A couple very mindful of their cultural and religious traditions – AND of family tradition! They got married in exactly the same spot where the bride’s parents had tied the knot, 35 years prior. Only difference: this time the weather was much better!
The “spot” was Thomas Fogarty Winery, an elegant event venue perched on a ridge high above Silicon Valley, with endless views to the San Francisco skyline, and surrounded by producing vineyards – the wines from these vineyards were, of course, served at the celebration! But I am getting ahead of myself…
After a year of planning with my company, A Day Like No Other, the big day had finally arrived.
After hair and makeup styling at her parents’ home, Sarah was driven to Fogarty Winery where she would dress up and present herself to her future husband officially for the first time – a “First Look.”
The quintessential mother-daughter moment with the mother preparing her daughter for getting married.
Florist Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs provided Sarah with her bridal bouquet…
… in elegant white-on-white, textured and with a feminine softness – and there she is in all her finery!
Immediately after their First Look on a balcony overlooking the vineyards and the valley, Sarah and Justin read their personal vows to each other – a very tender and unforgettable moment for both of them.
While both were taking lots and lots of photos with photographer extraordinaire Gavin Farrington and his assistant Paula, all the vendor teams were hard at work with preparations. And regarding photos: for now, all we have are my cellphone snapshots – just wait until you see the professional photos!!
The ceremony area was set up with chairs, a chuppah and lavish floral decor (by Green Petal Designs),
and tables were set in pretty ivory, green and gold for the alfresco dinner in the Pavilion.
My assistant Quan and I set up the elegant WELCOME sign that the artistically gifted bride had created herself, along with all other wedding stationery; and there were a myriad of other details to take care of…
DJ .Zhaldee of Entourage Events was setting up sound systems, Rabbi Debbie Pine arrived for the ceremony, and violinist Joyce Lee got settled to accompany this ceremony with classical tunes.
Guests arrived via shuttle buses (from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and soon we were ready for the long-anticipated, big moment. Here comes the bride!
After a traditional Jewish ceremony…
… Sarah and Justin broke a glass, also per tradition, and were declared “husband and wife.”
Just married!! And soooo happy…
Next? More photos, of course – and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Culinary Eye Catering) …
… for the guests who were asked to write their well-wishes and messages for the newlyweds on vintage travel postcards, to be gathered into a keepsake album.
“Travel” was a big theme at this wedding as this is the couple’s shared passion – they got engaged in Kenya, for starters! And that’s why tables were named after some of their favorite destinations, “Nairobi” rubbing shoulders with “San Francisco…” and “Cancun” with “Tahoe!”
Guests found their assigned tables on a mirrored seating chart…
Two super-busy young professionals, living out of state, planning an elaborate wedding at Nestldown Estate just outside Silicon Valley – it’s clear they needed assistance! I was so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the planning and design, and the bride’s parents took over the tasks of site visits and tastings that had to be done in-person. After a year of planning and designing, everything finally came together beautifully under blue skies and a warming May sunshine.
For Sally and her friends, her sister, mother and mother-in-law, the day began at the elegant Hotel Los Gatos…
… where they all received beauty services by Felicia Wei and assistants of Bun Bun Bridal Lab – and look how gorgeous the results were! Photographer Gavin Farrington with second shooter Paula captured the whole day from start to finish – however, for the time being, all we have to show are my cellphone shots. Just wait until you see the professional photos!
At Nestldown, meanwhile, several vendor teams (including myself and my associate Stephanie Hui) were hard at work to get everything ready for the celebration; Ephraim of Apis Florals and his crew put up gorgeous floral arrangements…
…. a gilded circular arch, decorated with a profusion of flowers, and a sofreh-aghd, the traditional Persian wedding spread (the bride is of Persian heritage), in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the Redwoods at Nestldown, where all ceremonies are held.
Guests were arriving via convenient shuttle service (by Corinthian Ground Transportation) and making their way to the lavishly decorated ceremony area.
Time for the ceremony!
Here comes the bride, with her parents, serenaded by the Corelli Strings trio. The unique Persian-American ceremony was officiated by Sally’s best friend from college, together with Sally’s sister, with participation from her uncle, nephews and nieces, and a friend of the couple. This was a very personal, heartfelt moment for all.
