When I finished reading about Laura and Kyle’s love story on their wedding blog I let out an “Ohhhhhh” so loud that my 3 year old ran into the room and said “What’s wrong Mama?” I then explained to him that nothing was wrong and that sometimes girls make funny noises like that when they read great love stories!
What I loved about Laura and Kyle’s love story is that they met under unusual circumstances. They did not go to the same high school. They did not grow up in the same town. They did not get set up by friends that felt they were a match. They met in the Spring of 2008 both campaigning for Hillary Clinton. Kyle was from Arkansas and Laura from California. But it was in Montana that their paths crossed and 2 weeks later Laura was calling her friends to say she had met her husband! And 5 months later that winter Kyle moved to Connecticut to be with Laura. When you know- you know. They knew.
I first met Laura in San Diego. Greg and I were photographing Rachel and Mike’s wedding and Laura was a bridesmaid. I left Rachel in the room for a minute or two while she got undressed before she put her wedding dress on. Laura approached me to let me know that Rachel was getting dressed thinking maybe I was missing the moment. Now I instantly liked her too. Organized and on her game! I quickly explained that I was giving Rachel a minute to get undressed.
Later when I heard Laura was engaged I was secretly hoping she would hire me to photograph her wedding… when Laura contacted me I couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Enjoy the story of their lovely wedding day as viewed from our cameras!
The invites and the signage you will see through the day were designed by the creative Bobbi Beito! This is the 3rd wedding we have photographed that has used Bobbi- we love her work!
The day started off at the Hotel Healdsburg in the middle of quaint Healdsburg. If you haven’t been to this part of the world put it on your bucket list. It is a little pocket of paradise.
Laura’s exquisite gown was created by Anna Maier. Laura’s Micheal Kors wedges were perfect for a wedding at a winery. Wineries are no place for heels!
Kyle got ready with his buddies. Guys getting ready doesn’t take very long- good thing they had Rocky on the tube to occupy some time!
Laura’s little cousin from Israel was the perfect age to be a flower girl. She was full of wonder and awe as the ladies prepped for the wedding!
The medal on the left was a family heirloom, Kyle’s grandfather’s from his U.S. Army uniform. Kyle wore it on the inside of his suit jacket. In Laura’s family, it is a tradition for the bride’s family to present a watch to the groom. Kyle was given this incredible one on the right.
I’m not sure exactly what happened in this image but I think it’s hysterical!
Laura and Kyle’s wedding was held at Arista Winery. Though there are many wineries in this little town- Arista is one of the most lovely and has a great set up for weddings.
Laura’s Dad escorted her to the wedding and was so overwhelmed with emotions, he said to me, “It’s not every day your little girl is getting married.” It was adorable to see.
The site of the wedding ceremony was so spectacular. I loved how the chuppah was very natural and simple- adding to the scenery not competing with it.
The chuppah was created by Laura’s Mom and Kyle’s Grandmother.
The programs and menus you will see later were created by Hyegraph.
The wedding ceremonies started off with a Kabbalat Panim for Laura and Kyle to greet their guests. During this time the men and woman are separated.
Laura was with the ladies at the top of the hill. The ladies were shuttled up!
During the kabbalat panim, the bride, surrounded by friends and family, is greeted by guests before the ceremony, who often offer hugs and well wishes.
Kyle had his Tisch at the bottom of the winery. Traditionally at a Tisch, the groom is surrounded by his friends and family singing songs and toasting to the groom and his future.
Then Rabbi Jim Ponet prepares the men for their parade up the hill for the Bedeken.
The men jubilantly start to parade!
The energy in the air at this time was amazing. Seeing the men come up over the hill- I loved watching Laura and Kyle as they began to look for each other. It was a wedding moment I will never forget! I’m sure Laura, Kyle, their families and guests feel the same way.
Laura sits with her Mom, Kyle’s Mom and Grandmother and is ecstatic to see Kyle!
Kyle’s last few steps….
So much happiness!
The emotions, the energy, the tradition of it all- such an honor to document these moments for Laura and Kyle.
Kyle veils his bride before the wedding ceremony.
The parents are asked to come up and be part of a blessing.
Laura and Kyle head into a private room to sign the Ketubbah, the marriage contract, with their immediate family. I love the smiles on their faces in those first few moments alone!
Contract signed, it was now time for the ceremony!
Love it Kyle!
Could you find a cuter ring bearer or a flower girl??? I think not!
Laura is escorted down the aisle by her parents.
Kyle and Laura circle each other.
Kyle’s uncle came up and spoke.
Laura and Kyle both spoke from their hearts to each other.
The wedding rings were exchanged.
The Rabbi covered Laura and Kyle with his prayer shawl and then invited the parents under the chuppah to be part of blessing Laura and Kyle’s marriage.
Oh I love this moment! Mazel Tov!!
Now that’s a kiss the bride!!
Married!!!
The guests headed back down the hill for cocktail hour while we did portraits.
One of the great things about Arista winery is that there were so many different little places to photograph. We started in the winery and the grapes were full- making the images even more picturesque!
Next we headed off to where the goats were! Kyle grew up on a farm and they asked to included some furry friends in the photographs!
