Northern California Archives

September 21, 2017 by Paige Nelson 6 Comments

Jem and Peter’s summer camp wedding at Leonard Lake Reserve is one for the books. The Reserve encompasses a whopping 4,000 acres of land and boasts the largest lake in Mendocino County. Ancient redwood groves and fir trees surround the property, providing shelter to several species of wildlife. Jem and Peter’s 60 guests enjoyed exclusive access to all of the outdoor goodness for the entire weekend.

Their wedding day was so authentic to their relationship. Low key and no frills. They wanted the scenery at Leonard Lake to be the statement of their “decor” and for their family and friends to have a helping hand in putting on the event.

During our stay, we had several encounters with the local wildlife. A rattlesnake lunged for our ankles on a hike, a fox snatched the campfire marshmallows, and Peter’s dad unintentionally baited a small mouth bass with his nipple. And let’s not forget about the daily mosquito spray down parties. This was definitely a weekend to remember.

SUMMER CAMP SHENANIGANS

In true summer camp fashion, we were all assigned cabins to share. Jem and Peter opted for more privacy in one of the tents down by the lake. Andrew and I settled into the living room of the big Knoll House, featuring epic diamond windows.

Most of the guests arrived Friday evening to settle in and enjoy lakeside activities. We joined everyone for a welcome BBQ and sangria at the picnic tables. That night, we roasted marshmallows over the campfire and laid back to enjoy the stars. We crashed early, exhausted after a long day of travel, but it’s rumored there were quite a few late night skinny dippers.

In the morning, we took the canoe out before camp woke up. The water was still and beautiful, with only the ripples of our boat disturbing it. As the sun rose, more guests ventured down to the dock to enjoy the lake before the wedding festivities began.

Everyone had something to accomplish that afternoon. Peter’s aunts baked fresh fruit pies for dessert in lieu of cake. Two ladies took a canoe out to clip water lilies, as a team in the kitchen built artisan charcuterie boards for lunch. Meanwhile, Jem foraged fern leaves to spruce up the picnic tables and family members pieced together flowers for bouquets.

This wedding is also featured on Junebug Weddings! Check it out!

WEDDING DAY FESTIVITIES

Jem was ready for the day quickly and effortlessly. She dawned a delicate tiara from a past trip to Thailand and a whimsical blush dress that billowed out with every step. Peter wore a complimentary red suit with the coolest feather bowtie. Peter swung her round and round when he saw her for the first time. Together they looked flawless.

Intimate Ceremony by Leonard Lake

The two exchanged vows under a canopy of trees near the lake, with Peter’s step father officiating the ceremony. Afterward, Christy, took us up the hill for portraits in the Cathedral redwood grove.

Jem slipped into her second dress while guests enjoyed cocktails under the market lights. Her mother found the dress at a small boutique on her way to the opera with her dad. After toasts, we snuck down to the dock to soak up the last of the light for portraits.

Three dance songs were scribbled on a napkin, but Spotify was the DJ for the evening. Everyone danced under the stars in complete merriment through the night…followed by more skinny dipping.

As a closing thought, all I can think to say is: Peter and Jem, you are truly better together. Congrats to you and thanks for the memories!

Their Vendor Team

Decor: Party Tents & Event Rentals // Desserts: Judy Somerby and Annabelle Bentley (Groom’s aunts) // Florist: Lynn Ponton (family friend) // Groom’s Attire: Beckett & Robb (suit); Paul Smith Designs (shirt) // Groom’s Bowtie: Brackish Bowties // Invitations: ForeverFiances // Officiant: Byron Thompson (Groom’s step-father) // Photography: Paige Nelson // Wedding Bands: D&H Jewelers; Engagement Ring: Etsy // Site Coordination: Christy (Leonard Lake Reserve) // Shoes: DBDK Fashion (Bride); Cole Haan (Groom) // Wedding Dress Boutique: Lovely Bride // Wedding Dress Designer: Lea in Blush by Leanne Marshall // Wedding Favors: Copper Mule Mugs; RP & Associates // Venue: Leonard Lake Reserve

If you love this wedding, I also recommend checking out Jem and Peter’s Sutro Baths engagement or Hannah and Rocky’s intimate redwood wedding.

Hannah & Rocky

Intimate Wedding at Henry Cowell Redwoods

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, CA

August 8, 2017 by Paige Nelson 17 Comments

Hannah and Rocky’s intimate wedding at Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of my all time favorites. Their wedding focused on intimacy, simplicity, and the true meaning of marriage.

