Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I realize that most of the country is getting hit by snow but here in SF it sure feels like spring! Spring cleaning itch! This week I had the pleasure of photographing a very charming small wedding affair in St. Helena (just north of Napa). I have to admit, while it’s easy to label it an elopement because this couple whisked away to wine country from Texas…they did bring their immediate family. Someone want to help me coin a new term for the ‘inbetween’ elopement and wedding?! In the meantime, these images will give you the spring that you need! Stunning!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I had a few minutes to capture Elizabeth getting ready with her mom. Always sweet moments.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Elizabeth pinned 2 family lockets to her bouquet. I fell in love with the hint of history in the day.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

A warm sun glow, violinist, tree perfumed air and their closest family’s happiness equals the perfect ceremony. Justin had a couple teary moments, super sweet.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The most charming details! Elizabeth’s mom brought the New Testament bible passed down in her family, which was signed by each couple on their wedding day since the 1940s. Nothing beats Grandpa using an iphone :)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

It was my first time visiting Meadowood Napa Valley and certainly NOT my last! The lodges are all tucked into the hills, and the rain that we’ve had made everything so green and mossy. Amazing grounds, you have to visit for the perfect getaway!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Elizabeth’s dress was purchased from Priscilla of Boston. The lace was the perfect compliment to the scenery.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Ahhh, the cutest mustard yellow wildflowers filled all the vineyards in the region! Winter means no leaves or grapes, but the wildflowers were simply magical! You can see here how much I loved them :)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Elizabeth and Justin – hope your day was full of magic! Interested in a getaway wedding in wine country?! Chris of California Wedding Packages was their gal and can be yours too!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Yay for a great start off to my 2010 wedding season! I feel good things for this year, good things. So good that I’m announcing a small detail change with my color photos. I’ve decided to commit to my warmish-old-school-film-like-look to all color images from here on out.  It’s only a very slight effect as I do my best to capture it pure from the camera but this will officially become my color ’style’. Ok, enough tech talk and more LOVE talk! Meet Mary and Andy!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

These lovelies flew all the way from Ohio for a-few-day getaway AND their engagement photos! Can’t wait for their wedding this summer, which will take place in Ohio. A little cocktail to start things off on their mini vacation…

Of course, our Smitten Sticks photo props made an appearance!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Ever been to Miette Patisserie & Confiserie? CUTEST little shops around San Francisco, I wanna live in them. Thanks for our 1 photo moment :)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I noticed Mary’s file folder in the car…looks like a fellow planner :) Off to the foggy beach we go!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Andy did a good job making her giggle!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Thanks for flying all the way out – what a blast! Hope your Cali coast road trip was fantastic!!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Happy Hump Day! Hard getting back into full work weeks since the holidays right? I have a lovely wine country elopement to share with you! Jennifer and John tied the knot just before the holidays at an oh-so beautiful Napa private estate with their closest family nearby. This intimate affair will give you the warm fuzzies on this chilly (and freezing for most of you) day.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

A little girlie time getting ready just before the big I Do!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The air was crisp and the details were adorable with tones of green, violet and lavenders…ahhh, love wine country winters.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

There’s something extra special about elopements, super intimate and emotional.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The light, ah, I love perfect light. And how precious was the little flower girl?! John’s parents with his niece showing me fantastic grins!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Thanks so much for climbing that hill!! The shots were SO worth it!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Napa sunsets.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

All planning and coordination by the fabulous Chris of Napa Wedding Source.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I couldn’t have asked for a more laid back, fun, beautiful and sweet couple to end my 2009 wedding season! Blair and Nathan were set on having a good time and that is what we all did. I seriously think the stars aligned that day, and I truly appreciate how ‘game’ Blair and Nathan were for just about anything. Today, we have a wedding that combines light, romance, flirting, sexiness and fun-love all in one. A special thanks to my sidekick 2nd shooter Melissa, lots of photos here we go!!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

We were all over the region for the day – O’Fallon, IL to downtown St. Louis back to Troy/O’Fallon. Whew!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Gorgeous mermaid dress by Christos.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I love the mix of vintage, classic and modern details.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Gorgeous weather, gorgeous couple!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Ooooo la la!!  It seems that October has become the new June…I wonder why!?!?

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Can’t get enough of these shots!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Haha, I told the girls to “throw your hands up in the air” and they thought I meant throw the bouquets! AH! Miraculously, they weren’t too damaged ;)  The ladies wore Jim Hjelm, back ruffle detail so pretty.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The perfect location spot and just right around the corner!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Simple details, emotions and movements.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And a little fun sexy time.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Smitten Sticks photo props, of course.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

We were  lucky to find this old-school truck inside!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Soy bean fields at sunset, yes please!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The rest explains itself!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

One of my favorite photos below – Blair’s grandma taking a photo of Blair and her grandpa dancing…precious in every way.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Thanks SO much for a wonderful day, truly memorable!

