176
December 2, 2010
It's not often that I photograph a wedding the day following a major holiday such as Thanksgiving. With different schedules, it can be difficult to gather everyone together in one location that close to a holiday. Besides, often times families travel for the holidays. But what if you were able to advantage of that very fact and surprise everyone with a wedding?
Last Thursday night, at their Thanksgiving dinner, Laura and Adam gathered together with their family at Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite. Everyone had traveled there, from different homes to be together as a family. As they sat down for dinner, they each took a turn to share what they were thankful for. When it came to Laura and Adam's turn, they looked at their family members and told them all that they were thankful for love and that they were going to marry the next day. For the record, thats how you start a Thanksgiving dinner.
I met with Laura, Adam and their family the next day in Yosemite for their ceremony. Recent snow blanketed the valley and had us all walking through fresh powder to find the perfect spot for them to marry. There were almost twenty of us there to watch them exchange their vows beside the Merced River.
Laura and Adam are the kind of people that seem very content with life. They have been together for almost five years and are growing more in love each day. But as they told me, "Our real passion is just over two months and that is our baby daughter Zoe." Knowing this, it was all the more special when Laura and Adam took Zoe into their arms during the ceremony. With the sound of the waterfalls in the distance, the cold of the snow upon us, and a warm family in front of us everyone knew that all we needed was right here.
After congratulations and embraces, everyone gathered for a group photograph in front of Yosemite Falls after the ceremony. Goodbyes were said (until dinner) and the three of us walked through the snow a bit more on our way back, stopping in a few different spots for photographs. As it was the first snow if the year, I couldn't help but be blown away by how much Yosemite changes throughout the year.
Where ever we went Laura and Adam had a smile engraved on their faces. The pure sense of joy in these two was amazing, so simple and so strong. I couldn't hardly believe that Laura was walking around in just a dress, not even noticing the freezing cold because she had her husband on her arm. The way that they held each other was all that needed to be said.
Officiant: Rev. Carol Dewey
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175
November 26, 2010
It was a refreshing change of pace when Katie and I joined Gennett and Dan in Las Vegas for their weekend long wedding celebration. Normally when a couple has a destination wedding, we are already on the destination side. I've been talking with Gennett about her wedding before she was even engaged. Her plans were not without hiccups along the way (we'll save that story for another day), but it's hard to imagine a much more fitting wedding for these two. Is it any wonder that immediately after their wedding, Gennett wrote "This entire weekend was epic. It was beyond amazing, more than I could have ever imagined. FACT."
Katie and I traveled to the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas the night before their wedding to scout out various spots around the hotel. Instantly we were blown away by the design and grandeur of the hotel. In a word, stunning.
The day of their wedding, Gennett was surrounded by her friends getting ready for in a suite overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. Everyone was in good humor and goofing off, but I could feel that even then Gennett just wanted to be with Dan. A friend and co-worker of Gennet graciously did her hair and makeup while enjoying the sunset view. Likewise, Dan and his friends were in another suite hanging out, sharing stories, and clinking glasses.
There ceremony was made even more beautiful by Gennett and Dan. They shared their story of how they came to know each other years ago and fell in love. It was not the story of two perfect people in love, but it was a real love story. As Katie told them after the ceremony, we have been to hundreds of weddings and it is rare that a wedding brings tears to our eyes. The vows that Gennett and Dan exchanged did just that. They were full of emotion today and the promise of love for years to come. As I sat next to Katie, I came away deeply moved and thankful for the love that I have.
They had a recpetion on an outdoor patio underneath the lights of the casino. Toasts and laughs were shared as everyone enjoyed the cool evening air. Gennett and Dan shared their first dance as husband and wife there, underneath a gazebo surrounded by their friends. Then the music picked up and everyone began to dance under the stars. But really all this was just a warmup for what was coming later in the club.
Walking around the hotel taking photographs of Gennett and Dan, I will always remember the way they interacted with everyone they passed by, sharing embraces with complete strangers. They walked as if they owned the town, Mr. and Mrs. Las Vegas. The love was so thick coming off of these two that everyone they came near was instantly touched. It was beautiful.
We joined everyone in one of the Las Vegas' premier clubs, Blush, for an after party. The club was packed, the drinks were flowing, and bodies were moving. Katie and I stayed there and danced well into the next morning, putting the camera the cameras away and enjoying ourselves. Here's to Team Kaplan!
Hair and Makeup: Rouge Salon on Main
Ceremony and Reception: Wynn Las Vegas
Comments
ASHLEY PARTEE-DELEHANTY says:
Saturday, November 27, 2010
IM DYING RIGHT NOW....I LOVE THEM!!! THESE ARE TRULY A WORK OF ART!
