An invitation for Mom's

Well Rehearsed (a fabulous company with incredibly creative ideas - check them out) is hosting a unique fashion event for Mothers-of-the-Bride & Groom to help them select what to wear to your rehearsal dinner & wedding. There will be champagne, there will be tips & tricks, and there will be fashion! What could be better?


July 25th
11:30am
Neiman Marcus, Stanford
Level 3
RSVP
or call (650) 329-3303

Jenna + Dave | Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch is a magical place - perfect location, gorgeous views, wonderful food... That's why Jenna and Dave choose it for their destination wedding. The couple was married on a bluff overlooking The Lakehouse (where they later held their reception). Suzy Berberian from A Dream Day did indeed create a dream day with a little help from Kathleen Deery Design, Classic Party Rentals, and La Tavola Linens. Alex Fuhrman was wonderful on the acoustic guitar, we provided our SnapShot photo studio, and the vivacious Martha with Video Creations by Martha captured it all on video.


VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Gustav Maxwell

In case you didn't already know, I shoot all kinds of stuff - travel, weddings, portraits, dogs, and baby products! The super-soft, plush, luxurious products from Gustav Maxwell are my favorite baby goodies of all time (not only because they feel SO GOOD, but because I just scored an amazing grown-up robe from Mari made of the same ultra soft material as the kids robes - thanks Mari!). If you need a gift for a baby (or one for yourself!) take a look at their website.

Jen & Mike are getting married!

In August, Jen & Mike will get hitched at the beautiful Sonoma Mission Inn. Recently we got together to create their awesome engagement photos at the Legion of Honor and that big bow & arrow sculpture in San Francisco. (From Wikipedia: A sculpture, "Cupid's Span" by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, was built in 2003 along the Rincon Park area. Resembling Cupid's bow and arrow with the arrow implanted in the ground, the statue symbolizes the place where Tony Bennett "left his heart" - who knew???) I can't wait for their wedding!

SEE THEIR ENGAGEMENT GUESTBOOK

Rose + Joe | The Sonoma Mission Inn

I was lucky enough to photograph Rose & Joe getting married at the historic St. Francis Solano Church in beautiful Sonoma, CA. After a lovely (and sometimes funny) ceremony by Fr. Sullivan, their guests were treated to an afternoon of cocktails on the terrace at the fabulous Sonoma Mission Inn. As darkness descended, everyone moved inside for a delicious dinner followed by wedding cake (almost too beautiful to cut) created by Inticing Creations. My friends at A Savvy Event, Dandelion Floral and LaTavola designed the perfect palette of colors for the bride and groom and my friends at Savadelis Films captured it all on video. Rose and Joe are a perfect couple and had a perfect day!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Interview with Michelle Walker

I was just interviewed for the Pink Blossom List - it's funny! Take a look.

What we want you to know (but are afraid to tell you)

This FANTASTIC article was just published in Brides Magazine. It's everything that we photographers want to tell our brides, but are a little hesitant. If you're about to get married, listen to this advice from these wedding photographers...


HIRE A MAKEUP ARTIST
"Invest in a make-up artists - it will pay off in the long run. Do-it-yourself brides look fine for the first hour or so, but then the makeup wears off. Or they wear very subtle makeup that doesn't photograph well; Nothing 'pops'."
Cathy Short, Devonshire Photography - Wilbraham, MA

SEE EACH OTHER BEFORE THE CEREMONY
"I think the bride and groom should see each other before the ceremony. It gets the jitters out of the way and gives me time to get some fun, unique images. When portraits are taken after the ceremony, it's hard for the couple to focus. They don't want to miss the party!"
Sarah Maren, Sarah Maren Photography - Sacramento, CA

SHARE THE PICS
"When we take posed or more traditional shots, sometimes guests attempt to capture the same images, potentially slowing the process. If you request digital images from your photographers, you can send them to your guests later, and save time on your wedding day."
Craig Butler, Craig Butler Studios - Northville, MI

JUST GO WITH IT
"Realize that even though you feel stupid while you're getting pictures taken, they're turning out great. If you can juts laugh and go with it, the images will reflect your personalities and show the connection between the two of you. You can be in a crappy location, but as long as you're in a good mood, your pictures are going to rock."
Genya Garrett, Vue Photography - Panama City, FL

CLEAN YOUR ROOM
"If you want your 'getting ready' pictures to look their best, keep the place clean. That room becomes the basis, the background, for all your pictures. If you have ten girls dressing and undressing in the same room, it will show in your photos. The room should be clutterless. I get the best pictures when I walk into a room that someone has intentionally kept neat."
Brian Dorsey, Brian Dorsey Studios - NY, NY

