Photographing Marriage Proposals

A beautiful beginning to the wedding story… documenting the marriage proposal. I’ve photographed many proposals at Kistler Vineyards, a stunning location in Sonoma County. I start the shoot by camoflouging myself, the ultimate in unobtrusive photography.

A vinyard marriage proposal

I’m hiding behind a parked car to get this image without being noticed.

I live for these moments!

A vineyard embrace.

Now the engagement shoot…

Getting them to smile is easy.

Spring is coming in Sonoma County and the yellow mustard is blooming everywhere.

It’s raining but you’d never know.

A winery is an easy choice for background. The rain creates a gorgeous mood.

I’m a few rows up, covered in vineyard dust.

She said yes.

My final galleries always include both color and black and white images.

A sucessful phtograph will transport you.

Love and laughter.

Another yes.

Lessons in Love

I took this picture over 25 years ago. I’d been shooting weddings for a short time, after graduating from California College of the Arts, with a BFA in photography. I’d originally wanted fashion school, but my father refused to pay tuition for my choice. As if photography were a more practical career.
I asked him to kiss her. Her hand pressed into the back of his neck and his hand covered hers. Her sweet handbag likely carried kleenex and a lipstick.
Marriage is a beautiful mystery to me. The couples I’ve photographed have taught me about love, through the slightest glance and gesture.
I gave my husband a print of this image, not long after we met. We live next door to one another now, while we learn to appreciate everything we took for granted.