The sofreh was a labor of love by the bride’s parents – her father built the table himself, her mother supplied all the symbolic items that are displayed on the sofreh, and her sister contributed to the ceremony with explanations for all guests who might not be familiar with the Persian wedding customs.
As part of the wedding ceremony, female family members shower the couple with sugar, rubbed over their heads, symbolizing the sweetness of marriage.
Just married!!
While Chris and Sally had to take more romantic photos – and video by Two4Tea – on the beautiful grounds of Nestldown…
…their guests enjoyed cocktails (by Bacchus Wine and Spirits) and hors d’oeuvres by Wylder Space Catering at the “Apple Knoll” event space – under a pergola hung with crystal chandeliers!
Another personal touch: Chris’ and Sally’s beloved canine Neville was cheering guests from the cocktail napkins…
… and Corelli Strings again provided the elegant musical background.
A truly elegant affair! Come dinner time, guests were invited to Nestldown’s Main Lawn …
… where tables with elegant floral centerpieces…
… a seating chart arranged on a huge mirror….
…..and place settings with individual leather name tags awaited them.
After a delicious dinner (by Wylder Space Catering) and heartfelt speeches by their parents, everyone moved inside the “Barn”, the central event space at Nestldown, for cutting the wedding cake and enjoying Persian desserts (by C’est Si Bon Bakery)…
… and for a huge surprise for the couple: a saxophonist whom the bride’s sister had secretly hired to play alongside DJ Woody Miraglia (of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – a dream come true for Sally and Chris! Saxophonist Justin Ward, a musician through and through, accompanied the newlyweds’ First Dance under the giant crystal chandelier…
… and from that moment on, it was only “dance, dance, dance” for the rest of the evening. A Grand Send-off with shimmering bubbles was the last high point of this incredible celebration, before the couple was whisked away in the authentic vintage London taxi which is one of the special perks at Nestldown.
Keep celebrating and dancing, Sally and Chris – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!
30 yrs ago, a young couple starting their family purchased 180 acres of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains and, through persistent hard work, they “moved a mountain” in the literal sense of the word; they transformed it into their vision of a garden oasis, for themselves, their children and ultimately, for wedding celebrations. They built a huge (elegant!) barn – already planned as a fully outfitted event space – where their children could play; a storybook cottage for their girls, a life-size train for their boys (father and son), a tree house… and over the years added innumerable extra touches to what is now the ultimate elegant wedding destination in the Redwoods. With a natural Redwood “chapel” for ceremonies, ponds, meadows, 36 acres of manicured gardens, mature trees with permanently installed twinkle lights casting a magical glow at dusk – Nestdown has become the perfect combination of elegance and natural beauty. It is still owned and managed by the same family, meanwhile supported by the children who had the good fortune growing up in this magical place.
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
I have been honored to be included in the small handful of wedding planners allowed to work at this exceptional venue, and here are images from the many, many weddings I have been privileged to plan, design and produce there. Let me show you around…
The “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the redwoods, paved with flagstones for the most romantic ceremony spot imaginable.
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit JJ Chen
These are the wedding photos you want to see again and again, down the road, in twenty years…
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Photo credit Megan Reeves
Photo credit Megan Reeves
Of course, you need a photo with the Fairytale Cottage…
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
… and with the train… and the tree house… while your guests are enjoying cocktails!
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Dinner on the Main Lawn is magical, as dusk is falling…
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Bre Thurston
… and after that, it’s dancing, dancing, dancing under the enormous crystal chandelier in the Barn.
Photo credit Ben Ingram
And at Nestldown, the Grand Send-Off of the newlyweds is definitely one of the highlights of the event!
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Through a “tunnel” of cheering guests, the couple departs to a waiting authentic London taxi!
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Bon voyage and a lifetime of happiness – which started on this magical day at Nestldown.
Expert interview with videographer Will Cook of Kindlewood Films
Will and I go back many years – and we’ve collaborated on quite a few weddings. For many couples, videography is an afterthought, and for some even an “unnecessary expense.” WRONG, says Will… let’s see why that is so!
