Door51 Photography

So excited about this one! Every photographer has a wish list, of sort, made of places, people, and things they would really like to photograph. On my list: the white and blue walls of Santorini (check), the insides of the Anthelope Canyon (check), hot air balloons (check)… And then there’s a wedding checklist: a bride wearing a birdcage veil and bride on horseback – both of which I got to photograph last night!

Bethany and Joel got married at Bethany’s family ranch. A charming house on a hill, surrounded by citrus plants, a sunflower garden, and horses. I imagine it was a great place to grow up. But I’m done taking up your time with text, I’ll let the photos do the talking from here…

A decade ago, before photography took a strong hold of my life, I had another passion – Digital Art. Hours of experimentation in Photoshop left me with countless winged beings, textured faces, surreal sceneries, and many other collaged images. From time to time I return to my roots and let imagination flow. Last night I created what will become a three art canvas set, all available for sale. I’d like to share them with you and would love to hear your opinion.

Bethany and Joel drove all the way from Cloverdale, CA to meet us and to shoot their engagement photos. That’s 130 miles one way! We are flattered! So flattered, in fact, that in about a month time we’ll be driving up there to photograph their wedding!

Bethany and Joel were nothing short of rock stars in front of the lens! They are beautiful, and their genuine and generous love for each other was obvious in every kiss and in every smile. Just look at the photos and you’ll see what I mean!

Did we mention that their dog Pica (or is it Pika?) came alone. Beeeaaaaaauuuuutiful blue eyes and everything! Very very sweet dog.

Can’t wait for the wedding! It’s going to be so much fun!

Exactly a week since their San Francisco Japanese wedding ceremony, Tomomi and John had their official “white dress” wedding. The preparations, the ceremony, and the reception all took place at The Sainte Claire hotel in downtown San Jose.

The preparations took place at the luxurious Palm suite. Nicole did an awesome job with Tomomi’s makeup, and Krissy Lawson worked her hair magic. A beautiful choice of a dress, jewelry, and just about everything else by Tomomi herself!

Tomomi and John’s dog, Baxter joined them for a few photo ops.  Handsome little fella:)

Groomsmen. A really great bunch of guys. And then again, I would expect nothing less from John.

Inside hotel Sainte Claire.

Walking down the isle, Tomomi glowed.

The theme, 90’s rock! What a walk down memory lane!

It was such a wonderful wedding made amazing by the the couple and their friends. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share it with you, Tomomi & John!!!

We are so grateful to have been able to not only witness, but photograph this event. With an American wedding in it’s footsteps (set for next week), this Japanese ceremony was a relatively very private event.

For the ceremony, Tomomi wore a traditional white wedding kimono called shiro-maku (white-pure). Watching the bride be wrapped in the many layers and adorned with myriad details was nothing short of awesome. There’s something magical in tradition and rich culture.

John was dressed in a montsuki kimono with pleated hakama pants. He wore it well.

The similarities.

Having done some research about Japanese wedding ceremonies, we made a decision to give the day’s photos a traditional look. We hoped to replicate the feel of the century old photographs we’ve seen online. We’ll let you be the judge of how well we did, and would love for you to leave us a comment.

Tomomi and John’s ceremony was performed at the Sokoji Temple in San Francisco.

The photograph below portrays the bride and groom engaged in what is known as the “san-san-kudo” ceremony, a three-times-three exchange of nuptial cups. Pass the sake, please! … okay, now we want some sake.

There is something incredibly charming about holding an old photograph in your hands, isn’t there? And we don’t mean of you as a baby, we’re talking about the one of your grandparents getting married – the one of a kind, faded, cracked, irreplaceable, and priceless.

Click the photo below for a larger version.

Tomomi, John… we’ll see you next week!

April 8th made two years since we got married. Little did we know then, that only two years later we’ll have an extra person in our midst. And one that travels so well, too!

Santa Barbara, CA has been at the top of Nicole’s wish list for a long time, and when we got there, it did not disappoint. A five hour drive (with Eva sleeping peacefully in her car seat through just about all of it) got us to what was officially the most amazing hotel we’ve ever stayed in. The place is called The Eagle Inn, and their website does not do it justice! I’m convinced we got the best room in the place, too.

This, right here, is the front of the hotel.

… and the side of it …

… the lovely landscaping touches …

And this is us, taking full advantage of the rich bougainvalia plants blooming all around the place.

Day 2, unlike the previous, was nice and sunny! The three of us went for a walk up and down the popular State street. Little did we know that it would turn into a nice 5 hour walk!

Had lunch at an Indian restaurant, where food was as good as the service was bad. Eva slept through the whole thing. Good girl. She loves her car seat. (Thaaaank you, aunty!)

After lunch we visited the beautiful Santa Barbara Court House. The architecture of the city, much reflected in some of these photos was just amazing. Made us want to move, it really did.

A few more of us…

… and the mandatory Elvis lip shot. You gotta love that look.

Pasia and Jay came to us with lots of enthusiasm and ideas. Their wedding day was weeks away and they had all this stuff to do! The big day came, and walking into the reception venue, Ta Restaurant, you would have thought they spent a year thinking over every detail. The mood lighting, the creative centerpieces, the menu cards – it was all beautiful. The food was plentiful and very good. We love to see a wedding where nobody goes hungry – not for food or entertainment! Pasia and Jay apparently have half the American Idol contestants in their pocket, because the performances were nothing short of great.

Since they decided to have their ceremony at City Hall the day before, we had the first part of the day all to ourselves to play model and photographer. We rocked Santana Row in the morning, and then headed over to the Shoreline park. There, the harsh mid-day sun rained on our parade and Pasia’s hopes of sporting rain boots and an umbrella.

Well, without further adieu we bring to you, Pasia & Jay’s wedding:

Thank you for letting us be part of your awesome day!

I came along,
I wrote a song for you,
And all the things you do,
And it was called yellow. ~ Coldplay

I’m convinced the photography gods love me. Seriously. I could not have asked for a day or people more beautiful!

Our clients tend to be absolutely wonderful people. Luis and Cassie Jean are no exception. Bright, loving, playful, and oh-so-photogenic – they made our day together wonderful.

Can’t wait to photograph their wedding!

We’re smitten by Leo. He’s so adorable with his huge round eyes and eyelashes any girl would kill for! It seems only a short while ago we photographed him crawling around on the floor, and look at him now! Try to catch up to him now!

Just more proof that big things come in small packages.