Friday, November 20, 2009

Summer Wedding


How did I forget to blog this wedding? I love the below photos
in the dahlia patch!
Giselle & Mark were married at a private residence
in the Santa Cruz mountains. Alexis Party rental did an amazing job turning
this back yard into a wedding showplace!
Lezlie with Grand Design created stunning, sunny bouquets for every table.


Carmel Mission wedding



I recently helped my friend Mike Danen with a wedding at the Mission in Carmel. Even though we met in a workshop a couple of years ago, this was the first time we actually got to work together. Kim & Dan were super sweet! They had a military style wedding in the basilica.

The bride walked down the aisle with both parents.


I've never seen a soldier who wore a Stetson before. Granted I don't know much about
the Army but the Groom is in the Calvary. I was shocked to find that the calvary is still a part of the Army and no they don't ride horses anymore. They do still wear cowboy hats.


We finished the portrait session just in time to catch a few
photos at the cocktail hour at the Hyatt.
The fire pit near the golf course was a very cozy spot.
Below, the couple make a grand entrance at the reception.
www.rebeccastarkphotography.com
www.rebeccastark.blogspot.com
Rebecca Stark Photography
831-325-4183
Call today!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hakone Gardens portraits

Meet Mike & Joan, my first engagement session for the 2010 season.
They wanted to take advantage of the fall color for their session and Hakone Gardens
provided the most amazing backdrop. Love the Kung Fu moves!

Ahhh, so sweet!

Relaxing in the Bamboo Garden. Dreaming of their wedding I bet.


www.rebeccastarkphotography.com

831-325-4183

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Bernardus and Highlands Inn wedding photos


Gorgeous weather in Carmel Valley for this rehearsal dinner at Bernardus.
Dozens of family and friends made their way to California to celebrate Karen & Sun's beautiful destination wedding in Carmel. Some guests came from as far away as Korea to help celebrate.
I think you can tell by these photos that this was one of the sweetest couples!
The wine was flowing and all the guests were smiling.

Shawn Cavlan Beauty Co. was on the scene to make sure the bride looked her very best.
The groom walking his gorgeous bride down the aisle was a special moment.
The view at the Highlands Inn was perfect.
Kelly Productions was in charge of the entertainment.
I love the way the ocean is reflected in the black mirror behind the wedding cake.
Lezlie with Grand Design did an amazing job with the flowers. She made stunning arrangements with succulents, orchids, hydrangeas and grasses.
The reception was held in the Pacific's Edge restaurant at the Highlands Inn.
The wedding was well planned by local event specialists at Allison Weddings.
Congratulations Karen & Sun!
My second photographer Charlie & I trying out the photo booth.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Santa Cruz remembers earthquake 1989


On the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake several festivities took place around town. As I walked down Pacific Ave I passed the above signs honoring some of the victims.

I attended the Downtown Santa Cruz Gala on top of the new Rittenhouse Building. A lot of rebuilding has taken place since the quake and this new building on the corner of Church and Pacific is definitely one of downtown's finest additions.

It's always a party when the Great Morgani is there.
I donated a portrait session for the silent auction.


http://www.rebeccastarkphotography.com/





Baby Portaits Santa Cruz

Keeping it weird in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Little Red Riding Hood.

Esme modeling her new poncho and rocking the 6 month baby portrait. Little did we
know it wasn't the big bad wolf lurking in the woods...
I had a feeling we were being watched! Then, out of nowhere this Yeti came trekking through the woods like he owned the place. Absolutely no fear of humans.
I guess there is a reason there is a Big Foot Museum in nearby Felton.
Photographing babies is always a lot of fun, especially when
they are all giggles and dimples like this little sweetie.


Friday, October 2, 2009

Monterey Plaza Hotel wedding


Super fab couple Troy & Kasey were married recently at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. The intimate ceremony was held on the private patio in the Presidental Suite.

The suite was decorated with white daisies and vintage wedding cake toppers.


Relaxed and beaming!


Not wanting to see eachother before the ceremony, the couple hid behind a door so
they could share a few words before they walked down the aisle.
831-325-4183
Rebecca Stark s a wedding and portrait photographer based in Santa Cruz, CA.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Morgan Hill wedding

Last weekend my friend and former marketing assistant got married to the love of her life! She asked me years ago that if and when she ever got married would I photograph her wedding. I knew this day would come and have looked forward to it ever since. I must say that the only thing better than watching a budding romance is going to the wedding and knowing that true love STILL happens:0)

No one got past these guest book attendants! I really need to blog about the signature albums I make. They are a huge conversation piece at the reception and make the coolest coffee table books. Some times I think my guest books are the deciding factor when a couple books with me. There were so many cute kids at the wedding. Check out the adorable brothers above!


Congratulations Wil & Katie!!





The lucky groom.





Instead of cake, the couple exchanged chocolate covered strawberries. So sweet! I love the arrangement and the assortment. This was probably one of the greenest weddings I've photographed. From Katie's diamond down to the composting bin, this wedding was unique.


Ainsley House wedding


I recently had the pleasure of photographing Jeff & Hilary's wedding at the Historic Ainsley House in Campbell. The happy couple chose bright and vibrant colors, an array of orchids and served the best Cuban food I've had in the Silicon Valley.


There are several interesting buildings near Ainsley House.
Even the cupcakes were a smorgasbord of color.
Hilary taking a break from looking fabulous!



When the sun set the dancing began.
You have to love a bride that dances the night away in her Chucks.
831-325-4183

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Santa Cruz Wedding vendor mixer

I don't think I have enough fingers and toes to count all the wedding vendor mixers I've attended this year. I'm happy to say that they have all been a wonderful escape from my daily workload. I live for fancy food and drink and have met so many other hardworking wedding vendors at these events. Not to mention had the chance to mingle with people I work with every weekend but rarely get the chance to chat. Santa Cruz Wedding vendors recently hosted a mixer at The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz.
Aquarius Restaurant, Santa Cruz pictured above.
Two of my friends, Marty with New View Photography and Tom Cole with the
Babbling Brook Inn.
Mr. Rick James with Frederick James Luxuries
A talented and generous Floral Artist. I can't remember how many times my brides have told me about him throwing in extra flowers here and there to complete a look.
www.fvjluxuries.com

If you are looking for the perfect decor for your wedding or next event contact Margie from Alexis Party Rental or Jeff with Eventscapes. 2 different companies but both do amazing work. Chandeliers, up lights, candles, vases with submerged orchids and lillies, just a few visuals that come to mind. They both specialize in lovely and different decor.
On the left, Karissa Paxton with Coastside Weddings and Events.
Check out her website if you are planning a destination wedding, event or vacation in the Santa Cruz area. Karissa specializes in Santa Cruz fun and swank.
Connie Sanchez with Wedding Architects, a wedding planning service,
and Aurora Smith, Catering Manager with the Dream Inn were the
hostess for the event.
Dusk in Santa Cruz.
The weather here has been so gorgeous lately. Glad I caught this
image on my way home. The end of another great day.
www.rebeccastarkphotography.com