Katherine and Juan
I first met Katherine Plommer in my studio, after she was referred to me by her wedding planner, (and my good friend!) Michelle Klaff. We immediately hit it off, she booked her wedding with us and we did an engagement session a few months later. Katherine said: “After meeting with you, Juan and I were convinced you were the perfect match for us. Sometimes you just know a person is going to work well with you.” I always ask my couples how they met, and Juan and Katherine first met on New Year’s Eve in Tahoe by some mutual friends who planned a weekend at a cabin. (Katherine’s parents, who have been married for almost 35 years, also met on NYE) Was it fate?? I think so!
I was so excited to hear that their wedding was going to be at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma, CA. I had already visited there on a scouting trip for another bride, so I was familiar with the winery. I even signed up for their wine club on my visit! Btw next time you are in Sonoma, you must stop by and taste their wonderful wines.
Jacuzzi Winery
On the day of the wedding, I usually do some “getting ready photos for my brides and this was no different. My assistant, Ricardo, was doing the detail shots of the rings, shoes, etc and I was getting pics in the dressing room.
Katherine was just stunning in her beautiful dress, made by Priscilla of Boston. Her hair and makeup were done by Veronica Passalacqua and believe me, she looked GORGEOUS! Next she put on her veil and we opened the windows so she could pose in front of it. Someone then came in the room and with the opposite door open, the breeze blew in and her veil was just floating in the air. It was breathtaking!
Katherine’s beautiful bouquet, featuring Calla Lilies, Hydrangeas and Trumpet Tulips were created by Julie Stephens Floral Design in Sonoma.
Katherine and Juan decided to do a “first look” before the ceremony. That allows the couple some private time before all of the hustle and bustle of the wedding day takes over. We pre-plan a location for the groom to wait for his bride, with his back to where she is coming from, then Ricardo and I stand at opposite ends so we can capture the expressions of both the bride and groom as they both get to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It is always such a sweet time and we feel incredibly honored to be a part of it and to capture those memories forever!
The ceremony was so beautiful outside by the fountain. We had such perfect weather and it was only the middle of April!
Ricardo and I did a combination of color and infrared BW, one of our specialties. Anytime you have sunlight and greenery try some infrared. It makes everything look surreal as the sky turns black and the foliage turns white.
Their reception was held in the gorgeous hall at Jacuzzi Winery, but first we did a big group portrait of everyone in the courtyard. It was so fun!
Delicious food was provided by Park Avenue Catering and the cake was made by Fleur de Lisa and featured Fondont with 4 flavors – Raspberry Zinger, Chocolate Carmel, Apple Caramel and Caribbean Coconut. Yum!!
The wonderful Brandon Battaglia of “Switched On Audio” was the MC/DJ for the reception. He also provided the glamorous uplighting and room lighting. (hint: Anytime you can add room lighting to your event, do it!)
The favors were just adorable! Katherine’s mom labeled olive oil bottles for all of the guests. Such a thoughtful yet practical gift!
First Dance – Everything – Michael Buble
Father/Daughter Dance –My Girl
Cake Cutting Song –I Love You Madly – Cake
Katherine later shared with me: “Juan and I were truly impressed with each of our vendors. When we saw how everything came together the day of our wedding (and all we had to do was show up and look good!) we knew we had made the right choices.”
Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?
Take as many pictures before the ceremony as you can. This was a tough decision for us as we wanted to wait to see each other when I came down the aisle. But we were so glad we got a lot of the pictures taken care of beforehand so we could enjoy the wedding with our friends and family and not miss it all taking pictures. Venue is important – think about your vision and whether the venues you are looking at can truly encapsulate what you are hoping for. A good venue is more than just a place that you need to decorate to make beautiful. Do a photo session with your photographer prior to the wedding. Juan and I were going to skip this but Diana said it would be good for the 3 of us to get to know each other and our personalities better. Such a great idea! Juan and I were so comfortable with Diana after that first session.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Honestly, nothing. If I had to chose something, I would have not stressed about some of the choices we had to make as much. It was the little things that got me the most stressed. But we both loved every minute of our wedding and only wished it could have lasted longer!
Thank you Katherine and Juan for allowing us to be a part of your special day!
Thank you so much, Diana! You did such an amazing job capturing every special moment of this day!
Beautiful. Where did you get the olive oil favors from? What a cute idea in olive (and wine) country!
Hi Jen,
Thank you for the kind words! I believe the bride got them from Jacuzzi as they make their own olive oil and have a tasting room for it as well.
Diana 🙂
Thanks for the lovely photographs of our daughters wedding. You captured the beauty and joy of that day perfectly.
