Rengstorff House Outdoor Wedding // Enissa + Blake // Mountain View, CA

Oh Enissa and Blake! From day one, Enissa made ME feel like a friend and not just her photographer. She has the biggest heart and on their wedding day, she was making sure everyone was taken care of, including serving the cake to their guests! Their laid-back, outdoor wedding focused on what was important to these two. Dancing (including a dress change so dancing was easier!), tacos, loving each other and getting MARRIED! :)

The Rengstorff House is a gem in Mountain View and the property was perfect for all the natural light photos. I am absolutely loving their golden hour first dance photos, which are so swoon worthy! Enissa and Blake, thank you so much for having me be apart of your day! It was an absolute joy :)

Caterer: Madd Mex // Florist: Flower Divas // Enissa's Dress: BHLDN // Blake's Suit: Indochino //DJ: PJ Entertainment // HMUA: Kristen Marie // Invitations: Printable Press // Jeweler: Lang Antiques // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography

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

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0011

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!

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0001

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0002

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0003

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0004

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0005

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0006

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0007

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0008

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0009

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0010

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0012

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0013

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0015

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0014

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0016

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0017

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0044

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0045

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0018

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0019

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0020

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0021

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0022

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0023

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0024

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0025

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0026

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0027

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0028

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0029

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0030

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0031

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0032

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0033

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0034

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0035

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0036

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0037

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0038

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0039

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0040

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0041

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0042

JulieBillyWeddingBlog_0043

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

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-49

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.

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-11

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-13

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-22

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-34

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-35

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-46

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-64

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-60

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-73

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-77

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-87

JulieBillyRedwoodsWedding-92

Introducing Chelsea Dier Photography Albums

dierphotographyalbums_0000

Let it be known that I actually LOVE designing albums. Putting together the whole story of your wedding day, adding in all the elements and moments of your day that you may have missed, because there is so much happening, brings me great joy.

Having a tangible collection of your BEST photos that you can look back on time after time has to be the best thing. With my albums, you are getting your photographs off your computer and created into a work of art. You'll be able to pick up your album at any moment you have a yearning to (which would be all the time for me) and re-live your freakin' WEDDING DAY! <3

dierphotographyalbums_0008

dierphotographyalbums_0001

dierphotographyalbums_0003

dierphotographyalbums_0006

dierphotographyalbums_0010

dierphotographyalbums_0009

dierphotographyalbums_0005

I am requiring, okay highly recommending, all my clients to order albums because I want to design them for you! With your album, you may enjoy your photographs for years and years, along with passing the album down to your lil' ones if that's in the cards for you.

