Hakone Gardens Saratoga Wedding | Anna & Donny Married

Anna & Donny are two of the sweetest, fun loving and exquisite clients I've had the honor of photographing. Their wedding day was filled with incredible details, dreamy light, but more importantly, family and friends that showed up to support and have some fun!!! The Hakone Gardens in Saratoga is definitely one of my favorite venues and I can't wait to go back and bathe some clients in all that golden light! It really was breathtaking.
Anna & Donny's day was perfectly timed. They opted to not see each other before the ceremony, but had an early ceremony time in order to have a break in between their ceremony and reception. We not only had plenty of time for wedding party and family photos, but we also were able to frolick around the gardens and spend the most beautiful part of the day taking bride and groom portraits. It was perfect! I can't thank my second shooter Kristen from K. Holly Photography enough; not only was she such a professional and delight to have with me, but she rocked a 9 hour wedding 7 months pregnant...she's a rockstar!
Anna wore a stunning dress by Watters with the illusion neckline, the flowy netting skirt and intricate but delicate lace bodice - I was obviously in love! Donny's guys wore amazing wood bowties that along with their gray suits and vests really brought out the relaxed but sophisticated vibe of their day. There were details of tortoises (Donny's favorite animal as well as their wedding mascot, Muffin), honeycombs, baby's breathe, bunt cakes and twinkle lights, and of course, friends and family cheers-ing to them into the night!
Anna and Donny, I loved spending your special day with you and I truly love your images as much as I love you two!

 

Church : St. Justin Parish, Santa Clara
Reception Venue : Hakone Garden, Saratoga
Flower : Flowers by Janet
Wedding Dress + Bridesmaids Dresses : Trudy’s
Groom’s Suit + Groomsmen attire : Tuxedo Warehouse
Hair + Makeup : A List Makeup – Casey Nguyen
Caterer : Flourishing Garden
Lighting : Bay Area Event Lights
Beer Vendor : Golden State Brewery
Photo booth : SnapBox – Rikki Dy-Liacco
Cakes : Nothing Bunt cakes
Linens : Chair Divas

Temescal Alley & Grizzly Peak & Karl the Fog Engagement | Oakland

I believe I am one LUCKY girl that these two fell into my lap! Their first choice of photographer is amazing and booked SO fast that Anna & Donny didn't want to hesitate the next time around! I adore Annie from A Tale Ahead for sending Anna & Donny my way...it was definitely a good match!

When Donny & Anna were discussing their engagement session and what they love to do together, how they spend their time, they immediately brought up Temescal Alley in Oakland. I've been to the alley in the middle of the day to see the horticulture shop, the incredible jewelry makers and some very hipster Bay Area wears...it definitely has its appeals! I was thrilled to start our session there. I wanted a nice counter balance to complete their session; so while we began in Temescal Alley, I wanted to find a grassy, flowy, golden hills area for the last hour. Through my amazing network of photographer friends, I stumbled upon Grizzly Peak. WOW...it was perfect for what I had in mind! Golden rolling hills, San Francisco and Oakland in the distance...it was perfect! But, I totally underestimated Karl the Fog. He rolled in and turned our golden hills session into the most amazing, dreamy, romantic and mystic fog filled session I've ever had the pleasure to photograph! It was incredible! I hope you enjoy!