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August 29, 2016

They met through a mutual friend in college. Nevermind that Julia had transferred to that college because she was dating said friend and that said friend was asking Kirby for relationship advice on whether they should break up…but without that friend, this day might never have come! But come it did complete with a beautiful Jewish wedding ceremony and personal touches from a Star Wars recessional song to his favorite cuff links that she hates. ;-) After sitting and sharing details, stories, and life for literally hours with these two, it was truly a joy to see it all come together!

Bridal dress at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Kirby is a jeweler and designed these rings himself! The first are beautiful, simple bands for the ceremony and the second two their custom designs to wear everyday!

Ceremony rings and formal bride and groom rings at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Getting’ her glow on! It was so fun to see the amazing Polish and Pout team in action!

Bride having her makeup done at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride having her hair and makeup done at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride putting on her glasses at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride putting on her shoes at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Because they wanted to be able to spend the whole day with their best friend, Julia and Kirby chose a First Look moment to see each other before the ceremony!

Bride and groom First Look at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Just love how they were able to freely, laugh, cry, and have a quiet moment alone!

Bride and groom First Look at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Children playing at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Family at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

One of the things that made Julia and Kirby’s wedding especially unique was all the beautiful Jewish traditions they incorporated in to their day, beginning with the Ketubah signing.

The Ketubah signing and handkerchief at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Witnesses for the Ketubah signing at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

With family and the closest of friends gathered, their formal marriage contract was read aloud and signed. This beautiful document will have a prominent place on the wall of their home as a reminder of this moment!

Reading aloud the Ketubah agreement at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Ketubah agreement at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Ketubah vows at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Their formal ceremony in front of all began with Julia circling Kirby three times, he circling her three times, and circling together once to demonstrate that they were both coming into this relationship as equal partners.

Bride circling the groom at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Ceremony at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Oh the bliss and joy!

Mr. and Mrs. at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Sunflower bouquet and couple at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom holding hands at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bridal hair and groom details at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

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Sunflower bouquet and couple walking at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom holding hands at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

To reflect their nerdy side, each table at the reception had a pile of legos and even their cake had lego people as the topper!

Sunflower floral arrangement and legos at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Legos lining the table at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Probably the most colorful spread ever, a vegan and gluten-free taco bar!
Vegan and gluten free taco bar at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Vegan and gluten free taco bar at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Desserts galore from berry and peach pies to cookies and the best macarons ever (not pictured)!

Pies and cookies on dessert table at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Father of the bride toasting at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Father of the groom speaking at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

The crowd went wild when Kirby’s father pulled out a picture book to chronicle Kirby’s life!

Guests laughing at toasts at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and Groom laughing at toasts at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

People dancing at Harmony Ridge Lodge Jewish wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Jewish horah dance at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

And last but not least, the traditional Horah dance to start off the fun and dancing!

Bride and groom lifted up in chairs for Jewish horah dance at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Bride and groom lifted up in chairs for Jewish horah dance at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

Location | Harmony Ridge Lodge
Photography | Lydia Photography
Hair and Makeup | Polish and Pout
Flowers | Grown by Soil Sisters Farm, Designed by the groom
Catering and Pies | Emily’s Catering and Cakes
Cake, Cookies, and Macarons | Exquisite Desserts
DJ | Mountain Event Productions
Rentals and Linens | Celebrations

August 12, 2016

Alex didn’t know that their first date was on Lindsey’s birthday until they were already on their hike. I’m guessing he didn’t have a present handy in his car but what they both didn’t realize then was that one of the best gift of their lives would arrive just a year later in their little baby daughter, Lucia! Now two years later they were all gathered together to unite themselves completely together as a family and celebrate not only what the last two years have been, but also their beautiful future together!

 

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Lindsey didn’t just relax with her feet up, she was busy slipping shoes on her daughter, Zoe, and making sure each bridesmaid successfully applied their false lashes!sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_04sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_05sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_06

 

The ceremony and reception were at the beautiful Depot Hotel located in old town Sonoma!sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_07sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_08sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_09

The patio was beautiful with the rustic and elegant Italian elements mixed with Mexican banners and illuminated paper bags filled with candles!

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Many sweet, happy tears were shed!

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Officially official a family a four!

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Right across the street from the Depot Hotel is the Depot Park Museum which made a fun backdrop for pictures as it was the same location for their engagement portraits which were done by Alex’s sister and my friend, Katie White!

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Gia, from the Depot Hotel, was amazing and probably the best venue coordinator with which I’ve ever worked! As the sun started to set, candles were lit and cafe lights glowed for the perfect ambiance!sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_33sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_34sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_35sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_36sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_37sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_38sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_39sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_40sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_41sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_42sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_43sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_44sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_45sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_46sonoma_depot_hotel_wedding_47

Congratulations Lindsey and Alex! It was an honor to be there to capture your day!

