Nicasio Backyard Wedding // Liz + Dennis

Oh my goodness, where has time gone?! Liz and Dennis were my first wedding of this year (in April!!) and I am just getting to blog them... whoops! These two married in the backyard of their family friend's house up on the hill in Nicasio and it was the perfect way to start my season!

Guests mingled and enjoyed the views of the then green hills (they are now "golden"), surrounded them with love and shared a family-style meal under the bistro lights. Everything about their day was simple and low-fuss, bringing a calm vibe to their wedding. My kind of people! It was such an honor to be a part of their day, thank you L+D!!

photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography
caterer: Ring of Fire 
florals: Naomi McLeod
music: Nick Rossi Trio
dress: BHLDN
suit: Nordstroms
dessert: Bovine Bakery

Redwoods and Botanical Garden Wedding // Noah + Hannah // Berkeley, CA

Where to start with Noah and Hannah?! First, they got ready together with their closest friends and siblings at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley and it was the calmest hours before a wedding I have experienced. There is something special about getting ready together.

We then headed to their venue which I have been dyyyying to shoot at, so I was SO excited when they told me they're getting married at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and Redwood Amphitheater. It's a dream to have such a variety in the location for portraits! We made time to shoot in both the redwoods and botanical gardens because why not. I'll let the pictures do the talking for how amazing this location is!!

Along with the natural beauty, the work Tumbleweed Floral Truck did to the Julia Morgan Hall to transform it into a cozy, inviting, family style early Fall vibes dinner was amazing... that's why there are so many photos, ha! Fun fact, Kaylia also used to work with Hannah. Oh and Hannah's mom MADE all the bread cutting boards.  Hannah knows some very talented folks :)

Also, fun story! I first met N+H when I was working at the coffee shop and one day they came in and I saw the new ring on Hannah's finger and got so excited for them! A few minutes later I handed them my card and said something along the lines of, "I want to be your wedding photographer!" and basically told them they should hire me :) And I am so happy they did! These two have been a dream to work with and I'm so happy I went with my gut and made sure to give them my card! All the hugs to you two! And Noah, keep kissing Hannah's nose forever! :)

Photography: Chelsea Dier Photography // Florals: Tumbleweed Floral Truck // Ice Cream Sandwiches: Tara's Organic Ice Cream // Caterer: S&S Catering // Hannah's Dress: Emerald City Gowns // Noah's Suit: KnotStandard // Band: Kickin' The Mule // Hair: Nicole, Phoenix Salon // Venues: UC Berkeley Botanical Garden

Edgy San Francisco Beach Elopement

Oh my goodness, this was a dream styled shoot! I have been dying to share these images and I finally can because it has just been featured on Ruffled Blog!! 

This edgy San Francisco elopement made all my shoot dreams come true. Starting with their elopement ceremony on the beach that S+E were down to hike to (with sea foam flying at us sporadically), the sunset soft light turn to haze and Sara's leather jacket complimenting her JUMPSUIT perfectly! Yes, she wore a jumpsuit and it was the best thing ever. Erik was quite dapper in his dark blue tuxedo suit and bow tie as well.  We then headed to Bluxome Winery for their intimate dinner. Gold accents with pops of color from the table florals and the hanging installment Jessie created complimented the industrial vibe of the winery and gave it a romantic, but edgy feel to the evening. 

I'm going to let the images do the rest of the story telling! And maybe inspire your upcoming elopement/wedding dreams?! 

All the wonderful vendors involved: Chelsea Dier Photography / Bluxome Street Winery / April Foster Artistry / Studio DBI / Handsome Flowers / Lovely Letters / Chairs+Cups / A Spoonful of Sugar Cakes / Alt Brides / The Black Tux / Jenn Heller Design Co / Bryr Clogs / Digby & Iona Jewelry / ASOS

Sweet Lane Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA Wedding Photographer // Julie + Billy part II

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And here is part II of Julie and Billy's wedding weekend! They had their wedding day at Sweet Lane Gardens in Santa Rosa, CA. This is a commercial nursery, but they also host weddings on their property. I want to go back here and take more photos in the nursery -- just look how beautiful it is!

Julie and Billy were my last couple of 2016 and I couldn't have asked for a better couple to end my wedding season with. They were SO excited to be getting married and to celebrate with their close friends and family! Constant laughs, smiles, and hugs filled their day. Along with being the sweetest clients to me (Julie's reaction to her sneak peeks and final delivery were THE BEST. All the heart eye emoji's aren't enough to express my gratitude!), I could tell that Julie and Billy have had quite the impact on the important people in their lives. Gosh, I just want to smoosh these two up and hug them forever!

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I am so humbled to have been included in their special weekend and I think a trip to Chicago to visit you two has to happen! So much love to you two!! 

Venue: Sweet Lane Gardens // Cater: Creative Catering // Florist: David Hanson // Baker: Petaluma Pie Company DJ: Marcel Jones // Makeup: Nikol Elaine Artistry // Hair: Amanda Sands Hairdressing // Billy's Suit: Topman // Julie’s Dress: Bhldn // Julie's Shoe's: TOMS // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville, CA Photographer // Julie + Billy part I

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Julie and Billy wanted to get married in the California Redwoods, but that plan didn't quite pan out for them so we met up on Friday afternoon in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guernevlille to fulfill their redwoods dream! I haven't been here before, but it was an amazing park of redwoods all around and SO beautiful! I'm going to make their wedding blog into two posts because I have too many photos to share.