In the early stages of planning a big wedding, Hannah and Rocky stumbled across Kaitlyn and Matt’s intimate Big Sur wedding. After browsing through the images, they fell in love with the raw intimacy surrounding a smaller celebration. They tabled their original idea and decided to have an intimate wedding instead.

We started planning their day in Big Sur, but Mother Nature threw a wrench in our plans. The landslides and bridge closure forced us to relocate with less than two months away. I sent them an alternative list of forests in Santa Cruz and they settled on Henry Cowell Redwoods. It didn’t matter where they got married, as long as they were surrounded by beauty and loving company.

DAY BEFORE

I met Hannah and Rocky the day before their wedding to tour the forest together. They showed me some of their favorite scenic spots off the trails, as well as the special clearing they chose for their ceremony. We spent the rest of the afternoon lost in the trees trying to track down the elusive Garden of Eden. After more than an hour of searching, we finally found the way down to the watering hole.

Later that evening, we met up again at Allegro in the Carmel Barnyard for their rehearsal dinner. Hannah and Rocky’s family charmed my socks off, warmly welcoming me into their group with open arms. We enjoyed wine on the balcony, listened to some heart warming speeches and feasted on delicious Italian food.

INTIMATE WEDDING DAY

On the day of the wedding, I made a pit stop at Rocky’s family home in Carmel where the guys were getting ready. When I arrived, they shared some heartfelt words around the table and a prayer over breakfast. Rocky opened Hannah’s letter and gift- a beautiful watch to go with his suit. His reaction was so sweet, I think everyone let out an audible “awe” all at once.

The girls were in a charming barn-like Airbnb in Aptos, close to Henry Cowell. Hannah opened Rocky’s gift- a dainty pearl necklace that complimented her dress perfectly. The girls huddled around Hannah afterward and prayed over her…I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

This wedding is also featured on Intimate Weddings- check it out!

Henry Cowell Intimate Redwood Wedding

We met up a few hours later at a clearing in the park for their first look, one of Hannah and Rocky’s most anticipated moments of the day. The guests waited for us at the main park entrance and we all walked to the ceremony site together. Rocky’s mom pinned on boutonnieres while their friends scattered petals to line the aisle.

With her brother softly strumming the guitar, Hannah and her dad made their way up to the altar. In the middle of exchanging vows, a nearby giant split from its roots and came crashing down. The sound of it was like thunder ripping through the sky- an incredible sound I won’t be forgetting soon.

We temporarily parted ways with their guests after the ceremony to soak up the sparkly forest light for portraits. My favorite moment of the day was when we spotted these finger-like rays of light beaming from around the trees. I put on Iron and Wine’s cover of “Time after Time” while Hannah and Rocky practiced their first dance. On the way back to the entrance, a deer came charging through the brush and leaped over the wooden fence just feet away from us.

Ben Lomond Wedding Reception at Casa Nostra

After the sun had set, we made our way over to the reception dinner at Casa Nostra. The rest of the night was filled with laughter, the best Italian food, and dancing. I couldn’t imagine this day ending any more perfectly. Congrats Hannah and Rocky!

“We loved being able to spend our day with each other and the closest people in our lives. There is something magical about walking through the woods on your wedding day that we really can’t explain. We ended up hosting receptions for both of our families after we got back from our honeymoon. This allowed us to spend quality time with even more people we love than we could have on our actual wedding day. If you’re thinking about having an intimate wedding, we highly recommend it.”

Their Vendor Team

Ceremony location: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Santa Cruz, CA) // Dress Designer: BHLDN // Dessert: Ferrell’s Donuts, Santa Cruz // Groom’s Attire: H&M // Officiant: Chris Comstock // Florist: Joely Clarke, Rooted Florals // MUAH: Valerie, Last Resort Salon// Photography: Paige Nelson // Reception Venue: Casa Nostra Ristorante & Bar (Ben Lomond)

Did you love this wedding? I recommend browsing Jessica & Paul’s intimate Big Sur wedding or Sarah and Alex’s intimate Santa Cruz wedding!

Sarah & Alex

Intimate Wedding in Forest of Nisene Marks

Forest of Nisene Marks, CA

May 7, 2017 by Paige Nelson 8 Comments

Sarah and Alex’s intimate wedding in Forest of Nisene Marks turned out to be the greatest back up plan of all time.

These two originally dreamed of exchanging vows in the enchanting forest of Limekiln State Park where Alex proposed. They booked camping spots 6 months ahead of time for their 10 closest friends and family to join them. But a month before their date, Pfieffer Bridge collapsed with the landslides. We soon realized Highway 1 wouldn’t be re-opening to the public any time soon.

