Lili Durkin- Weddings

I've moved!

2009-05-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog! I'm really excited about the look and feel- I think it reflects me so much more than this one. I won't be posting here anymore, so please change your bookmark to:
http://www.lilidurkinblog.com/

I hope to see you there!

Serendipity

2009-05-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

This morning I went over to the coast to meet up with a potential bride and groom in Half Moon Bay. It was one of those glorious mornings on the coast- the temperature was perfect, skies blue, no wind, and not a cloud in sight. As I spoke with this couple, it was so lovely to see the way they looked at each other, their adoration for each other was so apparent. I love seeing that, just another reason I so love what I do- I get to see people when they are so in love, full of hope, brimming with excitement about their future together. It reminds me how fortunate I am to have found that with Jesse.

The lovely couple I met with booked me on the spot. (Yay!) Their reception will be held at the Oceano Hotel and Spa. I hadn't heard of this venue, so when we were done meeting, I headed up to the Oceano to check it out. It is amazingly gorgeous. While it has only been open a year, I can see that this will be a hugely popular place to get married. Located near Pillar Pointe Harbor, it has shops and restaurants steps away. The wedding garden is quite picturesque and the venue has several options for ceremonies and reception locals including tenting the lawn.

Don't you love it?

After checking out the Oceano, I walked to the Harbor Shops next door. This is a small mall with only about 5 shops open now, but they are working furiously to open the other shops as well. The ceilings of this small mall are glass, so you can imagine the light inside is wonderful. I came across a store called Savvy Skirts. I met Sheri Olson, one of the owners and she is a delight! She and a girlfriend started this store as a way to honor their late friend who had died suddenly of Lymphoma. In their friend's name, they donate part of their profits to the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society. I could have spent a lot of money in there, but managed to restrain myself and just get a couple little things- but I'll be back! This is a great spot to get gifts for the women in your life- girlfriends, new moms, bridemaids, brides, even flower girls. Sheri does invitations there as well, and can help you come up with custom touches for your day. She is so friendly with a bright personality. Sheri, I loved stumbling upon your store today!

Field Trip

2009-05-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

This past week I got to be a driver for my daughters field trip to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. I was excited to check it out, especially since I will photograph a wedding there this fall. We had some rain, but not too much. The kids had a great time preparing a snack for the goats and feeding them, looking at chickens, turkeys, cows, sheep and going on a train ride. For those of you that have kids, it is a wonderful place to take your children! For information on getting married there, click here. Enjoy your weekend- stay dry and healthy!

Janice and Robert- an engagement

2009-04-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday morning, Janice, Robert and I met up for an engagement session at Santana Row. It was cold, but beautiful out and we were able to get some great photos. Here are a few from the session as well as a slideshow. Thanks again Janice and Robert!!!

I love this one of Janice.

If you would like to see more, here is the slideshow!

Janice and Robert: Sneak Peek

2009-04-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday, I finally got to meet Janice and Robert who had booked me over the phone. They are goofy and fun, we really had a good time out at Santana Row. Here are a couple images with more to come!

Priscilla and Brandon E-Session Part 2

2009-04-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from our picturesque session.

Thank you Priscilla and Brandon! I really enjoyed getting to know you more and I am looking forward to your wedding in a couple of months! And now, onto the slideshow!

Priscilla and Brandon: E-Session Part 1

2009-04-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a great time photographing Priscilla, Brandon and their little puppy Tahoe. They were so sweet together!

Isn't her ring fabulous?

Priscilla and Brandon: Sneak Peek

2009-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing Pricilla, Brandon and their beautiful pup Tahoe on a trail in Almaden. Here is a little peek of what will come later this week.

Shannen and Jason

2009-04-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures and the slideshow for Shannen and Jason's e-session last weekend. It was so much fun, I really had a great time editing the photos and re-living the moments of that afternoon. Shannen and Jason, your love shines so brightly- congrats to you both!

What a gorgeous ring! Jason picked it out all on his own- wow!