Ilan + Lauren // Wedding // Oakland, CA

ilan_laurenwedding_0009

ilan_laurenwedding_0000

ilan_laurenwedding_0001

ilan_laurenwedding_0002

ilan_laurenwedding_0003

ilan_laurenwedding_0004

ilan_laurenwedding_0005

ilan_laurenwedding_0006

ilan_laurenwedding_0007

ilan_laurenwedding_0010

ilan_laurenwedding_0008

ilan_laurenwedding_0011

ilan_laurenwedding_0012

ilan_laurenwedding_0013

ilan_laurenwedding_0014

ilan_laurenwedding_0015

ilan_laurenwedding_0016

ilan_laurenwedding_0037

ilan_laurenwedding_0017

ilan_laurenwedding_0018

ilan_laurenwedding_0019

ilan_laurenwedding_0020

ilan_laurenwedding_0021

ilan_laurenwedding_0022

ilan_laurenwedding_0023

ilan_laurenwedding_0024

ilan_laurenwedding_0025

ilan_laurenwedding_0026

ilan_laurenwedding_0027

ilan_laurenwedding_0029

ilan_laurenwedding_0028

ilan_laurenwedding_0030

ilan_laurenwedding_0031

ilan_laurenwedding_0032

ilan_laurenwedding_0033

ilan_laurenwedding_0034

ilan_laurenwedding_0035

ilan_laurenwedding_0036

Oh Ilan and Lauren, the couple who had permanent smiles on their face the whole day. These two are so rad, so themselves and focused on having FUN alllll wedding day! I mean, their first dance started classically, and then transitioned into a choreographed dance set to THE Bieber (as in Justin Beiber). I definitely said multiple times to their guests, "you have the best friends!" Thank you so much for having me along to capture your day! And Happy Birthday Lauren :)Cater + Florals: Culinary Excellence // DJ: Berkeley Squares // HMUA: Hair by Simone at Vine Street Salon // Men's Suits: Menguin // Lauren's Dress: Novella Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew // Photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography // Second Photographer: 43rd Ave Photography

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

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0002

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0001

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0003

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0005

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0004

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0009

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0006

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0007

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0008

Shauna-Manuel-Lake-Merritt-Wedding_0010

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

catie_michaelwedding_0013

catie_michaelwedding_0000

catie_michaelwedding_0001

catie_michaelwedding_0002

catie_michaelwedding_0003

catie_michaelwedding_0004

catie_michaelwedding_0019

catie_michaelwedding_0005

catie_michaelwedding_0006

catie_michaelwedding_0007

catie_michaelwedding_0008

catie_michaelwedding_0009

catie_michaelwedding_0010

catie_michaelwedding_0011

catie_michaelwedding_0012

catie_michaelwedding_0014

catie_michaelwedding_0015

catie_michaelwedding_0016

catie_michaelwedding_0017

catie_michaelwedding_0018

catie_michaelwedding_0020

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

danile_laurenwedding_0027

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

danile_laurenwedding_0006

danile_laurenwedding_0007

danile_laurenwedding_0005

danile_laurenwedding_0045

danile_laurenwedding_0000

danile_laurenwedding_0001

danile_laurenwedding_0002

danile_laurenwedding_0009

danile_laurenwedding_0008

danile_laurenwedding_0004

danile_laurenwedding_0003

danile_laurenwedding_0012

danile_laurenwedding_0041

danile_laurenwedding_0010

danile_laurenwedding_0011

danile_laurenwedding_0013

danile_laurenwedding_0038

danile_laurenwedding_0025

danile_laurenwedding_0039

danile_laurenwedding_0015

danile_laurenwedding_0016

danile_laurenwedding_0017

danile_laurenwedding_0040

danile_laurenwedding_0019

danile_laurenwedding_0020

danile_laurenwedding_0021

danile_laurenwedding_0022

danile_laurenwedding_0023

danile_laurenwedding_0024

danile_laurenwedding_0026

danile_laurenwedding_0028

danile_laurenwedding_0029

danile_laurenwedding_0031

danile_laurenwedding_0030

danile_laurenwedding_0014

danile_laurenwedding_0033

danile_laurenwedding_0032

danile_laurenwedding_0034

danile_laurenwedding_0036

danile_laurenwedding_0044

danile_laurenwedding_0037

danile_laurenwedding_0042

(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

San Francisco Golden Hour Portraits // Sutro Baths

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

OH MY GOSH! My dear friends Joey and Jane modeled for me this past Sunday and I have about died and gone to golden hour heaven. I really wanted to have some classic San Francisco shots in my portfolio, and the Golden Gate Bridge decided to show off and be amazing. Also, Karl the Fog was no where to be seen. We first went to Marshall's Beach, which is just north of Baker Beach (and I believe the nude section of the beach) but we lucked out and only saw fully clothed people. We ended at Sutro Baths chasing the light and it created a moodier, contrasting feel to finish out the shoot with. So in love! And these two are so in love as well!!

