Kelly McCord Photography Blog

Ali and Pete's 'Kind of a Big Deal', Treasure Island, San Francisco Wedding

Gail Taramaschi's  dearest friend growing up in Menlo Park was Ada Rempen. Gail had black hair, and was more introverted, and Ada had blond hair (a pretty serious back-comb, if memory serves, of the photos I've seen), and an outgoing personality.  I am Gail's eldest daughter,  and Ali (the above-mentioned bride), is Ada's eldest daughter.  To hear my mom tell it, she and Ada were always having one caper after another (sneaking out the window, to 'borrow' my grandpa's car, and all sorts of mischief.

(Below is Ada, with her daughter Ali, gotta love the back-light! And they're BOTH adorable, I love the way they're looking at each other in the first shot).

So I've grown up hearing about mom and Ada, and their crazy/rebellious fun adventures as teenagers, and occasionally Ada would come over, and my mom often told me that I should be Ada's daughter, because I was so much more like her in temperament, than my own mom, (which of course, always intrigued me).  So when Ada was over at mom and dad's last January, I had the pleasure of spending the evening with her, while she told me all about her oldest daughter, Ali, and how wonderful she was, and how fantastic her (newly engaged!) fiancee Pete was, and how she was just so thrilled they were getting married. So of course, being a wedding photographer, I had to show her this blog, and tell her all about wedding photography, and we sat and talked weddings (in general) for a good hour, at least. (As an aside -- given that I spend so much time at weddings, I have lots of thoughts and opinions on what works well, and also, what might not work as well -- so if you're one of my brides, please feel free to use me as a sounding board, if you've got questions about anything wedding, I'm happy to help!!).

Anyhow, that was a little over a year ago, and I was thrilled when Ali got in touch with me, and asked me to shoot her wedding.  Of course, just hearing some of Ada's thoughts, when we had first talked, I had a feeling it would be a *really* fun wedding to shoot, and I was sort of right, because it was a really, *REALLY* fun wedding to shoot.

So first of all,  Ali and Pete bear a remarkable resemblance to Barbie and Ken (I'm not kidding - check out the photos!! I hope that's not annoying to Ali and Pete, and it's meant as a compliment!), as they are both  incredibly blessed in the genes department and are both gorgeous, he's tall with brown hair, and a big smile, and Ali's a beautiful blond with stunning blue eyes.. However, unlike typically beautiful people, they are some of the most down-to-earth, kind, gracious, silly and fun people I've had the pleasure of not only meeting, but shooting. I think the photos you'll see (both on this blog, and in the slideshow -- click here if you're ready to hear me stop talking and go straight to the slideshow!) , they really are as fun, crazy and silly as they seem in the pictures. I feel like I really captured them, and who they are, both separately and together; I absolutely love some of the shots of them dancing together -- both the slow first dance, and then later, when he was dancing to make her laugh (which, I love because Ross has always done that, since the first time we ever went dancing, he spends most of the time dancing to make me laugh, but anyway, I digress...).

On the day of the wedding, I had wished we'd been able to have more time shooting bridal portraits (i.e. portraits of just Pete and Ali), but the timeline was pretty tight, and so we didn't have a lot of one-on-one portrait time, which at the time I was a little bummed about (look how adorable they are! You'd want lots of portrait time with  them if you were a photographer too! =) And I wouldn't post this if Ali didn't know this already, but at the time I had hoped we'd be able to get more time -- hey -- maybe I can talk them into a trash the dress session!=)). Anyway, despite not getting as much time as I normally do to shoot the 'bridal portraits'  ( I like to have at least 20-30 minutes with just the bride and groom, normally), but in this instance, there just wasn't time. So I'm telling you all this, because, ultimately I am a wedding photojournalist, and my joy really does come in 'catching the moment,' and not setting up portrait-y looking shots, and I feel that despite not getting that much actual 'portrait' time, that the candid shots I got of Pete and Ali more than make up for that. (Of course, I want to be clear too, the actual bridal portraits we DID have time to get, I really love, and are beautiful).  But I was thrilled when I saw the raw download, because there were so many great 'in the moment' type shots, that I completely forgot that I'd wished for more 'formal' time. =)

