It is probably most obvious from the way we write about it that Thomas Fogarty Winery is one of our very favorite places to work. It is exquisitely beautiful no matter what time of year it is- and is new and fresh to us with each wedding. Therefore when the marvelous Ellie from Fogarty contacted us to see if we were available to shoot the wedding of the step- son of one of their own-  Alecia Blazei of Michael Martella, (their wine master ) we were only too happy (and honored) to participate. With the bride, the beautiful Natalie, being from Texas, we knew that friends and family of the bride’s were in for a California winery experience and that is always a pleasure to witness.

January can be iffy in California but this day dawned sparkling , sunny, and warm by winter standards. Ellie greeted us as ever with hugs and welcomes and we were off and running down to the brides room - and our job was totally easy due to the  beauty of the bride and the obvious love among her family and friends. This is our total joy in life- to be part of days exactly like this one, to be trusted to capture them as the family historians.

Natalie’s spirit was evident in touches such as her fabulous blue and rhinestone shoes- giving something blue a unique flair Her uniqueness showed as well in the different bouquets for each bridesmaid- beautiful bouquets indeed by Denise Janny . One really special moment that Meg and Zach got to share was a prayer blessing said over the bride by her mom, grandmother, and several friends from their church in Texas. It set the perfect tone for the vows our couple were about to take- you could feel the support and love around them as they pledged to each other.

Such a handsome couple had Michael in total bliss taking them to the pond, the tasting room, the vineyards- January timing had them there for the golden light Meanwhile the party started with the delicious and beautifully presented edibles from Continental Caterers and the effortlessly elegant and rocking overseeing by Henry with Big Fun DJs. A special surprise was a grooms cake of a football helmet which was half the grooms University of Texas team and half the brides Texas A & M- so cute!-, both that and the artful wedding cake were crafted by Sweeteats.                   .

The night flew by-with lots of dancing and general joyousness  until our sweet couple left with a sparkler send-off , a touch that captured the sparkly, energetic, lovely quality of that wonderful day.

Thank you Natalie and Danny for letting us be part of your wedding!

The lovey Ellie