Carneros Resort and Spa Wedding

On our initial conversation, I immediately fell for Christine and Craig’s love story. They were friends from college that reconnected during COVID when a group of friends escaped to a big house in Rhode Island to ride out the lockdown. Here they fell in love. 

Their wedding at Carneros was a true testament to their relationship and style. Not all couples that self-describe as “laid back but stylish” are truly both, but to their credit, Christine and Craig embody those traits fully and every detail made that evident throughout their wedding day. 

During their engagement session in the Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco, we visited their favorite bar and bookstore before wandering out to China beach. The images captured pieces of their connection and the ease of their relationship. Click here for more.

Fast forward to their wedding day, we find ourselves in the heart of Napa Valley. It was my second time at Carneros Resort. The first time I visited, the ceremony unfolded at the arbor, and the reception took place in a banquet hall. For Christine and Craig, everything was set at the top of the hill, offering breathtaking views of sprawling vineyards amongst rolling hills washed in tender golden light.  

The florals that made up Christine & Craig’s wedding altar exhibited a whimsical, almost creature-like quality. The vibrant arrangements added a touch of playfulness to the natural surroundings. Green Petal Designs knew exactly what they were doing!

Upon arrival, wedding guests were greeted with a refreshing drink, setting the tone for the festivities. 

Parasols were provided for sun protection during the ceremony, adding not only practicality but also a visual element to frame the wedding altar.

Dinner was hosted in a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, seated between a pair of buildings with the glow of bistro lights illuminating the scene from above. This lent a cozy feeling to the affair, dare I say hygge.

Christine & Craig wrote short notes to each of their guests as place cards, and their tables were named after meaningful places from their lives, complete with illustrations and photographs from each locale.

When dinner had drawn to a close, Christine & Craig slipped away for an outfit change. Christine’s day-to-night flipped from modern white wedding gown, to red sequined cocktail dress, Craig’s from white tuxedo jacket, to navy blue velour tux adding an exciting dimension to the celebration.

They rejoined the party just in time for a Chinese Lion Dance, complete with a jungle gym apparatus for the dancers to climb and jump around. By the end of the performance Craig and Christine were out there with the lions who were glowing red and blue.

Nieces and nephews added verve and joie de vivre throughout the evening, thoroughly enjoying the festivities.

DJ Justin skillfully curated the soundtrack, ensuring the dance floor was pulsing from start to finish. 

As it grew late, the atmosphere remained enchanting. The mini ice cream cone late-night snack delighted guests, especially me. 

Planning & Design: Something Blue Productions

Photography: Hazel Photo Weddings

Videography: @strehlowphotoandfilm.co

Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa

Floral: Green Petal Designs

DJ: @justintertainment

Lion Dancers: Lion Dance Me

Rentals: Encore Event Rentals

Beauty: Grace Lin Makeup

Signage: Olympic Place Prints


Triple S Ranch Wedding

I met Cate and Evan while shooting a wedding in the redwoods of Mendocino in 2019. They were engaged but had to postpone their original 2020 wedding date due to the pandemic. Finally, June 2022 rolled around and I was able to document their wedding at the stunning Triple S Ranch – and boy was it worth the wait. 

Located in Calistoga, Triple S Ranch is a charming, shabby chic wonderland. This historic property has numerous structures with interesting architectural details and rustic ambiance – including a restored “Grand Victorian” farmhouse and 2,200-square foot barn. Accommodations include glamping tents and treehouses, making it easy for guests to stay on site for an extended period of celebration. The grounds included recreational space with pools, around which I was fortunate to capture lots of hanging out before the ceremony. 

One of the most touching moments of the day was Cate and Evan’s first look. They decided to make this intimate moment even more special by including their closest friends. Their friends led them to each other back to back, until they touched, and then they turned around to see each other surrounded by their loved ones. It was a beautiful and exciting reveal and a unique experience to photograph. 

