Napa Portrait and Wedding Photographer » Weddings

The Anniversary, Celebrating Yannick, Susan and their Beloved Keva

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:46:56 +0000

This is a special posting for some very special friends. Yannick and Susan Rousseau were married in France about a year and a half ago. I was the lucky photographer who accompanied them on this amazing and beautiful journey, featured here. The wedding was magnificent, and who could forget the Texas meets Gascony BBQ the night before? Have a peek if you like here. It was with great pleasure that we got together this past September to take photographs once again. This session was loaded with emotion, love and a lot of playfulness. Yep, even some tears. But they were happy tears.

Much has happened since we took these photos. I’m very sad to say that this beautiful home of theirs where we took these images burned to the ground on March 10th, taking everything they owned, including their beloved Australian Sheperd, Keva. To say they are heartbroken, is an understatement. However, Yannick, Susan and their son, Theo, are incredibly resilient and remarkable people. They have an amazing community surrounding them with love and lots of helping hands. In fact, there is a site you may have heard of called LOTS of Helping Hands. It too is remarkable as a resource. If you would like to be included in the ongoing efforts to help these beautiful people rebuild their lives, please contact me here and I’ll see that you get hooked up with the latest news and what’s needed. You can also be added to the BranumRousseau facebook group and get updates, or donate directly here.

For now, take a few minutes and enjoy two beautiful songs along with two beautiful people. La vie en rose, their first dance at the wedding, on a very hot and humid night in the south-west of France, under a brilliant, starry sky. Yann and Suse, I love you all. Click on the image when you’re ready to be swept away.

White House Inn & Spa Wedding | Napa Valley, California | Mark & Linda

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:19:13 +0000

It was a warm day in May, thunderstorms threatening to spill over at any time, and yet it was a glorious day. A glorious day for many reasons; Mark and Linda were getting married, family and friends had traveled far and wide to stay for this wedding in the Napa Valley Wine Country, and the weather held for us! First it was overcast, which didn’t bother me in the least, as I like what it does to saturate colors and cast away harsh shadows. Then, it was sunny, with sweet puffy white clouds floating over the beautiful 19th Century White House Mansion and its lovely grounds, adding drama and dimension to the surroundings. May weddings are always beautiful, but it can lend to nail biting if you’re the bride. I know, my wedding anniversary is in May as well. I can remember having dreams prior to my wedding that we would be caught in a downpour without a Plan B. Nope, didn’t happen. Big puffy pretty clouds and over ninety degrees is what we had! Mark and Linda had amazing weather too. And, they had the most incredible wedding planner I’ve ever met. Sarah Ghazzagh, of A Dream Wedding, has a Plan A, B, C, and beyond. We were in the most capable hands we could have asked for.

I won’t go into the entire coolest-love-story-ever, that is Mark and Linda here. You can click on this link, to read the full blown and beautiful love story and reunion (as in 30 year high school reunion!), to freshen up on that. I do, however, need to emphasize that every single person at this wedding was ready to scream and shout with joy when the minister pronounced this couple man and wife. It was that moving, that meant to be, that refreshing, the kind of love that was ready to blaze a trail of a new life together. Mark and Linda were together again!

This is more of an image rich posting, versus a wordy (sorry, I know I do that) posting, because I think the images speak for themselves. It would be hard to miss the happiness, love and shear joy that prevailed on that day. I was moved and so very flattered after sharing a gallery of these wedding images with the above mentioned, fantastic Sarah Ghazzagh, to read this message from her in my inbox:

“BRAVO! I was trying to wait to watch this until tomorrow, but I just couldn’t! Your work evokes a degree of emotion that is difficult to articulate! WOW! Even if you didn’t know this couples really cool backstory, you were able to communicate the message here with your work of the rich emotion that prevailed on that day! AWESOME! I cannot tell you how moving this artistic pictorial experience was to watch tonight– a HUGE thank you! I honestly cant wait to work with you again!”

Mark and Linda, thank you for putting your trust into me. Getting to know you and taking this journey with you has been a highlight of my life. I’m really, really lucky and thank you for everything. Especially our new friendship.

Much love, Kathi

Let’s go inside for some ‘getting ready’. It always starts with the shoes. Come on, I’m a girl, we dress from the feet up. And, aren’t those fuchsia shoes amazing!

One of Linda’s dear friends approaches as she finishes up, with the help of her niece.

Um, can’t resist those shoes.

Gifts

Love and hugs with Mark’s beautiful daughter. New family.

The men it would appear, had some figuring out to do.

They look great!

It’s show time folks. Beautiful music and an Irish poem.

The bride’s brother gave her away. I love his Top Hat!

