Russian River Photographer, Guerneville Wedding. Guerneville Elopement, Russian River Elopement

Russian River Getaway Photo Session

Barbara and Dave contacted me regarding a couples photo session while they came to visit from Texas. As soon as Barbara mentioned blue hair and tattoos, I knew they were my kind of people!

There is so much beauty here in the Russian River they decided on doing a session above the redwoods as well as the Sonoma County Coast. Once I met them I quickly came to the conclusion they would fit in great here in Northern California. Funny thing is they will actually be moving to this area for work soon and I am so excited to welcome this fun, outgoing totally in love couple to the Russian River!

Guerneville Wedding Photographer, Guerneville Wedding

I had so much fun showing them one of my favorite locations above the redwoods and having Barbara conquer her fear of heights hiking down the pathway to one of my favorite beaches…she was a true trooper!! I loved how much we all laughed and adored capturing the pure true love these two share. If you would like to schedule your own couples session please contact me here.

Russian River Wedding Photographer, Russian River Wedding
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Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Elopement On The Russian River| Joyce and Natalee

 

Elopement in Guerneville, Ca

I knew right away when I met Joyce and Natalee their wedding day was going to be beautiful. They both radiate happiness, love and fun. Their chosen wedding venue Armstrong Woods. Armstrong Woods is an exceptionally beautiful California State Park right here in Guerneville. I had met with Joyce and Natalee when they came up to visit the park a few weeks before the wedding day. We planned out areas they liked and we talked about the best time for lighting of their photos. I was super excited for their big day!

I remember waking up the morning of Joyce and Natalee’s wedding day to the sounds of down-pouring rain. I can’t speak for all photographers but I actually welcome and embrace various weather and situations as it pushes the creative side in me to create something new and exciting. However, when it comes to weddings I do not ever want my couples to feel stress on their day from rain or anything else. Luckily the skies dried up and aside from a minor move around some giant puddles for the ceremony all worked lovely!

Wedding Ceremony in Redwood Forest

The ceremony looked like a fairytale under the majestic giant redwoods.I loved the way they included the children in their ceremony. The light came shining through the trees like clockwork as if shining extra love on to the vows they said to each other. It was absolutely perfect!

 

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Let the Adventure Begin

In case gorgeous sun light, 2 beautiful brides, 2 beautiful children and the redwood forest aren’t enough awesomeness for you…I give you the adventure!

Joyce and Natalee are so awesome! When I mentioned going to the top of a mountain for photos they both agreed and I was stoked! I had a vision of how it would go. However, the settling rain clouds and golden hour light way surpassed my expectations to highlight these gorgeous newlywed wed ladies! They were such good sports, so in love and willing to hike to the edge of a mountain for these beautiful photos. I could seriously post their entire gallery on this blog because I love it that much! I try to stick to the highlights though and leave the entire gallery private. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, PhotographerRussian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

 

Thank you Natalee and Joyce for having me capture your amazing wedding day! I wish you and your family the very best life full of fun and adventure.

Russian River Valley, Guerneville Ca Photographer

 

Are you looking to get married here in the Russian River Valley? Guerneville has beaches, Rivers, Redwoods and so much more and I would love to photograph your elopement or intimate wedding. Please feel free to contact me here

 

 

Venue: Armstrong Woods

Hair/MUA: Desiree Duncan @ West Sonoma County Style Bar

Guerneville, Ca. Photographer

Aubrey is 3!| Sonoma County Coast| Russian River Photographer

It is hard to believe this adorable sweet girl is three years old already!! I remember putting her in a little basket and taking newborn photos of her like it was yesterday. Now she is running, talking and playing like a big girl. I loved the drive down to Goat Rock beach, as soon as Aubrry could see the waves she was saying “ocean ocean ocean” It was adorable!
Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

I had so much fun capturing Aubreys personality and fun at the Sonoma Coast. If you are in the Russian River area or surrounding areas I would love to capture all your precious moments. Please contact me today to schedule your custom session. Russian River, Family Photographer, Guerneville Ca

