Last year I made the tough decision to retire from the wedding industry. What does this mean? A job I used to love turned into a job I hated. This global pandemic hit my business like a tornado, and everything changed. I was miserable. I’ve lost over $60k in revenue since April of 2020. There […]

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Benefits Whether you’re having a large wedding or planning a small intimate affair, there are huge benefits to doing a first look. If the bride and groom are willing to see each other before the ceremony, there is much more time for photography. We can easily include two hours of pre-ceremony photos in your wedding planning […]

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Styled shoots are something most couples are unaware of. A styled shoot is an editorial wedding photo shoot where a group of vendors get together to collaborate and support each other. There are always an abundance of details, such as elaborate tablescapes, luxurious bouquets and floral arrangements, stylish wedding attire, intricate hair styles, stunning makeup, […]

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As time marches on, so does the price of weddings. I have a very lucrative Yosemite Elopement business because so many couples are concerned about the cost of a full wedding. Some couples skip the engagement session because of cost or because they can’t find the time. Others let a friend or family member do […]

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I often say that weddings are like a theatrical show. You have two lead actors, supporting cast, costumes, a set, and an audience. If you’re a bride currently planning a wedding, you understand the pressure that comes from family, tradition, and social media. You “have to do it this way” is still said, even though […]

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I’ve been a bridesmaid twice, and both times I ended up very tired and very broke. Was it worth it? I have a simple way of deciding whether or not I’ll accept an invitation to be a bridesmaid. How close am I to the bride and groom? If I can’t say, “They’re my family,” I’ll […]

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If you’re planning a wedding or elopement, you’re probably drowning in the sea of photographers on Google and Instagram. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? How do you choose? Are you impressed when you see a photographer advertising that they are an “Award-Winning” photographer? Well, you shouldn’t be, because it’s BS. I first discovered the ritual of […]

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When Mark and I got married, the food was extremely important to us. We both we grew up in households of what we would now call “Foodies.” Back then, we called them “Italian.” Believe it or not, the food is the thing people will talk about the most and for the longest after your wedding. […]

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How long have you dreamed of your prefect wedding dress? When you were five, did you put on your mom’s makeup and hang a pillow case on your head like a veil? Did you make your best friend play the groom? Did you dress your cats up in bridesmaid outfits and take pictures? Come on, […]

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I shoot a LOT of elopements in Yosemite, and many of my clients are from out of town. Every time I work with someone from out of state or out of the country, they ask this question, so I thought I’d make a little Step-by-Step checklist on this subject. In California, you have to apply […]

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Boudoir is becoming increasingly popular, especially among Brides.  A boudoir album makes the perfect gift, but the planning and timing for your session needs to be right so you achieve your goal and get your album in time.  Here’s a breakdown of how to make your boudoir session a success!   The Pre-Game Plan ~ […]

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If you choose to have bridesmaids in your wedding, or if you’re going to be a bridesmaid, it’s important to know what the duties include and what they don’t include.  Here’s a quick list that will help you!   It’s the bridesmaid’s responsibility to pay for their own dress, shoes, and accessories. Some brides give […]

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Instagram is an incredible tool for wedding planning, but most brides don’t know how to use it effectively.  Here are my tips for getting the most out of Instagram, including how to streamline your feed, and which accounts to follow! Streamlining Your Instagram Feed With Instagram’s new algorithm, it’s set up to show you the […]

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I’m not just an engagement photographer.  I’m also a stylist.  The most frequent question I get regarding engagement photos is, “What do we wear?”  Wardrobe can make or break your engagement photos, so what you wear is very important.  We ask our clients to wear one dressy outfit and one casual outfit.  Here are my tips […]

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Planning a wedding is VERY stressful, and depending on your situation, you may or may not need the help of a wedding planner.  Here are some questions to ask yourself before making the decision. How busy are you? What kind of job do you have?  Do you work a lot of hours? Mary and James […]

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