A few months ago I 1st photographed Matt & Alison for their casual portrait session. Their wedding was designed by Laura Robertson and the Floral Stylist was Livia & Joanne from the Green Vase. Livia is a contributor to the beautiful Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine. So I knew this event was going to be fabulous. The venue they chose was the historic family owned boutique Thacher Winery.
This barn has fascinating history that dates back almost one hundred hears. The “KR” on the barn is a well-known landmark of old time Paso Robles. The Kentucky Ranch, winery, vineyard and gardens was part of a 4,000 acre Spanish Land Grant until 1869 after which it became a thriving horse breeding operation. The ranch includes the 1920’s KR barn, outbuildings, farmhouse, barley fields and riparian habitat for deer, coyotes, bobcats, turkeys and the occasional mountain lion. The vineyard was planted in Spring of 2007, it consists of zinfandel and petite syrah, some of my favorite blends. The Controlled Chaos and Reserve Zin are among my favorites of the varietals they offer.
Their theme was “lucky horseshoes”. Everything they planned was very unique and original. From the custom micro brewed Firestone Walker “World Tour” beer that Matt brewed especially for his wife, to the individual pies in mason jars from which guests could choose from apricot, peach, strawberry and olalieberry, with a fresh “pie cookie” on top with whipped cream. The guests were continually surprised with originally crafted & planned elements! Livia designed a wildflower floral theme and Laura crafted their horseshoe theme throughout with the guest place cards to the invitations.
The entire wedding day was a beautiful blend of warmth, sunshine, paired with a cool afternoon breeze nestled in the valley alongside Vineyard road. They chose a tasty palette of local farmed & caught produce, beef and seafood. Both bands they chose were perfect pairing for the ceremony and reception. Alison had a great pair of Frye boots that fit her perfect, as well as matched the colors of her wedding. Alongside their details they included much of the horse theme with the historic awards and medals that were won over the years.
Ten hours on June 25th could not contain all the memories and smiles that Matt, Alison & friends wished never ended because the intimate moments with family and friends all together celebrating a joyous perfect day. As the sun set, the warmth continued to radiate from the ground, and from the faces of everyone as the festivities went into the late night. What a perfect day.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Artistry and luxury from the 1600′s run deep here. These hilltop towns contain secrets of lives that are rusting away, and the paint from the walls thats hundreds of years old creates a fascinating backdrop that is impossible to duplicate. The authenticity of a tuscan villa built in 1697 was a perfect place for our shoot. This region has so many interesting and enchanting stories to tell if you are looking for, and take the time to slow down and experience them. Shelley & Antonio the following day dawned their wedding attire and we headed out for a sunset session. We explored the diverse areas around this property and could have shot for days without duplicating anything ,I know you will enjoy these images.
Villa Catignano caught my attention 5 years ago when I was commissioned photographed an american italian wedding there in the spring of that year. Located just outside Siena and one hour from Florence, its easy to get to, yet tucked away in the heart of the Chiante region of the hills there. We had taken the train up from Rome and fell in love with this countryside region. It was such a private place for the family to rent out the entire 30 room villa for their family and friends to come and enjoy their wedding! As you can see from some of the scene setting shots within eyeshot of the property as well as the view overlooking the town of Siena, this is a spectacular spot. One of the highlights of the villa are the ancient historical frescos painted on the walls and ceilings of the Villa. This was once a working olive oil farm with a chapel, pool, vineyard, cellars and production barn. As I was exploring I found the ruins of an old greenhouse where they kept their citrus trees in the winter.
Enjoy this collection of images from Antonio and Shelley. They were a sweet couple with equally as much interesting history together as the villa, and yet down to earth. My favorite images are the ones with the row of hedges that were almost a quarter mile long. Only in Tuscany.