DON'T INVITE THE PARTY
"Don't cut your first dance short or have your bridal party join you halfway through it. This decreases the amount of images I can get of just the two of you during your reception. If you dance for the entire song, you'll end up with more sweet, intimate photos."
Alison Conklin, Alison Conklin Photography - Philadelphia, PA

LIGHT YOUR DANCE FLOOR
"There are so many great things that happen during a reception, so you should think about how yours is going to be lit. Ask the DJ or band to light themselves and the dance floor. Or, it it's in your budget, look into a lighting designer, who can add uplighting to the room and give it extra pop. Lighting makes the space look cooler and preserves the ambiance."
Anne Ruthman, Anne Ruthman Photography - Boston, MA

A Savvy Event & my 3 favorite things...

Yesterday I was the featured vendor on A Savvy Event's BLOG. Instead of the same old boring BLOG entry, I did something fun - I gave my 3 favorite things that I've seen at weddings. Take a look!

http://asavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/05/favorite-vendor-day-3-michelle-walker.html

Memorial Day 2009

My dear friend, Kimberly Thompson asked me to photograph her son (Devin) before he is deployed to Afganistan next week. Devin is brave, funny, and an inspiration - it was truly an honor to spend this time with them and create these beautiful photos.

VIEW SLIDESHOW

Pretty in Pink!

Have you seen this BLOG? It's full of creative ideas to make your wedding extra-special. And it's hosted by the ever-fabulous Nancy Liu Chin of Nancy Liu Chin Designs (extraordinary florals). I'm honored to be one of their Pink List Photographers!

Look at this!

I just got THE CUTEST invitation in the mail for an upcoming celebration at the fabulous Cornerstone Gardens. This western-wear inspired design was created by my bestest girlfriends at Peculiar Pair Press. Yeehaw - I love it! {PS - if you're going to the shingding, I'll be there with my camera. Wear your fanciest cowboy boots!}

April Weddings on the MAP Events BLOG

MAP Events Blog - April Weddings !!!
Melissa and Jennie at MAP Events are awesome to feature a few of my photos on their BLOG. Take a look at this amazing wedding we did together last month...

Elope at Cornerstone Gardens!

(Taken from the ASavvyEvent BLOG):
Elopements? Intimate Weddings? I know when you hear elopement right away I bet you are thinking Las Vegas... Elvis and the Chapel of Love... Well, elopements aren't just for Vegas any more. Wine Country has some pretty "Savvy" elopements and intimate weddings...

This year with the recession and economy we have noticed a trend in smaller more intimate weddings. Regardless of the economy people are still getting married and wine country is still a popular destination to tie the knot. A lot of times people think that a wedding planner just plans lavish events and doesn't really get involved in smaller weddings let alone an elopement, however we do a lot of intimate weddings and elopements because a lot of our clients are traveling from far away to bring their closest family and friends to their very special day. They hire us to make that special day happen. A lot of these couples choose us and the venue via the Internet and/or phone and we put the entire event together for them. We arrange for all the vendors, transportation, hotel stays, and private wine tours. Because these events are smaller they tend to make an entire weekend and sometimes an entire week out of their wedding. They sky is the limit!

Some commonly asked questions are:
Q What is an intimate wedding?
A 50 guests or less
Q What is an elopement?
A 10 guests or less
Q What days are these performed?
A Usually Sunday-Thursday. (Friday and Saturday based on availability. *Please note that a Friday or Saturday could cost more money as these dates are usually reserved for larger events and require the max site fee.)

(all photos 2009 Michelle Walker Photography)

Please vote!

If you love this photo as much as I do, please VOTE for it (and me :-) for PDN's FACES "People's Choice" winner...

Little girl and her grandmother in Habana Viejo, Cuba.

Kelly & Nick in Beaver Creek, CO on Style Me Pretty!

I am thrilled that one of my favorite BLOGs, StyleMePretty has featured one of my weddings! Kelly & Nick were married in Beaver Creek, CO on a beautiful fall day. I think their rehersal dinner at the Lazy J Ranch was one of my favorites!

BRIDAL CHARITY EVENT

My good friend, Patty Lee from 8Events is hosting a BRIDAL CHARITY EVENT on April 18th. If you can, go and support a good cause! Here's the info:



Come and be inspired!

