Caroline and Gary Elope in Napa Valley

When Caroline and Gary, who are both originally from England, decided to elope, they couldn't have picked a more beautiful date or place: early October in Napa Valley at the Brix. Gorgeous in every way!  Caroline was a beautiful bride in soft pinks and creams. The Brix is a fine restaurant with a "farm to table" tradition, a cool gift shop , and an incredible view out the back door. Both sides of the family came over from Europe to attend the happy event. In true English tradition, his mother wore a great hat. One reason we enjoy elopements is for the intimacy that comes with being in a small group like this during such a wonderful occasion in one's life.

Tina and Jay Married in South Lake Tahoe

Tina and Jay made a beautiful couple against the backdrop of Lake Tahoe

Fun and Sun in Portland

We found ourselves up in the beautiful city of Portland, OR this summer where they're getting all the hot weather that we've been missing here in the bay area. That's where we were when we met up with our friend Joel, who is becoming a Portland staple. We had a great time challenging the laws of gravity as we played a fun game of Jumbling Tower at Tugboat, a funky pub, right downtown. Another fantastic find in Portland, that we highly recommend is the Hotel Modera. The very modern decor was surprisingly restful. Check out there website!

Kristy and Daniel Engaged!

Kristy and Daniel are a beautiful couple getting ready to start a life together.  For our photo shoot we decided to make an afternoon of it and drove over to Napa Valley, where it all began under a bridge.  That's where Daniel proposed to Kristy, under a bridge, right outside of the beautiful town of St. Helena.  She still gets a kick out of the morning leading up to the big moment with his funny behavior and unusual errands to run. And even when Daniel set up a camera to video tape them that day, she still was taken by surprise as he proposed to her! After hanging around at the bridge, we went over to St Supery winery, right in the heart of Napa Valley.

Anyone Getting Married in Hawaii?

If the answer to that question is a yes, give us a call!  We just got back from a 9 day trip to the islands and we're ready for more.  We have family who live on Oahu, (Bob's mom Rita, and my cousins, Dave and Kim) and friends on the Big Island. Our friend is Storm Steiger, maybe you've heard of him?  Check out his blog at //seakayaker.tripod.com/ What always impresses me is how diverse the people, places and things are of the Hawaiian Islands.  Here are some highlights  from our trip.

Early morning on Oahu....














Uncle Joe and Joe Jr.  (Bob's Mom's uncle)  Uncle Joe is 101 on the very day this picture was taken.  Happy Birthday Uncle Joe!



We made a new friend in Waikiki: Stephen Dantzig.  We met at a local hang out off Kuhio Ave. called The Shack, right in the middle of Waikiki, which was great to know about -2$ drafts on Thursday nights.  Check out all of Stephen's amazing contributions to photography.

Links to Stephen Dantzig Photography:

Signed copies of my books on photographic lighting techniques are available at: www.dantzigphotography.com
steve@dantzigphotography.com
Follow me at http://stevephotohi.blogspot.com/
See my recent articles and ask me a question at www.prophotoresource.com



We visited Kim and Dave up the island toward North Shore where we had a great time out in the country.  Here they are on our Jungle Tour, not far from their home.  Hi Kim and Dave!  Kim's the best cook ever!



Dave surfing at Kahana Bay.  He was so nice to take us out to a beginner's site. We did OK until the tide came in.



Believe it or not this is an upside down kayak!



Hearts from the sea are placed all around Kim and Dave's house.



On to the Big Island!


Our friend Storm and me in the warm pools near Kopoho.  Nice!





Tide pools at Vacation Land also near Kopoho. Just beautiful!



Ke Hena Beach at night.  During an earthquake the whole beach dropped leaving the roots of this tree exposed.


Lava flow at night, 30 sec. exposure.  This is as close as we could get...



Here we go kayaking off South Point!





Thanks to Storm who knew where to go on the Big Island.

The Beautiful Tina

Death Valley 360

Bob took this shot last week on his way to WPPI.