 

Russian River Valley, Guerneville Ca Photographer

Love in the Lavender Fields| Russian River Valley Family Photographer

Nothing says or should I say smells like summer in Sonoma County like the lavender fields. I have a love for lavender and even my first year in business I knew I wanted to utilize the unique opportunity we have locally to photograph people in the fields. I have visited a few different local farms around the county and all are lovely. Maybe I am a little biased now living in West Sonoma County but I have to say my favorite hands down is my recent find of Lynn’s Lavender & Lotsmore.  This place is a gem like no other. The adorable gift shop (made entirely out of old doors), the vineyards and other flowers along with of course lots of lavender are heaven! However, what truly stole my heart was the owner Lynn, she is one of the the sweetest and kindest women I have ever met. She was so welcoming and willing to share her knowledge and her beautiful farm with me. I could honestly go on and on about Lynns farm but I think I will save that for it’s own post soon.

I was honored to be contacted by Jessica to do her family photos. I met her a few years back when her little gal Isla was just an infant and we did newborn photos, and then again for her first birthday party (which was totally adorable!!). It was great to finally have mom and dad officially in on a session too. The lavender fields at sunset brought the most gorgeous light. The setting was so peaceful and perfect for a family to play together and create some beautiful memories in. Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

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Jessica and Eric have so much love for little Isla it was really beautiful to see and capture the bond they both have with their baby and as a family.

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 As the sun sank down the light became even more magical. These are the moments you treasure forever with your children.

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Isla is one lucky gal and clearly the center of their whole world ♥♥.

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Of course we have to have lots of silliness and fun when playing in the lavender fields. I loved this one of her with her hands up, you can’t tell me you all don’t feel that way come the end of your work week right?!

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The award for the best big belly laugh goes to this pretty girl…

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Family is not an important thing it is everything.

-Michael J. Fox

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If you would like your own family photos taken here in the Russian River Valley (or surrounding area) contact me today. I would love to plan the perfect session for you. Also please stop by Lynns Lavender farm and check out all the amazing stuff she has to offer in her gift shop, be sure to tell her I sent you.

Russian River Valley, Guerneville Ca Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

Pinoli Cucina Rustica| Guerneville, Ca Restaurant

I was honored to be invited to visit a new Italian restaurant here in my hometown of Guerneville, Ca. Pinoli Cucina Rustica is located within the Applewood Inn Estate. The large barn like structure is where you will find Owner and Chef, Christian Darcoli. Chef Darcoli and his staff not only prepare you an amazing dinner but they actually create a full dining experience by having the chefs serve you the meal themselves!

Russian River Valley Fine Dining, Chef Darcoli, Guerneville Ca Photographer

Russian River Valley Fine Dining, Guerneville PhotographerI will admit as a mother of four Fine Dining is not something I get to experience too often, I was not sure what to expect as I walked through the doors of Pinoli Cucina Rustica. I was immediately put at ease when every staff member I encountered welcomed me with a smile and kind words.

 

I was here for a private event which allowed me to catch a glimpse of how the magic happens! I entered into the kitchen to find an array of savory aromas filling the air and bustling staff working together flawlessly. The Chef was prepping appetizers of Grilled Grape Leaves wrapped around Fontina Cheese (or as I called them fantastic morsels of goodness!) I saw another staff member hand kneading dough for fresh bread, another group mixing up some fresh pesto sauce. Russian River Valley Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer, Chef DarcoliRussian River Valley Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer, Chef DarcoliRussian River Valley Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer, Chef DarcoliRussian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer

