The Expressive Blog

I am very pleased to share a few favorite moments from the wedding of Cherry and Will, which happened recently at The Highlands Inn, Carmel. If you know Carmel, you are aware that it has some fabulous wedding venues and amazing locations for taking photos. Highlands Inn is one of my all-time favorite locations to do wedding photography, because of the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastal scenery, comforting hospitality and ambiance of The Highlands Inn, and professionalism and genuine courtesy I am always shown by the entire staff there. Many of my brides and grooms have shared with me, how happy and impressed they were with the level of service they received here, and how well they were taken care of by the folks at Highlands Inn.

Cherry and Will also have a magical, romantic story. They met in December 2006, by "chance", on a flight from Chicago to California. As Cherry says: "I had a connecting flight out of Chicago/O’Hare International Airport and little did I know this would be the flight that would change my life. As I walked down the aisle to find my seat, I noticed this very handsome man who happened to be looking back at me smiling from ear to ear. To my delight, our seats were beside one another...".

Fast-forward to July 2010, and we have these two wonderful people tying the knot, right here in Carmel. I always feel privileged to be called on to capture the sweet moments of such a day! Here are a few highlights from this Carmel wedding. If you visit my blog often, you may remember Cherry and Wills Pacific Grove engagement session, which you can see by clicking here.

Long before their wedding, Cherry, Will and I discussed their plans for the Big Day, and how my services as their photographer would compliment and coordinate with the many other facets of the day. Like many couples, they had assumed the best thing would be for them not to see each other until their wedding ceremony. When I learned how important it was to them, to spend as much time as possible connecting with all their wedding guests however, I suggested that it might help to see each other before the ceremony, by doing what I call a "first look" photo session. This allowed us to complete some of their essential photos before the wedding ceremony, without keeping the guests waiting, and also made it possible for Cherry and Will to have more time with family and friends afterward. The other cool benefits? Having a secluded First Look photo session provides a very special time for the couple to share together, without all their guests around. It also makes it possible to choreograph that encounter in a place that works to the advantage of the photographer, resulting in more great moments captured for the couple to always remember. I think these next images speak for the value of doing a First Look, far better than I can!

For Cherry and Will, we did a very fun and romantic photo session at Carmel River State Beach, with just the two of them. Note to photographers, or anyone planning a wedding at Highlands Inn: You can save precious time by accessing this beach from easy legal parking, at the end of a small private road at the North end of Monastery Beach, literally just six minutes from Highlands Inn. This is so much better than driving all the way around to the official entrance of Carmel River State Beach, which is tricky to find and takes up to fifteen minutes, each way. Having the benefit of this kind of "locals only" information on excellent and often little-known photography locations, is another reason I believe it is best to select a professional photographer who is familiar with the area and venue of your wedding!

I believe a woman is her most beautiful and radiant on her wedding day. Cherry is an amazing example of that!

The whole celebration was wonderful. One of the moments that stands out in my memory of the day, is when Cherry surprised Will, with the exquisite music she played for him, on the piano. This was in the Great Room, at Highlands Inn. Behind my camera, the family gathered listening, mesmerized. It was a deeply moving and inspiring experience for all, but especially so for these two lovebirds. I extend my deepest respect and appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to Cherry and Will. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your most joyful and important day!