Domaine Chandon and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Yountville CA

Since Bay Area weather is so changeable, I don't often have to shoot in the rain...but this time actually I kinda liked it! I especially loved the shot of Alanna under the umbrella, walking to the church, and how it stopped raining for *exactly* 15 minutes during the reception, just enough time for us to go out and explore the grounds of Domaine Chandon, a GORGEOUS winery in the Napa area. I really hope I get the chance to shoot there again when it is sunny and we can take full advantage of the scenery...hint hint, summer brides! ;)

Alanna was such a laid back, funny, awesome bride and a joy to be around, not to mention beautiful. When I showed the slideshow to Brian he said something about how you can see her immense inner beauty come through...her smile is just radiant. In fact her whole family was great and they managed to make a lunch reception more fun sans DJ and dancing than some of the best all-night receptions I've been to.

Notable events were the toasts, especially the toast by Alanna's sisters who took turns reading lines from a poem by e.e. cummings, which brought the whole room to tears (including me but I got to hide behind my camera so it was ok), and the Chandon staff cutting a ceremonial champagne bottle open with a sword-- which turned it into a geyser, fountaining champagne about 6 feet into the air. I think they shake it up first to heighten the effect--very dramatic.

Thanks to Deborah Simon of Grand Weddings and Events for putting on a beautiful, smooth running event and being so accomodating and wonderful to work with--even making sure us vendors got real food and a quiet place to eat it! Also Polly Harrington of Valley Flora made beautiful arrangements and decor. The food and service at Etoile at Domaine Chandon was excellent. And thanks to EJ Simpson for shooting second on this one with me, he got some excellent shots (the 2nd and 3rd from the last are his) and was a real help when I needed him.


















Slideshow
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