Mulberry PhotoBlog

We met Kylie & Jeff several summers ago over sushi in San Francisco, through Kylie’s sister Aimee, who is the amazing talent behind Blase Design — who is also, as we have mentioned before, the mastermind behind all our Mulberry marketing. We were delighted to finally be able to attempt to return the talent favor, by photographing Kylie and Jeff’s wedding. Not only because we were thrilled for Kylie & Jeff (who are the so-sweet-in-love result of a blind date set up!!), but also because we knew the event would be designed by Aimee, which guaranteed the best in taste, style and creativity! Before getting in to the darling details of the day, I have to nominate this family for two Mulberry Awards: “Most-Infectious-Giggle” (shared by all three of the McKirdy women) – it is thee sweetest little laugh you ever heard - you literally can not not laugh if one of them is laughing. And, the “Best-Father-of-the-Bride-Speech” … and we have heard ALOT of them! No offense to any other FOB’s out there, but I really feel bad for any father in the room that night, because literally everyone in the room was crying, hard! This super romantic, Gatsby-Era-Garden-Party wedding was held under an enormous 100 year old Oak tree at the Green Valley Country Club, with dozens of wild deer innocently napping and playing in the fields nearby. The reception was held in the Grand Mansion, which was built in 1856, and looked like a princess’ fairytale castle. This storybook perfect day also featured the bride’s arrival in a vintage Rolls Royce (which was also the happy couple’s getaway car); the bride’s stunning dress straight out the 20’s, with its classic silhouette, champagne sash and vintage-inspired broach; her headpiece of intertwined miniature cala lilies, which her grandmother wore on her wedding day; parasols, programs (in the shape of fans), and “hip-hip-hooray!” paper paddles for waving at the B&G’s send off, all decorated with sweet vintage blue ribbon; and a photo booth stocked with vintage hats, to keep the guests entertained throughout the evening. Oh and one last Mulberry Award goes to the nearly-newborn Harrison Ezekial Blase in his seersucker suit, with his periwinkle blue tie sewn to his onesie. We nominate him for “Best-Performance-by-a-Baby-at-a-Wedding” – he did not make one peep during the entire soiree – not the ceremony, not the family portrait photo session, not even the reception which went pretty late for a 3 month old. He is truly the angel-doll-baby his momma dreamt he would be. We wish you two the best and hope your life together is as sweet, lovely and romantic as your wedding day.

When we got a call this winter from a handsome groom in Tahoe looking for a photographer for his July wedding in Yountville, we couldn’t say YES! fast enough. An excuse to go take gorgeous photos in the town that is home to not one, but two of our favorite restaurants: Bouchon and Redd. Done! Not that we had much time to eat, because the bride, Robin Mercer of Perfect Events, who styled and planned her own gorgeous celebration, had so many fantastic things going on we couldn’t put our cameras down for even a second!

From the moment we arrived at the rehearsal dinner at Tra Vigne — with its gorgeous Tuscan courtyard setting, nestled beneath a grove of olive trees, divine & delicious spread of Italian food and wines, and the best biscotti we’ve ever tasted this side of the Atlantic — we were clicking away!

The wedding was held at a charming little church straight out of a little girl’s storybook. In addition to the bride’s daughter as one of the two flower girls, there were three adorable ring bearers in sweet summer suits, and a bagpiper who marked the end of the ceremony. He then led us all on a lovely walking parade, from the church to the reception just a few blocks away at the Vintage Inn.

After dinner on the Vintage Inn Pavilion grounds, with its flowering magnolia trees and romantic fountains, guests were invited to choose from an elaborate assortment of Italian-inspired Masquerade masks, to wear to the day’s final location for dancing and desserts — the Historic Barrel Room at the Vintage Inn. With its 36-foot high beam & rafter ceiling, grand wrought iron chandeliers and antique brick walls, this room — combined with the magical masks, live music and the delightful dessert spread – was the perfect ending to a perfect day perfectly planned by Robin, from Perfect Events!

