Manuele Photography Blog

Cafe Musique

2009-04-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

This was my second time photographing these amazing musicians! There are few things more lovely then being serenaded as you work. If you haven't checked these guys out you should get on over to their website and hire them for your next party or wedding. Live music brings such a romantic feeling to an event!

from the vault

2009-04-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

I was looking through images today and came across this shot from Nat&Matt's wedding. It was one that I passed by a number of times but this time it hit me a little differently. Matt and Natalie had just said their handwritten vows to each other and made everyone cry with the sincerity and originality that came out of their mouths. Their wedding was special for this reason. They interjected themselves into every aspect from location to the ceviche to remind them of their favorite place. Matt was the type of groom who had opinions on details and how the whole shebang was going to go down. They hung out with their guests before the ceremony creating a laid back atmosphere, everyone was comfortable. They decided just as the sun started going behind a hill to begin the ceremony and everyone took their glass of wine over to the spot under a tree to watch them become husband and wife. It was magic and we are honored to have the memory.

Ashla and Brian

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I moved to Santa Cruz with this sweet girl, Ashla. We ran around, laughed constantly, moved 4 times in 3 years, and did just about everything together. During that time I fell in love with photography and Ashla was my subject many times. She was such a sport and was down to try anything I thought up. Ashla, your patience is amazing and I probably wouldn't be here today without your encouragement. Thank you. I would post some of the shots I took back in the day but, alas, I was going through a 'nude' phase and can't find one suitable for anyone but her soon to be husband :)

That brings me to Brian.

During those 3 years in SC a mutual friend of our roommate came by to hang out one day. He was sweet and kind and had sparkly blue eyes that could make anyone feel at ease. Ashla was a good student and must have had her head too far down a book to notice because she didn't, and doesn't even remember that day. But I do and so did Brian. He tracked Ash down in the years to come and here we are, celebrating their engagement! I could not pick a more perfect match for each of them. They are goofy and fun, extremely generous, and have passion out the wazoo! I am so happy for you both!
we ran around our old stomping grounds as well as a few places precious to A&B

these buildings in Capitola brought me back to South America a bit...

Our friends Sarah and Mike came along for the ride/support/artistic directing/jean sharing

when business becomes pleasure

2009-03-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you meet people at a bridal faire, end up shooting their wedding, and fall madly in love with them in the process. See those smiling faces? The delicious bounty before us? This is the stuff dreams are made of.
Extremely good looking friends who come over to pick out wedding album images and make you dinner too! what! you heard me. Lindsay MADE us dinner at our own house and it was bombsauce!
An amazing soup of all our favorite things, coconut milk, fish, lime, cilantro....
We looove these two loveys. I can't say it enough.

Deana & Adam

2009-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, these lovely peeps are my wonderful friends Adam and Deana.

I am SO excited for their wedding later this month and even more excited that, yes, they are FINALLY getting married! These two dated in high school and everyone agreed that they were perfect for each other.

We can't wait to party down with you on the 28th woot woot!

Liaison

2009-03-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun shooting these beautiful pieces and more for Liaison by Kathie Wright I think they would be SO fun to wear to an engagement shoot or wedding. She uses lots of fun vintage fabric, lace, flowers. I encourage you to go look at her etsy shop and have her design a custom piece for your special occasions!
How Gorgeous would this be for the bride looking for something one of a kind.

A big thank you to Vanessa and Melaine our hot models!!!

the darling Aicklens

2009-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Came across this photo taken a few months back of our lovely friends the Aicklens pre Remy Jane (in belly) and cozy on their couch. Tiff is a photographer as well and we photo-graphers know how precious it is to get the camera turned on you. Rare and presh.

blake, the stud muffin

2009-02-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

he's a senior, i can't believe it. what a handsome guy.

getting used to this 'no siesta' thang

2009-01-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

We are back after almost a month away in South America and boy does it feel good to be in my own bed. I haven't had the leisure of going through all our travel photos yet but here is one that I love.

New School Old School

Adios and Feliz Navidad

2008-12-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hey peeps! We are off to South America! We are going to be out of the office and country until Jan 17th. We hope you have an amazing holiday and New Year! woot, 2009 here we come. If you should need to get a hold of us please email me at: jen@manuelephotography.com

Brandon's 28th year of Birth

2008-12-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday love muffin!

Today you are 28 years old. I try to tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life but I don't think words can express the depth. You are the funniest, handsomist, stubbornist, handiest, loveliest man I know. How lucky that you live in the same house as I do! Your passion for the truth and noble prince-like ways make me want to be a better person. Thank you so much for all you do! Thank you Danny and Charlotte for raising such a wonderful human. I hope that you feel very special today because you deserve it. love jen

Roberto and Ashley

2008-12-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

two styling young hotties + the bay + hot dogs + favor + the awe of a stadium

any sesh that starts with food rocks my boat

this girl had amazing shoes

causing mild rucus in the library

she's a pretty one

one of my favs

Mikey and Kanoa

2008-12-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have been swamped and haven't blogged in a while...sorry bout that. Mikey and Kanoa got married a couple months ago in a beautiful little hidden garden oasis. These two are so elegant, they're definitely royalty. DEFinitely!

i want to live in this ring shot

the beautiful bride working it

shoes shoes!

Mikey

he had just a couple groomsmen

the talented wedding band Shon and Heather

they glow

this is why i shoot weddings :)

nacho bar!

it got pretty funky out there

Nickol

2008-11-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

My very beautiful friend Nicki makes these amazing flags and I had the pleasure of shooting some images of her the other day. Go check out her stuff and buy yourself some 'Raise up a standard' flag goodness!