Everyone needs some beauty and love in this time of uncertainty, that's why I decided to host Bella Intima, the bridal charity event, together with the Allied Arts Guild. I believe we need to band together and continue to give to charities even with the economy in the state its in, that is why all proceeds from Bella Intima will be donated to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Held at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, Bella Intima will take place on April 18, 2009.

Bella Intima means "beautiful heart/love". Beautiful hearts have come together in the form of several great professionals in the wedding industry. Our passion for the weddings we arrange, the newlyweds who are getting married and the love they share is even more inspiration for this wonderful event.

We have lots of amazing things planned for Bella Intima. There will be hors d'oeuvres, desserts and complimentary champagne. We will be featuring the latest 2009 wedding trends, music, bridal fashion, decoration ideas, food, drinks and will have raffle drawings! You can win a free photobooth rental from PHOTOBOOTH Royale, and many other amazing prizes donated by our wonderful vendors! Participants will enjoy a distinctive afternoon affair beyond the ordinary in the picturesque Allied Arts Guild.

The Allied Arts Guild, located at 75 Arbor Road in Menlo Park, dates back to the late 1700s. In 1929, a piece of the original 35,250 acre land was purchased by Delight and Garfield Merner, who later turned it into an arts guild providing a serene, beautiful workplace for artists in California. To this day, the guild fulfills its founders' dream of a European-style crafts guild. The Allied Arts Guild is available for special events, shopping, lounging and is a perfect setting for Bella Intima! For more information, please visit http://www.alliedartsguild.org/.

My company, 8events, specializes in weddings, corporate events and event planning as well as providing unique floral arrangements. I work closely with event professionals located in the Bay Area and pride myself on only recommending the best services to my clients. Every event is special to me, and I believe everyone deserves a beautiful and memorable event that fits his or her own personal style. Please visit my website for more information. http://www.8events.com/.

Free admission and special goodie bags will go to the first 300 brides to RSVP. $10 donation at the door will get you a raffle ticket. For a list of vendors, to RSVP, directions or to read our blog, please visit the Bella Intima website: http://www.bellaintima.com/

We look forward to having you at Bella Intima! Come and be inspired!

Elopement at Auberge du Soleil

Yesterday was a perfect day to get married! Tara & Ray escaped the cold of Seattle (and Ireland!) to the lovely warmth of Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. With their closest friends and families, they were married by the wonderful Peader Dalton in an inspirational and touching ceremony overlooking the Napa Valley. Congratulations newlyweds and have a fabulous time in SE Asia!

Dog portrait help.

I need your help! I am entering the PDN "Faces" photography contest and need to cut one of the following dog portraits - which one? (The name is above the dog.)

tripod & daisy

gracie

minnie

beatle bee

sophie

hannah

pavo

Way up high!

Yesterday I got the thrill of a lifetime! My good friends at RE Broocker needed some aerial shots of commercial buildings they've painted and they asked me to come up with them in a helicopter to photograph them - it was awesome!

Hot off the press!

I am thrilled to have a photo published in the new Classic Party Rentals brochure...

Travel = photos!

A new batch of travel photographs are online (from my recent trip to SE Asia). Click HERE to see my new (and a few old) favorites.

Enjoy!

http://www.michellewalker.com/#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=7&a=0&at=0

Nuts about each other!

In September, Megan & Joey will gather with their families and friends at the beautiful Mariani Farmhouse for their wonderful wedding. My good friends at A Savvy Event introduced me to Megan knowing that we would hit it off immediately. Take a look at this wonderful Engagement Guestbook we created from photos taken at the farmhouse. Megan & Joey's sense of fun is sure to permeate their wedding. I can't wait!

Rose & Joe are getting married!

Rose and Joe will tie the knot in Sonoma at the St. Francis Solano Church and the Sonoma Mission Inn (one of my very favorite places!). We photographed these photos at the beautiful Legion of Honor last week and created their Engagement Guestbook. What a fabulous couple and what a great wedding to look forward to in May!

Baby Mo.

It's wonderful when a bride & groom ask me to photograph the newest additions to their families. Alicia & Evan were married 2 years ago and contacted me recently to introduce me to their son, Mo. Baby Mo is just 2 weeks old in these photos! He is beautiful and such a good baby.

Featured in The Knot

Take a look and this AMAZING wedding that I photographed last year (and that The Knot has featured)...