Ted says:
Saturday, November 27, 2010
You definitely need to do more shoots outside of Yosemite. Like this one. :)
melissa says:
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The decks of cards are PERFECT favors.
Lilly Simmons says:
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The pictures are absolutely FABULOUS!!! They look amazing!
Amanda Steffen says:
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wow...these pictures are breath taking.
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174
November 24, 2010
The last time when we looked at Karra and Jared's wedding, we saw the wedding unfold in front of us. From the the slow moments of getting ready earlier in the morning, until the the dancefloor was out of control even earlier the next morning. This time, we are going to look at the another side of their wedding, the photobooth.
From the time the reception started until a little after one in the morning, James was rocking the photobooth with all of the wedding guests stopping by. Everyone was so excited to have their photograph taken with their friends and take home a print. It quickly became the perfect spot to take a breather from the dance floor. I know I've said this before, but the photobooth is such a great way to get party photographs that show everyone having a good time.
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173
November 19, 2010
A quick note: as I started to write this entry, I looked at the first title "Alana and Arash" and realized it was incomplete. This is not the story of Alana and Arash's wedding. This is the story of Alana and Arash and Altin.
When I first talked with Alana about the wedding she told me that they planned to include their son in the wedding. I have seen children included in weddings before, often as ring bearers or flower girls, even the best man. During their ceremony it quickly became evident to me that simple view is nowhere close to meaning of family for Alana and Arash.
They had their ceremony in Yosemite at Cathedral Beach, a few steps from the Merced River with Dr. Susann officiating. As they stood there on the sand, Alana first held Altin in her arms as the ceremony began. Within a few moments, Altin wanted to go to Arash, and with open arms Arash took him. In a bit, Altin went back to his mother, and so on. The spirit of these exchanges were of a shared love for their son and beautiful to see. They each wanted to share the ceremony with him. It spoke volumes about family.
As the ceremony continued, Alana and Arash shared their vows with each other. They had written their own unique and special vows; vows that were beautiful, honest, and inspiring. Doing this, they exchanged rings and then turned their attention to Altin. They both looked at him and began to recite new vows to Altin and gave him a bracelet as a symbol of their love. Part of me would love to share these vows with you; they were deeply touching, inspiring and revealing, but they are Alana, Arash, and Altin's vows and need to stay that way.
After the ceremony we walked back to the campground to share a delicious snack of champagne,chocolate, nuts and homemade bread. Dr. Susann and I were not their as paid workers, we were there as guests and friends. Both Dr. Susann and I shared how grateful we were to be a part of this beautiful ceremony. It really is wonderful to be a able to witness this step in the life of a loving family. Did I mention that Altin signed the marriage certificate as a witness?
Before too long Altin made his way back down to the river with Arash to throw stones in the water. It was a pure family moment, father and son exploring the world together. Alana wasn't too far behind and caught up with them on the beach. Watching them play together on that beach was perfect. Here is a husband and wife, married for less than twenty minutes, throwing stones in the river together as a family.
When I first asked Alana what would be unique about her wedding, she told me "Us. It's the only thing that can probably truly be unique about a wedding -- I think most everything's been done. But we're hoping to have a ceremony that truly reflects us. We plan to write our own ceremony and we also plan to include our 21 month old son in the ceremony." I think that sums it up better than I could. Congratulations again Alana, Arash and Altin.
Comments
Alana & Arash & Altin says:
Friday, November 19, 2010
Now we know what we'll be doing for the next several days -- scrolling back and forth through these pictures over and over again. We love them! The ring going on the finger, the look on Arash's face, the rock mid-throw, the autumn colors . . . the spirit of the day is definitely in these pictures. So beautifully done. Big, heartfelt thanks to you, Patrick! (Now, back to photo #1 . . .)
Arash says:
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I keep looking at these pictures and must say, they are absolutely remarkable, Patrick. So glad you were there to capture the entire body and soul of it for us.
Thank you again.
Wolfgang Troullier says:
Monday, November 22, 2010
Whoever you are, Patrick.... You have a great eye!
These picturs are truly beautiful. And not just because of the subjects (it helps, I guess...) You captured the spirit of that day!
What a setting it is!!!
One can smell the fresh air, the atmosphere, just by looking at these pictures
Now to you.... Alana & Arash: You looked so radiant, in love, the fall colors, the river. Nature.
I'm glad you found each other, and that you founded... Altin!
And whenever in doubt of anything, you just have to go back to this blessed place, and it'll be OK.............