Plan B in Santa Cruz

At first it was disheartening to give up Big Sur, but everything kept falling into place. I researched look-alike forests and recommended Nisene Marks in Santa Cruz. Sarah found an amazing yurt set above the beautiful vineyards in Salinas. She also found an incredible hair and make up artist willing to make the last-minute drive.

Intimate Wedding Day Preparations

A few days before the wedding, Sarah and Alex scouted a secluded grove for their ceremony. Instead of having one officiant, Sarah asked all of their guests to be an equally important part of the readings. She asked them to share a piece of themselves by offering a blessing, joke, poem, song, or dance.

The day of the ceremony was so relaxed. I arrived to the yurt in the late morning to capture the quiet ritual of preparation. In a secluded grove away from guests, Sarah and Alex shared a moment of meditation following their first look. Then we all caravanned our way up to the redwood giants in Aptos.

This wedding is featured on Intimate Weddings! Check it out here!

Secluded ceremony grove in Forest of Nisene Marks

Alex and Sarah brought incense, a metal singing bowl, crystals, and a few gifted items to decorate the forest floor. As everyone filed in, Sarah and Alex asked them to form a circle. The ceremony began with a sage purification ritual and anointment of each guest with frankincense.

Alex opened with a prayer to the four directions. Then, the floor was open to anyone who wanted to share their words. Sarah’s mom read a poem from Alex’s parents and surprised them by serenading them with a song.

After Alex and Sarah exchanged vows, they passed out homemade medicine bags. Sarah invited each guest to select a few of the crystals from the altar to add to their bag. Finally, they sealed the ceremony with a group hug and sang Longtime Sun (a kundalini closing).

Redwood Portraits & Twilight at the Beach

We spent the rest of the daylight frolicking around the forest for their couple portraits. We made it to the coast just in time to soak up the last of the sun and play in the twilight.Later that evening, we rejoined everyone back at the yurt for homemade food, cake, and festivities.

“I couldn’t have ask for anything more. It was only loosely planned and perfect. Leaving things open and going with the flow helped us to stay relaxed and in the moment. We were so wrapped up in our ceremony, we decided to drop our plan to do portraits in Carmel. We literally pulled over at the first coast we could find.

It was a very different look and we had to hop some fences (thanks, Andrew!) but we got incredible unplanned photos! I would not trade the feeling and memory of our our day for anything in the world! It was everything I could have hoped for, and almost nothing I had planned.”

Their Vendor Team

Hair and Make up: Cara Hopkins, Face Forward Bridal // Florist: Christine Cater Wedding and Event Floral Design // Dress: Rue de Seine // Photography: Paige Nelson // Venue: The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Jessica & Paul

Intimate Big Sur Wedding

Big Sur, CA

October 20, 2016 by Paige Nelson 2 Comments

Jessica and Paul’s intimate Big Sur wedding at Limekiln State Park was the most enchanting day I’ve ever witnessed. These two feel so deeply about each other. Their joy and love is truly infectious in these images.

They knew in the early stages of wedding planning they wanted an intimate celebration with their closest family and friends. Jessica was inspired by the atmosphere of my sister and her husband’s wedding along the Big Sur coast last year. Limekiln State Park has a magnetic pull to it like that. I also got to team up again with my friend Whitney Justesen who is an incredible videographer!

When I’m planning with couples, I always send out a questionnaire to learn more about their relationship to inspire more meaningful images. Jessica and Paul’s individual responses to the question “What do you love most about each other?” are so heartfelt and genuine, I wanted to interweave it into their story.

Jessica & Paul’s wedding day was featured on Intimate Weddings if you’d like to check it out here.

Honestly, Paul is the best person I know. There’s so much to love. He’s so dynamic. He has this scholarly side (very professional, knowledgeable), the silly, hilarious side, and there’s the deep soulful side. This last one is the one where we sit on the couch and have honest conversations about who we are, what we think, and how we both feel things very deeply.

Like me, Paul is what I call a deep feeler. It’s this powerful sense of empathy where you can feel the world’s aches and joys. I’m not sure whether or not that will translate, but it’s a visceral feeling, and to share it with another is very special. We have this bond where it seems we are almost always on the same page.

Jessi is incredibly thoughtful. She not only shows her kindness through words, she shows people how much she cares about them through actions. One of her favorite things to do for her family is cook a wonderful meal for them, and I am the same way. I think this is part of the reason why we love cooking for each other and together. It is one of the many ways that we show our love.

