Last weekend, I flew to Northern California to photograph Sarah and Jeff’s wedding, which took place at Kunde Winery in Sonoma.

Aside from the fact that it’s always fun to shoot a wedding in a new destination, as it provides a ton of creative inspiration and energy, this particular wedding was a favorite for several reasons:

It took place almost entirely outdoors. Can we all just move to California, already? The light! The landscape! I could shoot there every single day and be a happy gal.

The day itself was relaxed and easy. There was little stress, plenty of time built in for photographs, and no drama.

The wedding was just as relaxed, complete with bean bag tosses overlooking the vineyard, a fire pit and s’mores at dusk, and a pie bar. I may or may not have texted my wife, Sona, asking “Do you want to have another wedding?” That’s how much I loved this wedding.

Sarah and Jeff are so kind–and were SO happy! I mean, just look at these photographs. I don’t know if I’ve ever shot a wedding where the bride looks so authentically and emphatically happy in every single photo. It was infectious.

So, happy wedding, Sarah and Jeff! Thank you for flying me all the way from Chicago to capture your day. It was one for the books.

The Kunde estate has a vintage house where the gals got ready. It was so charming, and it made for the perfect backdrop!

Time for the first look!

We did the first set of portraits during bright mid-day sun. So, we found some places where we could seek shelter from the harsh light–and the wine cellar was perfect!

Ketubah signing!

The ceremony was on Boot Hill, which overlooks the entire Kunde estate. It could not have been more beautiful.

Mazel tov!

What’s more romantic than a first dance under a canopy of trees, overlooking a vineyard?

There were so many sweet details, like this pie bar.

And long communal tables, under that same canopy of trees.

Some reactions from speeches…

And a little hora action! I could’ve posted 20 photos from this part of the night. The reactions were TOO good!

S’mores at dusk

As the sun started to set a bit, we headed back into the vineyard for a few more photos…

I hope you keep on laughing, you two.

Samantha and her sweet family met me at the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area for family photos. I’ve never been to that spot, and it did not disappoint!

We shot with Samantha’s toddler, Charlotte, and though shooting with toddlers always involves a bit of trial and error, we managed to capture some special memories that I know they will cherish.

Here are some sneak peeks from our shoot!

Last week, I posted the first part of Nalika and Dan’s Washington D.C. wedding, which blended two cultures over the course of a couple of days. My first post featured their Indian ceremony, which took place at a temple just outside of D.C., and today’s post features the evening event–a modern ceremony and reception at Toolbox, an art gallery in the city.

While the whole day was special, the evening event felt especially intimate and personal. I loved Nalika and Dan’s ceremony, which had so many unique and sentimental components.

Here are some photos from the second half of their day!

Nalika’s dress was SO beautiful!

The second “first look” of the day!

Nalika’s mehndi had so many personalized components, like these playing cards which are a reference to Dan’s professional poker career.

We wandered through the D.C. neighborhoods, walking to the venue and snapping photos.

Time to get married! During one part of the ceremony, Nalika and Dan had friends and family stand up and read little quotes and passages. Many were from Harry Potter, a favorite of Nalika’s, and she was really touched.

Dan’s brother, who is an uber talented musician, sang a Led Zepplin song, and everyone was awed.

Married!

Some shots from the reception…

…including the first dance, during which Nalika–the ever-feminist bride–gave Dan a little spin!

Some reactions from toasts…

And Nalika couldn’t resist giving a speech of her own.

The night ended with lots of dancing!