And if you haven't had enough.... here is the slideshow.

Shannen and Jason: Sneak Peek

2009-03-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today was such a gorgeous day in the city. The sky was a dreamy blue and crystal clear. I was so happy to get to spend it with Shannen and Jason. I love the way they make each other laugh, the love between them is obvious. They are funny and genuine and I am so looking forward to their May wedding! I had a blast with them today. Thank you both for letting me document your love!

Panya and Sean: Sneak Peek

2009-03-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple shots of the bride and groom I photographed this past weekend. More to come!

Greta and Jeff: E-Session

2009-03-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

With all the rain we had this week, I am realizing how lucky Greta, Jeff and I were last weekend to have a break in the weather to get out and shoot their engagement session over in Half Moon Bay. Looking through these photographs makes me smile, remembering a great morning on the coast! Thank you Greta and Jeff for letting me share it with you!

Greta loves rocks- and not just the shiny kind you wear on your finger. ;) She found this one on the beach that morning- makes a pretty perfect ring holder, don't cha think?

Jeff had a clever little trick to get Greta laughing- it involved a little pinch- I love how his face looks just a tad bit guilty in this one. :)

If you want to see more, here is a little slideshow I put together. Enjoy!

Greta and Jeff: E-Session Sneak Peak

2009-02-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun this morning with Jeff and Greta over on the coast. I know sleep sounded so good this morning to both of them, but they were troopers and met up with me bright and early for the nice morning light. Ummm... how stunning of a bride will Greta make?

Happy Engagement Day!

2009-02-14T14:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope each and every one of you have a love filled day! We enjoyed a COLD picnic up at a winery with some friends today. The kids might have stayed all day, but us grown ups were wimps and had to wrap it up after an hour or so! Why don't kids ever get cold? I thought the wine would keep the big people cozy- it helped, but it was cold out there people! Enjoy your day, but remember to tell the one's you love how much you care about them everyday- not just today!

If you know someone who got engaged today, pass my info along- I love photographing the love story of a wedding!

New Slideshows Coming!

2009-02-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be using ShowIt slideshows to showcase my photographs. I will be using them lots this summer for weddings, but thought I would try it out here on my blog using a few photos from a family session I did last month at Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards in Saratoga. Give it a little time to load. Enjoy!

A few Helpful Vendors

2009-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

So last week when I was at the wedding faire at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley, I had the opportunity to meet a few vendors that may be of great use to you.
First and foremost, let's talk cakes because who doesn't love cakes? La Farine Bakery in Oakland has some really, really delicious cakes. Wedding cakes aren't always the tastiest cakes in the world, but the cakes from La Farine are scrumptious! My favorite was the Jezebel- it is an almond genoise cake soaked in Ameretto (are you drooling yet?), filled with rich chocolate mousse and apricot jam and finished with vanilla buttercream frosting. Part of me is sad that I don't live closer- but I know if I did I would be in trouble!

If you are planning a destination wedding or need help planning an exotic honeymoon, Rebecca Gardner at the travel store is your lady. Not only can she guide you towards wonderful locations and hidden gems, but she can help you plan your activities and point you to great restaurants. She can even help you set up a registry so that your guests can gift you honeymoon activities and dining experiences. How great is that? I have to say I am a little jealous of her job as she gets to "try out" different locations so she can guide her brides properly. Her email is rebecca.g@travelstoreusa.com

I'm Back!

2009-01-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

Whew- ok so I was MIA for a while... a long while, but here I am back into the blogging swing of things! First of all.... if you have any reason to be in Columbus, Ohio this coming Friday, January 30th you need to go to Filene's Basement!

Filene's Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to home goods, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.

How many gowns are there?
There will be 1500-3000 gowns!

How much do they cost?
$249, $499 and $699.

What were the original prices?
$900 to $9,000 plus!