“How did you get into videography/wedding videography?“ I started out in commercial and documentary filmmaking, but found myself drawn to the emotion and storytelling of weddings. A friend asked me to film their big day years ago, and I was hooked. There’s something really special about capturing such an important, personal moment and turning it into a cinematic keepsake.
“How many weddings have you done?“ Over the years, I’ve filmed more than 150 weddings across California and beyond. Each one is a little different, which keeps it fresh and creatively fulfilling.
“Which qualities, in your opinion, are crucial for a great wedding videographer?“ A great wedding videographer needs to be calm under pressure, always aware of what’s happening, and able to anticipate the moments before they happen. But just as important is having a filmmaker’s eye—using light, sound, and movement to tell the story in a beautiful, meaningful way.
“What is the difference between cellphone video by wedding guests and a professional wedding video?“ Cell phone videos are great for capturing quick moments, but a professional wedding video is intentional. It’s shot with multiple cameras, crisp audio, cinematic framing, and professional editing. The difference is like comparing a home video to a short film.
“What does wedding video add BEYOND wedding photos?“ Photos freeze moments in time, but video brings them to life. You can hear your vows, see your loved ones move and speak, relive the speeches, the laughter, the energy on the dance floor. It captures the emotional heartbeat of the day in a way nothing else can.
“What are the criteria by which couples should choose their wedding videographer?“ Connection and trust are key. Look for someone whose work resonates with you emotionally, who communicates clearly, and who you feel comfortable having around on your wedding day. Style, professionalism, and personality all matter.
“What makes wedding videography so expensive?“ A lot goes into it—multiple cameras, high-end audio gear, lighting, travel, and most importantly, the time. A single wedding can take 60+ hours to edit. You’re not just paying for a service, you’re investing in a piece of storytelling that you’ll watch for decades.
“Anything else you’d like to add?“ I always tell couples: your wedding day will go by fast, and there’s no way to remember everything. Video lets you relive it. Years from now, when voices have changed or loved ones are gone, having that story captured is priceless.
Want to see living proof of how powerful a wedding video can be? Here is one that Will did at one of my weddings!
Laura and her Mersonacta Quartet have played many times at my weddings and imparte them with an upscale, polished feel that pre-recorded music just can’t create. She of all people knows everything about WHY you should have live music at your wedding, at the very least at your ceremony.
“How did you get into music? And then into WEDDING music? What is it that fascinates you about it?” My parents are musicians so I come by it honestly! As for wedding music, it’s a fun way to make people really happy. It’s such a special day for a couple and it’s really fun to contribute to that joy and lasting memory.
“What is your specific style and why?” I love playing all the pop songs but I’m actually trained as a baroque musician. I have a Master’s degree in baroque performance and that’s my favorite music to play (Bach, Handel, Corelli, etc).
“How have you evolved as a musician?” I’m constantly evolving – learning new stuff, learning how much I can improve. Playing with other people is such a fun way to improve as a player.
“How do you connect with couples?” I’m extroverted so it’s super easy for me to connect with couples. Being around other people is what gives me life. I love to hear their stories of how they met, and hearing their vows is always really fun. I’m often crying hearing these sweet stories!
“What, in your opinion, is the difference btw just recorded music (playlist, DJ) and live music at a wedding?” Why do I go to concerts? To watch! Live music is such a visual element and while watching a DJ dance around can be cute, it’s so fascinating for me to watch musicians play.
“Why is live music expensive?” We’ve put in our 10,000 hours. I have two degrees in music, and I’ve been playing my instrument and perfecting my craft for over 30 years. We spend time in the practice room learning the notes before your Big Day – so it’s not just the time on site that you’re paying for.
Jira and I go back many years. I hardly know anyone as hardworking as her. We have collaborated on countless weddings… not only because she is extremely experienced, professional and so good at what she does – she can also bring a whole army of qualified assistants to any wedding, so styling a dozen bridesmaids in time is absolutely no problem for her.