After visiting the kitchen I was introduced to the manager of the Applewood Inn, Bob Reeves. Bob was kind enough to take me on a little tour of The Belden Mansion and the additions built on to the Applewood Inn. I also saw the orchards and serene garden on the property.  Bob shared with me how the Owner of Applewood Inn, Carlos Pippa  has future plans to expand the garden which will  bring even more farm to table ingredients to the restaurant. As a fairly new resident to the Russian River area I really enjoyed hearing the history of the Inn. A history that has long included being known for a great dinning experience. You can read more information on the history of the Applewood Inn here.Russian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville PhotographerRussian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville PhotographerRussian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer

After the tour it was time to sample some of Chef Darcoli’s creations. A few of my personal favorites The Stuffed Grape Leaves I mentioned earlier,  The Branzino with Arugula, Capers and Olives and The Cold Cut Plates all tasted fantastic.Russian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer

Anyone who knows me knows I love my sweets and I will say I was not disappointed with the dessert options.  I tried the Strawberries with Macarpone and Frittole (Italian Fritters) both tasted like heaven! I can not wait to go back and try more main dishes and desserts soon. Next time you are visiting the Russian River Valley be sure to stop in at Pinoli Cucina Rustica, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Russian River Valley, Fine Dining, Guerneville Photographer

While visiting the Guerneville area I would love to be your personal photographer. I specialize in working with Children/Families as well as intimate weddings in the West Sonoma County area. Contact me today to schedule your next photo session.

Guerneville, Ca, Family Photographer serving the Russian River Valley

Throop Family| Russian River Valley| Family Photographer

Each October Guerneville Elementary School holds an awesome Halloween Carnival and fundraiser put on by the F.O.G.S organization. It is so much fun! Along with the fun of games and activities is a pretty impressive raffle. No joke the local businesses and families donate some fantastic items (do not miss it this year!). I added in a gift certificate for a mini family session and The lovely Throop family were the lucky winners!

I really enjoyed getting to meet Maile and her family. We actually had another location in mind when we set up her session.  However a day or two before I messaged them saying I found this awesome place close by that had a great view and lovely light and asked if they would be interested. Thankfully they were and the evening sunset  and gorgeous backdrop did not disappoint!

Here we have the sweet and sassy Miss Zoe being totally adorable!

Followed by the stunning Miss Micayla. She is such a natural in front of the camera and from what I could see an awesome big sister!

I don’t like to let the parents think they can get away from the spotlight too easily lol. I also captured some shots of mom and dad being love birds together. Such a beautiful and loving couple. The light was perfection here along the Russian River. Throop FamilyOnlineUse-19Throop FamilyOnlineUse-18

Now images of the whole family together. I love capturing families connecting and relaxed in addition to the posed photos.

After all the official photos it was fun to also capture some always popular (with the kids) rock tossing into the river as the last of the sunset slipped behind the trees.

Thank you so much Throop Family for trusting me with your family memories! If you want your own family photos along the Russian River or among the Redwood Forest please contact me today…I cant wait to capture the magic of your life!

Into the fields of gold|Mommy and Me Session| Guerneville, Ca Family Photographer

Each year for a short time fields and vineyards of Sonoma County, Ca fill with dollops of gold as the mustard flowers bloom. The vibrant yellow sets the perfect backdrop for photo sessions like this one with CC and her mama Michelle. CC had a blast running, jumping, twirling and being silly.

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I enjoyed waiting for all those special moments where I can capture the true connection and love these two share. Creating tangible memories for these two to both look back on someday warms my heart. I can’t wait for Michelle to send me a photo of how gorgeous these images look on her walls.  I think the yellow backdrop and beautiful subjects will  brighten and bring joy to their home 🙂

Thank you so much Michelle for trusting me with your family memories and allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.

