Big Sur Adventure // Pfeiffer Beach + Partington Cove
Dipsea Gardens Fall Wedding // Kate + Luke
You can really name this blog post Kate+Luke+Milo’s wedding ;) Milo is their fur baby and he is SO CUTE! He made his way into many of their wedding photos and I’m thinking K+L don’t mind. So keep scrolling for lots of cute doggy cameos!
Kate + Luke married at Dipsea Gardens in Stinson Beach and it was the perfect Fall wedding day for them. Kate is super crafty and created their signs, table favors and did the watercolor work on the name cards. I totally didn’t intentionally plan to blog on their anniversary but it just happens to be their ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! Congratulations!
This is the first blog post since I attended the All You Witness workshop and I really wanted to focus on showcasing moments from their day so I hope you can see and feel the laughter and smiles through their photos. Capturing the big and in-between moments has always been my focus when photographing weddings and I want to share MORE of those! I realized my IG feed was a mix of moments, but also mostly of my couples portraits. Kind of counter-intuitive if I want to showcase my focus being on your moments. I want to share what I want to book and I would love to continue working with amazing couples that value me telling the complete story of their wedding day! <3
vendor love: venue Dipsea Gardens // catering Paul’s Rustic Oven Pizza // flowers Wisteria Rockridge // cake Live Love Bake // DJ Ceremony DJs // HMAU J’Adore Beauty // rings Studio1040 // photographer Chelsea Dier Photography
Tahoe Sugar Bowl Wedding // Sally + John
Summer wedding at one of Tahoe’s iconic ski resorts, Sugar Bowl
Sally and John’s wedding last summer was so full of smiles and love, like seriously so many smiles from all! I personally LOVE Tahoe and was so excited to spend the weekend with them and their guests in my favorite summer spot.
We started the celebration with their welcome dinner the evening before at Lake Mary (just down the road from Sugar Bowl), where I got to meet their closest friends and family. There were many heartfelt speeches with no dry eyes to be had and so much excitement for the wedding day!!
Their wedding day was pretty perfect! We did their first look, wedding party photos and their portraits before the ceremony, which allowed them to join their cocktail hour post ceremony+family formals. The pops of red and bright colors in Sally’s bouquet was the perfect addition to her form fitting dress that was PERFECT on her. So stunning Sally!! I also loved her bridesmaids dresses. The light blue color was so flattering on all the women. John, you and your groomsmen were looking handsome as well :)
Once dancing got started we sneaked away for a few sunset (more like blue light, post-sunset) photos at the Donner Pass overlook. My second photographer Lora showed us where the secret swing along the overlook was and took a few photos there as well. It’s always nice to sneak away from your guests for a small breather and really take in that you’re married (!!), before re-joining and dancing your heart out!
The day was so wonderful and I felt so thankful to be included in their day. Thank you Sally and John! <3
VENDOR LOVE: photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography // planner: Tahoe Inspired Events // videographers: Reel to Real Video // venue+catering: Sugar Bowl // florals: Holly Fleur // dress: BHLDN // suit: The Groomsmen Suit // band: The Lucky Devils Band // HMAU: La Di Da Beauty // second photographer: Lora Wagener
bonus image: I photographed Jessie+Shane’s wedding in Brooklyn in 2017, which is where Sally+John saw me in action and wanted to hire me. LOVE getting to photograph my couple’s friends weddings <3
Amphitheater of the Redwoods Wedding // Erica + Riley
Going through their gallery again to make this blog post just made me so happy! I had such a hard time narrowing down their images because I know you don’t want to see 1,000 photos in a blog post, but all their photos are so fun and they had so much going on during their wedding day. They rented out Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center in the Santa Cruz mountains for the weekend and had a weekend long competition with everyone on teams. There was bartering happening, bets being made, and competitions happening for beads... and laughs. Erica and Riley’s main goal for the weekend was for everyone to have fun and to truly enjoy themselves. I think this comes through all the photos, so you know it was a memorable wedding weekend!! E+R’s friends are pros at silly group photos and Erica herself even photobombed one photo. Now that’s the type of bride I want to work with!! :)
It may be a bit much to go from the sweet photo of them above to the games below to her dress, but I think it really paints the picture (wink) of their wedding. Really really sweet, emotional moments, but also being goofy with each other and their wedding SQUAD and really being themselves. They even had custom gold temporary tattoos for all their guests! You betchya I got one.