Coordinator :: Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events
Floral Designer :: Tapestry Flowers
Ceremony :: Grace Cathedral
Reception & Caterer :: The Mark Hopkins
Lighting Design & Rentals :: Classic Party Rentals

Click on the photo (or here) to see the full article http://weddings.theknot.com/ODB/themes/realweddings/view.aspx?type=1&id=39804

Photos from SE Asia

Hello from Siem Reap, Cambodia. I am sorry for the delay getting photos posted, but the internet here has not yet entered the 21st century! Here are just a few of my favorites...
(PS - about 50% of you like the Lensbaby look and 50% don't - so I'm doing both!)

What do you think?

I am considering photographing this entire trip with my Lens Baby. The Lens Baby is an amazing (and fun!) lens that lets you change the point of focus - giving a dreamy quality to the photos. The image above was just taken (no post production done) using the baby - I'd love to hear your feedback.

SE Asia

In a few hours I leave for a few weeks in lovely, warm SE Asia! After cycling, trekking, and kyaking from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I head into Cambodia & Vietnam to explore the amazing temples and our combined turbulant history.

I plan on taking about 1 bazillion photos and to eat my way through SE Asia! Here's where I'll be...

The studio will be up & running while I am away (thanks to Vivian & Craig!). If you need anything over the next few weeks, don't hesitate to call or email the office. I promise to travel safe and I'll see you in early February!

The winning photo!

I just received an email saying that I am the winner of Intrepid Travel's travel photography contest! Woohoo! I will receive a $1000 shopping spree at Kathmandu (the NorthFace of New Zealand) and my image will be used on the Intrepid website. Way too cool. Above is the winning image (taken on my last visit to Cuba). Every year I am lucky enough to travel somewhere fun to work on my travel photography. Click HERE to see some of my favorites.

Inside Weddings Magazine

Inside weddings is one of my favorite magazines - and I am thrilled to have a few of my photographs published in Summer issue! Take a look at Megan & Brian's beautiful wedding...

We had an awesome team of wedding vendors to work with on this one...

Coordinator :: Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events
Caterer & Cake :: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Floral Designer :: Tapestry Flowers
Lighting Design & Rentals :: Classic Party Rentals

Thinking of eloping?

Elopements are very popular in this part of the world. Lot's of couples come from all over the world to get married in Northern California - some in San Francisco, many in Napa, anywhere there is a fabulous intimate setting for them and their most special friends & families. Take a look at these elopements that I've photographed already this year...

Elaine & Don are gettin' hitched!

These guys are going to have an amazing wedding at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga (where I've wanted to get married since I was 5 years old). Take a look at their Engagement Guestbook (click on the image below). The books are a HUGE HIT with my couples and their guests - they're much cooler than the usual sign-in book...VIEW THE GUESTBOOK

Amanda & Louie @ Ralston Hall

Wowzaa. I knew that Amanda & Louie were going to have an amazing wedding just from their Save The Date card... but they blew me away! Their team of vendors created one of the most unique (and fun) weddings I've ever seen. Heading-up the team was our fearless leader, Kristina Taheri of Kristina Taheri Special Events who worked closely with Karen at Ralston Hall and Linnae of Asiel Design to create the fabulous setting. Scrumptious food was provided by Ethan and his crew from Componere Fine Catering and the incredible mini-cheesecakes were created by Marcus at Draeger's. The awesome black & white motif was helped with rentals from the fine folks at Classic Party Rentals and all was captured on video by the boys at Thomas Hughes Films. Amanda (who is one of the stylish brides I know - check out her store, 151 Boutique in Los Altos) was made even more beautiful by Blush Makeup and hair by Jaclyn at Mission 6 Salon.

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Ralston Hall with Liz & Nathan

Ralston Hall is a gorgeous place for a wedding - both indoors and out. Outside you get the natural beauty of the Bay Area Peninsula and inside you get the magnificence of a 19th century mansion. Karen at Ralston Hall helped Liz & Nate create a wonderful vintage feel for their wedding with gorgeous florals from Karen Baba at Plan Decor, a classic car from AR Limo, and a fun photo booth by Red Cheese. Chef extraordinaire, Teri at La Bocca Fina created a great meal followed by a delicious (and beautiful) cake by Sonya at Butterfly Cakes. Take a look at Liz's beautiful pups who were a special part of the day!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

An engagement...

VIEW THEIR ENGAGEMENT GUESTBOOK

Stephanie & Petro will be married next year at the fabulous Crown Room in the Fairmont, San Francisco. It's a gorgeous location for a gorgeous couple. They live in the East Bay (like me!) and wanted to photograph their engagement session on the sunny side of the bay. We met at Lake Merritt in Oakland and toured the lake while taking beautiful photos (dodging the Canada geese who weren't sure what we were up to).

Photo shoot with I Dream of Cakes!