Before I met him, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would marry. I could picture myself growing old, writing books in a little nook, quietly by myself. And that would be fine. But then I met him and there wasn’t any other choice. I’d met my match.

An Intimate Forest Ceremony at Limekiln State Park

Jessica took cover behind a redwood tree until their song from Sleeping at Last filled the air. Paul’s face when he saw her was heart melting. During the ceremony, he proudly showed her the restaurant receipt from their first date. He knew she was the one for him since that very first encounter.

The first kiss was followed by the first dance. Immediately after, someone popped a bottle of champagne and passed it around. Everyone exchanged hugs and heartfelt words. Then it was just Jess and Paul, dancing in the magical forest light, two souls completely intertwined.

Jessi is so very affectionate. I may be focused on something when her hand gently rubs my back when I’m not expecting it, just as a little reminder she is thinking of me. I have received an uncountable amount of simple, sweet, random texts telling me she is thinking of me. I have never felt so loved in my life.

I can’t picture any other future. I’ll still grow old, quietly writing in my little nook, and when I’m finished, I’ll give my husband a kiss and ask if he’d like to join me for a walk.

When we are together, we like some part of us to be close. We don’t always have to be exploring the world, an evening walk suits us just fine, because it’s nice and slow. We push the world away and there is just us. I want that always.

Golden Hour Portraits along Highway 1

We made our way back up the coast as the sun started to set. This is my absolute favorite time of day to experience Highway 1 in Big Sur. It feels like you’re in a beautiful poem brought to life by the colors and landscape.

An enchanting meal at Restaurant 1833

By the time we made it to Restaurant 1833 for dinner, it was completely dark. Jess and Paul reserved a private room lit by candles to celebrate the rest of the evening with their family. The tables twinkled with beautiful fairy lights, sustaining the whimiscal atmosphere of the golden forest.

After a wonderful meal and celebratory cake cutting, we said our goodbyes. On the drive home, I had to pinch myself several times to make sure this day was real. Congrats Jessica and Paul! Your intimate Big Sur wedding was as magical and romantic as your love for each other. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.

Their Vendor Team

Accommodations: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn // Cake: Parker Lusseau // Ceremony Site: Limekiln State Park, Big Sur // Dress: Handmade by Terri and Lisa (Jessica’s mom and aunt) // Florals (Ceremony): Emily (Jessica’s sister); Florals (Reception Dinner): Design by Reina // Groom’s Attire: Charles Tyrwhitt (jacket); Suit Supply (Vest and pants); Allen Edmonds (shoes) // Invitations (calligraphy): Pirouette Paper // Make up: Virginia White // Photography: Paige Nelson // Reception: Restaurant 1833, Monterey // Videography: Whitney Justesen

Jem & Peter

Sutro Bath Engagement in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

October 11, 2016 by Paige Nelson 1 Comment

San Francisco treated us to a beautiful coastal sunset for Jem and Peter’s engagement session at the Sutro Baths. Northern California is special place for Jem and Peter. It’s where they met, fell in love, and where Peter proposed. It only made sense to take their engagement photos here too.

I was in Big Sur for a wedding the last weekend of September. The next day, Andrew and I drove up Highway 1 to meet at Land’s End for their session.

Mile Rock Beach & Sutro Bath Ruins

Unusually warm weather greeted us in the Bay area. As expected, the Sutro Bath Ruins were packed with people enjoying the rare beach day. To kick off our session, I took Jem and Peter to some secluded spots in the trees away from the crowds. Dodging people somehow managed to take us all the way down the stairs to Mile Rock Beach.

We made our way back to the Sutro Bath ruins just in time for the most spectacular pastel sunset. I had so much fun with this witty duo and I can’t wait to return north next year for their beautiful lakeside glamping wedding! Congrats you two!

If you love this session, I recommend checking out Juliane and Mason’s Point Lobos engagement.

Jessica & Jeff

Vineyard Wedding at Folktale Winery

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

October 6, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Jessica and Jeff’s vineyard wedding at Folktale Winery in the Carmel Valley was straight out of a fairytale. The winery boasts 15 acres of organically farmed vineyards and is reminiscent of an early century French chateau. Jessica and Jeff invited their entire family and close friends to join them for a fun weekend getaway.

Day Before Portraits in Carmel

The day before their wedding, we ventured to the coast of Big Sur for some intimate couple portraits. Firefighters shut down Highway 1 to the public because of the Soberanes Fire. We settled on Garrapata State Park, which didn’t feel much like settling at all. After a fun evening together, I was excited for the wedding day.

