Engagement: Natalie & Matt (Alameda, CA)

First off, these two – Natalie and Matt – have such a great connection to one another. Just looking through the photos from their photoshoot, you can tell how strongly attached they are to one another. Their engagement photos make me even more excited to photograph their wedding day this summer.

Second, these locations. We spent our time in Alameda, at the shoreline and on the Naval Base. Both were really great choices with lots of options and the three of us got to explore a new space!

Alameda California Engagement Photos

Maternity: Crystal & Derrick (Livermore, CA)

So much fun getting to know these two a little better. Crystal & Derrick had their engagement shoot at a winery and wanted to continue the tradition by doing their maternity session at Concannon Vineyard in Livermore. We met up on a sunny day and had a great time wandering around the property, chatting and taking photos. These two share a great connection and I’m looking forward to seeing their little guy join in!

Couples Photos: Christie & Adam (Oakland, CA)

Every time I go out on a new shoot, I decide it’s my favorite one so far. I really enjoy the relationships between people and being able to capture it for them. Christie and Adam really made this shoot wonderful, because their connection is really evident and spending time with them just makes me excited for their journey together.

Although this wasn’t an engagement shoot, the two wanted to take the time to have some photos taken together before their upcoming wedding. Since they are outdoorsy and active, I suggested we go to Roberts Park in Oakland. We started out in some spots I’ve had in my head for years that would be perfect for photos, then wandered through some wooded paths nearby.

Anniversary Photos: Cailin & Phil (San Francisco, CA)

After the engagement and wedding photos, the relationships continue to grow each day and through the years. Not many people take the time to celebrate that love with photos, but it’s beautiful to see and celebrate! Cailin & Phil decided they wanted to mark their anniversary by spending time wandering San Francisco, laughing, exploring and taking photos together. Congratulations on another year of a wonderful relationship!

Wedding: Stephanie & Dilip (Walnut Creek, CA)

Such an absolutely lovely wedding! Stephanie and Dilip are both such fun people. Stephanie was so excited, but calm, and absolutely glowing throughout the day. Dilip was cracking jokes all day and hamming it up for the camera. Even more, they are such a sweet couple. Their joy and their love was fully evident on their wedding day and it was truly infectious. These are the days, and the photos, that remind me why love is so beautiful and precious. I am, as always, honored to be able to capture this.

I got the chance to second shoot alongside Renee, of Renascent Photography, and enjoyed working among friends. For this wedding, I spent a lot of time with the guys as they got ready and took portraits. A lot of fun, since this is a great group of friends.

SD Wedding Faye Champlin Studio

Venue: Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek, CA
Flowers: Eunice Venetta of Pairs and Pieces in Danville, CA
Cupcakes & Cake: Vanessa Comfort of Angel Bites Bakery
Catering: Maverick’s BBQ & Catering of Concord, CA
DJ: Kyle Wharton of A Perfect Impression
Video: Shaun Pugmire (see the trailer)
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero from J’aime Bridal in Pleasanton, CA
Hair & Makeup: Danielle Ashlee

Engagement: Tiffany & Curtis (Berkeley, CA)

Choosing the perfect words for these two is difficult. I remember when they started dating, meeting Tiffany for the first time, and being excited that Curtis found a girl just as cool as him. It’s been a pleasure to watch them grow together, bring out the best in each other and hear the engagement plan before it ever happened. You see, Curtis is already family (my brother-in-law) and Tiffany will soon be family (yay!). More importantly, they’ve also become my friends and a great part of my life.

I love capturing emotion with my camera, that’s why I shoot weddings and engaged couples, but it’s a whole different level of awesome when I get the chance to capture a relationship I’ve watched over the years.

Since I have done shoots with them before, we decided to go somewhere with a little more variety, the Botanical Gardens at Tilden Park, Berkeley. As always, it’s hard to choose just my absolute favorites to post.

Congratulations Tiffany & Curtis! Truly, so excited for you both!

Trash the Dress: Wendi & Sam

Wendi and Sam wanted photos after their reception in Downtown Tacoma, at some spots that made for great night photos. The following morning, we headed out for their Trash the Dress session and both braved the cold Washington water at the very end. Even their pooches joined us for a few pictures. It’s so much fun to get take people who are all dressed up and get them into some beautiful locations beyond a traditional wedding setting, this was no exception!

See their engagement session and wedding photos.

Engagement Photos: Shauna & Steve

This engagement session is completely awesome-rad-wonderful for so many reasons. First and foremost, I am so happy for these two and that I have the honor to stand beside them on their wedding day as part of their bridal party. Second, there are so many beautiful photos from this shoot, I had a hard time narrowing down what to share. Because, let’s face it, they’re a darn good looking couple with style. And lastly, the fact that this shoot included so much good stuff: a Livermore farm with rattlesnake sighting, the Oakland hills with a view of the bay, a classic car and some fun vintage styling.

Couples Photos: Colin & Alisa

It was high time I got my other brother-in-law and his lady in front of my camera. Colin is so funny, always cracking jokes and making people laugh. Alisa is such a sweet person and has a beautiful smile. Their relationship made for so many fun photos! We kicked off our photoshoot with a trip to the dollar store, to pick up some props to make our shoot a little more interesting. There are pinwheels, friendly balloon fights, bubbles and a nice open field.

Couples Photos: Katie & Sean

A last-minute change in plans meant I got these two lovebirds in front of my camera. It couldn’t have been better timing for couples’ photos, since Katie and Sean recently celebrated their third anniversary together. We found a local park with plenty of natural woodsy areas and a playground to have some fun as well. They were definitely a lot of fun and so easy to photograph, making my time with them absolutely enjoyable.