If you can't make the 30th in Columbus, there are several other events coming up in their other locations. Too bad none of then are in the SF Bay Area! here are the other locations and dates:

February 20th- Boston, MA
February 27th- New York, NY
March 20th- Atlanta, GA

OK, now that that is out of the way. A huge THANK YOU!!!!! to all the lovely brides, grooms, mother's of the brides, and friends of happy couples whom I met this weekend at the Modern Bridal Fair in Berkeley. I am looking forward to photographing many of your weddings this upcoming Summer and Fall! The Claremont Resort and Spa was a beautiful location- I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy their spa!

I had some great booth neighbors. Chad from Hotel Monaco in San Francisco was so fun and friendly. Get ahold of him if you want to book your wedding at this Boutique Hotel or even have your out of town guest stay there. It is gorgeous and in such a terrific location- 2 blocks off Union Square!

On my next blog, I will hook you up with a great contact for planning your destination wedding or honeymoon and with a fantastic event planner.

Have Your Proposal Photographed!

2008-10-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

It is a moment you will never forget, a story that will be repeated over and over to your family, friends and coworkers. Why not capture the joy, surprise, and love with photographs? I offer proposal photography and will inconspicuously capture the moment he asks, the joy on your face as you accept, and the ensuing happiness. Contact me today to set up an unforgettable session!

Palo Alto benefit this Weekend

2008-10-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Annual Palo Alto Black and White Ball is this weekend. There will be delicious food and drinks and incredible entertainment. My brother's band, The Bayonics are the entertainment headliners. A very poplular SF based band, they are a "10 piece hip hop group spiced with Latin flavor, funk, and reggae, combining live instruments and hot beats with melodic singing and rapping to create an urban soundscape that will make your hips move and your soul surrender." The food is sure to be amazing- check out the participating restaurants! They also have a raflle and auction. Should be a great time!

A Little Contest

2008-10-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

So I came across this and I thought it might interest a few of you brides-to-be out there. David's Bridal is having a One Love Contest. Essentially, you create a dream wedding collage using your 6 favorite David's Bridal options (wedding gown, bridesmaid dress, bridal accessory, wedding band, tuxedo, and bridal party gift). Then you submit a story of when you knew that your honey was your "one love". People vote on your entry, and if you are the big winner, you win all items in your collage. Who doesn't love free stuff??? Don't wait too long to enter- there are only 19 days left!

5 Years

2008-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend JD and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. 5 years- I can't believe how fast it has gone! Lots of good times and two little ones have made for a wonderful marriage thus far. We celebrated by spending the afternoon at Byington Winery in Los Gatos. What a beautiful site for a wedding- and the wine was delicious! If you haven't chosen a site yet, it really is incredible. The ceremony site is up the hill from the winery and offers views of Monterey Bay.

Afterwards, we headed to The Wine Cellar for dinner. It was absolutely delicious! A movie afterward made for a perfect night out!

Happy Anniversary Sweets! Here's to many many more!

Geniuses and Rockstars

2008-09-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Geniuses

Thank you to the geniuses at the Apple bar for fixing my computer! My screen on my laptop was shattered last week. I went into the Apple store expecting to have to shell out the big bucks to buy a new MacBook Pro. Instead, Chris at the bar said, no problem, they could replace the whole top section of my laptop!! So I have been out a computer for a bit, but now it is good as new. Thank you Apple!!!

Rockstars

Of the photography world that is.... Tomorrow I am so excited to get to spend the day with two of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the world. I will attend a workshop with Jose Villa and Gene Higa in the city. I am so excited to get to pick their brains and learn from the best in the industry! I'll be sure to post some pics from our shoot!

Wedding at Quail Hollow

2008-09-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to photograph the wedding of David and Felicia at Quail Hollow in Felton in the Santa Cruz mountains. It was such a beautifully glorious day! The sun was shining, a cool breeze blowing through the trees. This wonderful couple is blessed with amazingly kind and very funny family and friends. This made for such a fun, emotion filled wedding, complete with a kazoo send off! Sneak Peak of some images coming soon!

