While exploring backlots in Oakland, we came upon this impressive skate park. The skaters there told me they built it up, and that if the city found out they'd break it up. I swore to secrecy and they let us shoot there.

Skater: Alex

Model: Rachel.

Yes, that's a guy removing its rims. He told me he was working for the insurance company. Makes perfect sense to me.

Awakened by deep house music echoing from outside the cabin, I rushed out of bed and grabbed my gear, pumped to shoot. We were stopped though, to be served pancakes and fresh Montana deer sausage courtesy of Sasha's dad. SO good.

I knew this was going to be different.

Everyone knows a good photographer. This is 10X more true in creatives' circles. So its humbling when artists go out of their way to hire me.

Sasha and Runn's was not a professionally-designed "theme wedding". This was them.

50+ images makes this is one of my biggest entries and it still doesn't contain the full variety of moments and details. A long shoot hours-wise, but the day was one awesome blur.

Family and friends--many of whom met over the years on Burning Man playas--contributed to make every aspect of this passionately authentic and personal. So with the exception of myself and the vegetarian food by Sonoma Caterers, it was totally DIY.

Btw, Mendocino is my favorite California getaway, and this is now one of my top fave places. Ben and I camped out in the rustic "Eucalyptus" cabin the night before, which alone was an experience. If you're up there, consider a stay at the vast, varied, and friendly Jughandle Creek Farm.

Sasha, Runn, you are truly one of the most memorable couples ever. Thank you.

Special thanks to assistant Ben who put up with my last-second lighting changeups and bizarre late-night drive rants.

2. Some of the details...

3. Checking in on everyone back in the woods. Most camped out at the venue for about a week in cabins, tents, trucks, and RV's.

4. Back at the main house, the girls getting ready. Sasha, a local fashion designer, created her own dress as well as her fiance's jacket.

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6. More quick details.

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10. Sasha's red birdcage veil was handmade by bridesmaid Lisa.

11.Sister moment...

12.Sasha and her dad...

13.After their first look, we headed out to an open field.

14.The eclectic wedding party.

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17. Picnic ceremony in an open meadow.

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27. Guests heading back to the reception.

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29. The tent reception's bartending, lighting, floral arrangements, table settings, and all other decor was provided and set up by friends.

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50. Music sets by well-known house music DJ's Solomon, Tsunami, Pirata, Simple Green, and Influence. A perfect background for this night.

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56. Not just a whip, but a fire whip. Ok now that's just badass.

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To see their full wedding gallery click here.

5:15 am on our way to Mt Arenal, we had to pull over because the light was so nice.

Jennifer and Chris' wedding in Half Moon Bay was intimate, short, and sweet. They were married in front of their closest friends and family on a putting green, a short walk from cliffs overlooking the coast.

With the clouds and mood I shot simply, with a more dramatic look in mind for the couples' portraits. After the ceremony we carted down to the beach for photos. I especially like the wedding party sitting in the sand.

Then back in our carts to the club reception, family toasts, and marriage certifficate signing before we left them to enjoy the rest of their day unfettered.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this.

 --

Exquisitely handpainted invitations and table cards by Kristy Rice at Momental Designs.

Special thanks to Henry Li who helped out. I really appreciate his willingness to fight wind gusts while holding a big light on a cliff.

Also thanks to Half Moon Bay's Golf Links' Amy McNeil for taking us on the course tour and keeping us on the tight schedule. I was only there for a couple of hours, but it worked out perfectly.

Here's my faves...

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5.Chris making sure he doesn't see Jennifer hiding in the clubhouse.

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 Click here to go to their full wedding gallery.

Janna and Dan wanted trees for this since they got engaged under one on the Big Island.

I really like this theme too since Nina and I met in a tree in Thailand.

So we did a quick tour around my #1 all-time fave shoot location in SF, shooting in quiet shady groves under tall, creaking trees, atop felled tree stacks, and by this huge tree sculpture. We explored new sites and had a lot of fun despite the cold.

They came all the way out from NYC and will be returning back for their wine country destination wedding very soon. Congrats you two! Your wedding at the beautiful Viansa Winery is going to be gorgeous, and I can't wait to document it. 

Hair and makeup by Lili for Sherrie Long Makeup Hair & Effects

Black dress by Marc Jacobs

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To see more click here to go to Janna and Dan's proof gallery.

Donabel and Andrew first met back in college. Ten years later, they saw each other on the southbound SF-San Jose commuter and this time it took. They marry in August.

I photographed this cute couple at the Caltrain station obviously because it has meaning for them, but I've always liked the trains, movement, and light there. I want honest pictures and haven't had a good reason until now.

We were surprised at how cool security officers and platform attendants were with us. Even when I pushed it. Yelped. =).

Thank you Donna and Andrew for being so photogenic, personable, and most of all for wanting to keep true to your story. Can't wait to see what comes next.

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More faves from their same-day slideshow. From camera jpgs, no photoshop. Maybe I'll repost the retouched heros later just to show the difference, but I like seeing the roughs.

This was a very intimate wedding. Everyone fit on the Mandarin's north balcony. Incredible view and an uncommonly warm SF day made it perfect.

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I recently heard that we won in the "Best Day After" category, a joint contest by American Photo Magazine and Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

I love capturing the things that show what couples are really about, and in this case we won a contest in a couple of print magazines. American Photo is tailored for mainly for photogs and gearheads, and Best Destination Weddings and Honeymoons is for brides. We won a bunch of new toys and workshop passes, too. =)

Here's the magazine story.

Here's the entry of Tina and Pedro's shoot.

Teaser set; some of my faves from their same-day slideshow. Yup, we showed these in a slideshow during their wedding! Really tough to pull off but we manage to do it without missing critical shots. =)

So Mountain Windery is one of my new personal favorite venues in the Bay Area. Not only does it have an incredible view, great staff, and lots of scenic and lighting variety, but its an awesome concert venue as well.

Special thanks to my first assistant Ben who did a really fantastic job as usual!

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Shauna and Wagner's wedding took place at the Flower Farm Inn in the California foothills. This is a charming setting that features Victorian-like cottages, country comfort, and gardens.

Here's a few of my favorites from their same-day slideshow. They're really fun to do when I can fit it into the day's schedule.

My awesome assistant Ben Sy was on lighting and backup shooting.

Special thanks to Alison Ulshoffer, who did an impressive job with coordination. This energetic crowd had an especially packed program filled with lots of partying and last-minute changes, and Alison really helped with the pacing.

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