Yosemite, California
Kim and Ryan live in the Monterey area, but their family and friends live all around the Bay area. So they decided to have a destination wedding at the beautiful Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite. Their wedding was absolutely breathtaking!

They put a lot of effort into their wedding details, even building the wedding arch themselves. Kim’s cousin Sara did an awesome job designing all of the stationery from the invites to the programs to the table numbers. The bride’s bouquet was wrapped in her grandmother’s handkerchief.

A backdrop of pine trees listen as Kim and Ryan say their vows.

Kim’s face is so expressive. There were a couple of times when she looked as if she was trying not to cry.

I love the maid of honor’s face in this photo – she looks so happy for the couple!

My favorite first kisses last for lots of photos!

Although I loved the colors, I could see this wedding toned all in sepia tone.

The happy couple!

Kim’s mom (on the left) jubilantly throws rose petals at the newlyweds.

And here’s Kim and her mom right after the ceremony.

While the newlyweds and bridal party hung out in this meeting room I stayed in the background. I love it when everyone forgets I’m there – my favorite photos are the ones with real emotion.

I caught this shot in the mirror.

The girls are ready to party!

Yosemite, California
As I was retouching photos from Kim and Ryan’s wedding I kept thinking of all the photos taken in Yosemite. Most people probably think of Ansel Adams and his spectacular black and white photos of the mountains. I kept thinking about old sepia photos of early explorers of Yosemite Valley and gold prospectors with long white beards and families in buggies posing in front of the tunnel tree. Not surprisingly, I thought many of Kim and Ryan’s photos worked better in black and white.

Here’s some of the couple getting ready for their big day. Michael photographed Ryan and the groomsmen.

Kim surprised Ryan with photo cufflinks. They were a special touch honoring the memory of his mother and brother.

Meanwhile I was taking photos of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. Kim was super organized and prepared – just look at her make-up table!

Kim added many vintage touches to her wedding, including her gorgeous lace veil. I’m not sure if it’s actually a classic piece but it has that look.

Kim’s ring is an antique while Ryan went with a more contemporary style.

I love Kim’s pearls which were originally her grandmother’s.

Kim’s mom and bridesmaids help with the veil.

The bride was a picture of calm. Except for this one moment, when she looked back at her mom…