On Sandrine and Josh’s wedding day, Annie (my second photographer that day) and I showed up to Sandrine’s family’s home to get some details and shots of her and her family getting ready. When we showed up, it was so relaxed – no mayhem of bridesmaids and big dresses, just family hanging out over lunch. It seemed, to me at least, that there weren’t much nerves, just happy anticipation. Josh’s mom did Sandrine’s hair, and her mom and sister were there to help with the dress. Meanwhile her nephews were hanging out and getting dressed as well. There were pictures on the wall of her sister and mom in their wedding gowns, and it was so lovely that she got to put on her own wedding dress there in her family home as well. We got some photos at their beautiful house and then headed over to the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens for the wedding itself.
The first look, as one might guess, came first; with Josh looking dapper and excited to see Sandrine. It can get quite dark in the redwood grove, so we were all glad to get to do their first look and get some portraits with beautiful light before it got too dark. The ceremony was sweet, with Sandrine’s sister as bridesmaid and Josh’s brother as best man, surrounded by friends and family and lots of kiddos. We managed some family photos after in the darkening redwood grove, and then headed over to the Julia Morgan building in the Botanical Gardens for the reception. Drinks and dinner, toasts and dancing followed. The kids kind of ruled the dance floor with their moves – starting dance trains, cancan lines and flying through the air (with the aid of the parents). This was such a happy day – no drama, just two people, happy and in love, merging families and lives. Sandrine and Josh – Congratulations! I’m so happy you found each other and so glad I got to bear witness to this great day! And now, the photos :D.
Wedding Partners:
Venue: Berkeley Botanical Gardens
Caterer: Trumpet Vine Catering
Flowers: Gorgeous and Green
Cake: Masse’s Pastries
Ceremony Music: Bay Area Strings