Wedding Party Photos in the Vineyard

After Jessica and Jeff’s first look, the wedding party met up with us for some portraits in the vineyard. Every one was in the best mood on this sunny summer day.

Outdoor Ceremony

Jessica planned everything perfectly down to the last detail. The ceremony was held in the courtyard of the winery. Swenson and Silacci arranged classic red rose arrangements for the bridal party bouquets, arch, and table centerpieces.

Lawn Games & Cocktail Hour in the Vineyard

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed wine tasting and lawn games. We used the opportunity to sneak away for some intimate portraits of Jessica and Jeff inside the beautiful lobby area. Meanwhile, the vendor team was hard at work turning the barrel room into a magical reception atmosphere.

Barrel Room Reception

One of the coolest surprises Jessica and Jeff planned for their guests was a one-take music video during the reception. Each table was assigned a song to dance, complete with a prop box. The video set the mood of the entire evening and everyone found their way to the dance floor! At the end of the night, Jessica and Jeff were sent off with a dramatic sparkler exit.

Congrats you two! Here’s to many more happy years together!

The Vendor Team

Caterer: Classic Catering // Cake: Parker Lusseau Pastries // Day of Coordinator: Kaitlin Ford, Pocketful of Plans // Dress: Allure Bridals // Florals: Andrea, Swenson & Silacci Flowers // Officiant: Brian Lyke, Life Celebrations // Photography: Paige Nelson, Second Shooter: Jamie English // Venue Coordinator: Nina Sherrill // Venue: Folktale Winery // Videography: The Cub Team, Arthur & Daniel

Be sure to check out Jessica and Jeff’s day before session in Big Sur at Garrapata State Park. If you love this wedding, I also recommend browsing through Stephanie and Richard’s Dawn Ranch Lodge wedding.

Juliane & Mason

Point Lobos Engagement in Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

September 22, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Juliane & Mason’s Point Lobos engagement in Carmel was super charming and laidback. I met these two earlier this month while I was staying in the Big Sur area for a wedding. We squeezed in just enough time between sessions for their engagement portraits.

We originally planned to meet at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Beach along Highway 1, but the park closures from the Soberanes Fire interrupted most of my weekend plans. As a back up plan, we settled on Point Lobos Natural Reserve…which again, didn’t feel anything like settling.

Monastery Beach Engagement: Carmel-by-the-Sea

The reserve doesn’t open until 8 a.m., so we met at Monastery Beach down the road to kick off our time together. We sipped on hot coffee and discussed their mutual love of triathlons and the story of how they met. Juliane and Mason have a natural chemistry that translates so easily into photographs.

Portraits at China Cove

After the gates of the reserve opened, we piled back into the car and drove inside. China Cove was on my bucket list for years, so we headed straight to the south end of the peninsula first. The water at Point Lobos is even more tranquil and luminescent turquoise than the pictures online.

The scenery around the surrounding cliff areas and little forest grove near the entrance is breathtaking. This place is incredibly picturesque. After so many visits up north, I can’t believe it took me this long to visit! I would love to photograph another Point Lobos engagement soon!

I’m honored and excited to start working out the details of their destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico next year. Congrats you two!

If you loved this Point Lobos engagement session, be sure to check out Jem and Peter’s Sutro Bath engagement in San Francisco or Jessica and Jeff’s Day Before portraits in Garrapata.

Jessica & Jeff

Wedding Portraits at Garrapata State Park in Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

September 13, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Jessica and Jeff’s Day before wedding portraits in Garrapata State Park provided the best of both worlds. On Labor Day weekend, I drove up to Carmel to photograph this lovely duo.

Jessica and Jeff knew they wouldn’t have enough time to explore the central coast on their real wedding day. Instead, they opted for a day before portrait session in their wedding clothes to take advantage of the Big Sur scenery.

Day Before Portraits at Garrapata State Park

The evening before their wedding, we ventured to the Big Sur coast for some intimate couple portraits. The Soberanes Fire still burned fiercely, forcing firefighters to shut down most of Highway 1. Garrapata State Park near Carmel was one of the only parks that remained open to the public.

Jessica donned a beautiful BHLDN wedding dress she didn’t mind getting a little dirty before the wedding, along with a pair of maroon booties. (Rest assured, the wedding dress bootie combo will always make your photographer a happy camper). Her wedding florist, Swenson & Silacci Flowers, also created a special bouquet and flower crown for the occasion.

We quickly discovered how underrated and truly otherworldly Garrapata State Park is. With all the chaos that comes from wedding planning, I think this special time together before the wedding was exactly what Jessica and Jeff needed without fully realizing it.