West Park Winery Wedding Photos | Kate + Dan | Rock & Roll Wedding Photographer

When I first met with Kate and Dan, she explained that she wanted relaxed, artistic portraits at her wedding and reception photos that truly captured the fun and excitement of the day. I was excited from the get go. Kate is no stranger to photography. She owns Dog City Photography, an amazing animal portrait studio that works overtime to help place rescued animals. So its safe to see that she knows what she wants in terms of wedding photos. The two talked at length about the amazing location they chose for the wedding. West Park Winery is a gorgeous stone location set in the middle of rolling hills and acres of green fields. Kate mentioned that the place had a few external buildings on the property in various stages if decomposition. “Do you mind taking photos among the ruined buildings?,” I asked. “I’d love to,” she replied.

Rain threatened to fall the day of the wedding. Rather than spend time worrying about the weather, the bridal party worked overtime to help me create as many portraits as possible during the short window of clear skies. Kate didn’t bat at eye at treading over damp grass in her heels, and was the first to suggest we hike up a hill to take some stunning portraits under a massive tree. The first look is one of my favorite parts of the wedding and this time we decided to do it outdoors behind the winery. Dan looked into the distance as Kate snuck up behind him and hugged him with a huge smile on her face. His eyes lit up when he saw her and the love between the two vanquished any sadness stirred by the gloomy weather.

The ceremony was moved indoors to avoid the rain. The winery served as a lovely, rustic backdrop for a picture-perfect wedding. Kate and Dan read their own vows, smiling the whole time (with the exception of a stray tear). Family and friends huddled into the main hall to watch the two share a cup of wine and embrace for their first kiss. The scene was simply magical. The reception was a giant party courtesy of Elite Rhythms. These guys truly brought the entertainment with live instrumentalists and a singer that had no fear leading the entire dance floor in a Journey singalong. What more could you ask for?

A big thank you to Alexander Meseguer for second shooting for me and keeping us company on the long ride.