What's a girl to do when you're being winked at? Normally she wouldn't have responded but Catherine says his warm smile and gentle eyes won her over. And when he proposed, Michael was sneaky enough to video tape the whole thing. But of course he's romantic. He composes beautiful romantic music for a living. And after seeing how radiant Catherine was on her wedding day, there is no doubt that she is his muse.
Catherine and Michael's Ventura wedding was my personal cup of tea. The closest feel to my own beach wedding eleven years back. And although they didn't actually get married on the beach, the whole beachy, Tommy Bahama theme was just perfect for this intimate, laid back wedding.
This will now be the third wedding this year that I've photographed were the bride and groom help each other get ready. I'm seeing a new wedding trend emerge and I love it. It's so sweet to see the tender moments of preparing together. They had rented a beach house for the week, a place for out of town family to come and share before the big day and lucky me the light was fantastic.
I was excited to open the closet to find this flirty little Tommy Bahama dress and Aldo sandals.
This stunning bride's maid bouquet, as well as the bride's, was created by Greenwich Floral Design. I love the color and textures that she used to create these.
Catherine was glowing the whole day, her eyes and smile full of joy for what was about to come...
Because they saw each other before the ceremony we had plenty of time for great portraits so off to the beach we went...
The blended family...
The ceremony and reception took place at Tutti's Off Main. They had the whole courtyard to themselves, which was perfect for this intimate affair.
This may be my favorite wedding topper ever. I almost wanted to slip it into my camera bag but I thought they may have noticed it was missing. And I loved the way Jana's Creative Cakes carried the whole theme.
They had an amazing singer/acoustic guitarist, Mike West, that set the tone perfectly. I had to keep looking over at him because I'd forget it was a live person. His wife Meg was the event planner and this girl didn't stop moving all night!
For more of their wedding, please check out the slideshow below. The music was composed by Michael and if you are a creative professional that purchases licensed music, please check out Michael's songs over at Triple Scoop Music.
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/09/ventura-wedding-catherine-and-michael.html
Elisha and Gideon have been together for a long time. When a mutual friend called them over to console him after a break up, the two of them ended up talking all night. That was ten years ago. When you see them together you can tell that the connection between them runs deep. And they are funny. So funny. There is so much affection and joy between them, I felt it was my honor to be there to record their marriage. For another reason as well. You may have recalled me talking about my connection to Elisha here. Seeing her aunt at her wedding, my childhood friend, made me feel like part of the family.
Elisha and Gideon, it's been wonderful becoming friends with you. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I hope you have a chance for this sneak peak (or this one! my fav!) on your honeymoon... or maybe not! ;-)
The two of them, with the help of family, did a great job pulling together this DIY wedding at the Knollwood Country Club.
I love these place cards. The hearts are recycled-flower-seed-paper! And instead of table numbers, each table had a photo with a title. So cute!
Elisha's family had two pages of notes on how to get her into her beautiful dress.
Hilarious...
Thanks to the following vendors for making it a great day:
Venue: Knollwood Country Club, Granada Hills
Florist: Exotic Green Garden
Cupcakes: Vanilla Bake Shop
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Shoes: Report
Suit: Calvin Klein
For more of their wedding day, check out the video:
Carol Ricklin Says:
I think those cupcakes are from Enjoy Cupcakes from Los Olivos? If so, they are the amazing Blackberry Chocolate Syrah cupcakes! Oh, those lucky guests!!!!
(09.04.10 - 08:14 AM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/08/granada-hills-wedding-photography.html
I always love meeting new couples and hearing their stories. And I love hearing what's instore for the wedding day. These two plan on having some unique features to their wedding and I can't wait until November. (Well, I can since that would mean the holidays were right behind and I'm not ready for those yet!)
Besides planning their wedding , these two have also decided to buy a house. Not just any house but a brand spankin' new house! So what better way to celebrate all these new beginnings but with an early morning photoshoot in their unfinished home! With three of their over 25 pets! Did I get that right guys? Somewhere around there but that's a story for another day...
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/08/santa-clarita-engagement-photography.html
A quick sneak peak of yesterday's wedding... I love my clients!
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/08/los-angeles-wedding-photography.html
On Sunday morning, Helena and Richard blended their families together to create probably the best looking brood in Pasadena!
But let me back up... it was a beautiful drive up the coast to Santa Barbara, where Helena and Richard were having a morning wedding at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort. { I don't know why more couples don't have an early ceremony and luncheon. It was such a pleasant departure from the norm.} Although they had an overcast day, it was warm and beautiful and without sounding too cliche, full of love from friends and family - some that came as far away as Brazil.
Surrounded by their family, they helped each other get ready which made the first look and portraits easy. {This is only the second wedding I've shot where the couple helped each other get dressed and I love it. It's so intimate and sweet.}
I loved the non-tradional vision Helena had for her dress and other aspects of the wedding day. Isn't this Lily Pulitzer dress perfect for a summer beach wedding?
GQ Magazine called... they want their model back!
Calvin Klein Kids called too...
Helena told me she wanted her flowers to look like a sunset and I think Joni of Hearts Bloom did an amazing job!
Such a sweet moment when all the kids came over for a family hug...
Merryl of Merryl Brown Events did a superb job as day of coordinator.
Delicious cake by The Four Seasons Biltmore...
Additional thanks to:
Gorgeous acoustic guitar by Roberto Montero, a classy touch!
I know this is a long post but for even more images, check out the slideshow:
Carol Ricklin Says:
Loved viewing these photos. I love the venue! This summer we stayed in one of the rooms just off this ceremony site. I sat in my room and peaked through the curtains to watch the beautiful ceremonies taking place! The flowers were GORGEOUS! I love, love, Dahlia's! Makes me what to get married again! 19 years and counting! We'll have to celebrate our 25th with you taking the photos!
(09.04.10 - 08:12 AM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/08/the-magnificent-seven.html
The pictures are wonderful, you are fantastically talented! It was such a pleasure working with you, thanks for the sneak peek! =) Michael & Catherine are going to be overjoyed with their wedding album. :-)
(09.02.10 - 06:41 PM)We are overjoyed by the photos. Karen is fantastic with her photography. Thank you! thank you! thank you!!!
(09.07.10 - 07:44 AM)I absolutely LOVE the photos! You captured every special moment, glace, smile, and embrace. You are a true artist behind the lens. I couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you, Karen!!!
(09.07.10 - 05:47 PM)