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“
My passion for beauty began in childhood, as I loved making my friends and family look beautiful. By now, with Jira Salon and Wowpretty Makeup and Hair Agency, I look back on over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 successful clients.
What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?
My team and I specialize in various styles, including natural, elegant, and glamorous looks. We understand that everyone has unique facial features, personalities, and personal styles. As experts in beauty, we take the time to understand each client’s vision, ensuring they achieve the look they love the most.
Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?
Yes, I specialize in creating customized bridal looks that enhance each bride’s natural beauty while complementing their unique facial features, personality, and wedding style.
Jira at work at one of my brides
What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?
Professional makeup artists and hairstylists have extensive training and experience in working with different skin types, facial features, and hair textures. They understand how to create looks that enhance natural beauty, complement individual styles, and last all day—especially crucial for weddings and special events.
Professionals use high-quality, long-wearing products and advanced techniques, such as airbrush makeup for a flawless, lightweight finish and precision hairstyling for lasting volume and elegance. They also know how to ensure that makeup looks stunning both in person and in high-definition photography, which is often a challenge with DIY applications.
While DIY makeup can be fun for everyday looks, professional artistry ensures a polished, camera-ready, and long-lasting result that brings out the best version of you on your special day.
What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?
“The difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup comes down to technique, product quality, and how well the look is tailored to the individual.
Great hair and makeup enhance natural beauty, complement facial features, and suit the occasion, personality, and style of the person wearing it. The application is seamless, blending effortlessly into the skin, with makeup that looks flawless both in person and in photos. High-quality products ensure long-lasting wear, and hairstyling maintains its shape and elegance throughout the event.
On the other hand, not-so-great hair and makeup can appear cakey, uneven, or unblended, failing to enhance the individual’s features. Poor-quality products may cause the makeup to fade, smudge, or oxidize, while improper hairstyling techniques can lead to flat or overly stiff hair that doesn’t hold up. Additionally, if the look doesn’t match the person’s style, skin tone, or event setting, it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable.
A skilled professional ensures that hair and makeup are expertly applied, flattering, and long-lasting, giving confidence and elegance to every client.
Again – Jira at work at one of my brides
When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?
Questions to ask:
What is your experience with bridal hair and makeup? – Ensures the stylist has expertise in wedding beauty.
Can I see your portfolio or client reviews? – Helps assess their style, quality of work, and consistency.
Do you offer a trial session? – A trial is crucial to test the look before the wedding day.
What products do you use? – High-quality, long-lasting products are essential for durability and a flawless finish.
Do you offer airbrush makeup? – Airbrush can provide a lightweight, long-lasting, and HD-ready look.
How do you customize the look for different skin tones, textures, and hair types? – Ensures the stylist can work with diverse features.
What is your pricing and what does it include? – Helps clarify costs, potential add-ons, and travel fees.
How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies? – Professional stylists should have a backup plan.
How long will the styling process take on the wedding day? – Timing is key to avoid delays.
Do you stay for touch-ups or offer additional services for the bridal party? – Some stylists provide extended services for a flawless look throughout the event.
2. Red Flags to Avoid:
Lack of a portfolio or inconsistent work – A professional should have clear examples of past bridal work. No trial session or refusal to do one – A trial is essential for ensuring satisfaction with the final look. Poor hygiene or expired products – Clean tools and fresh products are critical for skin and hair health. Limited knowledge of different skin tones and hair textures – A stylist should be experienced in working with diverse clients. Unclear pricing or hidden fees – A professional should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. Negative reviews or complaints about professionalism – Check for patterns in feedback regarding punctuality, communication, or reliability. Unwillingness to listen or customize the look – A great stylist should tailor the look to the bride’s preferences. Lack of a contract – A contract protects both parties and ensures clarity on services provided. Overbooking on the wedding day – If a stylist juggles too many clients, they may be rushed or unavailable for touch-ups. Unreliable communication – Slow responses or lack of professionalism in communication can be a red flag for potential issues.
Not on time, forgot equipment – Being late or forgetting equipment is not acceptable. It’s very important to make sure you bring everything on the day, even products and colors you may not use but know you might need. In 80% of the cases, the bride may change her mind at the last minute and want a different look, so as a good stylist, we need to be prepared for those changes – just in case.”
