two photographers

On the recommendation of a photographer friend, we hired Katrina Davis to shoot our wedding. She brought along Luke Keegan, as her second shooter. Katrina and Luke were such a pleasure to work with.  They were friendly, funny, professional, and best of all, nearly invisible. Once we finally saw the pictures, we couldn't have been more pleased. It turns out that our two photographers have very different styles, which led to a beautiful variety in the prints. Katrina's, more ethereal and muted photos are a perfect compliment to Luke's, more saturated and sharp.

Katrina and Luke are the perfect team, and they won't destroy your wedding budget. They are based in Oakland, CA and are willing to travel to Bay Area locations.

Katrina Davis Photography:

Luke Keegan Photography:

Venue: Highland Dell Lodge, Monte Rio, CA

Dress: Paige, by Amy Kuschel, San Francisco, CA

Bridesmaid Dress: Sinclair, by J.Crew

Suit: Hugo Boss

Flowers: Bella Vita Event Productions, Santa Rosa, CA

what's in a name?

Katrina Davis Photography

When I returned to work after my wedding, I reintroduced myself to my kindergarten class with my new moniker, Mrs. Branciforte. After fielding questions about my wedding, many of which were centered around whether or not I was also now a mom, I had one particularly interesting question. One insightful little kiddo asked, "did your husband change his name, or does he have a married name now too?"

In the months leading up to our wedding, many people asked me if I would be changing my name. As I answered in the affirmative, I felt like I immediately had to justify my decision as feminist judgment rained down.

I know that many women are bothered by this fact. Why should the woman alter her identity, go through the hassle of standing in line at Social Security and the DMV, change emails and banking information, update Netflix and Facebook? Although I can see both sides of the coin, I take a traditionalist stance on this particular issue. For me changing my name marked a new beginning and a new phase in my life. I wanted to have that unifying element with my husband, it makes me feel like we are truly a family. 

Also, my new initials are KGB.  Isn't that reason enough?

diy wedding

Much like other aspects of our life, Ryan and I were sticking to a budget for our wedding.  Our goal, although not achieved, was to come in under budget.  (Damn, weddings are expensive!)  I first looked to Pinterest for inspiration and Etsy for cheap wedding finds.  What I discovered was most of what I liked I could do on my own, and for cheaper.  

To make DIY more fun, my mom flew down from Spokane to turn the weekend into a craft extravaganza.

We started with a to-do list:

1.  parade streamers

2.  escort cards

3.  photo booth frames

4.  photo booth bunting

5.  flower girl baskets

6.  table numbers

7.  rehearsal dinner centerpieces (to double as center pieces for the desert table, bar, and guest book table)

8.  signs for buffet table

9.  table runners (left over burlap was sold on craigslist for $50!)

Then, we headed to Michael's, one of the most overwhelming stores in the world, second only to IKEA.  After setting up the supplies, pouring the wine, queuing up Orange is the New Black, we got started.  

Stella is always ready to sit on whatever you are currently working on.

First up, flower girl baskets.  I found baskets on Etsy, that I liked, but I wasn't into spending $39.99 plus shipping for each of the two baskets I needed.  Our baskets, which were easy to make, were only a total of $5 each.  

The inspiration

Our baskets

Next up, table numbers.  I was going for a rustic feel, with simple clean lines.  Once again, I found table numbers on Etsy that had the feel I was going for, but they were $75 for 15.  I knew I could do it for cheaper.  We ended up spending $50 on our table numbers, and once again, we didn't have to pay for shipping.  

The inspiration

Our table numbers

Pictured with our parade streamers

For escort cards, I turned to my sister.  She has an interest in calligraphy, and other things creative.  Not only did she address all of my envelopes, but she also made the place cards, the menu, and the signs for the buffet.  Our escort cards set us back $12.  

The inspiration

Our escort cards

My new name, for the first time!

Buffet cards

Because of our love for Papalote salsa, the rehearsal dinner centerpieces were a cinch.  We reused the mason jars that once held the addicting salsa, and added rafia and floating candles.  This simple centerpiece, which was used for both nights, was just $10.  

The inspiration

Our mason jar centerpiece is pictured on the guest book table with our DIY Paper Source letters.  

Last, but not least, we wanted a few picture frames to use as props in our photo booth.  I bought three frames at a garage sale for $6.  One was already a lovely gold, and after we spray painted the other two  silver and blue, they were photo booth ready.  

There you have it, our DIY wedding.

Professional photos by Katrina Davis Photography and Luke Keegan Photography.

Photo booth photos curtesy of Lech Naumovich Photography.

I'm back

So, after a month long hiatus, I am back in action.  Between going back to work and getting married (more to come on that later), I was b-u-s-y.  

Can't wait to start writing again.

Luke Keegan Photography

engagement shoot

Apparently, one of the steps to being engaged is setting up an engagement photo shoot.  Ryan's college buddy, Lech, has a photography side business, Lech Naumovich Photography.  He is so talented and very, graciously, offered to do our engagement photos.

We snapped a few silly inside shots, but wanted to spend time outside in our favorite park, and on our bikes.

 

First stop, Kite Hill.  I love this tiny park.  It offers views of Twin Peaks and the city.  You can even see the roof of our building.  The day of our shoot happened to be unusually hot in the city, but Kite Hill didn't get the message.  It was windy and chilly way up on top of the city.  So windy, that we eventually had to abandon ship, but not before we got a few great shots.

We traded wind for our next supporting character, bikes.  Even Lech was on a bike.  We rolled out to Duboce Park.  Our original plan was to head to Golden Gate Park, but it was getting late.  We needed an open sky and a close location to make the most of the fading daylight.

Lech was patient, thoughtful, and creative with our shoot.  He was happy to make stops along the way to our locations, and was ready to improvise.  If you're looking for someone to shoot your wedding or engagement pictures, Lech is definitely your guy.