Sam and Kyle was my first groom-groom wedding after I had shot a bride-bride wedding the previous year. It was an exciting opportunity for me to work with posing two guys. At the core of it, I always look to capture genuine interaction and not restrict my clients to a rigid poses, since no two couple are exactly alike in how they stand and fit next to each other. It’s always a fun challenge that allows us to work on the fly to find what suits them best.
I drove up to Deer Park Villa in Fairfax, CA to meet the couple at the site of their venue. It was nice to see them help each other get ready. This doesn’t usually happen because couples generally wait for the ceremony or a first look. Their families were around and ready so I focused more on getting some family time moments rather than just the putting on a shirt/jacket/tie combo.
When Sam and Kyle were ready, we drove to a nearby spot to get some portraits in private since the venue was starting to fill with guests already. It was great to get to know them a bit more and see how comfortable they were with each other. I loved their suits. Almost identical, except Sam had a double breasted version to Kyle’s 2 button piece.
Back at the Deer Park Villa, we transitioned right into the ceremony amongst the towering red woods. I’m always a fan of floral arrangements that makes use of wildflowers and those were found in abundance in and around the 3/4 wreath altar they were walking down towards.
The ceremony was very heartfelt and both grooms and guests alike were wiping away tears throughout. I found a perfect spot to capture their kiss using some of the florals as a blurred foreground element.
After the ceremony, Sam and Kyle requested a few moments to themselves, which is something I like to recommend to my clients. It’s your day and you’re often jumping from one place to the next surrounded by people and dictated by a schedule. When possible, I like to account for some private time for the couple. I did catch a couple of shots of them from afar though so they would have something to go along with their memories of that moment.
Rebecca from Be Hitched did a great job working with the guys to come up some creative decor for the cocktail and reception. I was especially fond of the the seating chart. There was also a wonderful charcuterie and cheese platter on wood boards that just fit in so well with the natural setting of the venue.
Sam and Kyle sat at a long table with friends and family. Personally, I’m a fan of this option over a separate table so that you are really amongst your guests. Just my two cents. The trees provided wonderful light coverage so that everything stayed well and even lit without any hot spots, a photographer’s dream.
As the light faded, Sam and Kyle had their first dance under the twinkle of the hanging lights before the party commenced both indoors and outdoors.