A professional stylist should be experienced, communicative, and committed to making the bride feel confident and beautiful on her big day.
How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?
I typically reserve around 2 hours for the bride and 1 to 1.5 hours for each additional woman, for a comfortable experience and a flawless finish
Yes, we do recommend touch-ups during the wedding day, especially for the bride, as it ensures she looks fresh and flawless throughout the event. However, we understand that weddings can be costly, and touch-up services can add to the expense.
To help with this, we always suggest that brides consider doing their own touch-ups themselves if they prefer to keep costs down. During the trial or pre-wedding consultation, we take the time to show and teach each bride how to touch up their makeup and hair so they feel confident doing it themselves. This way, they can maintain their look without the added cost while still looking great throughout the day.”
Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?
“Professional hair and makeup services may seem expensive, but there are several factors that contribute to the cost.
Experience and Expertise: Skilled professionals bring years of training, practice, and specialized knowledge to ensure that your hair and makeup not only look flawless but also last throughout the entire day. They know the best techniques, products, and tools to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and is suited to your unique features.
Quality Products and Tools: Professionals use high-quality, long-lasting products that are designed for special occasions, ensuring a flawless finish that stays in place through photos, emotions, and all-day wear. This also includes premium tools, such as brushes, tools for airbrushing, and high-end styling tools, which all come with additional costs.
Personalized Service: Each service is tailored specifically to the client, whether it’s creating a unique bridal look, understanding different skin tones, hair textures, or catering to specific requests. This level of customization requires additional time and expertise.
Time Commitment: On the wedding day, a stylist will spend several hours preparing the bride, bridal party, and others. Beyond the actual styling, there’s time for consultation, trial sessions, and any last-minute adjustments, as well as preparation time for the artist to ensure they’re equipped for the event.
Travel and On-Site Services: Many professionals offer on-site services, meaning they travel to your location on the wedding day, which adds travel time, transportation costs, and sometimes overnight accommodations for destination weddings.
Specialized Skillset: Bridal hair and makeup artists have expertise in creating looks that photograph beautifully, last all day, and stand up to the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding. They also have the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions, whether it’s the weather or specific requests from the bride or bridal party.
Ultimately, the cost reflects the value of the professional’s time, skill, quality, and the overall experience they provide to make the bride feel confident and beautiful on her special day.”
Anything else you’d like to add
Yes! HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT!
Expertise and Experience: Our team of licensed cosmetologists boasts a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, with unique talents and skills.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Our makeup artists are at the forefront of the industry, utilizing the newest airbrushing techniques to achieve flawless, long-lasting results and any look desired.
Personalized Service: With our large staff, we offer tiered pricing for different levels of expertise, and we include airbrushing and lashes at no additional cost.
Convenience and Flexibility: Visit us at our salon in Burlingame, CA, or let us come to you, anywhere in the world. In the rare event of an emergency, rest assured that we always have additional stylists on call to save the day.
Trial Sessions and Guarantee: If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your trial, you can choose another stylist at no additional cost.
Attention to Detail: Our consultations include trial makeup and hair sessions, allowing for feedback and adjustments to ensure there are no surprises on your wedding day.
Professional Connections: With our extensive network of professional vendors in the Bay Area, we can coordinate with your wedding planner and other vendors to ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawless and perfect.
At Wowpretty, we promise seamless coordination with you and your planner; we develop a well-planned timeline, and we have high attention to detail, a personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings.
Let Wowpretty Team be a part of your special day, and together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Who doesn’t know the “Kelly bag” by Hermes? Probably every elegant woman in the world wants one. The waitlist is years long. Resales boom.
Photo credit: Pinterest
But have you ever asked yourself for whom the bag was named?
The bag, named Petit Sac à Courroies, was first designed by Hermes in 1935 – and, believe it or not, it was not a success. But…. that changed dramatically when American actress Grace Kelly …
Photo credit: Pinterest
… had to carry one onscreen in one of her Hitchcock thrillers and came to love it so much that she kept carrying one privately. This was the public breakthrough…
Photo credit: Pinterest
Already a star, with an Academy Award and three Golden Globes to her credit, she was copied by a whole generation of fashionable women – and when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, “Princess Gracia Patricia” became a forever fashion icon.