Vendors: Ceremony – The Shrine of St. Joseph, Reception – The Regency Conference Center, Hair by Brianne Sellers, Makeup by Sarah Young, Flowers – Elegant Celebrations, Stationery – D&D Designs, Cake – Patty-Cakes, Groom’s Cake – Wedding Wonderland, Music – Over the Top DJs, 2nd (reception) wedding dress – David’s Bridal

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Happy Monday! Hope everyone remembered to turn their clocks back…???  Sue and Joe, they both have stunning eyes, 3 letters in their names ending with an ‘e’ and well the lovey-doveys for one another (did I mention how much they rock in general?)!  The rain and the chill didn’t stop us from having a fantastic time in Oak Park (a suburb of Chicago) celebrating with their most cherished friends and family.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

A little bling with a little family love.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Yay for Smitten Sticks! Joe was totally into it…love it.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Love these shots!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

So if I could have taken her shoes, totally would have….SO cute!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Fall colors, my fav!  And it took every bit to hold myself back from eating the cupcakes and chocolate pretzel favors, yum!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Their families were so energetic and lively.  Good crowd!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Grandma (Brana) came out of nowhere with dollar bills!  Old Plum Brandy anyone, did I mention it’s 90 proof?  Yowza.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Sue and Joe you were a blast to hang out with, thanks so much for having me spend this day with you.

Vendors: Ceremony & Reception venue The Carleton Oak Park, Flowers by Janet Graunke, DJ – Toast and Jam, Cupcakes – Toni Marie’s Sweet and Savories, Favors – Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Well hello everyone!  The blog crickets are in full force, but that’s what happens when I travel!  I depart from Chicago today and fly on over to St. Louis for a fantastic wedding on Saturday…then it’s finally time to head back home to San Francisco.  But I just had to share the oh-so fabulous wedding of Lauren and Brandon!  If it’s not Lauren’s giddy smiles that win you over, it will for sure be the rainy romance that we experienced that day.  Fall was crisp in the air, and the history of their love kept all of us warm and fuzzy.  

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

We started the day off at the historical Drake Hotel, downtown Chicago.  I love the moment when the couple first sees each other!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Gorgeous!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And you won’t believe it…2 weekends in a row photographing at A New Leaf…no complaints here, amazing location!!!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Earth-tones mixed with pastels made for the perfect fall attire and decor.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

So I know I’ve mentioned it before…but if I could totally live there, I would. Most of the day was dewy/wet so we had to make use of the nooks and crannies of the space, it fit the lovely couple perfectly :)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And the romantic rain started…I know most brides don’t like rain on their wedding day but honestly, I don’t mind it.  It can add a very intimate and gushy-mushy mood to everything.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Lauren and Brandon have known each other for many many years, even high school sweethearts.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The details were a.m.a.z.i.n.g!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Vintage keys, yes please!  The programs displayed a small graphic as well as hanging keys on the main floral centerpiece.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Such a fan of rustic and fall themed foods!  Candy apples, rosemary twigs on the dinner napkins…

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Yes, yes those are oven-baked apples glazed with walnuts, cream and caramel!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Simply fantastic Lauren and Brandon!  Thanks so much for having me be a part of this perfect day.

Terrific Vendors: Wedding Planner – Kara Underwood of Magnificent Milestones, Ceremony/Reception Venue – A New Leaf, Floral – Andy of A New Leaf, Caterer – Melissa Samek of Blue Plate, Cake by Naomi Levine of Tipsy Cake,  Music (strings)- Katie Kerslake, Music DJ – Beep Media, Hair & Makeup – Beauty on Call

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Well hello everyone!  It’s raining cats and dogs here in San Francisco (ok, just the leftovers from the super typhoon that’s all). But it’s actually kind of nice since I have to be indoors working away!  I’m super ecstatic to share Jaimie and Jason’s wedding day with you!  A day full of love and laughter – their families were just a ball to hang out with.  Thank you Angie for a wonderful job being my sidekick shooter! So wait no longer, come check out the rest of their modern and garden-charming setting…

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

A New Leaf provided the fantastic setting, mixed with the fall breeze and lovely details equaled perfection.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Jaimie wore a breathtaking Monique Lhuillier with a cream sash while (correct me if I’m wrong Jaimie) Jason wore a navy suit.  I loved the fresh take on their fall florals – succulents, branches and variety of green tones.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Giddy!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Their colors were navy and kelly green mixed with brights – loved the bridal parties attire and matching florals. A couple of the bridesmaids wore big, colorful rings – an adorable way to spice things up!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

So as you can see, the details were to die for and the couple was to die for, which means I had a very hard time picking photos for this sneak!!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The ceremony was held on the third floor known as The Apartment.  The details were simple and perfect.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

You can truly tell how close they were to their families.  It was my first walk-down-the-aisle-huddle :)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And if I could live in the sea of ribbons, I totally would.  

