Almost everything at the wedding was handmade. The wedding flowers were grown in the garden, and the wedding desserts were made by the Courtney, based on beloved family recipes such as “Fern’s berry cobbler” and “Grandma Betty’s snickerdoodle cookies”. Quaint decorations dotting the barn reception, where twinkling lights and the San Luis Obispo Jazz Band added the final bit of flair to the evening. This was a classic California ranch wedding that I wouldn’t have done any other way.

And of course we can’t forget about the dogs. Perhaps my favorite bridal portraits ever?

Sometimes couples provide their own inspiration. My simple “let’s take a quick break. No need to smile!” turned into this wonderful frame. American Gothic meets Bay Area young professionals on the family ranch. Hmmmm.

A few details

Food by Cattaneo Bros. Catering, with live music by the San Luis Obispo Jazz Band.

My dad and I just came back from a walk out onto the ridge behind our ranch, a little to the north of San Luis Obispo. There was a wonderful sunset and a beautiful view over the hills towards the ocean, and over Cal Poly. I really liked these silhouettes.

And a few more from a little walk along the beach near Cayucos after we had done some wine tasting in the Adelaide Mountains (hint: try Whalebone and Halter Ranch Vineyards if you are ever near the Paso Robles wine country).

So yes, we do a lot of walking as a family. That and eating. I guess that explains my propensity to take all my clients for long walks into the California hills in our photo sessions. Don’t worry though, after 6 years in the Bay Area I’m kind of getting into the city thing too.

I’ll leave you with a final shot of Rosie and I, just after we finished reading the newspaper together. Photo is by the talented Colleen Rosenthal. Growing up I had a pug and a ridgeback. I loved my pug (Wrinkles) dearly, and would often say that I could tell right away if I was going to be friends with someone by how they felt about Wrinkles. For those who didn’t think that pugs were cute, they were on a slippery slope! I’m in a doggone good mood right now (sorry), so I’ll go ahead and offer a little thank you for those of you reading my blog. If you are a past or future client and would like to write a comment to this post to the effects of “Rosie is cute” or other favorable notes about her striking profile or running form, I’ll offer a free print up to 20×24 (a $100+ value) with your next print order. Disparaging remarks will result in a 20% price increase.