Another Hot Ru’s Farm Wedding in Healdsburg

New Traditions.

Weddings can mean many different things, and people choose to celebrate them for all kinds of reasons. Around Northern California, where I work, many of the couples I photograph have already been living together for years. They tend to skip traditions that don’t resonate with them and instead shape the day in a way that feels true to who they are. The rituals that do hold meaning—whether cultural, emotional, or symbolic—often remain, but with a more personal touch.

To me, the modern wedding is less about formalities and more about connection. It’s about bringing together families and communities, celebrating love and commitment in a way that reflects the couple’s own experience. At its heart, it’s an opportunity to share love—to feel it, to show it, and to spread it.

I Want You to Spend Time With Your People on Your Wedding Day.

In this era of freedom and personal expression, I do my best to let things unfold organically. My goal is for couples to spend as much time as possible with the people they’ve invited—to be present, not pulled away for endless posed photos. I focus on capturing the essential feeling of the day: the emotionally charged moments, the fleeting in-betweens, the quiet glances, and loud laughter.

Ultimately, I aim to tell a story that feels genuine, fun, and artistically interesting—something that reflects the true spirit of the celebration. And of course, this is always a collaboration. The energy of the couple and their guests shapes the day, and together, we create something that’s not just beautiful but deeply enjoyable for everyone involved.

Do Family Pictures Before the Ceremony and Spend More Time with Your People.

I like to keep the formal family and wedding party portraits simple and efficient—just a few essential combinations, usually taken before the ceremony. This way, everyone can head straight into cocktail hour without delay. Guests want to celebrate, eat, and drink, and I fully support that flow. Any additional posed groupings can happen naturally during the reception or cocktail hour, when everyone is more relaxed and in the spirit of the day.

I also do my best to show up as myself, both in how I work and how I interact. I want my couples to feel like they’re working with someone they can trust, someone who gets them. Staying true to my own approach helps me create a genuine connection with my clients, which leads to better photographs and a more positive experience for everyone.

Sometimes People Have Different Expectations.

This long preamble is my way of introducing a wedding that was, in many ways, absolutely beautiful and full of joy. Luisa and John were married at Ru’s Farm in Healdsburg—a charming venue tucked into wine country, run by a lovely couple who care about their space and the people who celebrate there. With sweeping vineyard views, a rustic barn, lush gardens, and mature trees, it strikes a perfect balance: large enough for a lively crowd, but intimate enough that you can walk the whole property in just a few minutes.

Their June wedding was a hot one, but the energy was high and the celebration full of life. Friends and family brought bottles of wine, a brass band brought the party to life, and the whole day felt festive and heartfelt. That said, Luisa and John ultimately felt I didn’t meet their expectations as a photographer, and they shared that feedback publicly on Yelp. Take a look at the pictures below and make your own assessment.