This wedding also happens to now hold the record of most photos taken at one reception (at least, for me).  There were a VAST amount of photos to cull through, as both Brent and I were taking photos almost continually at the reception, once it really got going.  Because not only are Ali and Pete really fun, their GUESTS were really fun too!!!  Now, this doesn't always happen, unfortunately; sometimes I'll be at a wedding when the bride and groom are having a fabulous time, and wanting to get the party started, and their guests might not be on the same page, and so basically, there's not a lot of action, let alone getting down, on the dance floor.  That, however, could not be said of this wedding, which is one of the reasons there were so many photos. There was continual crazy-fun action, the entire time we were there.  Everywhere we turned, somebody was doing something wild, wacky or funky, and we wanted to make sure we caught every one of those moments.

It was one of the most dynamic receptions I'd been to in a while, and one of the things I loved most was that it wasn't just Pete and Ali's friends/generation dancing, but EVERYone was dancing, young and not-quite-as-old.  That was really fun for me to see, (and doesn't happen that often), and the DJ (I need to find out from Ali who DJ'd because he did such a great job with song selection, because it really was a great mix of music that really bridged the generation gap).  So when I find out, I'll let you know here.  So there was a lot of dancing; people were going crazy, there was swing, and contemporary, and everything in between, and I know I'm going on and on about the reception, but really, if I didn't have to drive back over the Bay Bridge,  down 280 and over 17, I would have stayed and danced after I finished shooting, because it was THAT fun. I had guests grabbing me and pulling me onto the dance floor, and I only wish I could have stayed and danced with them, as Ali had so sweetly invited!! =)

Ali and Pete's first dance (I love these successive shots, because I feel like it shows their personalities, they're alternatingly loving and sweet, and silly and cracking up. Definitely my kind of people.  (And after I saw Ali's gift to Pete [see below, after the break], I KNEW they were my kind of people. Really, you'll want to check the wedding gift out to get a real feel for them, I was giggling again when i was editing the shots, months later). Click this photo (and all the rest on this blog) if you'd lik e to see it larger, and in detail.

So anyhow, as you can see, I really enjoyed myself at Ali and Pete's wedding. I enjoyed getting to know Ali better, via email, leading up to the wedding, and it was such a pleasure to get to shoot their wedding day. And for me it was a double bonus, because there is so much history there, with my mom and Ada, and that really resonated with me (I'm definitely one for history and things like that.), and I thought there was something kind of cool about being able to shoot my mom's best friend's daughter on her wedding day.  Call me sentimental (because, really, I am SO sentimental), but that was neat for me too. =) And I think my mom felt that way too (especially as she's been asking at least once a week, since the wedding, when the photos were going to be done, and also, are there any good ones of her? =)  (And to answer my mom: they're ready now, go see the slideshow, (but give it time to load, there are a LOT of photos in it, so it'll take awhile to load up on your slower connection) and yes, there are a couple cute ones of you and dad).

A small sample of some of the awesome dancing at the reception. There was a LOT of this kind of action...lucky me!

Which brings me to one last thing; thank you, Pete and Ali, (and Ada and Clive, Dave and Diane). Thank you for so graciously waiting and understanding the process, and bearing with what has been my busiest season ever, and all the learning that has gone into that, which has meant that my brides and grooms have had to wait longer overall, to get their photos edited, (which is why I'm only shooting a limited number of weddings per month next year, because I refuse to compromise on the quality of the final product). I think we got some really fabulous photos, and I hope you love them as much as I do!  Thank you for choosing me to shoot your wedding, it was an honor, and I hope I get to shoot your first maternity shots, family shots, etc., etc., for years to come). =)  You guys were such a delight, and I truly mean that.

So if you'd like to see a few (well, a few for me lately, is like 45ish), of my favorite shots, click on the 'continue reading' link below, or click on the above links to go see the slideshow, which I think is worth checking out, as I said, there are SO MANY fun reception shots, there was no way I could include them all here, but I stronlgy urge you to check them out, because I'm not kidding, this wedding was serious fun).  And as always, if you want to see the photos larger, all you have to do is click on them and they'll pop open much larger. And I urge you to click, 'continue reading,' as there are a LOT of uber fun wedding photos after the break!!

