I met with Claudia & Jim a couple months before their wedding, and just fell in love with their warm, welcoming personalities. Claudia literally did not stop smiling, and you could just see the love between them radiate! I am NOT exaggerating that, at all. They just looked at each other so adoringly, and with such gratitude and love. Fast forward to April 22, 2017:
I arrived at Hotel La Rose in Santa Rosa and began photographing Claudia getting ready with her daughters, including her own daughter and daughter-in-law and her soon-to-be step-daughter and step-daughter-in-law. WHEW! Claudia looked absolutely radiant, and there was such a feeling of happiness and love in the room. I remember after she got dressed, Claudia said, “Jim better be wowed that’s what all this is for.” Spoiler alert–He was. As she was walking down the aisle, Jim mouthed the word “WOW” and I will forever have that memory! So sweet!
Their ceremony was so intimate and personal. Claudia’s son walked her down the aisle, then Jim played guitar with his son while Claudia’s daughter sang “Let it Be”. Then Jim and his friend played guitar and sang a song together. I just loved that they made the ceremony their own, and let their true selves shine through. Such amazing talent! After the ceremony Jim’s son & daughter gave heartfelt (and funny!) speeches, and we got to work on family photos. Jim’s Dad was there, and I loved seeing the two of them interact. After we took photos with him he told Jim, “I want copies of these pictures!” and Jim told him they’d be online. “Well online doesn’t do me any good!” Jim Assured him he’d mail him some hard copy prints.
Claudia & Jim, thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of such a special, intimate day. I had such a great time with the two of you and your families!