The intimate wedding ceremony took place under a stunning 175-year-old walnut tree. Four friends made up a band for a musical performance during the ceremony. Cate looked radiant in her minimalist slip dress adorned with a delicate lace cape. Cocktail hour followed and I got to photograph the many eclectic and colorful guests striking poses. Among the looks were bolo ties and cowboy hats and head to toe pink fits that popped in front of the weathered “New York Store” facade. The reception was held in the huge barn with antique exposed beams and DJ Lucero started a serious dance party. The vibe was high energy and antics ensued. It was a testament to the couple’s love for fun and celebration.

It was a joy to capture the sincere emotions, friendship, and beauty of their special day. I will always look forward to returning to Triple S Ranch to capture more memories in these iconic settings. This celebration was made possible by the immaculate planning of Sachi and Maja.

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Wedding Planning and Florals: Sachi and Maja
Venue: Triple S Ranch Napa (SSS Ranch Napa)
DJ: DJ Lucero
Catering: Katie Powers Catering
Cake: Love Natty Cakes
Hair & Makeup: Dream Catcher Artistry
Dress: Half Penny London


Stanly Ranch Wedding

At the Southern tip of Napa County, California close to San Pablo Bay lies a rambling dual purpose property – both luxury resort and working ranch. Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort, is one of the newest additions to the Napa Valley, and a fabulous place for a wedding. The resort pays homage to the agricultural sensibilities of Wine Country, while maintaining a modern and luxurious demeanor.

On a radiant and windy day in late July Marie & Charlie were married by a close friend at an exquisite altar of native California greenery rising from the ground at once natural and uncannily sculptural in a nod to Ikebana.

The day began with the bride and groom preparing in suites at the Ranch, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Marie’s choice of a modern chic gown by Carolina Herrera from Jin Wang Bridal was a stroke of brilliance – the gown’s architectural beauty played harmoniously with the geometric quality of Stanly Ranch, whether the rows of lavender or the playful shadows from slatted pergolas.

Earlier, as I approached Stanly Ranch I noticed a eucalyptus tunnel at the edge of the property and knew it would be the perfect spot for the first look. We jumped in golf carts and headed into the trees for portraits, a few of which have become anchors of my portfolio. Photos in the Bell Suite and the adjacent shade followed.

The ceremony was framed by the Cutting Garden’s idyllic backdrop of wildflowers and greenery. During the ceremony the wind decided to have it’s way with Marie’s veil, so the two switched positions. Following the touching vows, guests savored signature cocktails on the patio outside the glass-walled banquet hall, while enjoying mesmerizing views of the olive trees and lavender gardens.

Marie and Charlie were an absolute joy to photograph – their calm and positive demeanor made for captivating photographs, alternating between carefree laughter and elegant portraits. I knew this going in, as I had the honor of photographing their engagement session at Sutro Baths earlier that year. As the sun set, I took the couple aside to capture the magic of golden hour up and down stone staircases, through olive orchards, and against outdoor fireplaces. We were gifted a dramatic sunset, and we certainly took advantage of that. The warm hues perfectly complemented the venue’s California native plants and sun-soaked stone palette.

Dinner was served in Glass House Barn, a lofted glass-walled banquet hall. Its California-style glass doors opened to the patio balcony overlooking the property. I was able to capture candid moments as the guests laughed, danced, and celebrated in the radiant ambiance, doors open to the breeze.

The lush grounds, framed by vineyards and mountain views, created a very easeful feeling which married well with a wedding reception. Located just a 50-minute drive from San Francisco, Stanly Ranch offered guests a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

I must also extend a special shout-out to Kelsey with Downey Street Events who understood the demands of the venue, and executed flawlessly.

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Wedding planner: Downey Street Events
Venue : Stanly Ranch an Auberge Resort
Photographer : Hazel Photo
Hair and Makeup : Artists by Sherrie Long
Catering : Stanly Ranch
Ice Cream Truck: Noble Folk Creamery
DJ/Band : Dart Collective
Bride’s attire : Jinwang Bride ; Carolina Herrera
Groom’s attire : Suit Supply
Invitation : Bliss and Bone
Florist: Studio Mondine


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