The first thing I thought when Jessica Moores and I arrived at Arden Hills to shoot Stephen and Amandas wedding, was “wow, they are so lucky.” Not because they’re both wonderful people ( which they are), or because I was stoked on the location ( which I was), but because of something we take for granted when we aren’t getting married: Good Old-Fashioned sunshine.

Earlier that week, I was knee deep in fresh powder in the Sierra Mountains, so I can vouch for the weather… it rained almost every day before the wedding. And more than a light drizzle, there was some serious precipitation. Then miraculously, the clouds parted just in time to dry out the Villa and Give Stephen and Amanda a beautiful open courtyard ceremony… Check out the blue skies on the rockin-fisheye shot!

They chose a First Look, which I completely love because it gave us so much time to get shots of these lovebirds , and they didn’t need to leave the ceremony and their guests for pictures. It’s the Best!!

The Best man kept her laughing as she was overcome with emotion. Now thats a WingMan!

There was a decorative balcony overlooking the courtyard… and I had to get up there. Worth it!

Stephen and Amanda, you guys rocked! Enjoy your honeymoon!