Emily and Eric, May 17, 2008

We're just back from covering Emily and Eric's wedding. I love weddings on the beach. There's something very special about a marriage ceremony in that setting. It doesn't matter if it's a large, formal affair, or just the bride, the groom, a minister or officiant, and two witnesses; it's still a wonderful moment. Although they can be a challenge to photograph, after adjusting for the elements and the harsh lighting angles, there are some great photos to be made. (Collage link)

Emily and Eric chose the Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz to be the backdrop for their ceremony. If you've never been there, this is a great alternative way to spend a relaxing day at the beach, without the craziness of the Boardwalk. The beach is located about 2 miles north of the Boardwalk. The park even arranges to hold an area for couples wanting to have ceremonies there.

The couple had about 100 or so family and guests on hand to share the surroundings, and these special moments. This was a rare opportunity for the Emily and her siblings to get photos with their Grandmother, who was on hand for the festivities. For May, the weather was especially cooperative. It was a crystal clear day, with the temperature around 85 degrees. Needless to say, it was much hotter elsewhere in the Bay Area, so the beach was an especially popular destination.

The couple chose to take their portraits before the ceremony. With such an open setting, preventing Eric from seeing Emily before the ceremony was a particular challenge. However, this was a moment Emily definitely wanted captured. We managed pulled it off by having Eric on the beach looking out at the ocean, while Emily came down the pathway leading from the picnic area. On cue, we had Eric turn around to get his first look at his bride-to-be in her wedding gown. That evolved into the first of many emotional moments throughout the day.

From the beach, we moved to David's Restaurant and Banquet Center in Santa Clara. This is a great facility, located at the golf course, right across the street from Great America. The staff is great, as is the food. Gene and her crew did an excellent job. The DJ, Rob from Elite Entertainment, invited all the married couples to the dance floor for a special dance. We all knew who the most recent married couple was, but Rob started weeding out the couples to find the one married the longest. Turns out the marriage longevity prize went to a couple that has been married an astonishing 57 years!

For Eric and Emily, it's off to a honeymoon in Cozumel. For Cassandra and I, it's digging in and editing the images. come back Thursday for the link to their Wedding Album Preview.