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Venue | Sonoma Depot Hotel

Photography | Lydia Photography

Coordinator | Gia Ghilarducci

Hair and Makeup | Brittany Farber

Florals | Farmers Market and Naiomi Kaufman

Caterer | Depot Hotel

Sweetbreads | Scandia Bakery

DJ | Mike Parent

 

July 26, 2016

It was that blue dress and red lipstick and the girl wearing them that caught his attention at a party. Cody may not recall on the spot how many years they’ve been together but he still remembers the day he and Blake went from acquaintances to something more. While she joked that he sometimes thinks she’s crazy, he must not mind because in his words he “put a ring on it.” While the chaos of the wedding day has faded away, their love remains strong and true. And in their 80’s this will be a testament to future generations. That this, this love they have for one another, is the kind that stands the test of time.

They’ve been through the ups and downs of moving, raising a child, and soon to have another little one in the mix! I’m sure there will be many more valleys and mountains in the future as well, but they can look back at this moment to remember that this, this love they have for one another, can stand the test of time!

Love that these anniversary portraits were taken at Cody’s family home in Grass Valley, California that has been owned for generations!
Wife and husband with horse at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Wife and husband walking at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

This was the perfect chance to pull out my film camera to really capture the light in a way digital just can’t!
Wife and husband around grapes at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Wife and husband at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Wife and husband walking in field at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Holding hands at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Fishtail braids at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Picnic in field at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Kissing in field at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Picnic in field at Smith Vineyard wedding anniversary portrait shoot in Grass Valley, California.

Photography | Lydia Photography
Hair & Makeup | Angela Nunnink

July 12, 2016

It was the 4th of July weekend and Pete’s friend, Sam, was down visiting DC from New York. It just so happened that Sam’s old high school friend, Victoria, was also living in the area, so a brunch was setup and Pete was brought along. Now I don’t think Sam intentionally meant to bring the two together, even though just a couple of weeks earlier Victoria asked him why he didn’t have any single friends with which to set her up, but by the end of the day, Pete had managed to get her number from a willing Sam.

Fast forward to a 10 mile Cherry Blossom run, and the sweat pouring down Pete’s face wasn’t just from the exertion. Carried in a pocket for those 10 miles was a special ring! He finished a little earlier and waited for Victoria telling her “Congratulations, you look so pretty!” when she crossed the line. Food was all that was on her mind but Pete insisted on grabbing water and walking around. As they got to the Washington Monument, he pulled out the ring where Victoria was so surprised that she forgot about being hungry and said yes!

Now a year later, friends and family came from across the country and across the sea to attend a party in the woods in celebration of these two people. They were worth it!

Bridal dress in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in Nevada City, California.

Sandals and wedding dress in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Victoria had the perfect combinations of layered necklaces and earrings from Anthropologie and a beautiful bracelet from BHLDN that was gifted by Pete!

Necklaces and earrings from Anthropologie and bracelet from BHLDN in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Pete did a beautiful job with Victoria’s engagement ring and even used a family diamond for their first family heirloom together!Wedding and engagement rings in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bridal makeup in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bridal lip color in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Toasts being poured in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bridesmaids toasts in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride putting on veil in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Reading Pete’s note before the ceremony may have brought a tear or two. ;-)Bride reading note from groom in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Wedding program in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

I’ve never seen this arch look this great with these floral swags by Sweet Roots Farm!Wedding floral swags over arched pergola in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in Nevada City, California.

Tears of joy and a laughter became a theme for the day!

Bride and groom saying wedding vows during the ceremony in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom now husband and wife in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Lavendar bridesmaid bouquets in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Groom and boutonniere in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Groom wearing boutonniere in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Groomsmen wearing fun socks in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom walking through the garden in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom in the garden with redwoods in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom walking in lavendar in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and bridal bouqet in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

BHLDN beaded wedding bracelet in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Favorite!

Bride and groom standing in the tall pines and redwoods in the Tahoe wedding forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Bride and groom in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Victoria and her mom created these coasters themselves from a fallen tree in their backyard and then painted the ombre evergreens.Placecards and seating chart made from trees in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in Nevada City, California.

Reception tables and decorations in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Delish dinner and the friendliest staff with Emily’s Catering and Cakes.Garden and reception dinner in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge wedding in Nevada City, California.

Lighted mason jars and bridal bouqet in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Weddings toasts in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Groom and toasts in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Congratulations Victoria and Pete! It was one of the loveliest of days and an honor to be able to spend it with you capturing your day!

