MEF Photography Blog! » San Francisco-Based Wedding, Family + Portrait Photography

Here’s my observation: If people look happy and in love even when they’re totally freezing and being raked by knock-you-down gusts of wind, you know it’s genuine. And I’m making this observation because I got to witness it with my own eyeballs between Jamie + Casey when we were basically dying on top of Mt. Tam a couple of weeks ago, and they didn’t even flinch. A little goose bump photoshopping was all we needed! ;)

Jamie is another one of my high school alumna bride-friends (there are four this year, plus one from college!), who is an ultramarathoner, and an exceptionally hard working entrepreneur (of TWO successful and growing startups). She also kicked my butt as my personal trainer while I was still living in the city (and I still have nightmares of jumping up the Lyon St. steps!). I knew that Casey was something special from the first time she talked about him—sometimes you can just tell, you know? So of course I was way excited when they asked me to photograph their wedding this summer. And I’m more excited since their engagement session, during which they both had nonstop smiles plastered on their faces—even when I told them not to! They couldn’t stop! If you’ve read even one entry on this blog, you know exactly how I feel about that!

But let’s move on to the photos! Oh, and get ready for a lot of general hugging poses, because guys, it was a necessity for the conservation of body heat and the prevention of, well, death. :)

Let’s just start with a favorite, shall we? Hey, hot legs. :D

DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN ABOUT THE SMILES?!

Jamie, that photo on the right? A) HOLY HOT TAMALE, and, B) You’re welcome for your new profile photo. :D

The appearance of goosebumps may or may not have been reduced in this image. :)

Outfit and an ultimately regrettable location change (WINDWINDWIND). But Mt. Tam, I just can’t stop loving you, you freezing, blustery vixen. FAVORITE! By the way, from here on out, it was so windy that we were all crying uncontrollably (seriously, tears were pouring down our faces; we should have brought ski goggles). But I made some really bad jokes and we remained positive!

Perfect, perfect, perfect. Print this as a gigantic canvas, please!

Should we stop to talk about their amazing outfits? When I tell people to build on a theme without being matchy-matchy, THIS is exactly what I mean. High fives, guys.

Can you tell I was a little obsessed with Jamie during this shoot? I’m not sorry about it. P.S. This would also be an acceptable new profile photo, J. :D

So I always ask clients to bring a blanket to their session, just in case. And usually people show up with a camping blanket, or a family quilt, or a solid color that matches their outfits. But Jamie took it to a whole new level. Meet her childhood friend, Lamb Blanket. I LOVED it. Plus, by this point, it was so cold out that it served a utilitarian purpose, hence the photo on the right. :)

Love this! :D Let’s just close it out with three more favorites.

You two were SUCH troopers during this session. Thank you for persevering, for laughing with me, for letting me learn about your relationship and your wedding plans (I’m expecting one heck of a party). Thanks for putting up with all my bad jokes and strange requests, and executing them with smiles on your faces. I had a wonderful time photographing you, and I hope you love these images as much as I do (SO MUCH!). I’ll see you soooooon! xo, M

I’ve been doing this job for over five years now, which means I’ve heard a lot of pretty great “How did you two meet?” stories, but I have to say, Mel + Shad’s takes the cake. First of all, though, full disclosure: I’ve known (and adored!) Mel for more years than I’ll say out loud. She’s one of the sweetest and smartest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. And she’s just as beautiful inside as out. BUT I SWEAR that hasn’t influenced why I love this story so much. Swear.

So, the story! Mel is a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s office, and Shad is a police officer. They met when… wait for it… Mel subpoenaed him for a case. He was quite literally bound by law to meet her. Real life Law & Order couple right here, guys. I mean, I feel like that’s the beginnings of a sitcom script, right? P.S. If you make a sitcom script out of this and make millions of dollars, buy me an ice cream cone as thanks, would ya? :D

At any rate, Mel + Shad are having themselves a wedding in a few weeks, so we got together in downtown Sacramento to take some “engagement” photos. (It’s in quotes because they already eloped! When I asked Mel why, she said, “We wanted to do something fun, just for us.” You love them now, too, don’t you?) Let’s share!

Say “Hi, Mel + Shad!” :D

By the way, these are Shad’s crazy awesome daughters. From left to right: Shaina, Laura and Amanda. :D

I love your love.

FAVORITE. Good lookin’ family, right here!

Inappropriate things may or may not have been said here. (Hint: They totally were.) ;)

As soon as I saw this one download, I knew it’d be my favorite. These are the faces of genuine happiness!

Oh, Mellie. Je t’aime.

Weird compliment time: Those are some gooood arms to be hugged by, am I right?

The thing is, before this day, I’d never met Shad, but I’d seen a LOT of photos of him—and in not a single one was he smiling with teeth. I told him I’d break him, and it was GENUINE. FAVORITE!

Mellie + Shad, thank you SO much for asking me to photograph your wedding in a few weeks. I am looking forward to celebrating your love with your nearest and dearest. It means the world to me to be invited into such an important time in your lives, and it truly tickles me pink to be witness to your happiness. Such love couldn’t have happened to a more kind and deserving couple. I predict great things in your future. :D See you soon! xo, M