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Party time!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Oh my the emotion.  Jaimie and Jason shared their first dance in a fun and casual way…as soon as the parent dances started the crowd went silent with tears.  So special.  Then the dance-offs started!!  The DJ’s were absolutely remarkable – great tunes ladies ;)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And just when I had a moment to sneak the couple outside for some night time shots, it rained!  But I think we made the best of it.  

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Jaimie and Jason – it was a blast getting to know you and thank you for letting me share this incredible day with you!!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

All the wonderful vendors:  Ceremony & Reception Venue – A New Leaf, Floral – A New Leaf, Catering – Entertaining Company, Wedding Cake – Vanille Patisserie, Decor – Renee of Kehoe Designs, Invitations – KushubSe Creative Invitations, DJ – Kate & Rachel of Toast & Jam, Hair/Makeup – Kenyon Hall & Kim Swift at Time Hair Gallery

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I am beyond words!  Remy and Kevin decided to tie the knot in San Francisco – in a sweet, small and stylish manner. The day couldn’t have gone any more perfect! As I arrived to China Beach that evening, the California sun was glowing and whale sightings were had. I’m going to stop chatting now and let you see it for yourself…

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Remy wore Melissa Sweet’s Reverie Collection. The Vienna dress to be more exact, of course I gasped when I saw her…

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Remy’s parents made a surprise visit and her sister officiated!  Lots of tears and happiness – total family affair.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Gorgeous!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

STUNNING!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Kevin letting me know how scrumptious the cake was…

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

So many sweet moments, so hard to chose!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

There’s no better way to celebrate than with your best friends and family.  After the beach ceremony, the group had a cocktail at San Francisco’s Bubble Lounge then off to Bix for dinner.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Chris of Napa Wedding Source did a tremendous job of planning and coordinating!  Thank you so much for letting me share this special day with you Remy and Kevin!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Grace and Geoff (view engagement) were an absolutely beautiful and smiley couple!  Their wedding started the season of travels for me – flying back to Chicago from San Francisco many times until winter.  And what a fantastic one to start it all off!  They were completely smitten with one another and surrounded with fantastic family and friends. Thanks to Amy (my second photographer) for an incredible job! You’ll totally swoon over these images!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I wasn’t the only one traveling in for this wedding. Not only did Grace and Geoff come from NYC/Washington DC but their friends and family traveled in from all over the world! It was my first time shooting at the Blackstone Hotel downtown Chicago – a gorgeous, remodeled vintage venue. The decor details in their getting ready rooms were fun and frilly (lots of incredible fabric textures). All vendor links at the end of post.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I gasped when I saw Grace’s jeweled, empire waist wedding dress (Amsale from Saks NYC).  So girlie, so flattering on her!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Grace wore her mother’s emerald necklace, jaw-dropping.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Even after some small schedule delays, Grace was able to still smile away!  Totally in love with her smokey eyes and light lip color, don’t you love this combo with her hair?

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

So cute! Grace tripped over her dress a couple times going up the stairs to meet Geoff for the first time – it’s those kind of memories that make for a fantastic wedding day!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The bridesmaids looked stunning! All wearing fushia dresses from Jenny Yoo with stylish gold strappy shoes. I heart the pencil dresses!  And lets not forget how amazing all their skin tones looked in this color!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

We relived a moment from their engagement session above with the heart hands.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

My favorite memory of the day was that they never stopped laughing. No matter what was happening, they were in tune with one another and it showed – such playful spirits. I remember how nervous they were for the engagement session but these shots prove that if you spend some time with your photographer before the wedding you’ll feel more relaxed for the big day.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

The ceremony was so thoughtful! They incorporated their Chinese, Iranian and Jewish traditions – simply amazing.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

And all the cultures mixed well into the reception and celebration!

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Some of the most creative and thoughtful toasts of the year!  (I definitely teared up behind the lens.)

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

All the vendors were a pleasure to work with!

Vendors:  ceremony and reception at the Blackstone Hotel, flowers from Asrai Garden, reception music from Style Matters DJs, chair covers from BBJ Linens, hair by Bridal Beauty Chicago, makeup by Beauty on Call, ceremony strings by Celestial Strings, cake from Take the Cake.

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Aren’t they something?!  Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! Between family and friends visiting us here in San Francisco along with a crazy work schedule, somehow I’ve managed to get a sneak peek up!  I can’t wait for you to see the rest of Grace and Geoff’s vibrant, modern wedding.  Check back Wednesday for the rest…