We were thrilled to be a part of it all – thank you Robin & Ed!

Albert & I spent Sunday in SF with the cutest couple ever. Really! Rachel is a gorgeous, tall, blonde lawyer who represents big, serious, corporate clients - but don’t be fooled - she is as girl-next-door as it gets! So sweet and down to earth. She’s a three (or was it four?) time marathon runner; went to UCLA; then Law school in SF; & she’s a big time music junkie….her “Deserted island must-have” list includes an “everlasting and automatically updating ipod.” Love her! Kevin is a super hilarious ultra jock. He was a competitive swimmer in college at Michigan, and is a frequent surfer these days from their new home in Costa Mesa, where he works as a financial advisor. This Southern CA native has quite a thing for PB-honey-banana sandwiches! A guy after my own heart! These two actually met in high school, and their paths criss-crossed the country for about a decade before they were finally both in the same state at the same time again, and gave it a real go. Thank goodness they did cause they were meant for each other! The only thing that wasn’t absolutely perfect about this day was the darn SF “summer” weather, but these two were such troopers. We played all day despite the fog & chilly temps. We are literally counting the days ’til their wedding Sept. 1 2008 at Chambers Landing on Tahoe’s West Shore. Anything these two collaborate on is bound to be laughter-and-fun-filled and truly special! Thanks for a great day guys - can’t wait to see you in a few weeks.

PS, if your feeling patient, after a long download, heres the slideshow.

What can we say about these two? There really aren’t enough words….but I’ll try. They got engaged in Spring ‘07 during a 6 week 4,000 mile road trip through Baja. The groom proposed with a gorgeous ring he helped design for his adventurous and gorgeous bride — amidst fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and bbq’in & campin’ on the beach.

Brian comes from a legal, investment, military background professionally — but there is no one more outdoorsy, sporty and down to earth than this guy. And does he ever love his bride?! He is so in love with Sarah he spent tons of fun, extra time treating her like the gorgeous, supermodel, bride she is – we had him doing all sorts of great portraits with her! Who could say no to those gorgeous eyes of hers?! It is no wonder he happily stood by, and watched her pose for us, so adoringly. We would have been fine to shoot their portraits all day…

And Sarah – where do we begin!? The girl is a chef and a food stylist with exquisite taste and a great eye - so we had to be on our A game. She kept saying how she is a tomboy - but the glamour she tapped in to for her big day was unstoppable. From her Monique Lhuillier gown, to the simple but elegant single blossom in her hair – every detail was perfect.

Their wedding was planned by the talented Merrily Rocco of Merrily Wed, held at the stunning mountain top perch, Fitz Haven Estate, overlooking spectacular Lake Tahoe, and catered by our favorite (they catered our wedding nearly 6 years ago!) D’Lish.

Then the two love birds took off on their romantic honeymoon adventure – kayaking and camping in the San Juan Islands. That’s just one of the reasons these two are the perfect couple – they both can turn up the charm and glamour when necessary – but most of the time they keep it real with their love for nature, adventure and each other!

Thank you for sharing your wedding weekend with us.

We are excited and proud to have been selected to participate in the One Love Campaign which launched today! In celebration of the recent California Same Sex Marriage ruling, this movement reinforces the spirit and celebrates the ruling as a symbol of inspiration for all couples that wish to publicly claim their devotion.

The campaign showcases select high profile businesses, of which Mulberry is one, who offer a full range of luxury services for relationships, weddings, events and honeymoons for all couples tying the knot. In support of the The One Love Campaign, all selected businesses will donate a percentage of their One Love sales to designated San Francisco LGBT organizations. The One Love Campaign participants represent the first group of vendors openly promoting their services to all gay & straight couples getting married.

The mission of The One Love Campaign is to illuminate and activate the massive power of the human heart. Anchored in the possibility of unconditional love, this grass roots effort provides an opportunity for a new world to emerge from the arising of conscious marriages, community awareness and universal vows of integrity. One Love’s purpose will potentially redefine the meaning of marriage for all couples, gay or straight, as a necessary step in resurrecting family values, compassion and a reverence for humanity. The website will serve as a resource for all different types of relationship & wedding services in a network that recognizes all marriages as One Love.

