All around the word, brides dream about their big day and a Destination Wedding in Napa Valley is an ultimate fairytale for many couples. They envision saying “I do” on the beautiful hilltops of the world-renown wine country. For one couple, this fairytale came to life and we were honored to capture their most tender and silly moments on their wedding day.

Chris and Anna traveled from Los Angeles, California for their July wedding in the Wine Country Inn & Restaurant Madrona Manor. Their family and wedding guests flew from all over the U.S. to celebrate their wedding day in a grand estate mansion surrounded by enchanted gardens nestled into a beautiful hilltop of the Napa Valley vineyards. Though I have photographed several weddings here before, Madrona Manor is still one of my favorite wedding venues to photograph for the natural and effortless beauty it offers.

Not only did we have an amazing venue to work with, but the wedding party was one of the goofiest and silliest crowd we had the pleasure of working with. The bride, Anna, was constantly laughing and the bridal party was sure to make this day memorable for everyone. One would never have guessed she is a rocket scientist. (Yep, literally a rocket scientist! How often do you meet one of those?) She definitely transformed my stereotyped opinion of scientists being serious and nerdy. The groom, Chris, was also not the typical air force pilot I imagined. Around his military buddies, he was quite serious and very professional but that all changed the moment he was with Anna again as he turned into a goofy and tender man who was madly in love with his bride. As an air force pilot groom and a rocket scientist bride, I’m sure these lovebirds will produce nothing short of extraordinary fireworks in their happily ever after.

So how did they meet?
Like many contemporary love stories, this one began with modern technology. In a bustling city, it may tough to find a soulmate and sometimes, tech intervention may be just the right alternative. Chris and Anna met in January 2015 in LA and after a few weeks of phone dates, they agreed to meet!

With cautious hope, these two 30 something’s had their first date at the Library Ale House in Santa Monica, California. The 2nd date quickly followed and finally a double date over swanky cocktails sealed the deal. With a little help from cupid that evening (aka Vanessa & Paul), Anna and Chris have been together ever since!

It’s been a grand adventure that has culminated this summer in both a wedding and de facto “going away” party as Chris and Anna moved to Colorado Springs. Although their LA story has ended, their sequel in Colorado will be just as entertaining!

Enjoy their wedding day story through my lens.

The decoration at Madrona Manor Mansion for the wedding reception was beautifully done by Petal Town Flowers. A Wine Country Florist specializing in weddings.

Wedding Photography is not only about staged beautiful portraits, but also about the candid moments throughout the day. In order to catch these special moments, I have to think like a hunter and always have my camera cocked and ready to shoot. I personally love the timeless moment I captured here of the maid of honor giving the bride a huge hug and kiss right after her emotional speech. It not only captures the colors and decor on the tables, but more importantly the special moment of their close friendship. One of my challenges (and goals) during each and every wedding is to capture as many of these special moments as possible.