I met Rachel and Brandon when we had our engagement shoot back in July of this year down in my old stompin’ grounds, Morgan Hill. During that shoot – I discovered they were a special couple – not only are they both incredibly easy on the eyes, but they have a chemistry that makes them interact in easy and natural ways. I barely had to direct them during our first shoot – and after a few minutes it was like I wasn’t even there. Looking back at the photos there’s a sense of intimacy and closeness, you’d swear there wasn’t a photographer present, and that the photos were simply created out of thin air.
Fast forward two months and the wedding was upon us. I knew we would create some amazing photos after our first session, and I wasn’t disappointed. I got up super early so I could meet the groom and his buddies at Coyote Creek Golf Course – I joined them for a few holes to get some unique posed and candid shots. After that I went to meet up with the girls at Tip ‘n’ Toe Salon. I hung out with the ladies while they got their mani/pedis, after which I continued to follow Rachel to the salon and then to her mom Jill’s house. At mom’s place (did I mention Jill is a knockout just like her daughter?), I got to know the immediate family better, including Rachel’s brother (Christian), sister (Nicole) and of course her adorable retriever Parker.
Finally it was time to go to Clos LaChance Winery for the final phase of getting ready before the main event was to go down at 5:30pm. The bridal suite was stunning, and everyone was drinking a little liquid courage, courtesy of the winery. My buddy and talented photographer friend Sam Fontejon showed up and hung out with the boys downstairs, where they were inevitably sampling their own variety of spirits. I also met Dan and Cassie, husband/wife owners of Los Gatos DJ (they were super-great by the way!). The ceremony was probably the fastest I ever witnessed – maybe five minutes – but it was “just right.”
We ended up only having about 15 minutes to do the bride and groom formals, but the sun was setting on the valley over the vineyards, and the scene was simply “epic.” A beautiful couple paired with a stunning backdrop made for some serious portfolio photography! The rest of the night was a blur, and I was certainly beat after putting in a 16 hour workday, but for Rachel and Brandon, it was all totally worth it. Congratulations guys!!
Please check out my favorite photos in the slideshow below. If that’s not enough, please check out my main website for all 911 photos from Rachel and Brandon’s big day!
