Vera and JJ Engaged. Monterey

Here's another great couple we met earlier in the year at the Santa Clara Bridal Faire. It just so happens that Vera and JJ are also getting married at Casa Real. What a coincidence!

Over dinner we talked about engagement session ideas and the Monterey Bay Aquarium popped up. Sounded like fun, and besides we wanted to know more about the Secret Lives of Seahorses - don't you? The place was packed on Sunday but by 6pm the crowds had diminished. We even had some time to wander down Cannery Row. It was a pretty cool afternoon!

Lauren and Michael's Wedding. Pleasanton

Ceremony and reception at the incomparable Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton.

Our last post featured Lauren and Michael's engagement session; the big day has finally come! Lauren and her family started at The Rose Hotel in Pleasanton. By the time the Atelier team arrived the talented Nicole Ha had already come and gone leaving beautiful bouquets and boutonnieres. (Did you know floral designers wake up super early the morning of the wedding?) We spent some time with the ladies as they relaxed and enjoyed champagne before getting dressed and heading out.

Casa Real is an incredible wedding location. It also happens to be a photographer's delight with the large wooden doors, dramatic architecture, and its vineyard setting. The Amber Room was elegantly dressed for the ceremony with theatrical lighting, candles, and Nicole's tall floral arrangements. Beautiful!

After a ceremony punctuated by a well-timed dog bark during the first kiss, it was off to the cocktail hour and pictures. Proving to be pranksters, the newlyweds provided a special meal to one special guest consisting of a Taco Bell Chalupa! Shannon of Casa Real hand delivered it too - it was hilarious! It disappeared before I could get my hands on it, though. Michael delivered a memorable toast/speech and brilliantly narrated a slideshow that had everyone laughing. Full of surprises aren't we!

Floral Arrangements: Nicole Ha Designs
Cake: Cake Delight
Videography: Fantasy Sound Event Services
Music: Fantasy Sound Event Services

Lauren and Mike Engaged. Los Gatos

We met Lauren and Mike at a bridal show earlier this year. At the time they were not sure where the wedding was going to take place but eventually decided on the Bay Area and Casa Real with - we are very happy to say - the Atelier as their photographers.

A little over a week ago (yes, we are a bit behind) we met at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos for their session. We were lucky because the weather was just right and the park wasn't crowded. Can't wait for their wedding!

Jane and John Engaged. Spring Orchard Blossoms

I have long wanted to photograph couples among the orchards and mustard fields of Northern California. For some reason I have few requests for early Spring engagement sessions - could be due to the weather, but as you can see, the pictures are so worth it!

Jane and John took us up on the Atelier's offer for an engagement session among the fabulous blossoms we see all over the Bay Area during the months of February and March. A couple weekends ago we met at a small orchard in Sunnyvale that was still in bloom and it was beautiful! We spent just over an hour wandering among the trees.

Thank you Jane and John!

They are getting married at the end of May in San Jose and the Atelier wishes them all the best.