Summertime Godric Grove at Elings Park Wedding » Santa Barbara, California

Erica and Ken’s early summer wedding in Santa Barbara, California, unfolded with grace and charm, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The day began at the Harbor View Inn, across the street from the Santa Barbara Pier, where the couple prepared for their special day. The anticipation heightened as they shared a heartfelt first look by the beach, only to be joyfully interrupted by some duck boat tourists sharing their well-wishes for the couple.

Before the ceremony, the wedding party, along with Erica, Ken and their families, boarded a big personalized school bus and drove to the Douglas Family Preserve for portraits against the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, everyone headed to Elings Park for the celebration. Godric Grove in Elings Park, perched on a hill overlooking Santa Barbara, was the perfect backdrop for the couple’s vowsas Kenneth's brother officiated their heartfelt union in front of their friends and family.

Post-ceremony, guests reveled in cocktails and appetizers on the lawn, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape. A sunset dinner unfolded beneath the sprawling branches of a giant oak tree, providing a romantic setting for the festivities. Drawing from Kenneth's Japanese heritage, a nod to tradition saw guests toasting with sake in traditional cups before savoring a deliciously catered dinner.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Erica and Ken stole a quiet moment for sunset photos around the property, creating memories against the breathtaking views. The evening continued with a return to the festivities, featuring sharing a bite of pie before their twilight first dance . Under the evening stars, guests indulged in dessert and danced into the night, ensuring that Erica and Ken’s union was a celebration to be remembered for a lifetime.

Venue: Godric Grove in Elings Park // Hotel: Harbor View Inn // Wedding Planner: Maggie Brislin from Creative Happens // Floral Design: Posies Floral Co. // Catering: Catering Connection // Hair + Make-Up: Amanda Nicholson at The Beauty Bar // DJ: Music by Bonnie // Transportation: Jump on the School Bus

Soda Rock Winery Wedding » Healdsburg, California

Clarisse and Colin met in college in Boston on orientation day. They were friends for three years before they started dating (their friends called them the real life “Monica Geller and Chandler Bing”!) Nine years later and a cross country move later, they found themselves getting married on a warm and sunny autumn day in Healdsburg. The day started at a gorgeous Airbnb in Healdsburg where Clarisse and her bridesmaids all got ready. I showed up just in time to capture her giving them all delicate bracelets engraved with the location of where they first met. And of course, there were happy tears all around. Once everyone’s eyes were dried, they got dressed and ready for the celebration. Clarisse showed off her gown in the garden and paired it with her hand painted leather jacket with her future husband’s last name and her custom made “Moondawg” logo. As everyone continued to get ready, I headed over to Soda Rock Winery to meet Colin and set him up to see Clarisse for the first time. There was a gorgeous oak tree behind the barn which provided enough privacy for the two of them (though their moms were able to peek in on the action from afar.) After the first look, we spent some time shooting some group portraits before they were hidden away while the rest of the guests arrived for the ceremony. The barn was decorated simply with deep red florals by Beijaflor Botanicals and a gorgeous crystal chandelier that cast rainbows on the rustic barn floor. A friend of their officiated the wedding ceremony and they also included some Filipino traditions as a nod to Clarisse’s heritage. While cocktail hour kicked off, we ducked away together for some portraits in the vineyards before rejoining the party. As the sunset behind the fields, guests were invited into the tasting room for a delicious dinner. Clarisse’s grandfather surprised her with an impromptu Filipino money dance and homemade cakes and s’mores wrapped up the evening as everyone danced into the night.

Wedding Venue: Soda Rock Winery // Airbnb Rental: Starlight Grove // Wedding Coordinator: Events by CMG // Florist: Beijaflor Botanicals // Caterer: Park Avenue Catering // DJ: DJ Rufio // Photobooth: Penny the Photo Lounge

South of Yosemite Pines Resort Destination Wedding » Bass Lake, California

Ana and Joe love the great outdoors and love backpacking all around California. So it made sense when they chose to get married at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake. They jokingly referred to the location as “SoYo” otherwise known as South Yosemite. Their intimate wedding party included 50 of their closest friends and family who all stayed at the resort to spend the long weekend enjoying the lake and local trails. Ana and Joe made sure to provide all of their guests with a little welcome box of goodies. In addition to the thoughtful presents, Ana and Joe DIYed all of the decor with each table featuring an animal or tree species native to the Sierras. After their lakeside nuptials, which featured a hand-fasting ceremony, we took a break to take some photos on the nearby dock before heading back for dinner and dancing. My favorite part of the day was watching the sun dip down behind the mountains while the guests enjoyed the toasts and dessert.

