I started off the day shooting the bride's and groom's preparations at a resort near Ardenwood.

I let Kris, the bride, borrow my backup backup camera and shoot a bit while the bridesmaids were getting hair and makeup done.

Sometimes it takes a little while for bridesmaids to be themselves with a photographer in the room, but it's worth waiting.

I set up the wedding dress for a classic window shot, but I like this better - I feel like it lets you in to the wedding day more.

I had never seen a wedding dress like Kris', the embroidered details were really unique and fun.

That's Kris' best friend from childhood behind her.

Kris' mom looked amazing, and was nice enough to let me take her photo while the bride was getting her makeup done.

The bridesmaid dresses were by David's Bridal.

Groomsmen by the window.

That's the groom on the left - his knowledge of tie tying options blew me away.

I wouldn't normally put a photo like this in, but I like the way he's holding the ring. It's not posed, but it works.

My favorite photo from this wedding is here on the left. Kris let me in to photograph her putting on the dress, and I got these two shots.

My girlfriend helped me scout the location on the right during the rehearsal - it's in the train station at the entrance to Ardenwood.

Boutineers - the light in the reception area before the ceremony was already wonderful.

I'll usually shoot from the top of the aisle at a wedding, but in this case, I had a fantastic second shooter for that and I wanted to get this shot.

The ceremony was the perfect length, and the officiant sweet and honest.

I love the way this type of lighting looks in black and white.

I can't recommend the location enough - positively unforgettable, and picturesque, and the coordinator was great to work with.

Kris wanted a more traditional portrait for parents - I think this one works well.

The cake was surrounded by a mosquito net until right before it was cut, but I like the effect on the photo.

I love it when a bride communicates to me her desire for some good candid shots of the groom, it's really sweet (and sometimes a challenge, if he's shy!)

Another shot I like of the groom - and you can see the back of the bride's dress.

I invested in a new focusing screen for wedding photography, and it worked really well - I was able to manual focus during the first dance.

The first dance was perfect.

It's so wonderful to see moments like this happen - this is why I love what I do.

Dancing with the mother of the bride.

I still don't know what's going on here, but it's adorable.

The families are from California and Texas, so there was one packet of seeds for each state's flower at every guest's place at the table.

The cake had a really interesting flower design on it, and I loved the natural light near the dance floor.

Someday, I'll have string lights at my wedding. The dance floor was elegant and had just the right amount of light.

The rings, with some neat LED flowers from the reception.