Adam+Jessica: Wedding at Beltane Ranch

Adam and Jessica’s wedding day was hot. I mean hot! A heat wave blew through California and collided with their wedding day leaving us all in a sticky state of sweaty bliss.

Bliss, yes! I don’t know how it was possible given the circumstances. But the minute Adam and Jessica saw each other for the first time, the heat faded into the background and they took center stage. They couldn’t take their eyes off each other and they were full of smiles. A nice breeze blew and I seriously considered it their wedding miracle.

Shaded by the large oak tree at Beltane Ranch, Adam and Jessica were surrounded by their closest friends and family. They shared their vows with laughter and tears and promised their lives to one another. The moment was absolutely perfect – the hot summer breeze, the setting sun, and two people in love. Congratulations to the happy couple!

You can read Adam and Jessica’s love story here. And you can also view our favorite memories from their day here: ADAM AND JESSICA: THE HIGHLIGHTS.

Adam and Jess, your wedding was so fun and romantic. There were so many wonderful moments to capture because you and your friends and family are so incredible. Thank you for inviting us to play the special role as your photographers. It was truly an honor and a pleasure for us both. Congratulations to you! We wish you a marriage filled with love and laughter.

Click here to see all the lovely details and the team of vendors that made this Beltane Ranch wedding so spectacular.

Bride and groom portrait with longhorn bull in the background. Beautiful sunset light.Bride and groom holding hands under an oak tree.Portrait of bride and groom

Bride looking at the grom with beautiful sunlight in the background.Groom gently caresses the bride on the neck.Bride and groom walking down the dirt road kissing.Bride and groom laughing underneath a huge oak tree. Beltane Ranch wedding photos.Sunset photos of the bride and groom. Beltane Ranch wedding photography.Bride and groom portrait under an oak tree. Beltane ranch photography.Bride and groom kissing in front of the old Chevy truck at Beltane Ranch.

Cheryl+Leon: Marriage
In Focus

Marriage in Focus: Leon and Cheryl

Leon and Cheryl were in kindergarten the first time they met. Leon likely pulled Cheryl’s hair in the sandbox or chased her around the playground.

But, there is no photographic evidence that any of it was true.

Without any proof, the duo is left recounting the story from the second time they met which was in 11th grade. “In Singapore, 11th and 12th grade are equal to Junior College,” says Leon. Cheryl was on the girls’ basketball team and Leon was on the boys’. But unfortunately for Leon, Cheryl was an overachiever and took off for Undergrad leaving Leon behind where he finished Junior College and served his Military Service.

Leon then made his way to the University of Michigan which was actually where Cheryl attended. But once again, Cheryl was already finished by the time he arrived. They lost touch for 8 years, but reconnected via Friendster. “The predecessor of the predecessor of Facebook,” says Cheryl, “and that, as we say is that.”

The two were married on September 6, 2009. After almost 4 years of marriage, the one thing they wished they would have known from the very start was to pick your battles wisely. “That would have saved us from a few arguments when we were dating. Somehow, by the grace of God, after we were married, we both figured out which issues to let slide, and which needed…ironing out.”

One of their favorite dates is to take their dog Chloe to the beach at Fort Funston. “It’s a beautiful location with stunning views, hang-gliders in the sky, and long stretches of open sand for Chloe to run on. We can’t wait when Noelle can run around with Chloe in the water!”

This is the first in a new series titled Marriage In Focus where we take a peek inside a couple’s marriage, how they met, what they wish they would have known, a favorite date idea, and more.

Happy 4th!

Vitaliy and I have this running debate in our relationship about how I’m really Ukrainian. That its in my bloooooooooood!

It goes all the way back to the first day we met. I get out my family tree and recount how my great grandparents came to America from Ukraine. I show him pictures of my grandmother in her Ukrainian dance costume that made it into the local newspaper. We even ate pirogi and golubtsi every Christmas Eve, I’d tell him.

Though all of that is true, let’s face it, I’m an American! From the land of the free! (But don’t tell Vitaliy that! I’m still trying to win this debate.)

Hope you all have a splendid 4th of July! Eat an extra hot dog for me.

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