* you do NOT have to make prints
through me. The files you receive are large enough to make your own prints.
It works like this: I select a time and place. Families will then sign up in half hour increments. Unlike a normal photo shoot that may have time flexibility or multiple locations, the mini shoots are fixed and constrained. Because of the quick paced shoot schedule your 25 minutes slots are firm.
Please arrive early so you can
find parking and have time to get you little ones acclimated to their
surroundings. If you are unfortunately late and I have a slot booked after you,
it will cut into YOUR shoot time. The locations I choose have a lot of photo
options in a small area. This way we are assured great photos with out having
to spend much time moving from spot to spot..
In regards to clothing, please
stay away from logos or large text. Wear something comfortable that allows movement.
Solid colors and simple patterns are always a good choice.
Payments: Venmo Check or Cash.
I’m now requiring a $50 deposit that is non-refundable if you cancel less than
two weeks prior to the shoot.
J & K were both living in Chicago, but got married at St Ignatius in San Francisco with the reception at the elegant Julia Morgan Ballroom. K went to school at USF which made getting married at St Ignatius extra special. Both doctors, (who got engaged in an ER room!) this fun loving couple had such a fun day in store for their friends and family. They rented a trolley out to sightsee around town, stopping by Alamo square for that iconic San Francisco photo with the painted ladies in the background as well as Nob Hill near the Fairmont!
I had so much fun capturing this wedding. To me this was a perfectly planned “San Francisco” wedding. Classic and elegant with a touch of fun. St Ignatius is always such a beautiful place to have a wedding ceremony. I always enjoy the light, the arches, textures and colors of the building. Julia Morgan Ballroom is also always a venue I am happy to shoot. The woodwork is so beautiful, and there are these large windows that look out over the city. Since its by California street you still see the cable cars trawling in the streets. Speaking of, J&K rented out cable cars for transportation for guests to and from the venue!
The couple really made it easy to capture these fun and beautiful images. They had a larger wedding party, and it really added to the energy and excitement of the day. It was a joy to see this couple not only so in love, but their friends who were also so excited for them. This really shines through especially at Julia Morgan Ballroom where the reception was held. Their friends really cut a rug and there was a live band- which I always encourage. For some reason I always see the most dancing with a live band!
I really love shooting a family photography session. Its such a different speed than weddings and also a great time to catch up with friends old and new. I get to spend a couple hours with families with a more relaxed pace and really feel like I get to showcase their family dynamics in such an intimate way. Sometimes I do these in peoples homes but when weather permits I always like going outside.
I met up with the Koonses in Golden Gate Park for their session. The family used to live right by the park and its truly such a special place for them. They got engaged there, and Libby (the cutest little girl) celebrated her first birthday there. San Francisco weather can be tricky but we had sunny weather and a happy kid and dog:) Libby is such a spirited and playful little girl and she really is such a perfect blend of her parents. Bernadette is such a well trained French Bulldog and is truly such a sweet big sister! With all the recent rain California is lush and green right now.
There are so many beautiful parts of Golden Gate Park and it was hard to decide where to take photos with all the different landscapes and environments. We contemplated taking photos by the botanical garden and the prehistoric plants, but when we passed by this little trail decided it was perfect! It was a cozy little nook with a patch of grass, a nice trail and wonderful light. They were well prepared and had a cute little blanket that they often use for park adventures and it worked out wonderfully. It’s a perfect time to schedule a session. I really loved the fun playful images we captured during our family photography session. Thank you to the Koonses for being such wonderful photography subjects.
Andrea and Dave had their wedding at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs Ca. Andrea and Dave (A & D) are friends of my wife and I. I was beyond thrilled when they asked me photograph their wedding. A & D planned on a intimate ceremony in Joshua Tree with their dog Chloe and their officiant. I always enjoy photographing elopements. Theres something really beautiful and romantic about them. The desert landscape seemed perfect for the intimacy of their wedding ceremony. I thought the way they did their wedding was very clever. They had their elopement in Joshua Tree where they could focus on each other and for the weekend had parties at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs Ca with all their closest friends and family. The following evening A & D planned a fun evening of drinks and dinner at the Parker Hotel. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails at the croquet courts at the Parker. As the sun set we were all invited to another section of the hotel were we ate delicious food and danced the night away to music spun by Dave and his friends as many of them are dj’s themselves. The following day everyone was able to relax at the pool and enjoy some sun (or nurse a hangover!) and later they had a more casual taco bar in one of the Parker’s many courtyard gardens. There was also a bocce court and they brought their own cornhole set so everyone could play some games after they had ate. All in all it was such a fun weekend to get to know and hang out with everyone for their wedding at the Parker in Palm Springs. Added bonus besides the luxe accommodations were that they were dog friendly and Chloe their adorable dog was able to be a part of every moment!