The minister brought the rings out to Mark’s aunt and Linda’s mother for a blessing of the rings. This was extremely moving to witness. Watching these women, who mean so much to Mark and Linda, touching the rings that they would wear; pouring their love, hopes and dreams into them. I loved that in the image of Linda’s mother, Barbara, you could see her wedding ring in the mix. The ring Barbara still wears, her dear husband having passed.

They’re just a little bit happy!

The venue was exquisite.

I love that the wedding party is all about family. Mark’s son and daughter stood up as best man and maid of honor, his brother a groomsmen & his niece the ring-bearer, and Linda’s niece a bridesmaid. Aren’t they gorgeous?

All the men, Linda’s brothers both represented here as well. A little bit silly, but who cares anyway.

Mark and his beautiful children. All grown up!

And, the bride and groom.

And, they’re introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Norton! What a fabulous entrance to their reception.

A tad of explanation on these next shots. I wanted to take some photos of Linda’s nephews. For one, they’re handsome and just really nice young men. Mainly though, we wanted to photograph them in their suits with those special neckties on. Those neckties belonged to their grandpa, Linda’s father. In fact, so did their shoes. They were honoring their grandpa’s presence and wearing those ties and his shoes. Amazing, the shoes fit. In fact, you’ll see in the following shots, their dad, Linda’s brother is also sporting a special tie. Yep, his father’s tie. And then, they all get just silly and decide to totally rock the Top Hat!

See what I mean?

The first dance.

The bride and her way fun momma. Then, the rest of the fun. Thanks folks, it was great!

Engagement 2011 | Mark + Linda = The Sweetest Love Story | Ever!

admin — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:53:18 +0000

This is the sweetest love story, about two very special people. Please allow me to tell this beautiful story of Mark and Linda. Mark and Linda dated way back in 1978, and even went to Senior Ball together, but before they knew it, it was graduation and they went their separate ways. Mark stayed in Northern California for his education and subsequent career, where he married and raised two beautiful children. Linda moved south after high school, to UCLA, then ASU, before settling in San Diego in 1985. Linda married briefly in the late 80′s, but raised dogs instead of children. Eons later (in their words), their 30th high school reunion rolled around. Both came very close to NOT attending, but as fate would have it, they both did. When they ran into each other at the Friday night “grads-only” cocktail party, the first words Mark said to Linda were, “Are you married?”. Luckily for both of them the answer, “Nope!” They started dating shortly thereafter, hopping Southwest flights north and south to visit each other until they became engaged on a trip to San Francisco in September 2009. Mark did his best to recreate their Senior Ball date with visits to Coit Tower and the St. Francis on this trip. How cool! Linda made the big move back to the cold north and they no longer must endure flights back and forth! So, as they say, “the rest is history”, and almost three years later … make that Thirty-three years later, they are very much looking forward to starting a new and exciting chapter in their lives, together! Beautiful, no?

Even though Mark and Linda are getting married in our beautiful Napa Valley, I suggested we meet somewhere in between, in another gorgeous wine region, Suisun Valley. I know, far to few of us know about this little gem. Earlier this year, I had photographed a wedding for the Vezer Family, who own and operate wineries in three locations in Suisun Valley. I believe I mentioned something like this before, in my post about that wedding here, but I have to say it again, I’ve never met a more gracious family than the Vezer’s. When I said that I was heading over to their part of the woods to photograph Mark and Linda’s engagement session, Liz Vezer said “I’ll make sure Frank is here and he’ll do a barrel tasting for your couple and give them a tour of the sites”. This was the most amazing engagement session. Mark and Linda were floored by the hospitality they received from the Vezers. Frank Vezer, the owner of the winery, pulled out all the stops and we all had such a wonderful time. Of course, I didn’t do any tasting! That would not have been so good for my focusing, me thinks, ha, ha! However, because I could not partake, Frank sent me home with a bottle of their over-the-top 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Yum!

Mark, Linda, I’m beyond thrilled that you chose me to be your photographer. I can’t wait for your wedding this weekend, it’s going to be fabulous! Thanks so much for your kind comments throughout these past several months leading up to your very special day. I think the world of you both.

Three.more.days!

Couldn’t help myself, had to start with this image. Where it all began folks. Prom 1978.

We had a little fun with some updated Prom posturing.

Onto our tour and tasting. Very dim, yet beautiful light in the barrel room with Frank Vezer pouring.

After a bit of tasting, we ventured upstairs to this richly decorated room above the barrel room. You can look out over the barrel room from here. Some pretty stellar views of the grounds and vines/hills too. When weddings are held at The Blue Victorian, it’s also a favored place for ‘the getting ready’ for the girls.

