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GoodEye Photography + Design Blog bio picture

Welcome to the
GoodEye Photography + Design PhotoBlog!

Hey you. Yeah, you. Thanks for visiting my blog. Check here often for the latest and greatest photos by Chris Schmauch. I shoot weddings, food, architecture, families, events, models, products... well you get the point, I love it all!

Click on the "Categories" link up top to find posts related to certain types of photography. Most of my stuff is restaurant-related (architecture & food) or people-related (weddings, engagements, families, etc.)

Click the "portfolio" link to visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com, where you can order prints from over 130,000 photos in my always-expanding archive.

Oh, a little about me: I'm 32, happily married with two little girls, and am passionate about both Photography and Design (hence the business name). I'm a Nikon shooter, love both Macs and PCs, have that type of personality that gets along with anyone, am totally unflappable, and, well, I'm pretty good at what I do.

Visit often, and if you need to book me, don't hesitate to call: 408.431.4808!

P.S. Yelp me here. Facebook me here. Twitter me here.

Troy + Fiona (Wedding Photography) @ Palm Event Center, Pleasanton

Do a good job at a wedding and you’re bound to get referrals down the line. It may not be immediate – heck, it may be years, but it will happen. I shot Troy’s brother’s wedding back in 2006, so I was excited to reunite with the DeSouza family for this 2011 wedding. I had seen Troy’s brother Lance and his wife Maria at another wedding a couple years ago when she was pregnant, and lo and behold Maria was pregnant again with a little tike running around at this wedding. So neat to see families grow.

I had a fantastic time getting to know Troy and his lovely fiancée Fiona when we met for their engagement session at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. That session gave them a lot of confidence going into their wedding day – knowing what poses worked and what didn’t. The ceremony was held at All Saints Catholic Church, then we all headed over to the gorgeous Palm Event Center for the reception. Things I’ll remember from their wedding: Fiona and her giraffes, cute kids that love to dance, epic palm trees, ice cream and video games for the kids, and that wicked digital illustrator making portraits of guests at the reception.

As always, here’s my favorites from the day, feel free to check out ALL the photos at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vendors:

Venue:
Cupcakes:
Ceremony Venue:
Reception Venue:
DJ:
Dress:
Tuxedos:
Bridesmaid’s dresses:
Flowers:
Rings:

Getting married at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Protected: Krista + Ryan (Post Wedding Bridal Portraits / Trash the Dress Photography) @ Pajaro Dunes, Watsonville

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Katie + Wesley (Felton Wedding Photography)

I really hope Katie’s sister starts using her property in Felton as a wedding venue for other brides. This was the first test, and I have to say it worked out so well! I met Katie through her sister Hollie as I’d had a portrait session with her and her husband the previous year.I’m so glad for that connection because Katie and Wesley are an adorable couple who clearly love each other to bits. We had a romantic engagement session at three mile beach back in July where they proved they at least had chemistry. The wedding itself sealed the deal. Things I’ll always remember about their wedding: the homemade lemonade stand, the pregnant bridesmaids (I’ve seen this before…), the awesome man+wife shot on the bridge, climbing on the roof with the bride’s dad to get “the shot,” and of course the killer dance-floor-kid.See all these and much more in my favorite photos below. See more at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

 

Getting married in Felton?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210 – serious inquiries only, please

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Noel + Marin (Vintage Wedding Photography) @ Highlands Park, Ben Lomond

After meeting this sweet couple three days before at their last-minute e-session, it was like deja-vu seeing with them again so soon. I arrived at Highlands Park in the morning and the place was buzzing with excited activity as friends and family helped assemble Noel and Marin’s special wedding day. As always, I assured them they were in good hands and I’d just “do my thing” so they could focus on preparations and of course getting ready themselves. Everyone banded together to finish in time so we could hurry up and relax. Weddings are about the people, and ideally they end up being big, fun parties that ease all the built-up stress from the preceding months. Noel and Marin’s wedding accomplished this and more. The weather beautifully accommodated the outdoor ceremony and reception, and the guests enjoyed the vintage 20s/travel theme in the decorations and dress.

Below is a slideshow of my favorites that tell the story of the day. You can see more and order a print or two at www.GoodEyePhotography.com. Enjoy and don’t forget to comment!

Getting married at Highlands Santa Cruz County Park?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to capture your big day! (831) 216-6210 – serious inquiries only, please

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

February 22, 2012 - 1:31 am Ana Marinović - Congratulations on the wedding. Wishing you all the best. Marine, visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/43679017745/. Puno pozdrava iz Hrvatske.

