Rachel and Ken Got Married!

The day that I drove up to Healdsburg to photograph Rachel and Ken’s wedding at Villa Chanticleer, life was good. I was leaving the hustle and bustle of San Francisco behind and heading towards someplace a little more relaxed. After sitting in traffic with thousands of other people who were doing the same thing, I finally arrived in Healdsburg. The drive up to Villa Chanticleer is quite pleasant and takes you along winding, wooded roads. Once I arrived and got out of the car, I found myself surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Rachel was completely calm, getting her makeup done and chatting with her mother, grandmother, and bridesmaids. Ken was practicing his bow tie tying skills and having a grand time with the guys. Since they had finished the majority of their wedding planning details well before their wedding date, I think they were beyond feeling nervous and were just ready to see each other and enjoy their big day.

Their first look took place inside a tree. Yes, you read that correctly. Their first look took place inside an enormous redwood with a naturally hollowed out trunk. Given Rachel and Ken’s love of nature, I can’t think of a more appropriate place for their first look. This sentiment was echoed by their rabbi during their ceremony, as she remarked how fitting it was that Rachel and Ken’s wedding happened in a location surrounded by so much nature.

Rachel and Ken, if your life together is anything like your wedding day, I know it will be a happy one. It will be spent amongst trees and on hillsides, you will be surrounded by loved ones, and most importantly, you will be together. Congratulations!