Alex and Ryan had their wedding ceremony at Point 16 Big Sur Ca. It was my first time getting to photograph a wedding at this gorgeous location, it was so fun to be able to photograph on such a nice day outdoors. A & R share a love for the ocean so the beautiful coastline of Big Sur was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Big Sur is a magical place where the forest meets the sea. At Point 16 there was a rustic cabin to get ready in as well as the most breathtaking bathroom with a view! A & R decided to do a first look so they could spend a majority of the day with guests dancing and celebrating their union. The day was well paced and relaxed, really mirroring the couples vibe. Alex and Ryan planned a perfect afternoon into the sunset for their loved ones right down to every detail. There were special personal touches all around. Ryan is talented carpenter and he fashioned the beautiful woodwork that held the seating assignments. Signature cocktails and a locally sourced delicious meal rounded out the night. There were throws and a fire pit for being comfortable after the sun went down. In all honesty I’m a better photographer than I am writer. So Im not really going to try and describe this perfect day but instead ask you to please have a look at the photos. It was a absolute honor getting to work with Alex and Ryan. Thank you to Cherie and all the staff at Point 16 for all the hard work. For any couples thinking about having their Wedding Ceremony at Point 16 Big Sur Ca I would highly recommend it, this venue is so special!
Jeni and Daniel had their wedding at the Island Farm in Half Moon Bay Ca. This was my first time getting to photograph a wedding here and I was pretty excited about it!
One of my favorite parts of my job is where it takes me. Its always a fun adventure. The Island Farm is like a land lost in time nestled amongst the redwoods. The property has been owned by the same family for 90+ years. The log cabin was built in the early 1900’s. The log cabin was perfect for Jeni and her bridesmaids to get ready. From the ridge you get views of the pacific coastline for miles in either direction. Ive driven past the road so many times never knowing what a little gem was there. I was 45 min from my house but felt like I was on vacation. It made perfect sense why they had their wedding wedding at the Island Farm in Half Moon Bay
Jeni and Daniel were married in the forest with their families and closest friends. The ate delicious food by candle light, drank refreshing cocktails and danced the night away. I was truly honored to photograph their beautiful wedding. The day went off with out a hitch thanks to all the planning from coast side couture and the rest of the talented vendors listed below. Please enjoy the images of Jeni and Daniels wedding at The Island Farm in Half Moon Bay. Thanks for looking!
Meris and Jesse had their wedding at Nestldown in Los Gatos, Ca. Nestldown is one of my favorite locations in the bay area to photograph at. I spent a lot of time exploring the redwood forests in that area as a kid. It always feels like I’m going home, which is a good thing.
I had the pleasure of getting to work with Meris and Jesse at their engagement session. This always makes my job so much easier when I get to spend time with clients prior to their wedding day. M+J decided to do a first look before their ceremony. It was important for them to spend as much time with their loved ones. We were able to get a majority of the photos done before the ceremony so M+J could join the cocktail hour and celebrate with their friends and families. Meris and Jesse were such a sweet couple. I had such a fun time getting to photograph their beautiful wedding at Nestledown in Los Gatos, Ca.
Meris and Jesses treated their guests to a wonderful wedding. They were married under the redwoods surrounded by loved ones. M+J rode the train into their cocktail hour. Their guests dined near a pond and said their well wishes to the new couple as the sun set. The night was capped of with dancing, delicious cocktails, and desserts in the barn. Then the couple said their good byes and had their grand exit in the famous antique taxi. The perfect end to a perfect day.
And as always thank you to all the vendors that worked hard to make it a wonderful day for the wonderful Bride and Groom. If your planning on having your wedding at Nestldown in Los Gatos I would love to hear about your plans. Feel free to reach out and say hello! Dave Medal Photography
