Chico California Wedding Photographer: Countdown

I have been very under the weather this week, I mean wow, I have not been this sick in awhile. So, I apologize in the lack of posts.
I have had a lot of time to think about the upcoming wedding season and wanted to share with you a countdown to each couple's glorious day. I am oh so excited for what is to come!

Paul and Bethany: 30 Days
Adrian and Adree: 50 Days
Jeff and Julia: 65 Days
Scott and Rebekah: 79 Day
Chris and Mallory: 94 Days
Chris and Katie: 100 Days
Jared and Ashley: 107 Days
Levi and Heidi: 122 Days
Matt and Crystal: 128 Days
Simon and Veronika: 197 Days
Bobby and Lauren: 205 Days
JT and Maddie: 219 Days
Jon and Moryah: 260 Days

Chico California Wedding Photographer: David and Casey

Gosh -- I don't think I could like my job any more than I do! Posting a wedding makes me realize how much I really, really love capturing these glorious moments!

David and Casey were married in a beautiful church in Fillmore, California just east of Ventura. I was so excited to have the 2011 wedding season start with this one. David and Casey love God and love each other so much! They are truly a beautiful couple.
On their wedding day -- I don't think their joy could have been any greater. They were so excited to see each other -- you will see a couple photos from their first look -- and you just see that they are good friends. Their wedding was meaningful -- the ceremony taking place in the church that Casey's father pastored. The reception was filled with so many fun friends and family. It was a blessed night and I am so glad that I Kenny and I could be a part of it.
Thank you David and Casey. You are so wonderful!



There is no way around it -- the details in her dress were amazing -- not to mention Casey is a stunning bride!





David -- you are one lucky guy! Thanks for finding "plan B" for our first look photos...


Oh, the first look! Everything was planned out -- photos were going to be taken in a beautiful park just west of town. When Kenny and I arrived early to scope out the park, we were greeted with information that the park was closed and trespassers were definitely not allowed... So, I headed back to the Salon to photograph the girls, while Kenny and the boys headed to find "plan b". Now remember, Kenny and I have never traveled to this town -- we don't know a thing. Thankfully, the boys ended up in the quaint downtown area. These people are truly the best!






Casey put up with the wind all day long -- You rocked it, sister!



I try to place my couples in somewhat of a pose, and then let them do their thing. I love the results -- and especially like this "in between" moment here...






How can you not love the expressions on the groomsmen's faces?...


When I arrived downtown with the girls, I noticed this little antique store. I saw the gorgeous light streaming in and knew that I need to take at least a few photos here.







We headed to the church and I snapped just a few photos before the wedding began...




Casey's father passed away when she was in college -- It was an absolutely touching, beautiful moment when Casey walked down the aisle between her younger brother and mother. One of the moments where you feel God's presence...





And -- they are excited to be Mr. and Mrs.....









I could highlight so many more photos from this wedding and reception -- but I am out of time and room :)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: An Investment Worthwhile...

Back in 2004, when I was engaged and planning my wedding, I did not prioritize photography. Crazy, huh? You see, I am a very practical person and all I could see in my mind was numbers. No one told me that photography is an investment.

So, what did I do? I hired a friend -- who loved photography and had a great camera. While I am thankful for his hard work on the day of my wedding, he didn't have the experience or equipment that a quality, professional has to offer. To this day, I do not have one portrait from my wedding hanging in my home. Goodness -- and I am a wedding photographer!

I think this is very common for a lot of brides and grooms. Photography simply is misunderstood. It is so easy to just see photographers as another vendor to hire and fit into your budget on a wedding day. Yet, wedding photographers will serve you long after your wedding day. You will always have your photos to remember the glorious moments of that day.

So think about it -- Look at the long term investment that a quality wedding photographer has to offer. Sometimes, brides and grooms are so quick to dismiss a photographer because of the price -- I would say meet with that photographer. See if you truly appreciate their work -- and maybe, be convinced that this vendor is worth investing in. I know money doesn't grow on trees and believe me, I am a very frugal person. Just ask Kenny, I do not like to spend money. The thing is, to this day, I really, really wish that I had spent more money on my wedding photography.

Ok -- hope this encouraged you! Cheers to Friday! And again, to this beautiful couple who I will soon feature their entire wedding on my blog!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Bobby and Lauren's Engagement

Lauren wrote me close to Thanksgiving, asking about wedding photography. I can remember emailing her back in moments time, because she just sounded like so much fun to work with. I was right -- Bobby and Lauren are wonderful! Bobby is in Medical School right now and Lauren works as a nurse. What a great combination and I just have a feeling these two will spend their lives serving other people. Here is a glimpse into my time with them. I spent way too much time on this post, because I just could not decide which photos to post and which to leave out. They are a beautiful couple!
Cheers Bobby and Lauren! Thank you for spending time in the freezing cold with me last weekend. I am honored to work with you!





















Lauren -- you radiate joy! I love it!