Wedding | Amber & Brady

 

A drizzly unwelcome rain cloud will sometimes crash a wedding and the whirlwind hustle to put "Plan B" into effect commences. Generally, this plan involves moving everything into a location that is not as aesthetically desirable, where the space is tight, the lighting flat (or nonexistent), and the bride and groom's wedding vision suddenly drowned out by the ongoing downpour. 


But, Amber & Brady were the epitome of "grace under fire (or water as the case may be)" when the relentless April showers barged their way onto the guest list. My sweet bride & groom remained composed and weren't about to let some water falling from the sky ruin a single thing! They (and all of their guests) stayed focused on the TRUE meaning of the day----two extraordinary people devoting their lives to one another. ❤️ So, although the elbow room was cramped, the walkways shoulder to shoulder, and the noise level of celebration palpable--this wedding was MAGICAL!! When a groom is brought to tears toasting his bride---it doesn't matter how much rain is falling outside. I was thrilled to capture just a small fraction of the abundant love and joy overflowing from every nook and cranny of the always stunning Monte Verde Inn.

 
Congratulations Amber & Brady....you have already weathered your first storm together as man and wife and you couldn't have shone brighter through it all. God Bless you two! xo
 

 

 

Venue: Monte Verde Inn
Bridal Hair/Makeup: Jessica Palmer of Polish & Pout
Bridal Party Gowns: David's Bridal
Groom Attire: Ted Baker
Groomsmen Attire: Banana Republic
Wedding Rings: Robbins Brothers
Florals: Blooms by Martha Andrews
Cake Artist: Gimme Cake Too
DJ/Master of Ceremonies: Jeremy Burgess of SJ's Disc Jockey

 

What's an Unplugged Ceremony...and why it might be right for you!

Ok, let’s be honest, I am always the photographer and never the guest at weddings.  In my career, I have actually had to create a rule that I will no longer photograph the weddings for my dear friends.  This is because I want to celebrate this joyous occasion WITH them and not in a professional capacity---and because I can refer several other photogs in the area whom I adore (community over competition people)!!!  Last year, it finally happened!  I received a real invitation. It was finally my turn to get all gussied up, wear heels and witness two sweet souls dedicate their lives to one another from a seat amongst the guests, and not through a viewfinder.  

Oh my gosh, being the guest is such an honor, a privilege and my heart was just bursting with joy for the bride and groom!  I sat there, no camera in hand, and waited for my gorgeous friend to walk down the aisle.  It was then that my husband whispered in my ear, “Babe…look at all the dang cell phones in the middle of the aisle.  Does this ALWAYS happen?”  And the answer…well yes, yes it does.  I actually hardly noticed because I have become a tad numb to the entire scene.

Each and every wedding guest is so excited---and many times this overwhelming excitement manifests itself through an over abundance of picture taking, status updating, tweeting and snapping!  Trust me, I am all for some social media love---I love my IG feed (@jessicaromanphoto) and SnapChat (@jessicaroman33) might just be my new favorite obsession…but there is a time and a place for both—and when two individuals are exchanging the most sacred of vows is not one of them.

An "unplugged ceremony" is when guests are asked to refrain from using cell phones, tablets, cameras and video equipment during the wedding.  I have had clients in the past opt for this type of ceremony, which of course being slightly ego-centric as I am, I figured it was to allow me the freedom to move around and take interference free photos.  It wasn’t until after I experienced a "plugged in" wedding from the reverse side, as a guest of the bride and groom, did I realize what a bigger opportunity this presented!

Having an "unplugged ceremony" is when individuals invited to share in this special moment to REALLY do just that---share in it!  Many guests often forget, that by being there, they themselves become characters in the story that is unfolding---the story I am capturing.  When they are present, their reactions, their smiles, their tears and laughter are all being documented and will forever become a part of the bride and groom’s legacy.  The aisle is free of video cameras, faces are pointed toward the bride and groom instead of down towards tiny screens, vows are clearly heard without the interference of beeping or buzzing devices, and a deeper connection is experienced between the couple and their most favorite people in the world---the people they chose one by one to celebrate in this once in a lifetime day. 

If you are planning a wedding, I strongly encourage you to consider asking your guests to unplug.  Not only because it makes the honor of photographing a wedding so much smoother for me, but because on YOUR day, you deserve to be surrounded with joy, excitement, presence, and love.  I promise, my photos will be better than “Aunt Helen’s” blurry first kiss picture, I will allow you to share your entire “downloadable” wedding gallery with friends & family, and I will give your guests ample opportunity to "plug in" to capture their own shots during cocktail hour and at the reception---but for the ceremony, trust me.  I’ve totally got this. xo

Wedding | Melissa & Kyle

 

Before Melissa and Kyle came together to profess their vows, one thing captured me before anything else: Melissa's endearing relationships with her family and friends.  Melissa and her "fab 5" group of gal pals share an unbreakable sisterhood full of unfailing support, compassion to during times of defeat, and mutual joy to pop a bottle of bubbly (or two) in celebration of triumphs!!  It really is a beautiful thing to observe...women uplifting other women!  And of course...Kyle..what isn't there to love about this one?  They say a measure of a strong man is how gently he loves his woman...and he loves Melissa in the most tender and sweet way possible.  Their Folktale Winery Wedding in Carmel was the most enchanting day...and I loved every moment of being a part of it. xo

Proposal story from the couple:
"He drove along Ocean Avenue while the sun was setting and asked me to walk with him before dinner. We got out of the truck and walked down to the path along the ocean where he got down on his knee and told me the best things I have ever heard in my life. He told me about the first time he ever saw me, about how I am his best friend, and why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. It was perfect!! I cried (A LOT) and after calling our families he took me to dinner (with reservations that I, the micro manager DIDN'T know about ;) at Sardine Factory in Monterey. We spent the rest of the night talking about the wedding we would plan and also about starting our family afterward. So much fun to reminisce!!!"