We met Erica and Mike through a referral from one of our great couples and we were thrilled to meet more friends. Natasha and I consider having a connection with our clients as one of the most important aspects of doing our job. Our goal is always to do anything we can to help the couple relax and get to know us, so that when the big day comes along we can all be very comfortable around each other! And it doesn’t hurt to make friends in the process :)

For Erica and Mike’s engagement session they thought of Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos as a place which is both beautiful as well as meaningful to them. As the sun was close to setting on this Tuesday afternoon the light was just perfect for a portrait session. We checked out the main trail to the creek, took a rest break on the widespread lawn and walked down a set of mini railroads going through the park.

Thanks for a great time!

Mike

As many of you probably already know I left Mike alone in the beginning of October to go visit my family back in Russia. The main reason for this trip was that I was just dying to see my baby niece.

Having lived in St. Petersburg for most of my life, I knew perfectly well that the weather is going to be nasty in October. Living in sunny California now I forgot what that nasty and cold really means. It was freezing! My warmest coat wasn’t even close to being enough and I ended up wearing a few sweaters, one on top of another. I didn’t care any more about being the least bit fashionable, I just cared for my warmth :)

My family and I would spent long hours every day walking with the stroller in the nearby parks. This time I didn’t desire to go sight seeing to downtown or to go out, I was just truly enjoying every minute spent with my family. The rain was drizzling often, but nevertheless the fall colors of the trees were just amazing! I loved the already forgotten scents of autumn – the fallen leaves on the damp ground, mushrooms, berries and wilted flowers. It also felt a bit surreal to be walking with Dasha’s stroller at the same park where 20 years ago we were walking with my sister’s stroller. It seems that it was just yesterday! Time flies so incredibly quickly…

I feel that during this trip I really didn’t stop taking photos for a second and the camera was always right next to me. During the long walks I would crawl on the ground trying to capture everything I saw around me, the trees and fallen leafs. When we would come home after the walk my attention would shift to baby Dasha. I fell in love with her from first sight and in these two weeks she probably became the most photographed two months old baby ever! I’ll write more about Dasha in my next blog post when her pictures are going to be ready.

My sis:

… and mom having fun in the park:

The whole family on a walk:

My niece Dasha & I:

Stay tuned for more photos!
Natasha

The first weekend of October found us at yet another beautiful wedding set in wine country. This one was held at the Fountaingrove Golf Club in Sonoma, a venue that is absolutely lush and inviting. We met Kim and Eric almost a year ago now and we’ve been looking forward to their wedding ever since.

This couple let us know about their idea for fall-themed colors and these details really added to the day. It’s easy for anyone to see how much they love each other and it was a privilege to capture these moments.

The weather had cleared up from the rains of the day before and the outdoor ceremony had both laughter and tears. The children, which also walked down the isle, added much amusement to the procession.

We were having so much fun with the bridal party!

This day’s reception included exceptional dining, great music, and a really warm vibe. We were thrilled to be here!

You can view Kim and Eric’s engagement photos here.

Congratulations to you guys!

Mike

We were both excited and nervous at the same time to be photographing Lisa and Andy’s wedding because Lisa is a professional photographer as well! We loved the Old Whaling Station in Monterey where the wedding was held. The historic house is surrounded by a beautiful courtyard garden with roses and overhanging pear and apple trees. The garden was full of gorgeous thought-out details and was just perfect for this intimate wedding.

During the ceremony the guests were asked to stand up and say wishes in their native language. It was amazing: you could hear so many different languages from German to Hebrew, Ukrainian, Japanese and even English! :)

After the night took hold the festivities continued, illuminated by the light of the candles and lanterns in the trees. There was much dancing, laughing, and happiness to end this perfect night.

Thanks for having us there and congratulations to you both :)

Click here to see their engagement photos.

Natasha and Mike