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

JoeyJaneSanFrancisco_GoldenHour

 Yep, a shoot that dreams are made of <3

I would love to do another shoot or three here and explore more, so send me a "let's do this!" to: hi [at] chelseadier [dot] com

Trail Mavens Point Reyes Kayaking // Tomales Bay, CA

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0028

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0021

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0020

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0035

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0022

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0023

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0024

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0033

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0025

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0026

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0027

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0030

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0029

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0037

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0036

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0032

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0031

TrailMavensPointReyesKayaking_0034

I have been following Trail Mavens on Instagram for a while and Sasha recently posted that she was looking for photographers to join on their trips and take non-iphone photos of the trip, with the goal of capturing the feelings of the trip. I jumped right on this opportunity the moment I saw it! I have wanted to kayak across Tomales Bay and camp so this was a no-brainer. I also really love what Sasha (the fab founder) is doing with Trail Mavens in creating outdoor adventures for urban women and teaching all the skills you would need to feel comfortable going camping! The outdoors are so healing and beautiful that you shouldn't be intimidated by them. Also women led adventures rock! Definitely check out Trail Mavens... there are trips in some spectacular places all over the Bay Area and beyond!   (ending the trip with the most delicious sandwich and Sofia)  

Yosemite National Park // On Film

54630002

54630006

54650023

54650003

54650009

54650012

54650016

54650024

54650025

54630010

54630016

54630029

54630034

54630023

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))

shot on my canon ae-1 with fujifilm and portra

Ilan + Lauren // Codornices Park Engagement // Berkeley, CA

Ilan and Lauren's story starts with them meeting when they were both teaching at the Berkeley JCC, so we definitely had to get a few photos of them there. In the above photo they are actually standing between their respective classroom windows. Cue the "awwwww". Ilan and Lauren were so fun to shoot! They kept me laughing the whole time and they had too much fun. You'll see a few funny, but so them, shots below :)  (no cute dogies were harmed for this shot. Serious was just so over his photoshoot ;)) (PROS!)

Daniel + Lauren // Redwoods Engagament Session // Oakland, CA

Daniel and Lauren also lucked out with their engagment session weather! The drive up to Skyline Gate was super foggy and I was sure we would be socked in, but the moment we started walking, the sun started shining. Woo! It must of known ;)

It was so great to explore new trails up in Redwood Regional Park with these two and they were such troopers with the hills and still looked this good!

See you two in August (and I hope we don't melt)!  ((I love Daniel's hand expression in this one ^^ Such a guy thing, being like "whaaaat??" In a good way, of course ;)))

George +Julieta // Berkeley, CA Wedding Photographer

George and Julieta's wedding kicked off my 2016 Wedding season!! Their wedding day was the only sunny day in the surrounding weeks, as it was meant to be. I kept watching the weather hoping for the best, and viola, the day was amazing! They were married in Berkeley at Saint Ambrose Church and then had their reception at the Mira Vista Golf & Country Club in El Cerrito (which has amazing view of the Bay!) After their ceremony they had a receiving line that I thought was such a sweet way to be able to say hi to all their guests and give them their love for being in attendance. Then their reception was where the party started! Starting with their first dance beginning with a classic song to transitioning into an upbeat choreographed dance, they started if off right. From their it was all about having a great time and letting loose. I believe their dance party lasted AT LEAST 3 hours! So many dancing photos!

Thank you so much for having me along G+J! <3

photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography // Venue+Caterer: Mira Vista Golf & Country Club // DJ: Denon & Doyle // Florist: Katharina Stuart // Baker: True Confections // Dresses+Suits: David's Bridal // MUH: Alisha, Vine Street Salon // Second Shooter: Emily Jean Images (thank you so much for rocking this wedding with me!)

Candice + Nico // Adventure Session // Mt. Tam

These two modeled for me all around Mt. Tam and they were pros! Candice has the best laugh and Nico is just the sweetest in the way he looks at her. I met these two through the coffee shop I work at, so it was rad to get to know them better and chat! Also, Candice MADE her and Nico's shirts! What a talented lady! Now just imagine them in wedding attire and here's a preview of an #adventureelopement

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

George + Julieta // Berkeley Engagement Photographer

George and Julieta are my first wedding of 2016! Whoop whoop! We did their engagement photos at Berkeley for multiple reasons. They both went to Berkeley, the campus is beautiful, and it's an East Bay staple. George and his daughters scouted some spots the day before, so we had a great time find all the good nooks and open spots of the campus. There are endless possibilities for photos! See you two in a month!

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