Chris + Frances (Monterey Wedding Photography) @ Portola Hotel & Spa

The neatest thing I can think about Chris and Frances is how they met. Their priest told the wonderful story during the ceremony, but the gist of it is this: they grew up as neighbors, but never really met or interacted. They’re both really involved with their church and community, and they didn’t truly meet until they were both donating their time as Hurricane Katrina aid workers on the other side of our country. Random, serendipitous, meant-to-be – all of the above I believe. I don’t think it took long for them to realize this, either. They live in Scotts Valley, so we held Chris and Frances’ engagement session at nearby Henry Cowell State Park. My first impression of the couple was that they share a deep connection bound by common values and priorities. Every time I met them and those who care about them (like at the awesome pre-wedding beach bonfire in Carmel) only solidified my initial impression.

They got married at their alma mater Santa Catalina School – an historic private school originally founded by Dominican Sisters in the ’50s. The property is a photographer’s dream as its got old mission-style architecture intermingled with gardens and fountains – lots of fun texture, murals and earthy tones to work with. The reception was held at nearby Portola Hotel where we experienced some moving speeches and lots of fun dancing.

Here’s a slideshow of my favorite photos covering the day, feel free to browse all of Frances and Chris’ wedding photos at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vendors:

Cupcakes: Mrs. Delish’s
Ceremony Venue: Santa Catalina School
Reception Venue: Portola Hotel & Spa
Dress: Nordstroms
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Anne Taylor
Flowers: Flowers Limited in Carmel, CA

Getting married at the Portola Hotel and Spa?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Joe + Christine (Scotts Valley Hilton Wedding Photography)

I have an affinity for black hot rods (since I own one), so when Joe rolled up for his and Christine’s engagement session in his black corvette, I knew we’d get along just fine. We had a great time exploring the Los Gatos mountains around Belgatos Park, chasing the sun up the hill before it set on us.

When wedding day came, I heard the night before at the hotel had been pretty row-day, and the cops even made an appearance at one point. It all got worked out, though, and it probably didn’t hurt that Joe and many of his friends are some of San Jose’s finest. Great bunch of guys, I had a ton of fun with them. One of the things Joe and Christine’s wedding exemplified was the difference between girls getting ready and guys getting ready (you just have to click the links to understand).

The lovely couple also hold the record for the shortest ceremony ever – was it even five minutes? You could tell these guys just wanted to party with their friends and family – and I did my best not to hold them back in this regard. There was a ton of fun on the dance floor all night, and I had a great time enjoying the festivities along with everyone else. Here’s a slideshow of my faves from the day. Feel free to check it out, or click through to see all the photos and maybe order a print or two.

Vendors:

Venue: Hilton
Event Planning & Flowers: Eventscapes, Inc. 
Ceremony and Reception Music: Los Gatos DJ Company
Hair & Makeup: Susie Woods
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Jaime Bridal
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Tuxedo Fashions

Getting married at the Scotts Valley Hilton?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Mya + Chase (Aptos Wedding Photography) @ Seascape Golf Club

This was my first wedding at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos, and I have to say it is a really fun venue – especially with a fun couple like Mya and Chase. Their little one tried to steal the show with all her cuteness, I just love photographing kids at weddings and she was no exception. From the 99-year-old WWII veteran gettin’ down on the dance floor to Chase’s wicked silver tux, it was a memorable wedding indeed. Enjoy my favorites below, or jump to my print-ordering site where all the photos are posted.

 

Vendors:

Venue: Seascape Golf Club
Flowers:
Cake:
Bride & Bridesmaids Dresses:
Grooms & Groomsmen Tuxedos: 

Getting married at the Seascape Golf Club?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Meghan and John (Felton Wedding Photography) @ Roaring Camp Railroads

Meghan and John are big into the outdoors – hiking, camping, whatever. If it’s under the roof of the sky, they’re down with it. We started out our friendship with a smokin’ hot engagement session in Santa Cruz. We started out with a “lost hiker” theme which somehow turned into a bikini/shorts-clad Baywatch I’m-gonna-rescue-you-from-that-shark type of photo shoot. Hey, it’s all good – we had tons of fun and they looked great doing it!

