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ZEISS

Here are a few test photos I shot with a new lens I’ve been researching. It’s made by a company called Zeiss and all I have to say is that when you’re the company that’s lined up to make the replacement glass for the Hubble Telescope, odds are you can design a good lens for pretty wedding pictures - I’m liking this lens!

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it is a manual focus lens (no auto focus whatsoever), so it’s really not too practical… takes a lot of patience. But I do have to say, when I use this lens it really does “feel” as if it’s been the most meticulously crafted piece of glass and metal I’ve ever held. It’s pretty chic.

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Crystal Springs is always such a fabulous place for a ceremony and an API favorite! The rolling Redwood mountains and vast reservoir provide a spectacular view, but the persistent mist that creeps in over the mountains is what makes this location a photographer’s delight. Diffused lighting is a result of the often overcast days here which creates ideal conditions for amazing photos.

I particularly loved working with Jennifer and Charles. This couple was young, fresh, and spunky. Their ceremony was nearly rained out, but the sprinkles that started as they said their vows disappeared just in time for our photo time right afterwards. The weather held and I got some very special pictures expressing their romance and joy on their wedding day. I had so much fun with these two! They were so confident in their love and appreciation for one another. They’re gonna love these images! ~Aly ;)

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Dramatic lighting for your wedding!

It’s amazing how dramatic light can add to your wedding in more ways than one. You can give your reception a look that it has never had before, wow your guest, and put a BIG smile on your photographers face!

As photographers, we constantly think about how light affects the quality of an image. We can’t help but to get excited about these lighting setups! What you can see below was done by a lighting specialist, Travis Bruley, and we would love to talk with you about your event and ways you can do something similar. It’s ideal for photos!

It’s dramatic and fantastic! But also notice how the room has an even colorful glow that compliments the wedding colors rather than a dimly lit background. Another option that cost less would be adding up-lights. Drop me an email through our contact form to see some sample up-light images.

Ambient & decorative room lighting.

Heather and Eric

Easily one of the most laid back, fun couples I’ve ever met. Heather let me know they were both a big fan of the outdoors, so we decided on the Berkeley Botanical Gardens in Tilden Park. It couldn’t have been a better place for engagement photos.

Here are a few of my favorites:

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Casa Real

2010 past us up before we realized it!  We’ve decided to go back and post some of our favorite weddings at some of our favorite locations! Casa Real next to Ruby Hill in Pleasanton California has our vote for beauty! We’re also giving our couple our beautiful and fun award! Daniel and Ashley learned about API through another friends wedding. We love when people find us for doing a great job! The ceremony was in the Casa Real Courtyard and the reception in the main room. From start to finish everything was top-notch!

If you’re planning a wedding give us a call!  Or if you know of anyone getting married let them know about us! We love the Bay area but have a destination wedding special going on for the the next destination wedding we book. It will be at travel cost!!!  We’ve got the travel bug!  :)
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Thomas Estate Wedding

I was fortunate to visit a new wedding venue this past weekend located right across town from us here in Danville! The Thomas Estate is absolutely amazing. A wedding photographers dream! A beautiful house, a small vineyard, a gorgeous pool, a cool old wagon, brick work and it’s own church right on the property! The perfect setting for Vickie and Barts wedding!

This was in January. I can't wait to come back for a summer wedding by the pool!

This was in January. I can't wait to come back for a summer wedding by the pool!

Beautiful brick work

Beautiful brick work

Reflecting is not just good for thought.

Reflecting is not just good for thought.

The Thomas Estate Bridal suite

The Thomas Estate Bridal suite

Palm Event Center Like Never Before

We have been honored to work with amazing wedding industry professionals!  I mean really high quality service providers.  In October of this year (10-8-10), we were chosen as the photographers for Carolyn and Randy’s wedding at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, CA.   Carolyn is well known in the wedding world.  She is a founding sponsor, Executive Director and Secretary for W.I.P.A. (Wedding Industry Professional Association) and works as a Regional Sales Manager for a large wedding venue and service company here on the west coast.  A major part of her job is managing wedding and special event coordinators at many California locations.  She is someone who has the highest expectations when it comes to delivering high quality service.  Carolyn’s impeccable sense of style and eye for detail were sure to make this event even more incredible.  So you can imagine, when she asked us to provide the photography for her wedding, we were pretty fired up!  Six weeks later, we are ready to debut what I have coined “the Palm Event Center Like Never Before!”.  Carolyn and Randy incorporated so many beautiful, fun and unique details. This was a night all their family and friends will never forget!

For proper credit of which API photographers worked on this wedding. Katie, Ben and I (Aaron).

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Katie starting early with the ladies and bridal prep

Katie started early with the ladies and bridal prep

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It was great to see the ladies enjoy the day!

It was great to see the ladies enjoy the day!

The Palm Event Center sparkled as usual!

The Palm Event Center sparkled as usual!

The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer practically stole the spotlight!

The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer practically stole the spotlight!

You can see the time that was put into great details all over the wedding reception.

You can see the time that was put into great details all over the wedding reception.

Incredible light with the sun low in the sky.

Incredible light with the sun low in the sky.

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So much attention to detail!

So much attention to detail!

We caught the newlweds enjoying the photo booth before they caught us!

We caught the newlweds enjoying the photo booth before they caught us!

They finished the night in style!

They finished the night in style!

“Sneak Peak” at this weekends Tilden Park Brazil Building wedding!

John, Colleen and family celebrate a long awaited wedding day at Tilden Parks Brazil Building! We had a blast capturing special moments as they partied hard! Great family and friends

Kaitlyn and John Engagements

One of the things I love about being a wedding photographer in the Bay Area is that I’m only 20 minutes away from one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Even on a rainy day San Francisco is one of the best places to visit - not only that, it was the perfect backdrop to celebrate Kaitlyn and John’s engagement. Despite the cold, wet, windy weather, the three of us had so much fun just chumming around, setting up photos, and creating some of my absolute favorite images!

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