Diane was very professional and made everyone look great on the day of my cousin’s wedding!
I would certainly recommend her to anyone needing a photographer.
Thanks, Diane!
Wow, these pictures are FABULOUS!!!! The wedding looked amazing and these pictures really captured the moments. I love all the candid and detail shots. The large groups shots look great too – nice way to all the guests in. Congrats to the happy couple and great photos!
Diane did a wonderful job on the day of my sisters wedding. She captured all of the precious moments and made us look fantastic. I would recommend her to anyone!
Good work Diana. You did an excellent and professional job recording this great event.
The wedding was great and the pictures were beautiful!
wow…when we think about these pictures in a few years we’ll realize that it doesn’t get any better! Lookin’ good
You captured the wedding perfectly! The infared BW turned out beautifully! Very majestic! This blog is a wonderful summary for the friends that weren’t able to make it.
The wedding pictures are unbelievable!!! From the venue to Katherine and Juan…everything detail was captured!!! It makes me want to get married all over again!!!
Love it! What a beautiful bride and wonderful family and friends. Thank you for allowing us to share in wonderful day. It will always be remembered. The pictures are wonderful and captured all the love and happiness. Especially loved the black and white photo. Looks like they both are in heaven.
Fantastic photographs, they really do capture the magic of the day. Well done to Diana!
Omg this album is GORGEOUS… So many different shots to choose from, I couldn’t imagine. I am sure Katherine and Juan couldn’t be any happier with this!
Beautiful work as always, Diana! It amazes me how consistent you are…a true professional and such a pleasure to work with. Thank you for including me in your blog and documenting my lighting.
Absolutely stunning photographs Diana. Katherine and her bridal party were such fun to work with. Lauren Kelsay, my biz partner and sister, did all of the hair and we enjoyed every moment of the preparation time with these ladies. Hope to work with you again!
Loved all of our pictures. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I am so grateful that we found you!
Beautiful photography of a beautiful wedding.
I would recommend Diana to anyone planning a wedding. Her work speaks for itself.
I was honored to attend Katherine and Juan’s wedding.
The photography was exceptional.
All of the pictures turned out beautifully.
The wedding was great and all the pictures look awesome.
Don’t forget the beautiful Bride!
Katherine your pictures were amazing and the wedding was beautiful!
Katherine you looked amazing.
Pictures are off the chain!
These are beautiful!
It was a perfect night and the pictures captured all of the important moments.
Everything looks amazing… So so sorry I missed it!!!
Can’t wait to hire Diane for my wedding. Great pictures, very professional.
I look forward to working with you 🙂
Great pictures!!!!!! Diane was extremely professional
Breathtaking. Looking at the pictures now – I find myself getting teary eyed. What a beautiful wedding and the pictures really capture the moment!
Thank You, they are a beautiful couple!
The wedding was beautiful and the pictures captured all the amazing moments.
Beautiful Photography! Loved all the photos 🙂
These photos look wonderful. I can’t wait to see them all!
You did such a beautiful job capturing the love and joy at this wedding!!!
Love the pictures!!!!!! They captured some of the best moments that were very candid. I love the pic the best of with the bride looking out of the window as she is getting ready!
Also some of the black and whites are so classic!
These pictures are fantastic. You captured the family having amazing moments, always my favorite type of wedding shot.
WINNING! enough said
Loved the photos!!! Katherine and Juan look amazing, what a lovely couple, Congratulations!!
I just love these photos! Congrats to you both!
For those of us that couldn’t be at the wedding in person, these pictures are especially wonderful. They convey the personality and fun of the wedding. Thanks!
Thank you Emily – I’m so glad to hear that…you made my day!
Congrats, you both look stunning!
Love these photo! Diana you made all of us look so beautiful!
Great work Diana! Everyone looks so good!
Looks like quite a party! The images captured are amazing!
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job! The pictures are beautiful and captured all the great moments of the day!
Thank You, it was easy with such a wonderful couple 🙂
What a wonderful day and these photos tell the whole story! Thanks for making us look so handsome in our kilts!
Smashing pictures! Wish we could have made it. Glad you represented with the kilts and piper!
Yes, the kilts were awesome!
Love the overhead group shot – what a great idea! Everyone had such a great time and these pictures show it!
It was fun working with such a fun group!
The pictures are just perfect – as was the entire day! Congrats!
Amazing work! Do you travel to LA?
Congratulations Katherine and Juan! The photographs are absolutely amazing! They reflect beauty, elegance, and sophistication. I especially love the photo of Katherine standing in front of the large windows looking over her shoulder. She looks so radiant and stunning! The photographs really capture such a special day for the bride and groom with class.
Thank you so much Seema!