Elopement in Guerneville, Ca

I knew right away when I met Joyce and Natalee their wedding day was going to be beautiful. They both radiate happiness, love and fun. Their chosen wedding venue Armstrong Woods. Armstrong Woods is an exceptionally beautiful California State Park right here in Guerneville. I had met with Joyce and Natalee when they came up to visit the park a few weeks before the wedding day. We planned out areas they liked and we talked about the best time for lighting of their photos. I was super excited for their big day!

I remember waking up the morning of Joyce and Natalee’s wedding day to the sounds of down-pouring rain. I can’t speak for all photographers but I actually welcome and embrace various weather and situations as it pushes the creative side in me to create something new and exciting. However, when it comes to weddings I do not ever want my couples to feel stress on their day from rain or anything else. Luckily the skies dried up and aside from a minor move around some giant puddles for the ceremony all worked lovely!

Let the Adventure Begin

In case gorgeous sun light, 2 beautiful brides, 2 beautiful children and the redwood forest aren’t enough awesomeness for you…I give you the adventure!

Joyce and Natalee are so awesome! When I mentioned going to the top of a mountain for photos they both agreed and I was stoked! I had a vision of how it would go. However, the settling rain clouds and golden hour light way surpassed my expectations to highlight these gorgeous newlywed wed ladies! They were such good sports, so in love and willing to hike to the edge of a mountain for these beautiful photos. I could seriously post their entire gallery on this blog because I love it that much! I try to stick to the highlights though and leave the entire gallery private. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Thank you Natalee and Joyce for having me capture your amazing wedding day! I wish you and your family the very best life full of fun and adventure.

Russian River Valley, Guerneville Ca Photographer

Are you looking to get married here in the Russian River Valley? Guerneville has beaches, Rivers, Redwoods and so much more and I would love to photograph your elopement or intimate wedding. Please feel free to contact me here

I am a bit behind on getting recent weddings blogged but it is finally time to share with all of you! The last year I have been working very hard on expanding my business into being the best Russian River Wedding Photographer I can be. I love living here in Guerneville, Ca, it is a naturally beautiful place. I am looking forward to working with local and visiting couples who choose to say “I do” right here along our gorgeous flowing river and underneath the majestic giant redwoods.

It is beyond an honored when asked or even considered to photograph something as important as someones wedding day. When I first spoke with Bride Erin and heard how she envisioned her wedding I knew that it was a perfect fit. I was over the moon excited when her and her then fiance Dave decided to hire me to be their wedding photographer. I could not wait for the Wedding in the Redwoods of Occidental, Ca.

Dave and Erin are a beautiful couple that enjoys cycling, traveling and soaking up all the simple beauties in life.They are super relaxed and kind, seriously they had the most low stress wedding I have ever witnessed. Erin is also a designer which made my little detail loving heart super excited to see what she would create.

The Wedding Day has arrived

They chose an amazingly beautiful venue called “The Grove” for their ceremony. The Grove is a private residence owned by The Union Hotel. The venue was a beautiful fairy-tale like estate that provided the perfect place for everyone to get ready. Shay had Erin and her girls looking absolutely stunning!

When Erin put her dress on it was hard to say who was most excited her, her mother or her sweet little niece. These special intimate moments shared by close friends and family are the real, raw, moments that I wait and prepare for. Standing just far enough away that they forget I am in the room I carefully document the most precious times.

I loved how sweet it was that Erin and Dave decided on a being together in the same house as everyone got ready. Once she was in her dress and fully ready she stayed hidden from Dave until the first look.

The Ceremony

Once everyone was ready it was time for the ceremony to begin! All their closest friends and family gathered outside under giant redwoods. It was serene and stunning.

An extra special part of the ceremony was when Dave and Erin invited their guest to give them advice and words of wisdom for their life together. Very unique and fun idea.

Sealed with a kiss and officially Mr. And Mrs. Mongan!!

The formal photos for Erin and Dave could not have been more lovely. The light and scenery along with such a beautiful couple created absolute magic!

The Reception

Now on to the celebration! Reception was held at The Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental, Ca. They had such an outgoing and fun group, it was a blast capturing all the fun and dancing had by all. How about this sweet turned hysterical Father Daughter dance? Love, love, love it!

Who needs cake when you can have a giant sticky bun from Wild Flour Bakery?!

What a great wedding and a great group of dancers!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dave and Erin Mongan! I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and adventure together. Thank you so much for having me capture your magical day!!