Vineyard Destination Wedding : Helen & Chris » Sarah K Chen Photography Blog

Welcome to my Blog!

If I love doing something, there’s nothing in the world that will stop me from doing it. Case in point: I grew up drawing on the walls of my house, much to the chagrin of my parents, who had to repaint the interior before they could sell it. Though I no longer use crayons to express myself, I still have that passion today for creating beautiful images.

I now use a camera to capture what would otherwise be fleeting moments between two people sharing in the excitement of beginning a new life together. There is little else that can evoke such strong emotion and bring back cherished memories as a well-composed photo, and I aim to capture just that with each one I take. I want my images to hold a special place in your heart for years to come.

I feel honored to be present at such a significant time in my clients’ lives and hope you’ll invite me to become part of yours, too.

Vineyard Destination Wedding : Helen & Chris

I’m blogging things a bit out of order as I’m waiting on a big film order, but I really couldn’t wait to share these images with you all. Recently, I flew up to Northern California with my good friend Connie M Chung to shoot a romantic wedding set in wine country. It was sweltering, but gorgeous day with elegant details at the Palms Event Center in Pleasanton, Ca. Their color scheme of soft greens, varying shades of lavender and mauve fit so well with their venue. All in all it was a fun filled, amazing day for all!

I started off with the girls’ getting ready in their hotel room. The interior of the room even matched their wedding colors. And I even ran into an old church friend who was one of the hair and makeup artists getting the girls all dolled up. What a small world!

Love a classic pair of Jimmy Choos. And you know Helen will be wearing those again!

While I started off with the girls, Connie met up with the guys and got these great images! I love the understated masculine look of their Burberry cufflinks!

Helen looked so gorgeous in her Melissa Sweet gown. I had another bride wear this same dress, but with delicate straps and they both looked amazing in it. The soft flowy layers, the swiss dots, and the pleats around the sweetheart neckline are totally swoon worthy.

Helen and Chris opted to do a first look and I am so glad they did. I love how happy and excited they both were to be seeing each other, they are so cute!

A quick shot of the entire wedding party on the stairs and then we were off to the winery for the tea ceremony.

Helen changed into her qipao and they had their tea ceremony with family members in this great room lined with oak barrels.

Once back into her wedding dress we headed outside for some more fun! This isn’t my typical post processing, but I couldn’t resist trying it out at least for the blog post. I still have no idea how Chris got up so high.

The girls all looked so gorgeous! I loved the soft greens and muted lavenders colors. So perfect for a vineyard wedding.

The guys all looked pretty darn handsome too. Do you see the second groomsman from the right? He’s got his hand in his jacket gansta style. I laughed out loud when I saw him do that.

You can’t tell, but we were experiencing 95+ degree weather out there. You’d never know it by how cool and collected these two were on their wedding day. Thankfully I found a patch of shade and didn’t have to torture anyone in direct sunlight!

Image on the right by Connie. I took one almost exactly like it of the groom’s boutonniere above.

I love this one that Connie got of the two of them. The love in Helen’s eyes is so genuine and real.

Connie caught this one of Helen and Chris as they were officially announced Husband and Wife!

A few of the gorgeous details from the reception room.

Right before their grand entrance we took a few minutes to do some more portraits when the light was softer and the weather cooler. I love this one that Connie got of Helen. There’s just something so fleeting and romantic about it.

Another one of Connie’s shots that I really love. I’m so glad that we got those last few minutes for some portraits before the reception started!

Venue: Palm Event Center

Coordinator: Annie at Palm Event Center

Second Shooter: Connie M Chung

Florals: Huckleberry Karen Designs

DJ: Jeff Lee of Ingo B

Cake: Amy Peeples

Dress: Melissa Sweet

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Beauty: Pretty by Julianne

by Sarah K Chen

11 comments

link to this post email a friend

July 28, 2010 - 2:44 pm Julianne - Hi Sarah! Helen just told me the teasers are up and I had to "run" over to check 'em out. And wow, you sure don't disappoint. You and Connie are SO awesome. I looooooove how these photos turned out. Seriously, great job! Helen and Chris looks really great! Didn't Helen tell you Chris is a basketball player? Hence, the vertical jump height. :-)

July 28, 2010 - 2:58 pm lydia {ever ours} - amazing work! and i agree with you about connie's shots too!

July 28, 2010 - 3:09 pm connie M chung - sarah! i know i've said this like 100 times, but you're so talented!! and thank you again for having me along! it was so much fun! congrats to the lovely couple! xo and then another xo!

July 28, 2010 - 3:12 pm connie M chung - oh! and i LOVE that jumping shot! it's so much fun and just makes me happy!

July 28, 2010 - 4:40 pm Read Phillips - You are indeed amazing. The Palm is my business and I have seen lots of photos in the past 6 years. These are gorgeous!!! Please share a complete disc with our marketing director, Michelle Pangrazio. We always credit photographers on our collaterel and web site. Thanks for showcasing our property so beautifully. Read Phillips

July 28, 2010 - 7:57 pm Annie - Sarah, the pictures are amazing! You've done such an incredible job at capturing these great moments of Helen and Chris' wedding. It was great meeting you and I look forward to working with you again in October! :)

July 28, 2010 - 9:23 pm Helen - Sarah, you are amazing! We can't wait to see the rest!

July 29, 2010 - 7:28 am David of DavidHam - What a cool venue. So much happiness in the photos. Awesome job Sarah.

August 2, 2010 - 5:11 pm Sarah K Chen - Hi Read, I'll definitely be in touch with Annie and make sure that Michelle receives the full gallery for your website. Your venue is really gorgeous and I loved shooting there! :) I'll actually be back up to Pleasanton shooting another wedding at your venue in October for Alycia and Albert!

August 2, 2010 - 5:11 pm Sarah K Chen - Annie, I'm really looking forward to seeing and working with you again too! See you in October!

August 3, 2010 - 1:08 pm Nancy Tao - The photos are AMAZING! I'm getting married at the same venue next March and your photos just got me all giddy and excited again! :)