This session is so much more than just a Newport Beach engagement session. You see, Jeanie & I go way back. When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester studying art in New York (yeah – it was awesome!) and when it was time for me to move back to Southern California, I needed an apartment to live in! One of my friends at school needed a roommate in her apartment (where 3 more girls also lived – you know that college hustle!). Of course, we all wanted to make sure I was a good fit, so before I moved back, I FaceTimed my friend from my NY apartment one night after class. This is where Jeanie comes in — it was quickly clear to me that Jeanie was the leader of the pack haha. They even called her “Mama Scott” (Scott is her last name!).
I honestly expected to be on the call for about 30 minutes, but ended up chatting with Jeanie for at least 2 hours that night! I felt like we were instant friends because of her warmth and enthusiasm. Since then, I’ve always been so impressed with how passionately she goes after the things she wants and cares so deeply for the people in her life. This friendship is a constant blessing & I’m so grateful to know this girl!
Now … here’s the fun part. A couple years ago with that same vivacious personality, Jeanie caught the eye of a sweet guy named Costel & he was instantly hooked! His charm wooed a dinner date out of her and the rest is history! The two will tie the knot this May!!
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Hello my Bay Area bride-to-be’s!! How tired are you of googling a million places in this vast state to find the picture perfect wedding venue? Probs real tired. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best, coolest, prettiest, cutest, dopest San Francisco Bay Area wedding venues that I recommend you visit first! These are fool-proof and gorgeous – sign on their dotted line and call a sista up, because I’m SO there. 
If you haven’t seen my LA Wedding Venue List, be sure to check those out if you’re thinking about SoCal!
SF Proper
Any crazy plant ladies out there? Not only is the outside of the greenhouse structure the perfect white ceremony backdrop, the interior is full of tropical plants! Check out a recent engagement session I photographed there!
A thing of Rooftop Dreams! The indoor reception area is just as cool.
Rooftop views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge and walking distance to the piers. Need I say more?
This place is so iconic to SF and right by the water! You can easily see the Bay Bridge from outside and hear the romantic ticking of the train departure sign.
This place has class for daysssss. Gives you that New York Public Library vibe here on the West Coast!
The best rooftop bar in SF! This boutique hotel was designed by genius, Kelly Wearstler, so obviously it’s freaking amazing! One of my favorite spots to grab a drink at sunset!
The perfect white loft & blank canvas – you could seriously pull anything off here!
Wine Country
Wait, am I in the South of France? Sure feels like it. Also … three words: Wine Cave Reception! I’m photographing a wedding here in July and I cannot wait to share it with you!
Luxe Calistoga spot by the Auberge Hotel group, who always slay. I had the privilege of photographing a wedding here last year (peek it here) and I get to go back for another this Fall! Keep it coming, brides!
The perfect Petaluma estate complete with barn-style reception space. Yes, that’s lavender lining the walkway to the front door!
Vines, grassy lawn, rose-covered walls, what more could you ask for?
The lightness of this place makes me feel like they took the best of Malibu and combined it with the best of Sonoma.
Literal perfection – everything you’d expect to find in Sonoma (or the south of France for that matter).
East Bay
This place is perfect for the artistic & creative couple – plus, there’s a great view of Oakland & Lake Merritt from the terrace – bonus!
The East Bay actually has a totally thriving wine country of it’s own! It’s called the Tri-Valley area & Wente is a gorgeous spot right in the heart of Livermore.
Want a Palm Springs wedding vibe without having to leave the Bay? Here’s your answer!
I’ll be honest – I don’t know if these guys allow weddings for just anyone, but I’ve seen them do at least one. This spot is one of our favorites in our town to grab a cold beer and chill – the interior is cute af and the patio is so relaxing and perfect for a laid-back reception!
Another East Bay wine country spot, but one with a city-loft vibe – best of both worlds!
NorCal Destination Spots
Lake Tahoe is an incredible destination spot! The view from this balcony is insane – plus, you can take a fun gondola ride and if you did a winter wedding, there’d be snow!!
Iconic lavender fields with the whimsical ferris wheel in the back! It was voted the #1 wedding venue for great service in the American West by BRIDES Magazine and one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveller.
This place is all about TEXTURE! White brick, natural brick, garage doors, it’s just stinkin’ cool.
Photo Credit in order from top to bottom:
Steve Cowell Photo, Anna Wu, This Love of Yours, Melanie Duerkopp, Jose Villa, Cheers Babe Photo, Rebecca Yale, OneLove Photography, Cheers Babe Photo, Duy Ho Photography, KT Merry, Macarthur Place, Koman Photography, OCMA, Cheers Babe Photo, Cheers Babe Photo, Lilouette, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Photography by Monique, Lisa Lefkowitz, and BLOC Venue.
Coming SOON
Best Wedding Venues in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego & Santa Barbara
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Babes, meet Caitlin! She and I had so much fun running around Pac Heights and Sutro Baths for her entrepreneur session. Caitlin is an AMAZING, uber talented wedding photographer based in Napa Valley – you have to check out her work! When I asked her to describe what her photography business is all about the first word of of her mouth was hospitality. How good is that!? This gal loves to care for her clients well and shows up to serve. I love her heart for her couples! She drinks an iced tea every day – so of course we made sure to capture that so she can share it with her followers. She also loves the ocean and squishing her toes in the sand, so we made sure to hit up the beach at Sutro Baths for some sand & sun. I love those little things about my clients that make them unique!
If you are an entrepreneur or business owner (especially a female one 💪!) and you keep telling yourself, “I need photos for social so bad!”, you are right & I encourage you to book a session! I can’t tell you the difference it’s made in my own business to put myself out there & let people see the face that’s usually behind the camera. It’ll help people get to know you, remember you & want to do business with you. I love doing these kind of sessions, so hit a sista up, anytime. 
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, I’d love to capture you so you can share your story with your followers! Inquire below 🙂
