Styled Redwood Elopement - Oakland, California

A little fun fact about me: I. Love. Rain. And moss, and greenery. But, I live in one of the sunniest towns in the country, or even the world - Santa Barbara, California. I’m like the opposite of Bella Swan (also Team Jacob btw). I am of course grateful for the nearly endless days of easy photo shoots (when an actual rainy day messes with my sessions, it’s a true shock). But if it were up to me, sessions would go on rain or shine, and I’d get a little more rain to work with.

This styled shoot was seriously an adventure. It took place in the Bay Area, on what would turn out to be their last day of freedom before the shelter-in-place orders were announced, so I’m extremely grateful it wasn’t cancelled. My last hurrah before quarantine. But the coronavirus wasn’t the only obstacle threatening cancellation all the preceding week. The forecast called for torrential rain! Then it would say partly cloudy, then it would say rain, and back and forth we went. I had to drive 5 hours to attend, so I was on the edge of my seat until that very morning! But luckily I survived the journey alongside over-confident San Francisco rainy day drivers (ack!) and it all worked out.

I personally think the rain and gloom provided an added layer of awesome, a good challenge to practice solving, and honestly, made it more fun. We had photo-friendly umbrellas, a wonderful group of people, and it was fascinating to see how all of us prepared different DIY rain kits for our cameras and lenses.

Aside from the weather, this was a moody and romantic curation, including lots of coordinated deep reds, which spoke sweet autumn and winter nothings into my ear, and not one but TWO calligraphers who truly raised the bar in my opinion.

I had a lovely time shooting in the gorgeous redwoods, playing with the rain, and meeting several amazing new vendors, which I hope to work with again in the future! (See below for the whole team!)

Host: Marisa Ruth Shootouts
Calligraphy (maroon table setting): Savannah Cain @bettertogether.ca https://www.bettertogethercalligraphy.com/
Calligraphy (invitations, menu, wine bottle): Brandy Shakibai @wildquillcalligraphy https://www.wildquillcalligraphy.com/
Florist: Allison Louise @allisonlouisedesigns https://allisonlouisedesigns.com/
Make Up Artist: Samantha Kholl @samanthakholl
Models: Kendall Aubrey & Austen Paul
Venue: East Bay Regional Parks