Vashti + Daren’s Wedding Part 2: 8/26/2011 – I thought I knew what love at a wedding was, and for that matter what a first look and vows were, but all of that completely changed when I photographed Vashti and Daren‘s wedding last Friday in the mountains of Berkeley, CA. To tell you their wedding was filled with endless happiness, tears, joy, laughter, and love would even be an understatement. I’ve had the honor of documenting some memorable weddings, and have shed a few tears at maybe 4-5, but Vashti and Daren’s wedding was the very first time I cried (mind you only a few tears!) during the first look and when they said their vows to each other.
I’m never going to forget Vashti and Daren, as well as their immediate family. They all brought so much love and happiness into my life, and that was only for the two days I was working with them. I can’t even imagine how much of that feeling they spread among their loved ones on a daily basis. I felt a glimpse of that when Vashti’s dad and Daren’s mom, dad, and sister gave a toast. In addition, Vashti’s cousin Andrew as well as the maid of honor Zara and best man Ryan (NOT Brian!) shared their thoughts on this amazing couple.
When I first met Vashti and Daren at my studio last year, all thanks to one of my closest photographer friends Ethan Yang from the Washington, DC area, the connection we made was instantaneous. I still remember how genuine, kind, and definitely in love Vashti and Daren were. I had imagined how their intimate wedding was going to be filled with so many amazing moments. But I had no clue things like the first look, vows, toasts, and the family love on and between both sides were going to be beyond anything I could ever imagine.
I told Daren that he was the most emotional groom I’ve ever photographed, and I meant that in the dearest, most respectable, way. I feel like a groom should let all his emotions out when he sees his bride and let everyone know how he feels about her. Daren had THE BIGGEST smile on his face the ENTIRE day. And every time I took a photo of him, I saw this extra twinkle in his eyes; it just shows how truly happy he was. And Vashti…I couldn’t have asked for a more easy-going, down-to-earth, and loving bride. She made everything so effortless and fun for me. Plus, it made my day that much easier/less stressful knowing both Vashti and Daren really valued photography and trusted me to do my thing.
I’m forever grateful to have met Vashti and Daren, as they’ve shown me a new meaning to love and how we should all wear our emotions on our sleeves, especially on the big day. Thank you both SO SO much for being beyond wonderful, from the very first e-mail to our goodbye hug/photo Friday evening, and even to the surprise text Sunday night :). You’ve given me so much and I can only hope I was able to capture a small fraction of the love and life I experienced at your wedding. Many blessings and wishes, enjoy Tanzania, WOW! Special thanks to Henry Li for second shooting with me, can’t wait to work with you again in a few weeks!
Ceremony location: UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley, CA
Reception location: Brazilian Room in Berkeley, CA
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