Photo credit: Pinterest
No matter that she’d be nearly 100 years old by now – her effortless elegance is as stunning today and still serves as inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike (think: Red Carpet….)
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
And in terms of bridal couture: her dress was clearly an inspiration to Kate Middleton’s…
Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!
What is your specific strength as a florist?
I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
– What is your style? Your approach to your work?
My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.
– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?
Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.
Photo credit: Kreate Photography
What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?
Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.
Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
What else would you like to add?
If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.
I have collaborated with Saida and Chantal, the charismatic owners of Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, on many wedding projects and styled photoshoots. These two were the first ones to bring French/European bridal couture to the US two decades ago, and their style, taste and commitment to their brides is simply unmatched. Here are their expert insights in how to choose your wedding dress.
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Danny Dong – A Savin of London Dress
Another insight into the ground rules for wedding photography from acclaimed San Francisco photographer Kevin Chin with whom I have worked on many weddings – and his photos are always fantastic! Elegant, capturing the atmosphere and the moment AND all the pretty details – a balanced approach to capturing a wedding, and always stunning!
“How did you get into photography? And, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?“
Like many people, photography started as a hobby for me. I was always the one taking photos on family vacations and gatherings. I started taking photos of my friends for fun. From there, people started to ask me to shoot their family portraits and weddings. The rest is history. Weddings are the most important day in a person’s life, and I feel privileged and honored to capture their special day. Experiencing the joy and emotions of a wedding day is something that I never get tired of.
“What is your specific style and why?”
I would say I incorporate a mixture of many different styles when shooting a wedding. You need to well-versed in many photography styles to capture all the different elements of a wedding. I am very good at posing my couples to flatter their body characteristics and their style to make them look their best. I’m also good at observing and capturing real candid moments throughout the day. And, of course, I use my creative eye to capture all the pretty details of the wedding day that the couple has chosen, which include the wedding dress, flowers, decor, venue, etc. I also take into account what style of photography my couple is looking for. Some prefer candids and don’t like posing for photos, while others want beautiful posed portraits and want to look like a model. I try to capture a good mixture of everything, but I’m happy to accommodate their preferences.
“How have you evolved as a photographer?”
I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I have gone from shooting film to digital. I have always strived to shoot in a classic style that will not look dated over time. During the film days when there weren’t any previews of the photos you were shooting, with practice and experience, I developed a repertoire of poses and key shots that I knew would always work and that every couple would like. These were the “safe shots” or “money shots” that I knew I had mastered and that I could rely on for every wedding. When digital came around, I was able to experiment more because I could see a preview of the images as I was shooting. This gave me the freedom to experiment more which, I feel, made me a more creative photographer. I feel I offer the best of both worlds because I learned the fundamentals of photography with film and became even more creative with digital technology.
“How do you connect with couples?”
My couples tell me that they appreciate my calm demeanor and easygoing personality. This is something that is appreciated on the wedding day because it helps the couple stay calm on their wedding day.
“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”
Wedding photography is the one category that couples should invest in wisely because when the wedding is over, all you have left are your wedding photos. You want to make sure you invest in an experienced professional photographer that can capture all the different events of a wedding day. As I mentioned before, a professional photographer should be experienced with capturing flattering portraits, candids that capture authentic moments, and beautiful detail and venue shots.
These different photography styles is what it takes to capture the true essence of the wedding day. You may love the style of your photographer that you are about to choose, but make sure they are experienced on how a wedding day flows. This is important because you want to make sure your photographer doesn’t miss any key moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, etc. Once the moment is over, it’s over. There are no second takes on a wedding day.
“Why is wedding photography expensive?”
You pay for what you get!
“Anything else you want to add?”
Whomever you pick as your photographer, you want to make sure you get along with that person because your photographer will be with starting with you putting on the dress until the last dance. You want to make sure that you like this person and that you vibe with their personality.