Take a look at Shinmin's BLOG...

We created a concept and photographed a spread for YWD magazine. It was awesome to work with such a culinary genius - I hope to do it again someday very soon!

Liz & Dave at The Kohl Mansion

Liz and Dave were married at the fabulous Kohl Mansion in Burlingame. Kim from Always RSVP helped them create a gorgeous setting for a wonderful wedding. After a modern Jewish ceremony overlooking the garden, the guests were treated to a wonderful Kosher meal by Paul & Wendy at Too Caterers followed by a delicious cake by Maralyn at Have Your Cake. Paige from Passiflora Designs did the most beautiful chuppa and florals and I have never seen lighting as cool as that by Knight Vision Lighting - check out the gobo's on the floor, ceiling, and the outside of the mansion! And the boys at Thomas Hughes Video captured everything on film!

Yvette & Djaya at The Ritz-Carlton

One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is seeing how different cultures celebrate the joy of marriage. Yvette & Djaya are Javanese and had a wonderful ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. They were each escorted to the alter under a bright red umbrella and sat (not looking at each other) throughout the Muslim ceremony (check out their traditional Javanese outfits). After the ceremony (and a quick outfit change), their ballroom reception was fun & upbeat. Their friend, Wendy Chan did a beautiful job with the flowers and Susan at Elegant Cheesecakes created a masterpiece of a cake for them to cut - all captured by the talented videographer Joel Cook.

Cecilia & Michael at Wente Vineyards

The Livermore Valley is a beautiful place - vineyards, mansions, great weather and Wente Vineyards is a perfect place for a wedding. Cecilia & Michael were married on the lawn terrace in front of the winery then moved inside to the Cresta Blanca room for an evening of wonderful food, music, and dancing. Bloomsters created gorgeous table settings and florals and my good friend Justin Fone captured everything on video.

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Shelley & Skip at the Ritz-Carlton

Shelley & Skip are an amazing couple - gorgeous, fun, successful, and (did I mention) gorgeous? They were married on the terrace of the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton with their closest friends & families. After the short (but very beautiful) ceremony, we all headed inside for cocktails, dinner, and dancing - check out the hula-hoops! And look at the beautiful color palette that Laura from Floramor created for them - it's one of my new favorites!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Marina & Richard at Swedenborgian & The Fairmont.

The Swedenborgian in Pac Heights is one of my favorite churches in San Francisco - it's dark, romantic, and has a great history. Marina & Richard looked great lit by candlelight at the alter. After the ceremony (and portraits in the beautiful courtyard) we met-up at the gorgeous penthouse suite and the Fairmont Hotel. The couple and their guests enjoyed an amazing cocktail party with food stations, great music (by Denon & Doyle) and florals by Edmonds Plaza Florist. After a fun test (involving Barbie & Ken - really!), the couple busted out the cowboy hats, boa's, and bowlers - it was a blast!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Tying the Knot - a BLOG worth checking out!

Edyta's BLOG has posted a GREAT idea (photos taken by moi!)...

(taken from her BLOG...)
Happy Friday!!! This Tying the Knot Moment is one of my favs so far!! Friend and photographer, Michelle Walker (based out of the San Francisco area) emailed these awesome photos to share! Super hip couple, Eulalia and Paul, were married in Chileno Valley Ranch in Petaluma, CA this past May. Their seating cards were hung by string, as seen above. In order for guests to retrieve their name, they had to exchange the seating card with a polaroid taken of them! Super cute! Thanks for sharing Michelle!!
Advice: assign the task and station to one or two friends to help the flow.

Becca's getting married!

It's always fun when a friend gets married. Becca and Jere will get hitched next month at the fabulous Lark Creek Inn. Here's a sneak-peek of Becca in Amy Kuschel's studio for her dress fitting.

Eulalia & Paul at the Chileno Valley Ranch - yeehaw!

Eulalia & Paul had a wedding that we would all love to have - casual, elegant, fun, and fabulous! Sally & Mike at the Chileno Valley Ranch hosted the event with the ceremony on the back lawn and the reception in the barn. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and apple orchard and dang those burgers were good! Pam Ferrari created a wonderful menu with all locally provided ingredients - all perfectly prepared. Paul Robertson decorated the barn with poppies and Eulalia wore the most amazing dress designed by her and Azadeh Couture - check out the hand applied flowers all over the skirt. The couple was gracious enough to let me drag them out of dinner to catch the sunset on the bluffs above the ranch - and the photos are amazing! It was a perfect day.

VIEW SLIDESHOW