Laura was brave- they went inside!
Then Laura got even braver- she climbed onto this rock which was mossy and actually quite high up. So worth it- thanks Laura!
While the wedding ceremony was more steeped in Laura’s cultural traditions, the rehearsal dinner and cocktail hour tipped it’s hat to the south! 3 words: fried chicken fritters! YUM!
I love when a wedding includes pictures from the past- such a beautiful way to pay tribute to your families.
A special note to all their guests.
Stunning!
The flowers created by Flowers by Rebekah were just perfect. They were touches of beauty throughout the day. All the flower arrangements for the wedding were so elegant.
Laura and Kyle’s wedding reception started off with traditional Israeli folk dancing- the Hora! I have never seen such a large group of people involved- it was so much fun! AND long!
Ahhhh, the chairs!!!
Kyle brought in a little country twist to the Hora!
And then
Alright, back to the Hora!
Whew! Ended with a dip and a kiss! Now that’s a Hora!
Kyle’s best man Garrison started off the toast. His toast was the perfect combination of good humor and emotion- well said!
Laura’s maid of honor Navi was up next. Navi had us all smiling with stories from their childhood and also recounting the phone call Laura made saying she had met her husband!
Kyle’s Dad was next and spoke some beautiful words about marriage.
Next up was Laura’s dad who asked everyone present of all faiths to bless his daughter and Kyle’s marriage.
Last up the newlyweds- thanked everyone for coming from near and VERY far to celebrate with them!
Laura and Kyle went non-traditional and cut the pie! The yummy yummy pies were from Mom’s Apple Pie!
Laura and Kyle then shared their first dance as husband and wife.
It didn’t last long as they invited their guests to join them on the dance floor, but even amongst the crowd they were still in their own little world.
The party started off quickly, this crowd did not need to warm up! I love how the ring bearer found the smarter way to limbo!
As their guests started the dancing off- we whisked Laura and Kyle away for a few more portraits during the golden hour. The golden hour is the last 30 minutes before sunset and the first 30 minutes after sunset.
What was amazing to me was that we moved Laura and Kyle around facing the light in different ways and we were able to capture images that look so different all within 15 minutes of time. Sunset light is wonderful that way!
With the sun a little lower we were able to use it to light the couple from the back, giving this glow that adds to this already incredibly romantic scene!
And then with the sun over the hills, the sky put on a show for us and allowed us to create a silhouette of the Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!
When we arrived back the sky was dark, the cafe lights were glowing and guests were having a blast dancing! Great job done by Alex from AMS Entertainment!
Now THAT is an awesome dance move!
“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want… So tell me what you want, what you really really want” Spice Girls circa 1996!
Then the boys got their sing along on. “Whoahhhhh, we’re halfway there. Whoahhhhh, livin’ on a prayer… Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear Whoahhh, livin’ on a prayer” Bon Jovi circa 1986!
Laura joined in the fun!
In addition to the yummy pies, a table of Middle Eastern desserts were out for guests to enjoy.
Favors for the guests were layed out as well. Laura and Kyle love pickles! Laura’s grandfather who passed away a few years ago always made pickles in a very traditional way, and her mom used his recipe to pickle a bunch of vegetables (including okra, Kyle’s favorite)!
All great celebrations sadly must end. Laura and Kyle’s guest gathered around them for the last song of the night.
One last lift for the night!!!
And a kiss!
And a big hug! Such an incredible wedding full of traditions new and old, filled with laughter, singing, dancing and LOVE. Thank you so much Laura and Kyle for the great honor of photographing your wedding day! We had a wonderful time and now like you two are in love with a little town called Healdsburg!
A special thank you to Heather Holliday, Laura and Kyle’s wedding planner who was so much fun to work with and kept everything running smoothly and on time!
We also were thrilled to work with Grover Films. Please check out their video of the wedding here! This dynamic couple creates unique wedding videos that capture the emotion of the day without being intrusive.
Other amazing people who worked hard to make this wedding so magical were:
Catering by Park Avenue Catering
Hair done by Artistry by Gabrielle
Transportation by California Wine Tours
Wonderful photos and an amazing location, loved all the photos
So in love with these photographs, Susannah & Greg!! It was such a beautiful day, and looking through these pictures brought back so many memories of all the fun and love we witnessed between Kyle and Laura!!
What a gorgeous and FUN wedding!! So many beautiful images, details and moments!! I think it’s so cute that Jax asked you what was wrong and their love story is super sweet! As I was looking through the post I definitely was making the same kind of sounds (awww.. gasp.. wow.. haha.. ). Those dancing images are so awesome and really show how much fun they all had! And I just LOVE the image of the bride and the little girl in the hallway! So beautiful! Gorgeous work! =)
What a fun wedding this must’ve been! I love all their little personalize details. I specially love her hair and those adorable goats . Wonderful work
What a gorgeous couple. They look like movie stars from the glamour 50’s in some of the black and white shots. I love all the details you captured.
[…] Gill. You can find many more of these beautiful shots of the lovely couple at Arista Winery on Susannah’s blog. Let’s not wait any longer…. on to the […]