Dinner toasting in the Tahoe forest at Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, California.

Location | Harmony Ridge Lodge
Photography | Lydia Photography
Hair and Makeup | Christa Paul Hair and Makeup
Flowers | Sweet Roots Farm
Catering and Cake | Emily’s Catering and Cakes
DJ | Mountain Event Productions

June 25, 2016

If there was ever a wedding I could shoot over and over again every weekend, Maya and Harrison’s day at Lucchesi Vineyards would be that one. From their amazing families to the incredible vendors to, oh yes, Maya and Harrison themselves, it was an amazing day! Overlooking the valley of vines and surrounded by their dearest and best, these two spoke vows of love and commitment, sprinkled with snippets of life and laughter. Then as the sun set behind the tips of the evergreen trees, they toasted and celebrated the beginning of their new life as husband and wife!

Heirloom earrings that belonged to Harrison’s grandmother fit in perfectly with collected vintage pieces to create Maya’s bridal look.

Vintage bracelet, heirloom earrings, and hairpiece at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Heirloom earrings and bride getting hair and makeup done at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bridal wedding dress at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride getting dressed at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Love this wildflower bouquet grown and designed by Little Boy Flowers!
Locally grown wildflower bridal bouquet at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride holding her bouquet at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride walking in orchard at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Groom and boutonniere at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Groom ready for their First Look at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Maya and Harrison chose to have a First Look and see each other before the ceremony. Harrison’s reaction did not disappoint!

Bride and groom having a First Look at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Can’t get enough of it! I just love how they were able to have this private moment all to themselves and spend almost the whole day together!

Bride and groom seeing each other for a First Look at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Groom and groomsmen at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

I can’t say enough about how wonderful the whole bridal party and families were! Maya and Harrison are directly reflected in the amazingness of their nearest and dearest!

Bride and groom and wedding party at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and bridesmaids holding wedding bouquets at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride bouquets and wrist corsage at Lucchesi Vineyards weddings in Grass Valley, California.

 

Two people who knew them best officiated and shared funny and sweet stories of Maya and Harrison.Officiants preparing for ceremony at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Handmade books to carry the vows

Handmade wedding  vow books at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Vineyards amidst the Pine trees and Oaks at Lucchesi Vineyards weddings in Grass Valley, California.

The view from the ceremony site at Lucchesi Vineyards is gorgeous! It overlooks the hills of vines backed by the evergreen pines.

Wedding schedule and ceremony site overlooking the valley at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bridal processional and jars of wildflowers lining the aisle at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom saying vows at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

 

One of my favorite moments of every wedding, the pure bliss of being newly married!Bride and groom newly married at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom recessional at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Love how they created such a personal, unique guestbook!

Wedding guestbook at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

 

This globe was the sweetest gift from one of their guests!Seating chart and adventure awaits world globe gift from guests at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Personalized jars of honey for guest gifts at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

 

No detail was left untouched and personalized! Personalized caps and bottles at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Appetizers by Summer Thyme's Bakery at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Handmade Mr. and Mrs. sign on sweetheart table at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bridal bouquet and wedding cake at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Stylish wedding guests at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Reception table decorations and dinner at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

More than the combination of two lives, two families were joined as well. And when Harrison’s mom started tearing up during her speech, everyone surrounded her with love so she could continue to speak!

Groomsman and bridesmaid giving toasts at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Grooms listening to toasts at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride listening to toasts at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom sweetheart table at Lucchesi Vineyards weddings in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom toasting at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

While their guests continued to finish up dinner, we snuck away for some sunset portraits of just the two of them. Golden light and grape vines make for the prettiest backdrop!

Bride and groom sunset portraits among grape vines at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom walking together at sunset at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom walking together at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride holding bouquet and walking with groom at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom kissing at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

I can’t tell you enough how much I loved and was honored to spend the day with Maya and Harrison! They are two of the kindest and funniest people, making the whole day just a joy to photograph!

Bride and groom standing together at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Groom and bride sunset portraits  at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom holding hands and bridal bouquet at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom kissing at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom laughing at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom portrait at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom laughing at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom first dance at Lucchesi Vineyards in Grass Valley, California.

Bride and groom dancing at reception at Lucchesi Vineyards wedding in Grass Valley, California.

Venue | Lucchesi Vineyards
Photography | Lydia Photography
Coordinator | Storybook Wedding Design and Management
Hair and Makeup | Zoe Elliott
Flowers | Little Boy Flowers
Catering and Cake | Summer Thyme’s Bakery
DJ | Mountain Event Productions
Photo Booth | Sierra Photo Booth
Lighting | Lighthouse Installations
Rentals | SRC Party Rentals

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