Laotian-Jewish Backyard Wedding » Woodside, California

April and Jed were married in the backyard of their friend's gorgeous Woodside home. They hosted 80 of their closest friends and family for a combined Laotian/Jewish ceremony that honored traditions from both families. The day was filled with all the things they love - from the sailing themed invitations, pork bun passed apps, and sticky rice and BBQ'd chicken family style dinner. Even April's dog, Peter Pan got dressed in a tuxedo for the occasion! The evening rains didn't stop the celebration as everyone danced the night away under the tent by the pool.

How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day Wedding » Catalyst Wed Co

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love a good rainstorm. As I mention in my bio, nothing makes me happier than exploring the redwoods on a wet day. And this love for rainy days has translated into some of my favorite weddings I've shot in the past couple of years. Rainy day weddings aren't traditionally the most ideal but I've learned to embrace the adventure and hope that other couples will can learn to do the same. To learn more, I've shared some tips and insights on Catalyst Wed Co today! Check it out!

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

Quirky Autumn Heather Farms Garden Wedding » Walnut Creek, California

Venue: The Gardens at Heather Farms // Florals: DIY // Catering: Wilma Lott Catering // Dessert: Angel Cakes // Hair and Make-Up Artist: Ellyse Magsino // Wedding Dress: David's Bridal // Wedding Shoes: Kate Spade // Groom's Suit: Men's Wearhouse // Wedding Bands: E-Wedding Bands & Louisa Gallery // Officiant: Allison Hurzwitz // DJ: All Ears DJ

Rainy Day USS Potomac Wedding » San Francisco, California

Hotel: Hotel Vitale // Event Venue: USS Potomac // Florals: Erica Rose Design // Catering: Swanky Catering & Events // Music: North Beach Brass Band // Hair & Make-Up: Racine Christensen // Nicole's Dress: Dolce Gabbana // Nicole's Coat: Richard Tyler // Santiago's Suit: Hugo Boss // Wedding Bands: Cartier & Blue Nile

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

Community Focused Trocadero Clubhouse Stern Grove Wedding » San Francisco

When Rosa and Liberty toured San Francisco's Trocadero Clubhouse in Stern Grove, they knew it would be the perfect venue for their intimate 80 person wedding. With family in both Chicago and Los Angeles, they wanted a place that would showcase Northern California. Stern Grove's redwood and eucalyptus grove provided the perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony, officiated by a close friend of the couple. The celebration moved indoors to the clubhouse where Rosa's floral designs brightened the space and Native Catering kept everyone well fed with delicious barbecue. The party wrapped up with coffee and donuts from Oakland's Donut Savant and a dance party that continued into the evening.

Wedding Venue: Trocadero Clubhouse at Stern Grove // Floral Design: Rodan Studio // Liberty's Dress: Reformation // Rosa's Dress: BHLDN // Hair & Make-Up: Caitlin Collentine // Rentals: Abbey Party Rents // Catering: Native Catering // Dessert: Donut Savant // Cake: Noe Valley Bakery // Photobooth: MagBooth

Diablo Ranch Wedding » Walnut Creek

Wedding Venue: Diablo Ranch // Florals: DIY by Marissa // Caterer: Chef Pete Coleman // Rentals: C&M Party // Hair & Makeup: Bloom and Blush // Invitation Designer: Oak & Orchid // Wedding Dress: Katie May from And Something Blue // Marrisa's Shoes: Steve Madden // Wedding Suit: J. Crew & Nordstrom // Evan's Shoes: Timberland // Groomsmen Pampering: People's Barber Oakland

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

Autumn Faculty Club Wedding » Berkeley, California

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Faculty Club at UC Berkeley // Floral Design: Gorgeous & Green // Hair & Make-up: Viveur Salon // Catering: The Faculty Club // Desserts: Masse's Pastries // Lighting: DJ Jeremy Productions // DJ: DJ Jeremy Productions // Print Design: Matthew Hettler // Photobooth: Action Flipbooks

Studio 333 Wedding » Sausalito, California

Hotel: Casa Madrona // Ceremony & Reception Venue: Studio 333 // Wedding Coordinator: Danielle of Kai Squared Events // Catering: Pegi Ball Catering Co. // DJ: Denon and Doyle

Green Room at the War Memorial Wedding » San Francisco

When two childhood friends, both equally talented cello players that perform internationally, get married, you can bet they'll do it in style. Gold accents and grand king's tables fit perfectly in the Green Room at the War Memorial Opera House, providing the couple with the perfect backdrop for their Downton Abbey inspired nuptials. 

Hotel: Loews Regency San Francisco // Venue: The Green Room at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center  // Wedding Planner: Hayley Bramble of Chambray Event Design  // Floral Design: Farmgirl Flowers // Lighting: Got Light? // Caterer: Melons Catering  // Cake: Studio Cake // DJ: DJ Cams  // Photobooth: Glasscoat Photobooth  // Hair & Make-up: Christina Chen of Makeup by Quis  // Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander // Bridesmaid Dresses: Erin Fetherston // Groom's Suit: Politix // Invitation Designer: Leigh Anne Kobe // Rings: Bill Hicks Jewellery & Brian Gavin Signature Diamonds