Green Wedding Album

2008-07-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right- green as in environmentally friendly- and beautiful at the same time! These books feature:

100% Post Consumer recycled paper
Environmentally sensitive cover materials like hemp, recycled kraft paper and lotka paper
Green E-certified windpower and carbon neutral
5% of the proceeds go to replanting and reforesting as well as purchasing offsetting carbon credits

Contact me if you would like me to help you put together an album from this green line or a regular album.

Wedding Wire

2008-07-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Wedding Wire yet? It is a great site that has teamed with Martha Stewart to provide an outstanding resource for brides. You can find vendors in your area as well as use any of their easy to use and FREE wedding planning tools. You can build a website as well as track your budget, seating, guest list, checklist and timeline. They even have a binder tool where you can store all of your contracts, websites, images and proposals. What a great way to keep everything neat, organized and accessible anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Jaime and Jimmy Part 2

2008-07-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

I just love so many of the photos from this shoot last month I thought I would post some more. Aren't they adorable?

A New Trend???

2008-07-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

So I came across something I had never heard of today.... apparently a bride sold a spot as a bridesmaid in her wedding on EBAY! How crazy is that? According to the auction, the winner got a spot as bridesmaid including a dress, shoes, and an invite (with a guest) to the reception. Kelly Gray from Virginia Beach, VA was just hoping to raise a little cash for her wedding. She had no idea the auction would fetch $10,000 in the end! Who was the lucky winner? Turns out it is a representative from Dr Pepper Snapple group. The group will be setting up a website to help pick a bridesmaid for Kelly's April 19th wedding. Hey, that's cheap advertising for them and Kelly and her fiance are thrilled because now they can afford a honeymoon! Dr Pepper Snapple will provide drinks for the wedding as well- of course!

Of course that has spawned copycats... I didn't see any takers on the current spots up for sale.

Photo M&Ms

2008-07-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ummm, maybe I have been completely in the dark on this one- but did you know you can now print photos on M&Ms? Brilliant! What a great idea for personalized favors!

Lilly and Billy Part 2

2008-07-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

I think the best word to describe this bride is joyous. She was so lovely, happy and not stressed at all which is what made this wedding one of the most relaxed weddings that I have ever photographed. Here are a few more images from the day and there will be a few more to come. Enjoy!

I love this photograph- there is so much emotion in this embrace- a quiet moment alone.

Just in case...

A quick kiss right after the ceremony.

The bridal party and their significant others.

The rings.

Lilly and Billy's Wedding Part 1

2008-07-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Lilly and Billy got married at the Sand Rock Farm in Aptos on June 28th. I was fortunate enough to photograph this event with the lovely and talented Loren of Loren Weltsch Photography. The weather, venue and couple were so perfect! Their love for each other and the earth is obvious. From the favors (tree saplings and soap bars) to the shawls available for guests to borrow as the night got chilly- there was thoughtfulness behind every detail. They had a large Italian contingency, and every one's love for the couple was quite apparent- this was such a fun wedding! Here are a few photos from the day, and I will post more soon!

Day After Session

2008-06-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I photographed this really fun and loving couple in the Mill Valley area. These images were not taken on their wedding day, but after their wedding. This made for such a relaxed portrait session, it was a great day!

I offer this sort of session (called a "Day After Session") to all of my brides and grooms. It is a great way to get beautiful portraits in settings that may not be at or near your wedding site. I love doing these kinds of sessions for newlyweds- they are so relaxed and still in honeymoon mode.

Here are a few images of Jimmy and Jaime, I will share a few more later this week. Jaime and Jimmy, Congrats to you both- you are so much fun and your love for each other shines. Enjoy!

Budget Minded Ideas

2008-06-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

I came across a great article on MSNBC about a New York couple that decided to keep their wedding budget at $20,000.00. Apparently the average cost for a New York Wedding is $46,000.00! One idea that I thought was great was renting a cake. I know- renting? Really? Apparently they rent Styrofoam cakes with little cutouts so you can put a real piece in for the traditional cake cutting. Then you can have the cake taken back to the kitchen and have your caterer serve slices of sheet cake purchased from your local bakery. If you need a suggestion for that- try Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos- they will not disappoint!