Fast forward to 9/10/11 – the date they secured with me WAY before the other ten couples that tried to get it. This was my second time shooting a wedding at Roaring camp, which is such a great venue for medium to large weddings. They changed the location for where the ceremonies take place up on Bear Mountain – the new one is a stone’s throw from the old BUT it’s even better as it’s more accessible to the older crowd plus it’s backlit with filtered sunlight through the trees making for an otherworldly, romantic, ethereal feel. So cool.

The things I’ll remember about Meghan and John’s wedding – the amazing hikers-on-a-mountain-trail wedding cake by The Buttery, their custom-embroidered converse shoes, their football-inspired, poster-busting bridal entrance, and the epic bridal portrait of the two of them kissing in front of the steam train. Enough chit-chat – enjoy MY favorite photos from the day in the slideshow below, or check out ALL of Meghan and John’s wedding photos (order a print or two if you like).

 

Vendors:

Ceremony Musician:  David O’Connor Music
Flowers: Mother of the Bride
Makeup: Elements Salon
Hair: Hair by Ness
Venue:  Roaring Camp Railroads
Bride’s Dress: Cymbeline USA
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: Brides of California
Groomsmen Suits: Elegant Lace Bridal
Bride and Groom Shoes: Custom Converse
Cake:  The Buttery
Cake Topper: Etsy
DJ: Big Fun DJ

Getting married at Roaring Camp in Felton? 
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Monica and Ben (Saratoga Wedding Photography) @ Saratoga Foothill Club

The first time I got to really hang out with Ben and Monica was during their Moss Beach engagement shoot at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. I pretty much make it a requirement these days for many reasons, but most of all I just like to get to know couples a little better before spending the biggest day of their lives with them. It’s a chance to observe and interact with them in a low-stress environment, which really lets their personalities shine through. Monica and Ben are like two peas in a pod, naturally laughing and cuddling together. They brought me to the location on the cliffs where Ben proposed, and we had so much fun re-enacting it for the camera. On the wedding day at Saratoga Foothill Club, I got to meet Monica’s twin sister – it’s a good thing they were wearing different colored dresses! The thing I’ll always remember about Monica is her dress/shoes – I think the dress was under $100, and the shoes were over $800 (she kept them in the hotel safe haha!). Hey, everyone’s got priorities right?

All the family and friends were SO nice – Ben had some relatives all the way from England make it – one of whom I’d randomly met a couple years before at a friend’s house – small world! We captured some beautiful images together, my favorites being the B&G formals of course as we walked around downtown Saratoga. Below is a slideshow of my favorites documenting Ben and Monica’s wedding day. Many more photos and print orders can be made at Ben and Monica’s Wedding Page.

Vendors:

Flowers: Maria Marticorena Designs
Makeup: Christopher Tolentino
Hair: Jojo’s Hair Studio
Venue: Saratoga Foothill Club
Catering: Panetta’s Catering

Getting married at Saratoga Foothill Club in Saratoga? 
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Gilda + Tony (Palo Alto Wedding Photography) @ MacArthur Park Restaurant

Gilda and Tony are a fun, loving couple that I really enjoyed getting to know and photographing. When we shot the engagement session at 3-mile beach, the first thing I noticed was the height difference between the two. This opened up opportunities for creative compositions that I usually can’t try, which is fun. I love how Tony just wraps Gilda up in his arms like he’s a big comfy blanket there to protect her always. Gilda and Tony tied the knot at MacArthur Park Restaurant, which I’m familiar with from before, and it was really quite a beautiful setting for the event. The ceremony was held on the patio out back, and indoors was a fantastic space for all the tables and reception mingling. All the wood surfaces are white, which are perfect for my flashy photography. Dancing, partying, toasting, and eating delicious BBQ ensued (don’t you just *love* those custom bibs they made?!?). Here’s my favorite pics in the slideshow below. If you’d like to order prints and peep all the photos, please visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vendors:

Ceremony Musician:  Brian Bergeron
Flowers: Stanford Floral Design
Makeup: A List Makeup
Hair: Allegra Hansen
Venue:  MacArthur Park
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dress: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s Tuxedo: Selix
Groomsmen Tuxedo: Selix
Cake:  Gerry’s Cakes
DJ: Turner w/ Elite Entertainment

Getting married at MacArthur Park in Palo Alto?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Jenn + Jacob (San Jose Wedding Photography) @ The Mission Santa Clara and The Corinthian

Our first photographic encounter was at Central Park in Santa Clara for Jenn and Jacob’s sexy engagement session (bat and balls included). I had so much fun with this couple I knew their wedding was going to be one to remember. Fresh into my September weddings, I was in top form for this loving couple. We rocked it at the Mission at UC Santa Clara with a beautiful full mass in the gorgeous, spacious church. I love being able to go up on the balcony to get wide shots of the guests and bridal party at the altar. We took care of most of the formals beforehand all around the property, so after The Deed Was Done, we headed off to The Corinthian in downtown San Jose for the *real* party.

