When our favorite dog trainer Felix wrote to tell us that his cousin Crystal was getting married in February we instantly knew that we would love to be there. Felix has been our own dog whisperer with our border terrier Carter through his Grand Island Dog Training and we have loved having his special touch teach us to work with our beloved dog.
We really looked forward to meeting Felix’s family after working with him and we were right to think it would be a great group of people! Michael had a lovely time doing an engagement portrait with Crystal and José- they were loving, warm, and easy to be with. They were introduced by a mutual friend and José had welcomed Crystal’s two year old Elise with ope arms- already a sign of a special man and a sweet family.
Zach and Michael did this wedding and had a feeling that Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse would be a fabulous place for a wedding- offering one great location for both ceremony and reception and the opportunity to go to the beach for photos. We are all about having the chance to play with our couples at some point during the day – give us a little time and we will make magic!
It was raining hard on the way there but blessedly cleared up for the wedding (funny how that works!). It was overcast- perfect light for photography. The wedding took place with an absolutely breathtaking backdrop of beach dunes. We love love, and we are always enchanted and moved hearing the vows between two people who have chosen each other for life partners- but there was something particularly moving about seeing José give their daughter Elise her own ring during the ceremony as they vowed to be a family . I imagine the fact that Michael and Meg and Zach became a family at M&M’s wedding could have something to do with our feelings- but you could see that everyone beholding this special moment was touched as many a tear was shed. Crystal and José wore leis and they as well as the beautiful headpieces, and bouttenieres were from Hi’iaka Florist.
Hooray- we got to head off to the beach in the limo with the bride and groom and it was a total honor to be able to share time with them on the beach right after they became husband and wife. The bright overcast beach was a great background and the weather Gods continued to bless as it started raining again only after family shots were finished and our couples was back inside ready to eat and celebrate.
The food was fabulous- a royal spread so tasty that we took Michael there for his birthday two weeks later! Crystal’s Mom Dolores had made lovely centerpieces for the tables - there is nothing like the special touch that hand crafted things given in love bring to a wedding. The partying then began in earnest and there was dancing – and again a really sweet moment when Jose had a special dance with Elise.
After a yummy fresh pineapple and strawberry cake made by Alex and Olga at the Royal Deli Bakery the dancing went on under the able guidance of DJ ACE of DownLow Productions and all to soon the night was over.
Thank you Crystal, José, and Elise (and Felix!) for letting us share your special day!
When Jennifer and Paul contacted us in the middle of December to meet about photographing their wedding in a few short weeks we were surprised as most of our couples in the past have booked us many months before their wedding. It was the most pleasant of surprises as not only was there reception to be at our obviously much loved Thomas Fogarty Winery, but they turned out to be a smart, sweet, couple who loved our work. That is our kind of bride and groom!
Before the meeting Meg decided it would probably help them picture their day to show them photos of Fogarty Winery in the winter as we have weddings from there showing the beauty year ‘round. In the end that was exactly the right thing to set their fears about the weather to rest as of course having a wedding in January you never know what will be. We showed them a wedding with the winery completely shrouded in fog, and another when it was very cold. It was clear to them that not only do we know Fogarty well, but also that they needed not worry about the weather that day since it would be beautiful there no matter what. Worry is not a good thing for a bride and groom. Our hope is that our couples will dispense with that altogether, remember that everyone around them loves them, and will just enjoy not only the weeks before the wedding but of course the day itself.
The ceremony at the chapel at St. Joseph of Cupertino was itself special indeed as Jennifer’s mother and sister-in-law both work at the school and Jennifer has known the Monsignor since early teendom and graduated from the school. Little details like that are so important and we do love them so! They add to the emotions on the day- how special is that to be married in the chapel at the school you attended- married by the Monsignor. This couple was surrounded by memories, and by loving friends and family. It was a lovely ceremony and it never became anything but intimate and informal. Adding to the tender emotions, Jennifer’s brother Matthew and Paul’s brother Richard stood up for them as they married. The beautiful playing of the Violeto Trio accompanied their sacred vows. Lovely flowers by Bob Gilmore’s added to the atmosphere.
Our slideshow choice proved to be pertinent as sure enough- Fogarty was surrounded with fog- giving it an ethereal beauty. It was too cold for Jennifer’s lovely tea length dress but her warm white coat stood her in good stead and the pond was beautiful on the winter light. We also were able to offer portraits to all the families and couples- our new favorite thing to provide as with us giving the retouched art enhanced files they make a great gift from the bride and groom to their guests.
With an evening ably guided , as usual, by the wonderful Becky at Fogarty - beautiful flowers from Fowers by Design. delicious food from Four Seasons catering , a yummy cake from The Icing on the Cake , and spirited dance music from the Magnolia Jazz Band combined to create a fabulous time for our happy couple and their family and friends. It was a really wonderful day- thank you Jennifer and Paul for asking us to be part of it!
The charming Becky