Lorri and Morgan at Mitchell Katz Winery/Palm Event Center, in Pleasanton

Lorri and Morgan found me through one of the Briggs sisters (see post below), although I can't remember at this moment exactly which sister it was, although apparently I owe all the Briggs sisters a fruit basket or something, because they've referred so many of their friends to me -- THANKS GUYS! =)

I absolutely love these two shots of Lorri getting ready...isn't she beautiful?

ANYhow, Lorri and I got on right away, even though our early correspondence was only through email, I liked her right away. I knew she was going to be great, when she and Morgan met me at the Hyatt in San Francisco, for our meeting, and the girls and Ross were in the room, hanging out. Anybody who can happily hang with my kids is a friend of mine.  So we got along right away, and continue to do so. She's a great girl, and Morgan's a really nice guy, and I liked not only shooting them, but just getting to know them, in general.  Lorri's had a pretty rough year, and it's been a somewhat rough year for me, as well, and we've commiserated long distance. She was so sweet and understanding when my Grammy died earlier in the year, and I haven't forgotten it. Can you tell I really like her? =)

And their wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was in Pleasanton, which to me is kind of like a no-mans-land. Once I get outside of the Bay Area, it's all kind of the same place to me. So needless to say, I hadn't shot there before, but I was so glad I got to!! The ceremony and the reception were at the Palm Event Center and/or Mitchell Katz Winery, and it's gorgeous. I love shooting at wineries, in general, and this one was a great one!  And Lorri and her family had spent a lot of time (and money, no doubt), making an already really cool place, even prettier.  The ceremony was facing the vineyards (which, really, can you beat that?), and they rung bells(!) after they were pronounced husband and wife (which I loved), and then the reception was inside, this huge vaulted room, with an adjoining, 'cellar' type room, that was lined, floor-to-ceiling with wine barrels. It was really (like I keep saying), very cool. Huge chandelier's and the whole bit. We had fun wandering around the winery, after the ceremony, and doing Laurie and Morgan's portrait session. I was slightly obsessed with this one brick wall (as you'll see in these photos), but I loved how they turned out.  I was so glad we were able to pull away for a little while and get those photos - because they (in my opinion) were so worth  it, as I absolutely LOVED the way their portraits turned out. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they're both beautiful people, but that was like the cherry on an already good sundae. =)

I love these!

Anyhow, you can tell I enjoyed myself, because all these are my 'narrowed down' version of favorites. If you'd like to see the overall day, in a slideshow, you can do so by clicking here: Lorri and Morgan's Wedding Photo Slideshow.

Above is a shot of Lorri and her dad, right before the walked down the aisle, I love catching those moments when people don't realize you're catching them. Also, check out the awesome chandeliers above them

 

Of course, if you don't have time for a slideshow, you can check out my "narrow" list of favorites, by clickng, 'continue reading' below. And thanks again, Lorri and Morgan, for asking me to shoot your wedding, and also, for being so great, this past year, on a more personal level. I feel like I not only had great clients (I've said before that all the best brides find me, and I'm not kidding about that), but I also got a new friend.

 

Alicia and Dan, Tilden Park, Berkeley

I just finished editing Alicia and Dan's wedding, and along with the editing, I made a slideshow of some of my favorite shots. I had a great time shooting their wedding --  it was  a beautiful church, and a lovely reception spot (the Brazil Room, in Tilden Park, in Berkeley), and Alicia and Dan were great. There were a couple smal snafus, (like the limo going one direction,and us going another), but it all worked out great in the end, and I'm really happy with how the photos turned out.  Alicia and Dan were a complete delight to work with (not to mention SUCH a cute couple; Alicia was an absolutely stunning bride (as you'll see below), and Dan looked very handsome), and their family and friends were all really great.  So despite the few snafus we ran into at the beginning the day was beautiful and it was a joy to be asked to shoot their wedding, and be a part of their special day.

