Green Weddings - Fad or Fantastic?

Recent headlines about the BP oil spill in the Gulf got me thinking once again about the impact we all have on this world. I won't rally against the evils of oil, as nothing yet has been found to effectively replace it (especially when it comes to plastics and other oil-related products we rely upon daily). I will recommit myself to maintaining a low footprint in my work and my life.

Small steps, helped by an industry that is finally waking up to the realities of shrinking resources and consumer awareness, can lead to big results. For example, I have completely eliminated disposable batteries since 2009. It required a few (more expensive) equipment purchases...so this is not necessarily a money-saver, at least in the short term. But I'm so much happier knowing that I don't have to dispose of a half-used set of batteries after each and every shoot.

Likewise, moving my demo videos online means fewer DVDs sent out. From 2001-2008 I was averaging 56 mailed DVDs per year. I'm pretty sure they eventually find their way into a landfill. As online viewing options and quality increased, that number greatly decreased. I'm hoping that this year will continue as a online-viewing-only year.

A recent wedding I covered in Monterey included some wonderful, earth-friendly touches such as hand-painted wood cake-toppers and paper-flower table seating guides. Low impact can be quite chic and stylish. The only limit is your imagination and willingness to think outside the box.

In the next few weeks, I'll be writing more about other ways to 'green' your big day.

Swept Away: Lydia & John

Viansa Winery in Sonoma is one of my favorite wine-country destinations. I used to visit there often after I relocated to California from New York. When I found out that I would be capturing Lydia and John's wedding in Viansa, I was excited to return there. I distinctly remember my last wedding at Viansa, as it was 108 degrees and everyone was hugging the shade. A breeze was most welcome that day, and we were all glad when the heat finally broke. By comparison, the 25 mph gusts made the 65 degree day just a bit chillier. The golden sun, bright green vines and warm ocher hues of the winery contrasted with the beautiful blue of the sky and bridesmaids' dresses. Inside the white reception tent a clean white on white scheme was accented with silver twigs holding candle votives. This intimate and beautifully organized wedding was a delight for the senses. The winds might have been blowing a bit more than usual, but it did nothing to faze this wonderful couple.
The fantastic team included Tinywater Photography, California DJ's, and Wine Country Flowers.

Lydia & John: Wine Country Wedding from Oren on Vimeo.