Not to be outdone by their bridal party, Jenn and Jacob were announced at the upper balcony in the Corinthian’s main ballroom, soiree-ing into their first dance under the spotlight. All the guests swayed with delight to the new couple’s romantic union. The guys at Ultimate Photobooth rocked the reception with their props, and the bar was in full swing gettin’ everyone loosened up rock out to AM Radio Band on the dance floor. I was all over the place, capturing the big and little moments that make each wedding unique and memorable.

Here’s a slideshow of my favorites from Jenn and Jacob’s day, if you have a few minutes click the play button below. If you’d like to see all the photos and order prints, you may do so directly from www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vendors:

Ceremony Musician:  Brian Ho
Bridesmaids Dress:  David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo:  Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen Tuxedo:  Men’s Wearhouse
Band:  AM Radio Band
Videographer:  Michael’s Wedding Group
Photobooth:  Ultimate Photobooth
Transportation:  Bauer’s

Getting married at The Mission in Santa Clara? Having your reception at the Corinthian in San Jose?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

The Ruizes (Family Photography) @ 4-Mile Beach, Santa Cruz

I’m good friends with Jennie, we love to meet up for tacos and margaritas at Olita’s on the wharf. When she suggested we do a big shoot with her siblings and their kids, I was happy to take on the big group and see what I could capture. All the kids were fantastic, took direction well and enjoyed themselves. The adults, well… I won’t get into that. Kidding! Everyone was awesome and gave me opportunities to take some great photos. Here’s my favorites below. Order prints and more at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Looking for a unique Santa Cruz family photographer that works great with *your* kids?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to capture the memories today before they’re grown and off to college!
(831) 216-6210 chris@goodeyephotography.com

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Pasta Pomodoro: Remodel (Restaraunt Photography) in San Francisco

Pasta Pomodoro is under new ownership and is completely remodeling the look of their restaurants  – starting with the flagship store on California Ave. in San Francisco. There was a brief window of time between when the restaurant was being polished with the new look and when they needed to reopen for business. Luckily I was able to swoop in, kick everyone out, and have my way with the interiors for as long as I needed. Here’s a few from that restaurant photography session.

Need some great photos of your restaurant remodel for marketing?
Bay Area Commercial Photographer Chris Schmauch excels at interior restaurant photography!
(831) 216-6210 chris@goodeyephotography.com

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Erin + Justin (Roaring 20s Vintage Wedding Photography) @ Laurel Mill Lodge, Los Gatos

I *love* themed weddings, when a bride is inspired or passionate enough to create something unique or intimately connected to their personality. When Erin told me about her Roaring ’20s vintage wedding idea – replete with flapper dresses and bowler hats, I knew I had to be the photographer she would choose! She explained to me what she was looking for in a photographer, and although there really wasn’t anything in my portfolio to associate with her vision, I must have convinced her of my abilities nonetheless.

As a trial run, I met Erin and Justin at their friend’s house in the Santa Cruz mountains. Erin had scrounged up an old Victorian-style chair and lamp to use as props in their ’20s-themed engagement session. We had a fantastic time together exploring the possibilities – my favorite technical addition was using one of my speedlights to simulate the unplugged lamp being “on.”

Fast forward to the wedding held at Laurel Mill Lodge which, while technically in Los Gatos, is on the Santa Cruz side of the mountains and is nestled deep in the woods off Laurel Lane. I almost got lost driving there (don’t trust google in remote rural regions!), and was delighted when the valley opened up to reveal the rustic lodge. From the hanging jam jar lights in the trees to the tastefully decorated Speakeasy and Corona typewriter (for guests to write letters to the couple!), Erin brought her vision of the 1920s in all its splendor to the lodge that day. When the guests began to arrive, the illusion was complete – almost everyone wore period clothing and accessories!

