A year after meeting, Becky & Alan quit their jobs and traveled the world. They experienced dozens of cultures and took it all in together. They told me they didn't argue once and since getting together, they've received very few "noes" from the universe. Travel makes such an impact on long-term life--getting out of your comfort zone, seeing how other people live, gratitude, laughter, stripping yourself down to the bare minimum, relying on the only person you know--it broadens our perspectives, creates strong bonds & is incredibly grounding. It's a great way to discover what you really need in life. After spending time with Becky & Alan, I realized that although most of their relationship was spent apart (grad & law school), they are incredibly close & connected. They have shared rich experiences and immersed themselves in wisdom & culture; together, they live life fully. Cheers to their wedding at Atwood Ranch this summer!

The connection/chemistry of love at first sight is a beautiful wonder to me. Melissa & Stephen met at Stephen's 21st birthday party. They said that once they were in the same room, they couldn't take their eyes off each another. It was that instant. They spent the rest of their summer swimming and getting to know each other. (Heavenly.) Chemistry like this is such fun to think about so witnessing it was a thrill. I can't wait for M&S's wedding this fall at Big Daddy's Antiques. (How cool is that?!)

When I am at Beltane Ranch, I feel like I am home. It makes my soul sing while being at ease at the same time. For Lauren Benward, Beltane Ranch really is her home and where she grew up. Imagine playing on the property as a little girl? The adventures, exploration, gardens...running through the fields? It's an incredibly idyllic thing to think about. Now add getting married there, at home. Zing! My heart can only take so much. Three generations of the Beltane family came together and celebrated the marriage of Lauren & Steven under one of their gorgeous oaks. It was tender & boisterous and full of personal touches. Lauren's mom made the flower girls' dresses & gorgeous bouquets, the Glen Ellen Fire Chief married them, the school bus Lauren took as a girl shuttled guests, they served their own Beltane Ranch Sauvignon Blanc and Sondra Bernstein of Girl & The Fig (whose cookbook L&S are working on) crafted Mexican-inspired dishes. At the end of the evening, we took some photos in a field in front of the large rock wall that lines the entire driveway. Lauren told me her grandmother made the wall and laid the rocks by hand.

Beltane Ranch | Girl & the Fig | Mariachis Jalisco de Sacramento | Salon Novo |

I met up with Whitney & Ted about a month or so before their wedding, right before they left for a family vacation in Croatia. They were so relaxed & happy and were savoring their engagement. I'm sure the fabulous women at Downey Streets had something do with their ease but their calm is also a beautiful part of them. They take things in, they don't rush-- they see double features of classic movies at the theater. I love that. Their nature set the tone for their wedding and was such a pleasure to photograph.

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