Lucky #2

I'm sure you've heard the saying "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" Normally, the same can be said of foggy Half-Moon Bay. Having completed my 2nd wedding there this season, I figured that (once again), I should dress in layers, keep a heavy coat handy, and prepare to wipe down my lens often. But nature threw me a wonderful curve ball with Larissa and Matt's wedding at the Ritz

Perhaps it was Taylor Nguyen, a force of nature herself, who ordered up the sunny skies and beautiful weather. After all, Ha Le Events has been known to pull off a miracle or two.

The stills were handled by the super-skilled Todd Rafalovich.

Of course, credit must be given to the radiant smile of Larissa, whose smile would have broken through any clouds daring to intrude on this wonderful union of families.

Larissa & Matt: The Beginning from Oren on Vimeo.

The fire isn't only in the hills

This being California's wildfire season, I was saddened when the mother of the bride for an upcoming wedding told me that the hills behind the Clos La Chance Winery had fallen victim to the Hummingbird Hills fire. This beautiful area, more Napa than South Bay has Oak and Manzanita covered rolling hills and a beautiful spread of manicured grapevines. I read about the winery's struggle to fight back the fire that threatened their beautiful estate. Thankfully, they were successful. When I arrived on-site, I was pleasantly surprised that the hills weren't bare. In fact, the charred section dotted with trees almost looked like a planned clearing.
None of this took away from the fact that Katelyn and Jason were exchanging vows among friends and family in a majestic setting. The black tie affair was as an elegant affair with gourmet food, wonderful wine (of course), and flowers everywhere. The party crowd filled the dance floor at times drowning out the music from DJ Tim. We were there to capture the beauty and emotions of the day.

Katelyn & Jason from Oren on Vimeo.