Needless to say, I went crazy with the photos. I’ll let them speak for themselves – enjoy the slideshow below and if you want more (or would like to order prints), please visit my main website at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Vendors:

Catering: Coastal Catering, Jeni Brill, sales@coastalcateringsantacruz.com
Flowers: Santa Cruz Floral, Nita Akerson, nakerson@yahoo.com
Venue: Laurel Mill Lodgeproprietors@laurelmilllodge.com
Hair & Makeup: Sherry Montoya, Le Salon Cruz
Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang from Glamour Closet, San Francisco
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Self-chosen
Cakes: Bridesmaids & Mothers
Groom’s Suit: Nordstroms
Men’s Hats: The Hat Company of Santa Cruz
Cake Toppers & Vintage Decor: Etsy
Rentals: Alexis Rentals

Looking for Wedding Photography in Los Gatos or the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

January 20, 2012 - 9:49 am Erin (Santa Cruz Portrait Photography) @ Wilder Ranch | GoodEye Photography + Design Blog - [...] Erin + Justin (Roaring 20s Vintage Wedding Photography) @ Laurel Mill Lodge, Los Gatos [...]

Rochelle + Jonathan (La Selva Beach Wedding Photography) @ Monterey Bay Academy

Honestly I don’t think I’ve met a couple who are so at ease with one another – who can’t help but bend over in fits of laughter and giggles every five minutes. It’s like life is one big, long, private joke that they alone share – but yet invite others in to share in their joy. We held a last minute engagement shoot in Capitola and I had so much fun walking around with them, shooting and of course laughing. I know that I’ll look back on this couple 20 years from now and won’t be able to help but smile.

Much was revealed about Rochelle and Jonathan’s inner peace when I met their hundreds of friends and family (over 300!). Everyone I spoke with was so genuine and kind, it was kind of shocking. Maybe it’s their faith, maybe it’s who they choose as friends – no matter what, it was an honor to hang out with this crowd and capture the spirit of the day for them.

The wedding was held at Monterey Bay Academy in La Selva Beach (their Alma Mater), and I swear the sun broke through the persistent marine layer right before the ceremony. I hope you enjoy my favorites from the day in the slideshow below, there’s much more to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Looking for Wedding Photography in the Monterey Bay Area?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Vendors:

Caterer: Fresh Choice
Rentals (Chairs, tables, glassware, flatware, etc): M & M Rentals
Flowers: Kinzie Speyer (Family Friend)
Wedding Coordinator: Kinzie Speyer (Family Friend)
Cake: Crystal Christiansen (Relative)
Cupcakes: Costco!!
Wedding Dress: Bridal Exclusives (Portland, Or) by San Patrick
Bridesmaid Dresses: Erin Nicole Boutique

Heather + Tim (Monterey Wedding Photography) @ Del Monte Beach House

I met Tim and Heather last year for their awesome Pescadero Beach engagement session – it was great practice for trying out poses and gave me a chance to get to know this couple before their big day. They fit together like a two-piece puzzle, and complement each other perfectly in their own unique ways. Before we knew it, their wedding day had arrived, and I met Heather at the Portola Hotel and Spa where her and the girls were getting ready. Heather “Bird” O’Connell, the makeup and hair artist was a complete riot and had everyone giggling (except me, I don’t giggle, I chuckle. Ahem.). One of my favorite pics is of Heather standing on a chair to touch up the bride’s makeup.  I had a lot of fun hanging with everyone and capturing the sometimes nervous, sometimes silly moments. Within an hour we all felt like old buddies which is a great way to go into your wedding day!

The ceremony started a couple hours late as a fire on highway 101 prevented a few people from arriving on time – but the bar was open and spirits were high (pun intended), and it gave me a chance to spend some time getting guest candids and capturing all the important details of the wonderful hawaiian decorations at the Del Monte Beach House in Monterey. Connie Moore did a beautiful job with all the flower arrangements and Cakes by Veronica did an exquisite job on the tastefully simple cake. The weather was really overcast, but that didn’t stop us from taking some pretty epic bride and groom formal photos. Inside, the DJ/Officiant/Party Director-Extraordinaire rocked the house and got everyone dancing. He was great to work with, always giving me a heads’ up before the major events.

Below is a selection of my favorite 150 photos from Heather and Tim’s wedding. If you have a few minutes to sit back, relax and enjoy the wedding again just click the play button. If you have a couple hours to spare, or would like to order prints, feel free to check out all the photos over at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Looking for a Monterey Wedding Photographer? Getting married at Del Monte Beach House (Monterey Beach Party)?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

September 3, 2011 - 9:38 am Heather - Chris, I couldn't think of a better way to capture the day than your work. My husband and I are incredibly happy with our photos - we will enjoy them for years to come! Everyone loved seeing your work our engagement session, and complemented us on how fun and easy to work with you were at the wedding. Thanks so much for capturing our day!!