VIVIAN & DRAGOS' Remote Corner of Iceland Wedding Celebration » A Practical Wedding

I am so so so x million excited to finally share Vivian and Dragos’ magical Iceland wedding on A Practical Wedding today! From the Icelandic adventure to the story of how I ended up meeting and photographing my name twin’s wedding, the whole celebration is one of my proudest moments as a wedding photographer. I am so grateful to have been apart of their incredible journey! You can read more about their wedding here.

Magical + Remote Hotel Budir Wedding » Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

// Part 1 of Vivian & Dragos’ Icelandic wedding celebration can be found here. //

The Wedding Weekend

After Thursday’s epic road trip engagement session, we all met up again for the wedding weekend. Nestled on a lava field on the Snaefellsnell Peninsula, Hotel Búðir provided the perfect backdrop for Vivian and Dragos’ celebration. Whether it was the famous black church Búðakirkja, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, the Búðir-estuary, or the expansive mountain range speckled with waterfalls, you were treated to a stunning view no matter which direction you looked. The hotel is also home to a sweet mastiff named Thor who likes to spend his evenings watching the tide go out and chasing seals. (Not that he’s ever caught one!)

Gathering 71 of your closest friends and family for a destination wedding in Iceland means pulling out all the stops. Just one day of celebration wasn’t enough so before their Sunday nuptials, Vivian and Dragos kicked off the festivities with a beach bonfire Saturday night with local drinks and barbecue. I was invited to attend and felt at home. Everyone was so warm and welcoming and I especially enjoyed introducing myself as “the Other Vivian Chen” among her friends. The evening continued and impromptu toasts were given as the moon rose above the horizon. Once the embers died down, guests were treated to roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Those who braved the dropping temperatures a bit longer were rewarded a beautiful display of the northern lights, dancing in the sky.

The Big Day

The next morning, Vivian and Dragos got ready in the hotel while guests spent the morning riding horses or exploring local lava caves. For their first look, we chose a spot next to the hotel near the dock with a view of the mountain range and the estuary. After a few sweet moment alone, Vivian and Dragos gathered with their wedding party and headed over to the ceremony site down by the beach. Their good friend Anna played a beautiful rendition of Sigur Rós’ “Starálfur” on her violin as Vivian and her father walked down the grass path where everyone was waiting. Their friend, Laura, who threw the housewarming party where Vivian and Dragos first met, officiated the ceremony. In addition to exchanging rings, they drank traditional spirits—homemade Romanian plum wine and Chinese baijiu—out of chalices. After they sealed their vows with a kiss, Vivian and Dragos lead everyone back to the hotel for cocktails. As Dragos earned his degree in mathematics, they had their guests try to find their seat assignments by answered riddles and math equations (some more successfully than others!) As the evening light faded away, everyone was treated to a delicious three course meal in the cozy dining room before heading out to the lobby for dessert and a dance party that went on well into the night. It was an incredible wedding weekend that was made even more magical because of the connection Vivian and I felt for one another.

Wedding Venue: Hótel Búðir // Floral Design: Thordis // Hair + Make-Up: Margret Magnus // Baker: Sætar Syndir // DJ: Atli Már Gylfason // Vivian’s Dress: Enzoani (Handmade cape by Vivian’s mother) // Vivian’s Shoes: Aquazurra // Dragos’ Suit: Enzo Custom // Paper Goods: Minted // Rings: ID Jewelry

Epic South Iceland Engagement Session » Iceland

When Vivian Chen from Brooklyn, NY reached out me over a year ago, her email gave me goosebumps. Here was another Vivian Chen living on the opposite side of the country wondering if I would shoot her destination wedding in Iceland. Moments prior to seeing her email in my inbox, I had been literally daydreaming about going back to Iceland. Since we had the same name, this East Coast Vivian said she had been stalking me for years, hoping I’d give up the URL “vivianchen.com”. When she got engaged and started planning her wedding, she decided on a whim to contact me. Her inquiry felt too serendipitous to pass up, so I immediately wrote her back and a few days later we were video chatting. From our mutual love of cats, similar home design aesthetics and easy going personalities, we clicked immediately and it felt like I was talking to an old friend. There was no question we’d be going on an Icelandic wedding adventure together.

Three days before the wedding, we shot an epic engagement session that took us along the most scenic parts of South Iceland. Originally Vivian wanted to just go to the black sand beach but when I found out that we had the whole day free, I said, if you’re up for driving all day, let’s hit up a few more spots! And of course, she and Dragos were up for the drive. Setting out early in the morning, we started our day long portrait session at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon before driving to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and ending the day at the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. And of course, we stopped to say hello to Icelandic horses along the way.

NHI & MICHAEL'S Autumn in Lake Tahoe Wedding » Borrowed & Blue

Nhi & Michael's autumn in Lake Tahoe wedding at the Gatekeeper's Museum is featured on Borrowed & Blue this week! Check it out!

