M & J had an intimate wedding at the Berkeley Country Club in Berkeley California. Perched high above the San Francisco Bay, and surrounded by an intimate group of 30 or so of their closest friends and family – let’s just say that this one got me all emotional.
I love when my couples bring me along for the whole engagement ride. M & J hired me a year and a half before they were married – so not only was I able to dream with them and help them brainstorm lots of location ideas, but I also really got to know them and fall in love with their sweet story together.
A musician and a preschool teacher who met freshman year of college and had their first date at the cafeteria. That time J surprised M with his rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘I can’t help falling in love with you’ on the banjo. I got the whole story over beers at the pelican Inn while we were relaxing and getting to know each other before our dreamy Muir Woods engagement shoot. Muir Woods was a very special place to them – it’s a place they love to hike together, and also where J proposed to M! M and J – thank you for trusting me and giving me the honor of documenting this first chapter of the rest of your lives together.
WORDS FROM M & J
“Let me start off by saying that Jess is absolutely AMAZING! She is literally everything you would want in a photographer (punctual, attentive, funny, talented, organized, fun, inviting, patient, kind, and so freaking cool!).
My husband and I were connected with Jess through a mutual friend November 2020 after we got engaged, and I am so incredibly happy that we did. We live in Berkeley, and Jess was very accommodating in scheduling a date that she could travel up and that we could take off work. To top it off, Jess suggested that we get drinks beforehand to get to know each other, and this was truly special and really helped my fiancé and I relax. We then ventured to Muir Woods for our photoshoot. My husband and I both insisted that we were not photogenic and would be “awkward” the entire time, but Jess assured us that it would be alright, and instructed us to act casual and gave us the best prompts to get us smiling and laughing- it was almost like there wasn’t a camera pointed at us! We got the photos back so quick, and immediately fell in love with the photos, it was so hard choosing just one for our invitations!
Last October (2021) when we got married, Jess was such a pivotal member of our team. She helped with the timeline, gave us advice in terms of florals and placements, she worked so well with the venue, and kept the day flowing smoothly. Jess validated my feelings when I was panicking, helped make sure details were in order, and kept the day light as we prepared for the first look (which was such a great suggestion). Jess captured so many wonderful moments, and took great shots of the details for us to remember.
On top of all that- Jess made BEAUTIFUL jewelry and other products from my bouquet, and I am so loving them! She is all around talented.
We cannot recommend Jess more highly as a photographer and a genuinely kind, thoughtful human. We are very thankful for Jess and the radiant spirit she brings to her work. If you’re searching for a photographer, search no further- Jess is your person.”
HMU – Mai Artistry
Earrings – Two Fold Mercantile
Flowers – A Loves in Bloom
Floral Preservation – Bloom & Wander Co Designs
Dress and Veil – Emerald City Gowns
Venue – Berkeley Country Club
Guitar – Stephan Kane Guitar
