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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The All New Website | It's Finally Here!

It's with a little trepidation and much excitement that I proudly introduce you to my brand new website!! This has literally been a dream for years, and now it's finally here!

lydiaphotography.com


While my old site will always be special, even if just for all the lovely couples that found me through it, it never fully represented who I am or the experience I wanted to provide. I knew it needed help, but for years I never felt like I was ready or knew exactly what I needed. Then one day as I was researching online, I came across this quote from Lara Casey:
A year from now you will wish you started today.
I will never be fully there. There's always going to be changes ahead as I grow as a person, and  I'm going to keep striving to refine my style and become better at what I do! But instead of just focusing on the unknown and letting it keep me back, I need to embrace the here and now and start making the changes that I can do today!

So while my new site is not "perfect", and there are still special things that will be added here and there...it's live! It's me! And I'm ready to finally show it off!


So grateful to my designer, Ravyn, of Three Fifteen Design who put up with my for a year and not only created this beautiful site, but also my lovely new logo!!

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Friday, January 31, 2014

Featured | Heart Love Weddings

I knew after talking with Taylor and Michael way back last February that their wedding was going to be amazing! In the back of my mind I make a note that I was going to do whatever it took to make sure their hard work was featured for many, many more couples to see and be inspired! So I am thrilled that almost a year later, their beautiful rustic woodland wedding is begin featured over on the lovely Heart Love Weddings blog!


Yay for dreams coming true!

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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Styled Inspiration | Downton Abbey Wedding

Ok, I admit that I haven't seen a single episode of Downton Abbey, but it's hard to deny the call to return to an era visually full of such beauty and grace. And what better way to embrace the trend than with a wedding!

This shoot was put together last year as a collaboration with many wonderful artists in the wedding community, and I think it turned out amazing! So no matter what your style, favorite tv series, or budget, here are a few ideas for how to incorporate who you are into your special day!


Opening up this invitation suite by Scribble Different, you already have a taste of the amazingness to come...


Heather was the perfect DA bride...Lindsay and Natalie of Salon Empire just outdid themselves highlighting her natural beauty!

All the florals by B&B Designs were amazing...love loving all the ranunculus, garden roses, eucalyptus, dahlias, and striped ribbon!

And while the styling by CMG Creative was a skip and a leap away from his everyday style, Mychal looks like he stepped out of the tv screen!

We were so privileged to be able to borrow this 1930 Packard for a fun pop of color!


The North Star House in Grass Valley is slowly being restored to its former glory. Even so, it's still a unique and beautiful place to hold events!




Roots Reclaimed did a spectacular job styling all the details around the estate...




Isn't this cake by Isabel's Bakery just perfect?

A favorite from the day...

Venue | North Star House

Paperie | Scribble Different

Bridal Designer/Stylist | CMG Creative Services

Makeup Artist | Natalie Wengryn of Salon Empire

Hair Stylist | Lindsay Mackey of Salon Empire

Vintage Rentals and Styling | Roots Reclaimed

Floral Design | B&B Designs

Cake | Isabel's Bakery

Models | Heather & Mychal

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Saturday, October 5, 2013

Backyard Woodland Wedding | Taylor & Michael

The day started bright and early with family members bundled up to setup outside as Taylor and the girls started their beauty routine inside. At another cabin down the road, Mike and the guys courageously fought through the cold water, probably making jokes to try to forget just how icy it was! But as the sun rose above the pine trees, coats and sweaters were laid aside for the perfect, little woodland wedding.

At their grandparent's mountain cabin, with just their nearest and dearest surrounding them, Taylor and Mike said their vows under the blue, sunny skies. With no activity-packed program to push them along, they were able to just be and enjoy every moment with the ones they loved best! The perfect way to spend each moment of one of the best days of their lives!



The week of the wedding, Taylor found Downton Abbey inspired jewelry in the perfect colors!

The most stunning detail of the day was this gorgeous BHLDN gown! Yes, that would be Anthropologie's wedding line for all those wondering!


Isn't she beautiful?! Just love the red accents from the flowers that Taylor chose from Rocklin Florist!

Along with all the pretty bridesmaids in their ModCloth dresses!

And I can't forget the cute flowergirl and her doggy that was dressed up to match her!

Mike was also looking pretty spiffy!

Complete with bowtie, fox socks, wingtips, and a boutonniere that was purchased on their third date to the movies!

With an antique, heirloom watch tucked in his pocket!

Taylor and Mike chose to do a First Look and see each other as a start to their wedding day! It was such a sweet moment and allowed them to spend the whole day together!

As well as allow for extra-special pictures together! Not only were Taylor and Mike willing to make their way out onto this log for a picture, but it was actually Taylor's idea! Love her!



Just am in awe at how the grandeur of the tall pine trees was a perfect backdrop!

It was so heartwarming to see how everyone there was so close and banded together to celebrate Taylor and Mike! I'm kind of convinced that there's nothing like small, intimate weddings!

While Taylor's and Mike's vows to each other were simple and fun, there was also a beautiful sincerity. And I'm sure a few tears were shed as Mike also vowed to protect and love their cute, little, flowergirl daughter!




As a nod to their very first date, Taylor and Mike chose to treat their guests to a brunch where they could all gather around, visit, and relax.

Guests were told to chose any glass they would like to use and take home as a keepsake!


Whimsical bunches of flowers in silver vases decorated the tables with even an antler or two!

Brunch wasn't complete without various cakes from Rick's Dessert Diner, the location of their second date and engagement shoot, and pies from the famous Machado Orchards!


Taylor and Mike, I was so honored to have been able to spend the day with you! Best wishes for even more wonderful days ahead with your sweet, little family!

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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Pinole & Sausalito Wedding | Patricia & Neil

Neil's family has been dear family friends for years, ever since they moved to California from South Africa. Over the years they've been so supportive of my photography, even featuring a picture I had taken of my puppy on the recall cards for a daughter's EyeCare Optometry business! Now that's true friendship! :-D

I met Patricia two years ago when she and Neil were first dating, having moved to California from Austria. In that time she's become the calm to his whirlwind, and the supportive steady to his flurry as he runs around helping people. Both truly caring for their friends and family around them and both so excited to start this new life together!

Patricia and Neil, it was a joy to celebrate the day with you as your photographer! By experiencing all the little details and moments behind the scenes, I felt every bit a part of my Moonsamy family! Enjoy the sunshine and blue waters of Hawaii!


Patricia and Neil got ready at a family home overlooking the bay. The empty house provided a clean, airy backdrop for Patricia's beautiful Mori Lee dress!






Oh yes, this is definitely an Apple family!


A sweet family moment of mother and sister lacing up her dress and father seeing her for the first time!

Because their reception was a distance away from the ceremony and desiring a stress-free day spent together, Patricia and Neil chose to do a First Look!

There was a lot of "Wow!!" going on!


One thing I love about Neil's family is their love to laugh. So it's no surprise the ceremony was filled with family, close friends, and lots and lots of laughter!

Driving to the other side of the bay, to the cute town of Sausalito, we started off on the dock by the pretty blue water.

Beautiful!


From a street poet to tourists with their cameras, everyone was excited to congratulate the couple! Neil videoed the experience with his iPhone, of course!

A favorite!


The reception at The Spinnaker had gorgeous views of the bay!

With typical Bay Area mist rolling over the hills. So pretty!




With the city lights twinkling in the distance, Patricia and Neil spent the night dancing and celebrating, surrounded by their friends and family!

To view more of Patricia and Neil's Bay Area wedding, check out their personalized website!

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