So below are a few of my faves from the wedding. If you'd like to check out the slideshow, you can do so by clicking here.   Otherwise, there are more photos from the big day, after the jump (and as always, if you want to see the photos larger, click on the image and it'll pop up bigger).  And thanks, Alicia and Dan, for allowing me to be a part of your special day, I hope you love your photos...

Award Winning! AGWPJA

I've written before about how I'm a amember of the WPJA, and also how when I entered my first contest with the WPJA that I placed, and could now be considered 'award-winning'.

Well, I entered the most recent [AG]WPJA contest .  The [AG]WPJA is the 'Artistic Guild' of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, a sub-group of the WPJA, which is -- from the site: "A group of international wedding photojournalists, who  capture unscripted wedding moments as they happen, and excel in the art of post-production image processing," or basically -- you're good at  not only capturing images ina photojounalistic style, but that you're good at Photoshop/post-processing after you've shot the images).   To be listed as a member of the [AG]WPJA (and not just the regular WPJA), you have to have placed in the top ten in one of their contests to be considered a 'member' and listed. 

So, all that to say -- I entered the most recent contest, and placed in the top ten!! So I'm now a member of the WPJA, and the [AG]WPJA.  I'm thrilled, because I think my post-processing is one of the things that sets me apart, and I'm glad to be recognized because of it. 

The above shot is the the image that placed. If you want to see it on the site, you can see it by clicking here. I entered it in the 'details' category. The judges comments were:  Classic, timeless elegance is reflected in this well toned image. The vertical lines of the veil contrast the looped hair which is offset by the ornaments. It's a simple moment that has been pushed along by great toning.

Anyhow, I'm thrilled to have another 'award-winning' image!  Especially because I really love this image -- it's just nice to be recognized doing something you love and have so much passion about.  I also recently had another image get into a wedding magazine.  I'll scan it and show it to you guys soon!

Heather and Chris: Hayward Engagement Shoot

A few weeks ago, I finally got to shoot Heather and Chris' engagement portraits.  I met Heather at the Santa Cruz Bridal Expo last January.  She told me that after viewing my work at the bridal fair, she compared every other photographer to me, and after realizing she wanted me, didn't have a date, and had to wait to book me. I was thrilled when she called and the date she had booked, I had available, as I had really gotten along with her (and her mom Dyan), and when we met to go over packages and albums, it felt like I was sitting down with friends. I knew I was going to have fun with her (and her mom), and not only did I love shooting Heather and Chris, but I love how their photos turned out! 

We had slated to take the photos at the Japanese Tea Garden in Hayward, but after we got there, we realized they were already closed. And since I had driven all the way to Hayward, and the sun was setting fast, we scrambled trying to figure out where to shoot. We settled on a nearby golf course. I was a little nervous when I first saw the place,but it turnd out to be a gorgeous location to shoot!  I didn't realize quite how beautiful until I sat down to edit, and loved each shot more than the next.

I'm really looking forward to shooting Heather and Chris' wedding, as it's taking place at one of  the most incredible wedding locations in the Bay Area (in my opinion, of course), and a place I've shot portraits countless times (even right after high shcool, we'd always go up and shoot), at   Villa Montalvo.  I'm super excited to shoot a wedding there.

And I keep mentioning Heather's mom, because I really got along great with her, also.  Well, Heather has a sister, named Oriana, and she just signed up to have me shoot her wedding next year! So I get to shoot two of the family's weddings! I feel so honored and blessed when family members book me, especially to do multiple weddings, it's such a flattering thing. Plus, I really like the family, so it's doubly fun, in this case! =) ( I'm thrilled to shoot Heather and Chris at Villa Montalvo in a few weeks, and I can't wait to meet Oriana, her sister, and shoot them as well. Plus, Heather is adorable, and they both are super-photogenic, so it's that much easier for me!

Below are some of my favorit shots, and if you'd like to see all of the shots from their engagmenet session at this golf course in Hayward, you can do so by clicking here.  And there are more after the jump.