Her colorful outfit and hair make me happy

it was such a moody morning with the poofy clouds and wild wind

one of her favorite pieces

Angela and Kyle sitting in a tree

2008-11-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

This has been the wedding season of 'we go way back'. Angela and I met a long long time ago during a production of Oliver in which we were both Fagin's boys and orphans together. We ate gruel, we clicked our heels. I quickly came to the realization that she and her brother and their cousins were THE coolest humans. Brandon met Angela a few years later in the context of his friend Ryan's little sister. So to make a long story a bit condensed, we both are STOKED to see this pretty little lady get hitched to her hunky professional runner hubby, Kyle.
It was a gorgeous day in three rivers...
angela+vintage vail=stunning

kyle doing some last minute grooming

their first glance moments

her flowers were bomb bomb

the bling

ya better watch yer step

Angela had the kewlest bridesmaids. they turned on the party like that

the boys

all together now

a few little details

one of the cutest little flower maidens ever!

and this adorable muffin

mama love

antici...

lovely river lying

their signature drink was amazing! tasted like a fresh raspberry

the steamy rinkers

shake it

the moh

it got a little crazy

The lovely Merritts

2008-11-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

Nate and Cristy met in a salsa class. A signature move was made by Cristy and Nate was hooked. Brandon and I both knew Nate from high school so it was a fun reunion. It is so great to see a friend find a soul mate!
Their wedding took place at Pelican Point in Shell Beach. It was a gorgeously perfect day!

she's a pretty one!

they handed out beads to each guest

the brat pack

the flower girl's vessel

The Merritts!!

hot mama

showing the bling

they had cousin Mike's homemade icecream

a most memorable father daughter dance

the Merritt family is an emotional bunch

good morning

2008-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

not a bad way to start the day. i am so blessed.

Elly, Teagan, and Reese

2008-10-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to photograph these three beauties while we were in Visalia. Elly is a photographer as well so I was extremely honored to have her want me to photograph her family. They wore these gorgeous fluffy skirts in vibrant colors! It was a dream! And the icecream truck came by just in time to get some equally colorful pops!

love this one of Teagan, she is such a graceful and elegant child.

Jose and Johanna and a little muffin in the oven

2008-10-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of taking some shots of our beautiful friends the other day. They are expecting a daughter in the next couple weeks! Brandon and I have known Jose for many years now and we are delighted to get to know Johanna as they begin their lives together as a sweet little family. We went to a pumpkin patch a la this season and had a great time running around racing the sun. Can't wait to meet Analeah when she arrives!

arent they cute

he's a studmuffin

and she's pretty gorgeous too

the other family members

the belly in all its glory

Johanna has such a beautiful joyful peace about her. I feel like I can see it in this shot

sweet little grommets

2008-10-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

so here are a few shots from a super fun energetic shoot I did a few days ago with some of my very favorite little groms.
We ran around as the cousins showed off and flexed their biceps and showed me their princess faces
enjoy!

Fred and Jackie- the wedding

2008-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

We booked this wedding over a year ago and were counting down the days to it since then for a few reasons. A. yes, it was in Maui which means we got to go to Maui (yay)

When you get an invitation like this you get a bit excited!!
and C. because I fell in love with Jackie the first phone conversation we had, she is one of those people you just want to be around and can talk to forever. Very magnetic :) And her husband, Fred is THE life of the party. so as you can tell, this makes for a super amazing time!
They had a rehearsal bbq a couple days before. Fred cooked a most awesome meal for all of us!

this guy was hilarious.

the goody bags were perfect. flip flops, mats, munchies, and sunscreen

more details
the super posh yet relaxed ceremony site

Onto the wedding.
super stunning dress

and shoes

Beth Helmstetter was the AMAZING wedding designer! listen when I say this woman is a superhero!!! She was 'on it' constantly all while looking beautiful!! hop on over to her site and blog to see some of the absolutely gorgeous events!
Jackie's beautiful mum

Fred was in for a suprise. Jackie is fabulously detail oriented and found a vintage firetruck to pick up her hunky husband and his hunky firemen groomsmen!!
this is Fred seeing it pull up...

isn't he handsome.

the beauties! they remind me of mermaids here

she was such a wonderful singer!

Fred seeing his bride for the first time

Jackie managed to make everyone teary!

and mai tais for all!

she's suck a timeless beauty!

the entertainment

and, ok, wait for it...

they did, THE

DIRTY DANCING dance! it was amazing!

proud they pulled it off perfectly

then the party started

this is my husband! doing a onehanded hand stand with his camera still in his hand :0

we did a day after shoot to soak up the Maui goodness once more

inspired by mr. newsom

one of my favs

check out the wave!

The Avilas

2008-10-06T14:17:00.001-07:00

Oh what a beautiful family! I love these people SO much! Kelli and Jason just had a sweet little daughter,

Jason's parents, Jim and Janice just became grandparents,

and Jacob and Marissa are just friends who are wonderfully in love :)
proud papa

beautiful mama

the handsome Avila men

she's pretty

lion king

Lilly Lounges

auntie

Fred and Jackie the engagement sesh

2008-10-02T00:42:00.000-07:00

We met up with Fred and Jackie in Santa Barbara for their engagements. Oh what fun we had! These two ARE the party. Wherever they go they bring it along.

we loved he sunset from the top of the parking garage

check back soon for their wedding photos!

aaand my sweet neicy Arabella

2008-09-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this little muffin butt!

She's 3 months in these

and on to 6 months. we are in trouble.... she's so easy to photograph and adorable.

aaaw fuss bucket

Jill

2008-09-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

what a sweet girl and wonderful model! Here are a few of her senior pics