CakeRental.com's price for a 3-layer cake is $150. Every additional layer is $75. They also allow you to design your own cake, I think the fee for this is $250. So check it out, it could be a great way to save some dough!

Here are a couple designs from their site...

Need a gift for your out of town guests?

2008-06-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

How about a bottle of wine with a custom label waiting for your guests when they arrive at their hotel? Stoney Creek Wine Press offers personalized and custom wine labels. They offer many services, you can buy one of their pre-designed text labels where all you have to do is edit the text. Or, say you LOVE one of the engagement photos that I took of you and you want that featured on the label, you can upload the image and use one of their pre-designed image labels. Another option, if you are a design superstar, is to design and upload your own label that they will then print for you. The forth option for those of you that know what you want, but can't design it yourself is to have the very capable staff do it for you.

They offer all sorts of wine ranging in price from $10- $50 per bottle. From Pinot Grigio to Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine, they have a good range.

I love this idea. So much so that JD and I used it years ago when we got married up at Edgewood in Lake Tahoe. JD and I got our wine at a Half Moon Bay Winery that has now changed it's name. It is now known as La Nebbia Winery and still offers bottle and cork days. We got to watch as our bottles were filled and corked. The price has gone up since we did it, but it is still reasonable at $4.95 for a 750ml pour. You can provide your own clean bottles. I made my own labels- they were fine, but not nearly as cute and professional looking as those done by Stoney Creek Wine Press. It was nice to have that day with JD- who doesn't enjoy a beautiful day at a winery in Half Moon Bay?

When your guest arrives after their long journey to their hotel room, and see a lovely, personalized bottle of wine, you know their wheels will start turning and they will get so excited for the festivities that are ahead. They will feel welcome and thankful that you thought of them. What a nice way to show your appreciation for them coming from afar to celebrate with you!

Need a Break?

2008-06-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a break from their normal websites from time to time. Be it while you are perusing the internet for brilliant ideas for you wedding, working at the office, or reading about all the wonderful or tragic things going in the world- we all need some sites to check out that give that brain a break!

When I am in need of some zone out time the first place I head to is Perez Hilton. I know it is trashy, I realize there is really nothing to gain by visiting this site- but it is so darn addicting. I need to keep tabs on Amy Winehouse's health and Lindsay and Samantha's romance. You know Perez will be the first to tell us when those gorgeous Jolie- Pitt twins arrive. I just like to keep tabs on my peeps, ya know?

Oh, and then, every Sunday, my other favorite guilty pleasure is Post Secret. It is a community art project where you can send in your anonymous secret on the back of a postcard.

So if you haven't checked out those sites, and you need a break from what you are doing, give 'em a try.

Rent Your Wedding Jewelry!

2008-06-12T13:41:00.001-07:00

So, if you have seen Sex in the City, you are well aware that you can rent- yes that is right- rent a lovely Louis Vuitton purse for a week, month or longer. But, did you know you can also rent jewelry? Bag Borrow or Steal offers gorgeous jewelry, perfect for weddings in their Wedding Shop on their site.

Wouldn't this Myka Vintage Inspired Necklace and Earring Set be perfect for your outdoor garden style wedding?
They also have super cute special occasion handbags and sunglasses. Just what you need to finish off your look! If you sign up soon, you get 1 week free and are entered to win a stylish purse featured in the SATC movie.

Or, if you are still looking for the perfect gift for your bridesmaids, why not get them a gift card from Bag Borrow or Steal? Then your best girlfriends can look stylish all summer with a Betsey Johnson Tote or Jimmy Choo Sunglasses.

Oh, one more thing, did I mention they are having they are having their semi annual outlet sale? You can save up to 50% on carried jewelry and handbags!