One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “always own a nice car, a good bed and a nice pair of shoes…because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other.” I’m a fan of nice footwear (maybe it is in my genes since my last name is “Shoemake”) and I always enjoying photographing the bride’s shoes. I have several brides I know of (names withheld) that spent more time trying to find the perfect pair of shoes than they did trying to find the perfect dress. I laughed of course, but I also greatly appreciate the effort they’ve put into the details that surround their feet. So it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you some of my favorite shoes from 2010. The likes include Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, J Crew, Nina, Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren Collection, Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade, Badgley Mischka and more (if you were wondering, no, I never forget what shoe my brides wore). I hope you’ll enjoy the inspiration from classic, to retro, city chic to bright and sassy.

There is something awesome about going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with 130 of your closest friends and family. Oh and having one of the most gorgeous, beach, destination weddings while you’re there is a superb idea too. That is exactly what Nikki and Bobby did a little while back in gorgeous Baja California, Mexico.
Special thanks to the lovely Leslie Bost of The One Happenings, Cabo’s finest wedding and event planner, Capella Pedregal for hosting the rehearsal dinner, Villa Bellissima in Pedregal for hosting the reception and the many others who helped make this wedding special.

Noteworthy: Bobby owns a fishing reel manufacturing outfit, thus the placecard holders were miniature reels. Nikki’s father passed away several years ago and in his remembrance, she stitched a photo of them together in the lining of her wedding dress (see photo below). The wide-angle dance photo was captured by my amazing second photographer, Nashville’s finest: Evan Baines from the pool. If you look at the overall reception area you’ll see that this was the best point to photograph so he borrowed some trunks and a towel, hopped in and captured an amazing image, bravo. Many of the photos below were his as well. Yes, they did have their own private pyrotechnics display. Fireworks at your wedding are amazing.

Remember that time when I used to blog? That was awesome. Well, honestly I hope some of you have some spare time this winter because I’m going to be blogging a ton, the new website (which has had its soft opening) will be complete, I’ll be sharing some new personal/travel photography, writing a lot, etc. So stay tuned. I’ll be finishing out the year with weddings in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, local wineries and a lovely wedding in Manhattan. If you’re looking to book something for next year (hopefully your date is available) contact me soon, dates are really filling up fast and I only photograph a limited amount of weddings annually.
In other news, the kids are doing great. Halloween candy is aplenty. I just photographed the birth story of my new little nephew Lincoln. Badgley weighs a whopping 4.75 lbs now. I have a new camera (Mamiya RZ67). Oh, and I’ve been photographing some drop-dead gorgeous weddings. I cannot wait to share everything. While you’re waiting, here is one frame that I love from Amy and Ben’s elegant, gala style wedding at Hotel Vitale and the Ferry Building in San Francisco, CA. What an amazing affair! Alison Ulshoffer Events, Nancy Liu Chin, Lovespun Films, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, R Douglas Custom Clothier and Miosa Bridal Couture were all involved in making this one extra special.

What a season of superb weddings it has been? I honestly do not have one complaint (or at least I’ve just forgotten about all of them) about the way this year has gone. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing, creative and truly splendid couples. I have seven weddings left to finish out the year (one of which is in NYC and one in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) and I just don’t want it to end. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my wonderful clients who have been so kind and trusting to me with your most precious photographs. Sorry for getting sappy on you, but I’m just more and more humbled every single day.
Amy and David embody creativity, style and sophistication. From the pillow covers and place mats that were sewn by her, to the single fig placed on each menu, the personal touches were just incredible. These two came out from Chicago, CA and we had only met via phone/email so I was so excited to finally give them both a big hug in person. They chose a wonderfully intimate and very private estate in Kenwood, CA (Napa Valley Wine Country near Sonoma, CA) called Anderson Ranch. The ceremony and reception sites are incredible, think photographer’s paradise. A Savvy Event helped pull the whole day together and Ramekins served up a culinary masterpiece that had the whole reception abuzz with delight. It was truly an incredible wedding and I cannot wait to share more photographs soon. I hope this one will get you by for a bit. Enjoy.

Lindsey and Jordan tied the knot at the beautiful Viaggio Winery in Acampo, CA this past weekend. I love the raw, real, spontaneous emotion that comes from the bride and groom as they walk down the aisle from their wedding ceremony. Pretty portraits are awesome, great details are key but there is something so rich about freezing time and holding all of that moment in one photograph.
Their wedding was held in the serene setting of a walnut orchard on the grounds, surrounded by tall trees, vineyards and a river. I love Lodi wine country weddings and we had some beautiful weather as well. I can’t wait to share more from their awesome wedding but one teaser image should get us through. Have a rad time in Mexico relaxing on the beach you two! I’m a bit jealous. Enjoy.