Joshua Tree National Park + Ace Hotel Wedding » Palm Springs, California

A and O absolutely love visiting Joshua Tree National Park. So when they had to quickly alter their wedding plans from a larger celebration in San Francisco, Palm Springs seemed like the perfect Plan B. Joined by their mothers and close friends, The Ace Hotel served as a stylish and inviting place for their small ceremony and reception. We started the day getting ready at the hotel before driving out to Joshua Tree to visit all of their favorite spots in the park. As the sun started to set, we returned to the Ace for a short and sweet ceremony before celebrating with fancy tacos and drinks from King's Highway. Every time I shoot a small wedding like this, I truly get a feel for the love between my couples and their families. I become more like a friend than just a photographer. A and O's was no different and I am so grateful to have been a part of it! 

Wedding Venue: Ace Hotel Palm Springs  // Floral Design: My Little Flower Shop // Cake: Over the Rainbow Desserts // Catering: King's Highway // Reception Lighting: Target // Invitations: Vintage Baby Doll // Wedding Dress: LOHO Bride // Shoes: No6 // Earrings: Melissa Joy Manning // Hair & Make-Up: DIY by the bride // Suit & Shoes: J. Crew // Wedding Bands: Satomi Kawakita // Officiant: Friend of the bride

Hiking the Na Pali Coast Destination Wedding » Kauai, Hawaii

Severin and Robert are an adventurous couple who absolutely love traveling the world from India to Bali, Australia and beyond. When it was time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted to keep it small and do something out of the ordinary. With family living all over the country, they chose give their families a once in a lifetime vacation by having their wedding in Kauai. The plan was for a small Catholic ceremony and a simple dinner at a nice restaurant but had big plans for the rest of the day: portraits on the Na Pali Coast!

When Severin and Robert asked if I'd be up for hiking the Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Na Pali Coast as part of their wedding day, I immediately replied with an emphatic "YES!" Sure, it was a little wild and logistically ambitious but I was up for the challenge. For the past couple of years, I've wanted to combine my two photography loves: shooting weddings and gorgeous, epic landscapes and here was a chance to do both.

The magic of Kauai's lush landscape pushed us along even as flash rainstorms showered down on us and slick muddy trails slowed our progress. Five hours of hiking later, we were sore and soggy but so happy. I couldn't have picked a more epic way to wrap up my wedding season. Thank you Severin and Robert for having me along and I am forever grateful. 

Ceremony Venue: Saint Sylvester's // Portrait Location: Kalalau Trail // Reception Location: Westin Princeville // Floral Design: Mr. Flowers // Hair & Make-Up: Mia Moriguchi // Severin's Gown: Love Couture Bridal // Robert's Suit: Saks Fifth Avenue // Rings: Anna Sheffield

Outdoorsy Lakeside Gatekeeper's Museum Wedding » Lake Tahoe, California

Nhi and Michael love visiting Lake Tahoe, especially in the winter. While a snowy wedding was out of the picture, they chose to get married at the Gatekeeper's Museum on the shores of the lake. Their outdoor wedding, which included their beloved shiba inu Rocky, was a casual picnic affair with lots DIY touches from the felt dog boutonnieres Nhi made of her friend's dogs to the bouquets and table decorations. The couple also made sure that the reception was kid friendly and packed with lots of activities (this way the parents could also enjoy themselves!) At sunset, we ducked away from the crowds for some portraits on the lake before heading back for the ultimate dance party under the stars.

Hotel: Northstar Lodge // Wedding Venue: Gatekeeper's Museum // Event Coordinator: Larissa of Tahoe Bride/EventMasters // Florals & Boutonnières: DIY by the bride // Catering: D'Lish // Cake: Sugar Pine Cakery // DJ: DJ Flip of Verducci Productions // Facepainting & Balloons: Giggle and Grin // Photobooth: Clementine Photo Booths

SEVERIN & ROBERT Wedding Hike on Kauai's Na Pali Coast

When Severin and Robert asked if I'd be up for hiking the Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Na Pali Coast as part of their wedding day, I immediately replied with an emphatic "YES!" Sure, it was a little wild and logistically ambitious but I was up for the challenge. For the past couple of years, I've wanted to combine my two photography loves: shooting weddings and gorgeous, epic landscapes and here was a chance to do both. The magic of Kauai's lush landscape pushed us along even as flash rainstorms showered down on us and slick muddy trails slowed our progress. Five hours of hiking later, we were sore and soggy but so happy. I couldn't have picked a more epic way to wrap up my wedding season. Thank you Severin and Robert for having me along and I am forever grateful. (See more from yesterday on my wedding Instagram feed!)

Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Hanakapiai Beach, Na Pali Coast, Kauai

KRISTEN & JESSE » San Francisco City Hall Wedding

Happy Monday! I'm excited to start the week off with Kristen and Jesse's destination San Francisco City Hall wedding featured on Borrowed & Blue today!