Oh and one of the best parts was Erica’s dancing shoes! She 100% inspired me to also get lightup shoes for my wedding, which I proceeded to surprise Sean with. Check my insta for a few photos of the reveal. It was ahhhhmazing.
Okay, enjoy looking through the most fun wedding that was set among the Santa Cruz redwoods. Absolutely stunning! Erica and Riley, thank you so dang much for having me photograph your day!! Hugs hugs hugs.
photographer: Chelsea Dier Photography // venue + catering + coordination: Amphitheater of the Redwoods // florals: Still Flowers // hmau: Styling by Amber // rings: Pave
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
Kendra Renee Jewelry Studio Visit
I recently had the opportunity to visit Kendra's studio and see where she creates all her magic! I have been trying to meet other local creatives that aren't photographers and I was so happy I reached out and asked if I could photograph her space. She had just redesigned her studio and got some new furniture, so it was the perfect excuse to take photos! And she lives about 10 minutes from me and if you know the Bay Area, that's CLOSE! Haha.
I always love seeing where others work and yes, I am one of those who likes to peek in windows to see other's spaces... I know I'm not the only one ;)
Be sure to check out her work and designs! I was swooning over everything and just might have to get my wedding band from her :)
West Coast Adventure Elopement Location Ideas
Adventure elopement location ideas, by an outdoor and adventure loving photographer!
When I think about adventure elopements, I want my couples to choose a place that is special to them, but sometimes there are TOO many options and they all seem great! At least that's my current predicament. As a recently engaged photographer, choosing where to exchange vows with my fiancé is an exciting choice to make, but I would also love a list of places I could potentially choose from, to help narrow down the options. So here are mine (and ones I would love to shoot at too, so you know, keep me in mind!) *photo credits given below*
Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Taft Point, backpack from Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls *permit required for all Yosemite elopements
Mount Tamalpais - Iconic Bay Area mountain with endless hikes. You can have trees and the beach at your fingertips!
Angel Island - 360 degree views of San Francisco and the Bay, only if #Karlthefog stays away
Your favorite hiking trail - Michael and Catie found their Redwoods elopement spot because they hiked in the area often with their dogs, and it was pretty perfect!
Big Sur - The most gorgeous coastline in California, with endless pull offs and bluffs to make your commitment to eachother official
Camping adventure elopement - Reserve a weekend camping spot and get married one of the days. I know of a fabulous spot off I-80! I was actually just camping there and all I could think about was how it'd be such a great spot to get married, along with continuing the celebration with camping.
West Coast - It's a broad suggestion, but anywhere along the coastal line is bound to be gorgeous. It isn't referred to as the best coast for nothing. I may be biased since I am from the West Coast, but it really can't be beat. Olympic National Park in Washington, Bend in Oregon, Lost Coast, Mendocino, North Tahoe and Joshua Tree for a few in California
And one International suggestion...
Iceland - Well, because it's Iceland and it is the most beautiful country. If you go during our summer time you'll be greeted with baby sheep and endless sun!
image credits: Samantha Smith Arroyo, Michelle Beckwith Photography, Unknown, Chelsea Dier Photography, Laura & Rachel Photography, Pat Furey Photo
Sweet Lane Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA Wedding Photographer // Julie + Billy part II
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!
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
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.
Introducing Chelsea Dier Photography Albums
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
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
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 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 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
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
(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
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!!
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
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
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!)
#notaselfieheadshots // SJ Kincaid // Emeryville, CA
I had the honor of taking SJ Kincaid's head shots for her upcoming book! She crushed this session and was a pro. I love how her blue eyes just pop in each picture! There's a fun photo comparison at the end too! And for a fun addition, I wanted to show the comparison between using a reflector and not. I love "behind the scenes" looks and such, and this isn't so much a behind the scenes, but definitely a peek into how I work. I don't use my reflector on each shoot, but I wanted to for these head shots because I wanted to make sure her eyes look alive and bring some POP to her face! Use of the reflector fills in the light around her neck and face and gets rid of the shadows. Fun!
PS- hey look, here's one of her head shots in use! :)