Slide Ranch Engagement
Engagement session at Slide Ranch
Robyn and Zach's journey to my lens was a delightful referral from another satisfied wedding client – a testament that genuine satisfaction is the ultimate endorsement. Their dynamic chemistry is a joy to capture, each frame exuding an intimacy that speaks volumes. The profound connection they share is the very essence of what I aim to capture for every couple. Robyn's suggestion to shoot at Slide Ranch, inspired by my coastal images, was a stroke of brilliance. Having recently explored the area with my energetic companion Charlie (dog), I was excited to showcase the stunning blend of tall grass, majestic rock formations, and charming structures. The golden hour session was a true gift, with clear skies and the sun's gentle descent lending an enchanting glow to their love story.
When envisioning your engagement session, prioritize what resonates authentically with your heart. Select a location that holds sentimental significance or resonates with cherished memories. Choose moments that you envision adorning your walls, becoming treasured heirlooms for generations to come. Genuine, stunning images are a rare gift, so fully embrace the experience. These captured memories are destined to etch themselves into the tapestry of your life, enduring not only for a lifetime but hopefully beyond.
Wedding at Mettler Family Vineyard
Stunning Wedding at Mettler Family Vineyard in Lodi, CA
Unlock the door to an enchanting world of love and beauty as you embark on a vineyard wedding journey. Picture yourself in the midst of sprawling vineyards, where the allure of nature and romance intertwine. These picturesque settings serve as the perfect canvas for an unforgettable celebration of eternal love. And as the sun descends towards the horizon, witness a breathtaking spectacle that enchants the soul—the unparalleled beauty of a sunset casting its magical spell over the grapevines, creating an ambiance filled with love and wonder.
When it comes to weddings, vineyards offer an idyllic blend of charm and elegance, creating an extraordinary backdrop for your special day. Imagine exchanging vows under a graceful canopy of vines, as soft rays of sunlight peek through the leaves, casting a gentle glow on the occasion. Surrounded by the exquisite beauty of the vineyard, every moment feels ethereal and serene. The meticulously tended grapevines and lush greenery form a captivating tapestry, setting the stage for a celebration that exudes sophistication and timeless allure.
As the sun begins its descent, a breathtaking transformation unfolds—the vineyard becomes adorned with the radiance of a mesmerizing sunset. The golden hour drenches the surroundings in a warm, captivating light, illuminating the grapevines from within. The vineyard takes on a surreal quality, as if nature herself is celebrating your love story. The intertwining vines symbolize the unity and growth of your journey together, offering a sublime backdrop for capturing timeless wedding photographs. Amidst this enchanting scene, the beauty of the vineyard at sunset evokes an overwhelming sense of love and romance.
The pinnacle of a vineyard wedding arrives with the arrival of dusk, when the sun gracefully bids farewell, and the sky transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece. Fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple blend together, painting the heavens above the grapevines. The vineyard is cloaked in a captivating twilight glow, as if the universe is applauding the union of two souls. This magical setting, accompanied by the gentle whispers of the wind, creates an atmosphere brimming with pure romance. It is a sight that etches itself into the hearts of all who witness it, an everlasting memory of the profound beauty that exists amidst the grapevines at sunset.
Embrace the unparalleled allure of a vineyard wedding, where the mesmerizing beauty of sunset among the grapevines becomes an integral part of your love story. The splendor of these settings, infused with the serenity and elegance of the vineyard, offers a remarkable backdrop for a celebration that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable. Allow yourself to be swept away by the magic, as the beauty of the sunset among the grapevines at your vineyard wedding creates an everlasting imprint on your hearts and souls.
10 Tips For Your Backyard Wedding
10 Things you need for your backyard wedding.
After photographing and attending my fair share of backyard weddings, especially over the last two years, I’ve learned a few things. So I’ve compiled a list of ten ways to help ensure your backyard wedding will be everything you want from your special day. To help me illustrate I’m using photos from my most recent backyard wedding with Katrina and Nick.
After photographing and attending my fair share of backyard weddings, especially over the last two years, I’ve learned a few things. So I’ve compiled a list of ten ways to help ensure your backyard wedding will be everything you want from your special day. To help me illustrate I’m using photos from my most recent backyard wedding with Katrina and Nick.
1. The perfect person to spend the rest of your life with… Want more? Okay here are the other nine.
2. The setting - A family home is ideal for this. Somewhere that has memories and sentiment of the past and who you have come to be. Being able to walk down the hall and see photos from you or your fiancé’s past is a wonderful reminder of the journey that led to this moment
3. Personal Photo Setting - Take photos somewhere local/nearby that you’ve had a special moment or shared memories. For example, Katrina and Nick lived in Boulevard park for years early in their relationship. It's a stunning area with breathtaking tree coverage and the photos are sure to bring back many memories that will last a lifetime.
4. A Nice Chair - Ideally next to a big window. Window light is always flattering and a nice chair gives you many ways to pose with family, friends, your fiancé or on your own.
5. Keep it Small - Trying to keep up with everyone you’ve ever met on your favorite social media site can seem overwhelming when thinking about who to invite. Don’t feel like you need to invite anyone you wouldn’t want to go away with on a camping trip would be my metric. Although I’m sure you’ll have your own vetting process. The point I’m really trying to make is weddings should feel personal and everyone at the wedding should feel close to you.
6. Personal touches - Find things that are personal and special to you and your partner. Things that you really love or maybe something silly that guests will surely connect with. Katrina has a love for certain types of glassware and plates. So she made sure that she was able to share that by decorating every table the way she’d set it up for any other fancy dinner party she might have at home.
7. Season - I’m a huge fan of spring weddings, in California the weather is always perfect and if does rain, its more of passing shower rather than a whole day of downpours. Katrina and Nick picked the week that they knew all the flowers would be blooming in the backyard and it lead to a perfectly whimsical setting.
8. Wedding Officiant - Finding one can be tricky, but when you have a good one, it makes all the difference. For being a wedding photographer you’d think I’d say the photographer is the most important and you’d be right! But right after that it would be who you choose to perform the ceremony. Finding a mutual friends with a poetic sole and who is a decent story teller is usually the best choice. It gives your ceremony a personal touch that cannot easily be replicated. For my own ceremony my wife came upon a officiant who is absolutely incredible, Lauren Snead. She spent hours getting to know us and learning about our love story. She put together a ceremony script that we still read every year on our anniversary and it makes us emotional every time! She made everyone laugh and then cry and then laugh again. So find the best person to tell your story because nothing will make you want to say YES more in that moment than hearing about how and why you chose the person you did.
9. Crowd Sourcing - Ask your friends and family to be a part of your special day and maybe offer a little help. Katrina and Nick asked everyone to bring their favorite dessert. This gave everyone a sense of community while not over reaching with asking too much. Another good idea for a small wedding would be to have everyone bring a picture of you and the couple to pin on a board but I’m sure you’ll bring your own style.
10. Connect - Hug everyone! If you did everything right you’re going to be so overwhelmed with love and now is the best time to share it back. Tell everyone how happy you are that they are there and then hug them again! What ever you do make sure everything comes back to love. However big or small your wedding is, let it all come from a place of love first. The people who love you will be there no matter what, they are looking to see you smile and know you couldn’t be happier.
Robert Rule Photography is all about fun and the best overall experience we can possibly give. We cater to Weddings and Families of all types in Sacramento, San Francisco, Napa, Santa Cruz, all of Northern California and beyond!