Want your own mommy and me photo session? Contact me today and I would be happy to get you scheduled. I am based in Guerneville Ca and photograph all over Sonoma County and beyond. I would love to meet you and your family 🙂

Russian River Valley Photographer, Sonoma County Ca

 

Stephens Mother/Daughter Session| Guerneville Family Photographer

russianriverphotofamily1I have been photographing these girls for a couple years now and they never disappoint. I have watched them grow from little babies to toddlers and now young girls. They are always full of spunk and fun!! I always get excited when  Christine (mom) contacts me for a session. This time I was really excited that Christine said she wanted a session with her girls! Christine is an amazing mother to 6 children. 4 boys and 2 girls. We relate on that being a mom of 4 boys but she tops me with having girls too haha. I really thought it was special to have a fun playful session capturing all 3 of them loving and playing together.

I really love to use this session as a great example of outfit choices. The color scheme is perfection they all compliment each other without being to “matchy” The layers and accessories really top things off. Most importantly you can see each person is comfortable in their outfit. It is important to dress in clothes you feel good in for your photos.

Guerneville Ca Photographer

I love the love captured here of these lovely beautiful ladies! Thank you Christine for choosing me capture your family 🙂

If you are local or visiting  Guerneville or anywhere along the Russian River area in Northern California I would love to capture you and your family! Contact me today to schedule your session.

Guerneville, Ca Photographer

Wood Family| Guerneville,Ca Photographer

Meet the Wood Family! This is one fun, sweet, beautiful loving family. Kate has the patience I think many of us wish we had, which makes her an amazing kindergarten teacher. You can see that the love her and her husband Jo have for each other really influences their children. All 3 of their children are so polite and kind.

Their family photo session took place in the gorgeous Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville, California. What a fun a magical place for family photos! We spent part of the session doing posed photos. I enjoyed getting to see them have fun together and create family photos they can treasure.

Guerneville PhotographerOnce we got the posed shots finished up I wanted to capture some more documentary or lifestyle images of them exploring together as a family. This is usually where I end up with my personal favorite images. I can definitely appreciate the posed official photo on the wall but having those real moments with genuine smiles is the best in my opinion :)

Guerneville Photographer
Lifestyle Family Photos in the Redwood Forest 

I am sure the Wood family will have many more fun adventures ahead together. As they adventure through life and kids grow they will always have these photos to look back on.

Family Photography in Guerneville, Ca

If you would like to have your own custom photography session for your family please contact me today.

Guerneville family photography

Deering Family|Guerneville, Ca Photographer

I love being able to work literally in my own backyard. All of Sonoma County is beautiful no doubt. However, my heart lies here on the Russian River surrounded by ancient majestic redwood trees and awesome people both long time locals and tourist alike. This session was one I had envisioned since the first time I discovered this beach here in Guerneville. I was thrilled when Sarah chose this location. When they arrived for their session I found out that Sarah’s husband Ezra, actually grew up nearby and had spent time hanging out at this very beach, how cool! It was the perfect location for their family photographs.

A documentary approach to a family photo session like the Deering Family’s is not only my favorite way to capture images, it is a great option to alleviate the stress and anxiety that can come with the idea of a family photo session. I use my all mighty photographer super powers to get a feel for who you and your family are and then do my best to help bring that out in your photos. You get to have fun, play with your family and be yourself.

 

Family Photography in Guerneville

Some families are shy,  some adventurous and some are really silly. Every family is unique and I love being able to see the differences and then capture them. I start my sessions by giving a little direction as to a good place to stand or say something like  “hey, do you know how to play ring around the rosies?” or declare a silly face making competition. You can see these two little cuties seemed to enjoy that.

Russian River Photography

While having fun I mix in a few “posed” shots too. I believe in having photos on the wall that you can look back on remembering how it was for real, not necessarily a perfectly posed photograph. Emmett is  like a lot of 6 year olds and loves pokemon cards!  When it came time for a photo of him alone I thought it could be fun to incorporate that. He liked the idea and his parents will treasure that sweet little grin forever..win, win!

Family Photography in Guerneville Ca

Since they are such good sports they wrapped up their session  with a group family Pokemon card shot…how fun is that?!

Guerneville, Ca Family Photographer

 

Lets plan your family photo session experience today!

Contact me here