemite. LOVE that 2nd to last shot
Melissa says:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Well, isn't she just the cutest thing ever?
Patrick says:
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thanks everyone! Their love is too much!
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says:
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Amazing Patrick! I love them all but that 2nd 2 last is truly incredible!
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137
June 22, 2010
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!!!!
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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.
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First and last two are definitely my favorites, Pat! Did you use available light from the street lamps on the last one?
Thanks Ted! The last one was taken on a lit public tennis court using the existing lights. There were lots of lights behind me and I didn't need to set up anything else. Sometimes you get can stumble into good lighting :)
Love the 6th one from the left - the one with all the green. Just gorgeous.
Thanks Katie for sharing the love! That shot is on of my favorites too, I just love how much personality and life they bring to the photograph.
Thank you so much, Patrick! They are beautiful, and we had such a good time!
Thank you Vanessa! It was great to meet you and Phillip in person and I can't wait for your wedding! Getting to spend time with you both clues me in so much on the feel of your wedding and I can tell that this is going to be an _amazing_ party :) Keep me posted if you have any questions or need any help with the wedding planning!