We were so honored to be feature AGAIN, on our fav wedding blog site, Snippet & Ink. Kathryn chose to feature a wedding we shot at the Parker in Palm springs. It was such a great wedding, for many reasons, just take a look for yourself! Thanks Snippet & Ink!

Here’s what they had to say:

Real Wedding: Ali & Ryan

The Parker Palm Springs is probably one of the most stylish places you could have a party, and Ali and Ryan’s January wedding, planned by Alison and Kelsey of Alison Events and photographed by Mulberry Photo, is no exception.

We shared in a truly one of a kind celebration on Sunday…Angeli & George Cheng eloped in Lake Tahoe forty years ago, and never had a traditional wedding or reception. So on Sunday they gathered with family and friends, who came from all over the globe – Shanghai, Tokyo, Thailand, NYC and more – to celebrate their 40th anniversary. We joined them high above the Sonoma wine country at Boot Hill – a gorgeous top-of-the-world event site on the steps of the Mayacamas Mountains – situated within the Kunde Winery Estate .

The event was planned by the incomparably talented, endlessly energetic and super inspiring Kristi Amoroso Special Events. From the charming table top styling, to the gorgeous shawls - handpicked by Angeli for each of her female guests - every detail was personal and perfect! The luncheon included a delicious and dynamic high-end gourmet picnic spread created by Compenere Fine Catering and a tasty sushi station from We Be Sushi in San Francisco.

There was a gorgeous tent from Raj Tents for the children to enjoy their picnic lunch underneath, with special guest appearances by Cinderella and Prince Charming - while the grown ups enjoyed lunch under the towering old growth Oak orchard, listening to perfect Sunday-afternoon-in-the-vineyard tunes by Ever.

This party, and the love it celebrated, was definitely worth the 40 year wait! Thank you for including us.

The incredible Mulberry Associate team did it again. They shot a really special wedding at River Ranch, on the sparkling, splashing Truckee River. What a magical location! Craig and Jocelyn absolutely radiated with love for each other! The love and support of their families and friends was very evident as well. An impacting part of the ceremony was when they remembered family members that were no longer with them, by casting flowers into the river. It’s so great when brides & grooms do things that resonate with them, and make their day truly unique. And those Flower Girls, sooo cute! They really knew how to ham it up in front of the cameras!  It was such a pleasure to be able to capture precious moments in time for this darling couple.  They were so full of life and we wish them all the best! Here’s a little preview of your beautiful wedding. ENJOY!

Christy and Matt Vogel were married - on what turned out to be the best day of the summer so far – in a breezy meadow on the north shore of pristine Lake Tahoe. It was the kind of day us locals dream of all winter long! The bride got ready in a top floor suite at the iconic Cal-Neva Resort. There she enjoyed the sweeping views of the Big Blue, while getting gorgeous, sipping champagne with her fun group of gals all dressed in blue – to match the lake and sky of course!  There was alot of love in the air at the ceremony, and then at the reception the party really took off! There was an appearance by the King of Pop himself, Matt “MJ” Vogel — and then a 80s punk serenade of sorts inspired by the “White Wedding” rocker. Boy did our groom have skills – he had that Billy Idol snarl AND the moon walk down!! The Chateau at Incline put on a beautiful reception. Great tunes by Extreme Productions. Thank you two for allowing us to help capture those special moments for you! Designing your album is going to be sooo fun!

Sara and Blair, such fun-lovin, out-going, spirited people. We loved shooting their engagement session. It was maybe 40 degrees, maybe. But we had a blast! We could have spent all day with them, had the weather gods cooperated a bit more. We are so excited to shoot their wedding at Heavenly Valley this August. Here’s a peek at their engagement session… Congrats again Sara and Blair! ENJOY.