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Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA Wedding Photographer // Shauna + Manuel

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Shauna and Manuel got married at the Oakland Courthouse in the morning, and then I met up with them and their daughter for their portraits. I have visited the lake many times, but never shot a session here so I was a little nervous for how they would turn out. But, turns out the lake during golden hour is beautiful!! And it was so fun to hear all the "congratulations!" from people running and walking by them. These two also crushed their portraits and I am so happy with how they turned out! Congratulations you two, and cheers to many happy, love filled years ahead!(Manuel's first love, his restored car, so of course we needed to get some portraits with it as well)

HMUA: Girl with a Curling Iron // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Michael + Catie // Forest Elopement // Fort Bragg, CA

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Catie and Michael had the most rad forest elopement up in Fort Bragg (about 3.5 hours north of the Bay) with their closest friends, family and two dogs in tow. Catie created her "bouquet" from bird feathers she has found while hiking and it was so her. She needed a bouquet that she could also use for their weekend celebration with friends (which by the way costumes were required for their reception -- how fun!). Also check out her totally unique ring, wowza! Thank you times a million for having me along. I LOVED it and to future couples of CDP, I want to shoot this type of intimate ceremonies all the time!

Daniel + Lauren // Intimate Wedding // Sutter, CA

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Daniel and Lauren, the wedding in an old almond orchard with the goofiest groomsmen (and an honorary cat-groomsmen -- you'll see his appearances throughout) with the yummiest light and their closest friends and family. This wedding was a dream to shoot! They are the sweetest couple and fully enjoyed their day and have some of the best friends who made sure they were fed and hydrated throughout their day. Thank you so much for including me in your day. It was amazingly special <3

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(I had to conclude this post with another cat photo... I can't even, HAHA)

Planner + center pieces + cake: Cynthia Struckmeyer // Cater: Bacio // DJ: TSPdj // HMUA for bridesmaids: Hello Glam // HMUA for Lauren: Robert Savard // Florist: Yuba City Florist // Lauren's Dress: Always Elegant Bridal // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Yosemite National Park // On Film

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Lindsey and I did 3 days of hiking in this beautiful National Park and it was amazing. She's a fellow film shooter so it's always great to explore with her because she understands the want for taking photos... and lends me an extra roll of film when I run out! Who's up for an #adventureelopement or wedding here?! I'm your gal to photograph it :)((oatmeal and coffee=camping musts))

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Adventure Elopement Photographer

I am putting this call to action out there! As I was looking for a second shooter for a wedding I have coming up, I realized I was clicking on their blogs to get a sense of who the photographer was and to see their current work. I really need to be better about this. How does this connect with adventure elopements? Well, one of my goals for 2016 is to shoot at least one adventure elopement and if you're here reading my blog, to see my current happenings, you'll see this call to action and maybe it will be just what you're looking for! I have always said that I want to take photos and travel as I grow up. I am doing both, but I would love to combine them professionally.  In this case, travel can be in California, it's doesn't have to be a destination (but I am always up for that as well)! Let's hike, let's explore, let's find the secret nooks and crannies of the mountains and make some photos that your kids and grand-kids can look back on, and be like, "they were badass!"

Being outdoors is such an important part of my life and I always want to explore and find new hiking places. I would hike every day I am off it I could (and I definitely need to get over my fear of going by myself...). Since I moved to California from Washington, I had felt a lack of getting outside and exploring the mountains around me. It took me a little while to find my groove, but I am learning that the Bay Area has some great hikes and I just need to be open to the fact that it will be different than Washington, but a close second none the less!

So, if this sounds like what you're looking for and want to connect, shoot me an e-mail!

hi [at] chelseadier.com

Ingrid + Julian // Stinson Beach, CA Wedding Photographer

Ingrid and Julian walked to their wedding venue holding hands, they walked down the aisle together holding hands, they listened to their toasts with arms intertwined, and they danced holding hands.

I+J wed at Stinson Beach, a place that has been special to them their whole lives. Their day was so them, with such a relaxed vibe. They had their guests do the wave before their ceremony, they picnicked on the grass with their friends and family, and they did contra dancing with a proper caller and live band. It was such a laid back day with all the most important people of their lives! The backdrop wasn't too bad either ;)

Location: Dipsea Gardens // Catering: Lunch Box Catering // Dress: Erica Waddell //Band: Emily Bonn and the Vivants // Caller: Susan Petrick // HMU: Bara // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

Tara + Javier // Canyon, CA // Pi Day

My first solo wedding, ahhhhhh!! Tara and Javier could have not been more of the perfect couple for me to officially kick off Chelsea Dier Photography Weddings. Their love for each other and their community is infectious and they made my job easy. I love every photo of them and they are all my favorite!  The last two I posted may be my extra favorites... Models for sure. SO much love to you Tavie, thank you for trusting me!!