Laura + Michael’s Wedding: 4/25/2010 – As I drove up to Santa Barbara this past Sunday, I was thinking to myself how Laura and Michael’s big day was going to be the first of many things for me as a wedding photographer. Their 7-guest wedding at the enchanting and mysterious Bacara Resport and Spa in the outskirts of Santa Barbara (in Goleta) was as intimate, personal, and memorable as you can get. I’ve never photographed a wedding this small, where I knew all the guests name.

And how touching was it to only have your immediate family as guests. Laura’s parents and brothers Simon and Ray plus Michael’s parents and sister Meredith. Everyone even played such and important part in the photography aspect of the wedding, as you might see in some of the photos below :). From blowing bubbles and doing the wave to toasting the newlyweds and jumping in the air, I had an absolutely amazing time hanging out with Laura, Michael, and their family.

Speaking of Laura and Michael, I kid to them I was a bit more nervous working with a 7-guest wedding than a 700-guest one, as it would be a bit tough for me to hide in the crowd ;). I also never did an e-session from L + M; instead, we had a Trash The Dress (TTD) following their wedding day this past Monday (more on that later). But when I showed up at the doorsteps of Laura and Michael’s respective rooms at Bacara, they welcomed me with open arms and big smiles. Boy were they SOOOOO much fun and easy to work with. We had a first look before the intimate ceremony, officiated beautifully by Mariam Lindbeck, and then another hour of photos afterward.

I also want to extend a huge shout out to the top-notch staff at Bacara, starting with the on-site wedding coordinate Jennifer. Everyone from Jennifer and Joe of the catering team to the gentleman that drove us around on the golf cart and the valet guys (who was nice enough to not charge me – thank you gentlemen!)…it was a pleasure working with you all. Also a special thanks to my man Jared Crawford for putting up with me this past Sunday and Monday. You won’t find a more humble and dependable person to help you out at a wedding than Jared. To Trini of NOZZA Studio for introducing me to her clients L + M. And most importantly, the biggest thank goes to Laura and Michael for entrusting me to document your big day.

Ceremony and reception locations: Bacara Resort and Spa in Goleta, CA

Stationery: NOZZA Press

Officiant: Mariam Lindbeck