Well, needs no explanation.

Moved onto the surrounding beautiful countryside. Just breathtaking scenery.

And, here we are, 33 years later. It’s not Prom, but I think a wedding is pretty exciting. Cheers!

The Blue Victorian Winery | Marco + Cassie’s Wedding |

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:07:55 +0000

This was an unforgettable wedding on so many levels. The venue was out of this world stunning. It was held at one of Cassie’s family’s wineries, The Blue Victorian . It is a nearly century-old landmark in Suisun Valley, that has been restored by it’s owners, the proud parents of the bride, Frank and Liz Vezer, of The Vezer Family Vineyards. Friends and family came from all over the globe to attend this happiest of occasions. Guests traveled from as far away as Canada and Hungary. Let me just say right now, I live in Wine Country, Napa Valley. However, I really was not so much aware of my neighbor, Suisun Valley, in terms of wine making. I was, simply put, blown out of the water when I discovered this beautiful setting that is The Vezer Family experience. It is truly some of the most remarkable wine I’ve ever had. And the setting in which their wonderful wineries live, spectacular. I’m so grateful to have been invited into the lives of these lovely people. Something you find out pretty quickly when you are getting to know the Vezers: ‘we are family’. And that is not just a phrase. Cassie and Marco have such a grounded, loving family. In a day and time when we all live so fast, it was refreshing to witness first-hand, their love of family, extended-family (and there were many!) and their many, many friends. I’ll repeat myself to those who were at this wedding, I’ve never seen so many beautiful and elegantly dressed people in one place at the same time.

It was such a gift to be a part of this beautiful day. Thank you for showing me such a wonderful time and making me part of your family. It is not possible to be with the Vezers and not feel loved.

Enjoy!

The Wedding ….. in France…. Il était magnifique.

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:12:32 +0000

I have to tell you, this post was painful for me. There was so much that I wanted to share, however, at the risk of being over-bearing, I just couldn’t include everything I wanted to. Sorry, you just had to be there. Or, at least come to the Napa Wedding/Wine Release event in Sonoma County this weekend; where you will see one big, looping, slideshow of the event. I’ll be sharing a bit more here on the blog of the the third, and final day at the Chateau, beautiful. And, I’ll be sharing some of my personal images of the Chateau, the surrounding areas, and that kind of thing when my busy season calms down some. I’m afraid there’s still a lot more of that to come.

I believe I probably talked you all out in my last post, so I’ll keep this brief and only throw in a few lines that might help paint the picture for you in a more detailed fashion.

Enjoy…

And, this would be that little quiet moment that Yannick and Susan stole together before the ceremony.

We’re getting ready now …. Fabian’s fabulous shoes

Susan and Yannick’s son, Theo, one of the groomsmen, as well as some sweet views of the little ones

The ceremony. Charles translates.

The little red booklet you see in Susan’s elegant hands, contains a song she is singing to Yannick, in french. It was quite moving.We’re going to get right down to the fun that the wedding party had after all of the formal pictures were complete. Uh, remember that Susan is an accomplished Yoga/Pilates instructor. I couldn’t say about the others….

Destination wedding, Day one | Texas meets Gascony, France | and California…

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 02:22:34 +0000

So, some of you know that I went to France a few months ago and photographed my first destination wedding, well, this far away. Two beautiful people that I have had the good fortune to get to know over the past few years planned this amazing wedding, and enchanted everyone who attended, including their photographer. We’ve worked together before. You see, they’ve recently started their own winery, Y. Rousseau, named for our groom, Yannick Rousseau, where I’ve done some commercial work. And, the bride, Susan Branum, of Susan Branum Studio Pilates, and I have worked together in my studio. To say these individuals are dynamic, wouldn’t aptly describe what they have achieved on their own, and certainly not what they’ve accomplished together. Susan is a much sought-after restorative pilates/yoga instructor, and Yannick is remarkable wine maker, with rave reviews steadily flowing in on his wines.

Why France you may ask? Not just because it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth; but it is also Yannick’s home. Maybe you could tell from his name, Rousseau, hmmm. Yes, Gascony is Yannick’s home turf. His entire family, and his childhood friends reside there. Susan, while living in California for many years, is a Texan through and through. I know, I’ve had her authentic chili, and it’s good! And, I have to say before I get into trouble, people came from not only Texas and California, but North Carolina and beyond. Yannick and Susan have the most dedicated, loving friends and family. Really, they do. I feel all gushy as I type this post because I made so many friends, and I miss many of them. Can we go back every summer and have a reunion? Pretty please? Actually, even though some reading this might not know them, click on this link to stay informed on upcoming Yoga/Wine Retreats that are happening in the near future. I’ve heard that France might just be on the horizon for one of these lovely retreats. Just saying, get on their list and you might be in for an incredible treat.

