Given the pieces of the whole that we had to work with, it is not surprising that Saturday’s wedding was absolutely fabulous! Thomas Fogarty Winery is one of our favorite places to work- and it offers friends and family the total California Winery experience at a location that is easily accessible from the Bay Area. The weather was perfect, - clear enough to see forever, not too hot, just perfect. The winery was in full bloom, and the vines were heavy with grapes. The chance to work with Becky Thatcher of Fogarty again was itself a cause for celebration .

This particular wedding meant a great deal to us as the right for same sex couples to marry is a cause that we have long been very passionate about. As soon as the California Supreme Court made what was to us the right decision, we hoped to have the chance to be the family historians for such a wedding ourselves and we were thrilled to be chosen by Keith and Brian to be part of their day.

We found them busily working to decorate the tables and soon saw the generosity and love these two extend to all their friends and family. The tables were gorgeous- having learned they did not plan to have flowers but instead would have fishbowls with koi we had no clue just how exquisite was the planning and design that created these. The centerpieces were gorgeous!   The details that really affected us, though, were that each and every guest had a lovingly created gift bag including a wine glass, a pottery mug  (no two alike) created throughout the summer by their very dear friend Polly, and a touch of fun- mardi gras beads. There were tuxedo bubbles, and tuxedo boxes of personalized m&ms. Most moving to us of all Keith and Brian had written hand written notes to each  guest- loving, thoughtful, eloquent messages of thanks and affection. Right then we knew we were in for something special.

Up to the lawn for the ceremony we went, and there we saw further signs of the incredible love and support that was present for this sacred event. From the talented harpist , Margy Kahn, to the passionate minister, Kathryn Schreiber, the ceremony was so moving that there were many times of tears as well as cheers. Meg was sobbing during the vows- and she was not alone! Between two people denied the right to marry for so long- these were truly vows from the heart.

We love all our weddings- let’s face it- we love love! However, we can honestly say this was a day when everyone there felt they were part of something very special, and were really united as a family, the Keith and Brian family. It was in the air, it was palpable.

As usual, Michael had a fabulous time photographing the two at the exquisite places around the winery- including their beautiful chuppah.

Their guests were busy tasting the handcrafted Fogarty wines but happily came together to express their joy before dinner.

Il Fornaio did a wonderful job- dinner was delicious and there was a to die for dessert buffet along with the wedding cake! No surprise considering the loving attention K&B gave to every detail of their day.

With Henry Kim of Big Fun DJ in the house the party had begun- not only are the lights and smoke a total treat to photograph, but it is totally fun for the guests. yep, Big Fun!

Anyone who knows Michael knows that no matter what is happening he will find a way to pull our couples outside for the golden light.

In the end it was crystal clear- gay, straight, purple, green, earthling martian….LOVE IS LOVE! And oh how we do love love.