Caroline & Mahdi // Stable Cafe Wedding

I cried exactly three times at this wedding. M’s family couldn’t make it due to a certain travel ban but watching him beaming the entire day none the less and hugging every one of C’s family as if his own truly moved and inspired me. The second time was when Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby came on, and C’s entire family profoundly sang every word (you’ll know exactly which moment this is when you’re passing through these photos!) and all their guests joined in with arms around each other. Her mother singing to her father cradling his face and dedicating every word. It was such an incredible moment to be a part of. The third time I wept behind my lens was watching this couple on the dance floor, surrounded by so many people yet completely immersed and present with each other. They embraced each other like they were the only ones in that room and you will see that so very clearly too. They were the epitome of blissed out getting to dance with one another and I was so blissed out getting to witness it, I just couldn’t help feeling it all along with them.

This was one of the most emotional and love, joy, warmth filled day that I have ever photographed and witnessed. These two were incredibly present with me and their people and that’s all I can ask for . They let me in, they treated me like family, their family treated me like family, I do not take this privilege lightly of entering one of the most intimate and personal days in your story, so thank you for letting me in.

Venue // Stable Cafe
Florals // Bride
Food // Ann Walker Catering
Music // Golden Bell
Cake // Butter&

two thousand & seventeen

Comparison is inevitable when it comes to art. Comparing our work to others, to our own, to that of what isn't there, what could have been there, and what is there. Comparison not only makes us think deeper about the work we create, but also pushes us to create better and stronger work. Although I have to say, the rare times I simply do not compare a photograph to anything than what it is, is the photographs you see below. Moments that couldn't be recreated, organically revealing themselves. Moments in between the chaos and the mundane. Moments that come together to define a story. When you photograph a wedding in a very documentary style, some of your favorite moments end up being those unplanned and unrehearsed. And at times, these are the photos that get quickly overlooked, quickly passed by. It is easy to overlook that of which is not taken in an epic location or full of intertwining limbs. I wanted to shed my light on those moments that are just as crucial to tell the entire story. Photographs that can only be documented when you have wide eyes yet patient ones too. Photographs that aren't the most conventionally beautiful and moments where no one knows you're even watching. 

This year was full of growth, full of getting to know the type of relationship I strive for with my couples. The trust instilled in me from my couples to document their day as the day unfolds is more than I could ever ask for. Finding couples who share the same vision of foraging and gathering, coming together with those they have spent their lives loving, all that is what matters most. This year I have felt more connected to those I have documented - couples who are now some of my closest friends, couples who I have spent getting to know so deeply, and some who I have had gotten real low on the dance floor with. Spending time to connect with my humans on a level beyond wedding photography and being able to document the most intimate parts of them is what keeps me addicted to what I do. 

Along with copious amounts spent among the foliage in the Bay Area, my work has taken me to intimate in home sessions in Barcelona, passionate sessions in the cobbled streets of Florence, empowerment and strength in Joshua Tree, backyard gatherings, Muir Woods elopements, green ballrooms overlooking City Hall, and so many places lush in emotion and greenery. 

For these select favorites, I wanted to choose pure moments. Moments that make up the entire story, moments that are documented just the way they are - true and sincere. I am so damn proud of the work I create, and proud of the couples who create it with me. Cheers to an amazing year, wouldn't have been able to do it without you all. 

-Nataly