The wedding was held at a 12th Century Chateau that was incredible! Susan and Milady Sue, one of her attendants, went to France a year before the wedding to scour the french countryside looking for just the right venue. They found it. The Chateau was home to all but a few who attended the wedding during that long and wonderful weekend. Probably in another post sometime, or somewhere, I’ll share my library of images of that fabulous place. It was, simply put, magical. The people, the place, the venue, it was a once in a lifetime event. Just amazing. The first order of business upon arriving at the Chateau, was relaxation by way of sipping incredible wines, swimming in the grand pool, pétanque, all manner of recreation. And then, there was some cooking to be done in the dreamy kitchen. I think it was just kind of dreamy because it was in the Chateau, we were in France, big window looking out into the vast courtyard where the reception dinner would take place the next night, there was french music playing, wonderful food laid out for all, you get the picture? Don’t worry, I’ll lay them out there for you anyway.

And so, the first night began. The Texas meets Gascony Barbeque. This was an event for family members and close friends. The main dishes of duck and duck sausage, were provided by Yannick’s dad, who owns a Boucherie in Condom. Don’t poke fun of the name of that town now. Honestly, we did, and it was fun. Some fun pictures in Condom too, just not in this post. At any rate, I didn’t even know I liked duck, or duck sausage. But I do, if it comes from D.Rousseau Boucherie. In fact, I’ve never eaten so much duck, ever. Ducks aren’t safe in France, so don’t go there if you’re a duck. I have no sympathy for you.

It was a spectacular evening, enjoy the images. I wish I could show you more, but you’d never leave my site, it would take so long.

Thanks for looking and come back real soon, next up is the wedding. You don’t want to miss that!

I love you, Rousseau Family, both here and France,

Kathi

We’ll open up with a tiny peek of the front of the Chateau. Seriously, this is a narrow view from the front. Stay tuned at a later date to see more of this beautiful estate.

Friends, what else is there to say?

Susan is so smart! She works very hard, but she knows how to relax. For anyone who so desired, you too could enjoy a mani/pedicure. That lady approaching in the back there, is Claudia, the wedding planner.

Did I mention that there were record-high temperatures in France at this time? It was unbelievable.

These women worked so hard; and they looked beautiful whilst doing it.

Oops, we need more bread!

Charles, one of Yannick’s oldest and dearest friends. That’s the Colombard he’s carrying out. Love that wine! There was also some very good beer tucked away over there in the pigeonnerie.

Yannick’s Papa! And, his sweet and beautiful sister adjusting the ever-so-handsome papa’s lapel. I’m so excited, I get to see him in a week!

Ahhh, the bride and groom arrive. Susan is a fantastic dancer!

OK, there are no words for Fabian and Charles. Yannick’s childhood buddies. All I can say is, I’ve never laughed so hard in my life!

Susan and her parents.

Pétanque. My husband is now planning our Pétanque court in our backyard.

Some of the local littles. They are absolutely dreamy. The two littlest girls below, are Yannick’s nieces. Wait until you see them in the wedding!

Watch out, duck!

There was some pretty amazing light that evening.

You will find my husband in this next set. The poor man, I made him come along as my tech-help. It worked out pretty well, he’s good at what he does. He’s the good looking guy sitting on that rock wall. He’s also doing a speed brush-up-on-my-french-session with Yannick’s Pepi, another frenchman that I fell in love with. In the bottom left, you will see Yannick’s beautiful maman. She, however, is a moving target, hard to get! You will see more of this lovely woman in my post of the third and final day together. What fun that was!

More happy guests, including Suse’s mom, Dixie, dancing with her handsome husband Lordes.

This is a very special set of images. Yannick, his papa, and his Pepi. Yannick is presenting his newly released Y. Rousseau Merlot ‘Pepi’.

That’s all for now. Please come back for the rest of this magical event. I guarantee you, the images are worth the wait and re-visit.

A Garden Wedding | Napa Wedding Photographer |

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:54:50 +0000

It was my absolute pleasure to join my friend and fellow photographer Jennifer Chaney, from Walnut Creek, in photographing the wedding of Chris and Jenny. Chris and Jenny are simply two of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. Their family and guests emulated that same special warmth I felt from them, and made photographing this special day all the more enjoyable and fun. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception, with the most incredible sunset cloud formations I have ever seen. Thank you, Chris and Jenny, and thank you, Jennifer for such a delightful day with you all.