I have looked forward to this day for a long time. What was supposed to be a large Labor Day weekend wedding in Petaluma changed to a relaxed, intimate August wedding at the lovely Beltane Ranch. Charlotte and Charlie, as have all our 2020 couples, have been through the ringer this year and these two have still embraced the roadblocks with such grace and kindness.  Alex and I have built a bond with these two over the last year, photographing their engagement session earlier this year, sharing a dinner together and doing venue walkthroughs. It has been so nice to get to know them on a deeper level and have that relationship going into such a special day.

There was a little anxiety as we arrived at the ranch in the mid-afternoon. The recent, destructive fires and extreme weather had left a layer of smoke settling into both Napa and Sonoma Valleys for weeks now. The smoke felt particularly thick the day of Charlotte and Charlie’s intimate wedding. Of course, we knew we would power through any situation and only come with positivity. I just wanted everything to be perfect for these two and even though I don’t have that power, I knew that it would be a beautiful day. No one could believe that after the ceremony as the sun began to set, the smoke cleared and we were welcomed with the most stunning golden hour sunset. Portraits of the bride and groom throughout the beautiful rustic property are some of my absolute favorite. Family and a few close friends mingled on the lawn while we slipped away for portraits against the rustic field, olive groves and majestic hills of Sonoma. I could not have been happier or more fulfilled when we said our goodbyes for the evening. Congratulations Charlotte and Charlie!

 

Venue: Beltane Ranch // Catering: Beltane Ranch // Florals: Beltane Ranch // Photography: Caitlin O’Reilly Photography // Hair & Makeup: Krista Sugay // Bride’s Dress: Alice and Olivia // Officiant: close friend //