Katie + Wesley (Engagement Photography) @ Three Mile Beach

What an enjoyable engagement session at Three Mile Beach (3 miles north of Santa Cruz) – Katie and Wesley are getting married in October and after meeting them I truly can’t wait. They’ve got chemistry, love, and everything in between. I’m so glad I met Katie’s sister Hollie during our portrait shoot last year. See you guys in October!

Are you looking for some engagement photos at the beach?
Santa Cruz / Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to capture your romance!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

January 12, 2012 - 11:41 pm Katie + Wesley (Felton Wedding Photography) | GoodEye Photography + Design Blog - [...] Katie + Wesley (Engagement Photography) @ Three Mile Beach [...]

Christina + Miguel (Sonoma Wedding Photography)

I met Christina at Jenn and Leon’s wedding last year, and after seeing me in action behind the scenes (and seeing the results) Christina and Miguel decided they needed to book my services. Christina lives in Southern California, but hails from Sonoma, which is just a stone’s throw from my hometown of Santa Rosa. Downtown Sonoma is a quaint, lovely area that attracts the out-of-town-weekenders in throngs – and this Saturday was no exception! The sun was shining and the bees in the garden where Christina was getting ready were humming away at their work. Fans were passed out to keep things cool – just because the weather was warm didn’t mean the dress-code was any less formal! The girls got ready in this cute little cottage, and when you add seven bridesmaids, a junior bridesmaid, and three flower girls to the mix, it was the perfect storm of makeup, giggles and excited anticipation for the upcoming events.

The formal ceremony was held at St. Francis church, and after a few quick post-ceremony formals I got on the bus with the bridal party to head to the park down the street. We were accompanied by a full mariachi band which kept us entertained on-site, and I believe helped make us the center of attention down there. After the bridal party/bride+groom formals we headed to California’s oldest winery – Buena Vista Carneros Winery (founded 1857) – where the reception was held. The sun setting behind the large trees combined with the sparkle lights, old fountain, and beautifully decorated tables made for an enchanting ambiance. The bridal party livened things up when they got everyone singing That’s Amore by Dean Martin. Luckily the lyrics were pre-printed on “Do Not Open” envelopes at each table so everyone could add to the chorus when the time was right.

When the sun set, the party truly got started inside one of the old two-story stone buildings. The dance floor was crowded all night as everyone gave all their love and best wishes to Miguel and Christina. I had a wonderful time, and have my “Photographer’s Top 150” photos to present in the slideshow below. If you’d like to see more wedding photos, visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Looking for a Sonoma Wedding Photographer? Getting married at Buena Vista Carneros Winery?
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check my romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow my business on Facebook (friend me while you’re at it!), or read my Yelp reviews.

Laura + Kalen (Seabright Beach Wedding Photography) Santa Cruz

With a wedding in the morning at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, and the reception at Quail Hollow Ranch in Aptos, Laura and Kalen had two beautiful locations to celebrate their union with all their friends and family. The ceremony was held inside a ring of flowers and bubble making favors with all the guests encircling the couple. It was my first wedding of this kind, and I loved the idea. Of course it only works for smaller weddings, but the result was a truly intimate, powerful ceremony that had the tears flowing for many.

After some fun formals on the beach, we all headed up to Quail Hollow Ranch in Felton, California. Again, this was another first for me, and I was delighted by the old house, grounds and photographic opportunities this wedding venue has going for it. The highlight of the evening was the swing dancing lessons by some local teachers who were GREAT – very patient, but fun and instructive for everyone. And Laura and Kalen had more than cake baked up for the occasion – try about 15 homemade fruit pies of all varieties! The sugar was coursing through the veins along with all that wine and champagne (for the guests, not yours truly!).

Here’s my usual “Photographer’s Top 150” – my favorite photos that tell the story of the day. Click the slideshow below to see these, or mosey on over to www.GoodEyePhotography.com to check out all 900 or so photos that made the editing cut.

Love these wedding photos on the beach? Planning a Quail Hollow Ranch wedding?
Bay Area / Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your wedding! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check my romantic {and FREE*} engagement sessions, follow my business on Facebook (friend me while you’re at it!), or read my Yelp reviews.

January 16, 2013 - 1:22 pm Kelly + Ryan (Wedding Photography) @ Dancing Deer Farm, Templeton, California | GoodEye Photography + Design Blog - [...] funky on the dance floor. I see some past wedding clients as [...]