Wolf
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says:
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Pics came out Patrick great Alana was a very sweet calm bride I enjoyed working with her. I also enjoyed meeting her wonderful family! Congratulations to them!
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172
November 17, 2010
In the middle of one of our busiest months in memory, we had a weekend off and good friends getting married just outside of Seattle Washington on Whidbey Island. Outside of joy for our college friend Haley, my first thoughts turned to a road trip. More details to come on the personal side of our trip, but the important thing for now is that we drove from Yosemite to Whidbey Island for Haley and Jesse's wedding on their family ranch.
Haley was Katie's roommate way back at Westmont College. They quickly formed a lifelong friendship, sharing all of life's hardships and pleasures together. I have watched them both travel through life, at the most only a phone call away from each other. Neither Katie or I had met Jesse, but we had both heard the change in Haley's voice when she talked about him, so that pretty much said everything that could be said.
We arrived at the ranch to see a wedding, family style. At the time, I didn't know that I would be taking anywhere near the number of photographs that I did, after all I was going as a guest... but I have learned my lesson - travel with a camera and be ready to shoot. In fact, I don't think we were at the wedding for more than five minutes when one of Haley's friends approached me and asked if I was Patrick, the photographer. She told me that they were glad I was there because they wanted me to take photographs. Done.
Inside the main house, Haley was just finishing her final preparations for the ceremony while constantly stopping to share a hug with her lifelong friends. I think that's an important note and it speaks volumes about their wedding; Haley was never to busy on her wedding day, even while trying to get ready moments before the ceremony, to spend time with her guests. Meanwhile just outside, Jesse was doing just that; spending as much time as possible on his wedding day with friends and family.
Their ceremony was set in the middle of an apple orchid, with seating on bales of hay. Everyone crowded around the joyful couple to hear the loving vows. It was not luxurious, it was not extravagant. It was understated and beautiful, and seemed all the more real and honest because if it.
As soon as they walked out of the ceremony orchid, they boarded their post-wedding transportation, an ATV outfitted with a "just married" sign and tin cans, and zipped off unto the distance alone. As if that didn't set the mood properly, guests soon began to discover the bocce balls, crouquet set and even a football game. Some guests gathered at a press to make and drink homemade apple cider. These are the kind of details that might seem out of place for your average wedding, but if you knew Haley then you would understand that these things are perfect. I was quickly left wondering why I don't see these kinds of things at weddings all the time; something to get everyone involved and playing together - just the kind of things we need at weddings. It was just about as I was having that thought that the gourmet ice-cream truck showed up...
Eventually we all made it under the cover of the beautifully decorated tent to enjoy a delicious dinner of local seafood. The tables looked stunning, with a mix of county plates and mason jars holding sunflowers. Unique jellies and jams were given to guests as gifts and a tasty pumpkin pie served as a wedding cake. Once again that same spirit of the day, their desire to spend every possible moment with their friends and family, carried into the night. The toasts were honest with emotion and evident in tears.
As the night moved on, the tables were cleared and the dancing took over. Haley and Jesse shared their first dance under the paper lanterns. As everyone watched the newlyweds, they could really see their love - it was all over Haley and Jesse's faces.
I didn't talk with Haley and Jesse at all during the time they planned their wedding. I only can tell you that they obviously put a priority on spending time with their guests because that's what I saw at their wedding. Their love for each other and their friends and family was plain to see. It was a true pleasure and honor to photograph the wedding of two beautiful people and such close friends.
Ice cream: Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
Pies and dessert: Whidbey Pies
Comments
Megan says:
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Great job, Pat! You did an amazing job of capturing such a beautiful and special day! It was great spending time with all of you!
Haley says:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Pat - These are so beautiful......thank you a million times over. I started crying and laughing as I was just scrolling through. You are amazing!!
Sarah DeBell says:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Incredible pictures! Especially MOM and DAD playing football with Dad in his Westmont teeshirt looking like a division 1 quarterback and Mom in her wedding finery. HOW awesome. Thank you for sharing!!!
Katie says:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sarah, I love the one of Ken and Joanne playing football also! I keep coming back to it. Its classic! It was such a fun and beautiful wedding.
Bekah Vallejos says:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
pat - what a great job capturing such a beautiful day!
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Amazing Patrick! I think we'll start making up events and reasons for you take photos of us! You are an amazing artist.
These pictures are so beautiful! Thank you again for capturing our amazing day so we can share with all that were not able to attend.
~Laura
soo awesome man. such a great moment to be a part of and what a cool way to tell your family you're getting married... tomorrow!
Love this set. Yosemite takes on a whole different persona with all the snow. Something about that shot of the leaf on the snow, gorgeous, I would hang a print of that on my wall in a second