Under a Tree in Napa

Each formal portrait location has it's given opportunity to be an exceptional photo when using high end lighting techniques.  Jennifer and Sean's formal portrait was a perfect example of this because...

a simple and trendy photo could have been made in the above image where I expose for the couple and let the background blow out to white, but I opted to light the couple with a powerful studio strobe.  Let me clarify by saying that there is nothing wrong with taking this same photo and exposing for the skin and letting the background blowout, in fact I think trendy overexposed portraits look great, I'm just saying I like using my equipment on the fly and whipping up a special portrait while under the time constraints of a wedding, it's fun and challenging.  

Here is the same photo as the first without using strobes, I exposed for the skin tones and let the background blowout.

Jennifer and Sean both had heirlooms and or a family crest metal pinned to their clothing to commemorate their family into their special day.

Jennifer had a sparkle in her eye as they walked back down the isle after the ceremony. 

I am always looking for a unique angle that captures a special venue element that speaks of the location, here is the chandelier at the Wedgewood and Banquet Center in Napa.