Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting the Flagg-Fasbinder wedding in Half Moon Bay!
It turned out be a gorgeous Sunday for a beach wedding after several hot days earlier that week. It was overcast most of the afternoon which kept things at a comfortable temperature, and also kept the lighting pretty diffused – which is never a bad thing as a photographer.
Now I had originally met Jenn three years ago at Amy and Michael’s wedding. Jenn was Amy’s Maid of Honor at her wedding, and last week when Evan proposed Jenn contacted me immediately to check on my availability to photograph her wedding, too. And a few months after that, once they had made their decision and I had a chance to meet Evan, it was clear that this was going to be a very easy weekend with both of them. Both seemed to very collected and very excited about the wedding weekend. “We’re having a hybrid wedding” Jenn said to me. It would be a half Catholic and half Jewish wedding. And despite the frustrations that they were describing trying to mix tradition from both into one ceremony, they seemed surprisingly calm about the whole thing.
-Jenn giving her speech at Amy and Michael’s wedding, April 2010-
Another thing that was great to hear from Evan was that he had spent some time researching and really looking at the different photographers that Jennifer had picked out as her final choices. This is really important in my opinion. And it’s a huge relief for me when the groom (or sometimes bride) hasn’t met me previously to know that they took a long look at my work and decided I was right for their wedding.
Well, when the wedding rolled around the weekend got started at a small rehearsal in San Jose. Jenn said she didn’t want everyone to have to drive all the way to Half Moon Bay just for the rehearsal since most people weren’t staying there and would have to drive back that night and then back out again the following day.
But it was a great warmup for people to get both an idea of how the ceremony would go, as well as time for everyone to socialize and catch up on life. This is always a perfect time for me to get know people too. Then the following wedding day they’ll see me, but mostly ignore me since I’m not quite a random a person walking around with my camera. Haha!
On Sunday the morning started out very relaxed at the salon with some of the girls. Lots of laughing and joking with the stylists as they asked me about photography and my career. I suppose sometimes my direct answers come across a little strong since I answer quickly when I’m shooting and am focused on things other than the conversation. haha. Whoops.
Later that afternoon we all made our way out to Half Moon Bay – where there was a ton of traffic because it was such a pleasant day at the coast.
The ceremony was held at La Costanera Restaurant on their patio overlooking the water. It was a pretty great location, and despite some initial concerns there wasn’t too many people walking by as people originally feared. And since there was a cloud cover that day it kept the temperature comfortable enough for people to not have to worry about overheating in sun, or needing sunglasses. There were several prayers mixed into the ceremony to be able to do things for Evan and the Jewish half of the wedding. What was great was that the Rabbi would explain some of the traditions to everyone so they understood the meaning behind things since he was aware many of the people there were not familiar with Jewish weddings. It was interesting for me, too, since I had never been to a Jewish ceremony.
The rest of the evening went great with some family photos down on the beach, lots of dancing and laughter at the reception, and even some time for me to chat with the family members a bit more during some of my down time that night.
I’ll save some of the rest for the captions. But please click the break and read on! I’ve uploaded just over 250 different photos from Jennifer and Evan’s wedding weekend!
Getting things started at the rehearsal. Jen’s explaining things to the family
Later that night Jenn told me “Yeah, they saved that paper veil from my bachelorette party… I was ok with the possibility that they forgot it so I wouldn’t have to wear it (tonight)”.
Sitting at the table that evening chatting with Jenn’s relatives
Save the Date!
The wedding is tomorrow!
Sunday morning and getting things started at the salon
Mom and sis, chattin and laughing as they watch Jenn get her hair done
Arriving at Montara things were still being set up for that afternoon – guess I was earlier than I thought
The favors went FAST. They were handmade caramels by a friend that Evan and Jenn know – and they were pretty amazing. I was able to snag one to try before they all disappeared. Good thing, too, because Evan pointed out a couple times “You have to try them, they’re amazing”. Yes they were.
Back at the hotel Mrs. Flagg was starting to prepare Jenn’s wedding dress.
Meanwhile Jenn was starting on her makeup
Jenn’s dress was lovely, and the beadwork was gorgeous
A little help from Mrs. Flagg! Jenn’s father is a general contractor, and laughed that he never wears ties. I actually ended up tying it for him after Mrs. Flagg laughed that she wasn’t going to get it looking good. Shhh, don’t tell anyone! haha
Time to dive into the dress!
Jenn was laughing the majority of the time as they all tried to adjust the dress to sit right
Success! Now time to strap it up!
There’s a clip on this dress….somewhere…
Jenn adjusting her dad’s pocket kerchief while her mom and sister finish tying her dress
A few last minute touchups of the girl’s hair
Now Jenn’s turn. Everyone was doing a few last minute things, you can even see Pamela’s boyfriend Jorian in the mirror finishing getting ready too! (he was helping Pamela with some last minute things at the venue and was one of the last to get back and get ready with everyone)
Back and La Costanera Evan was waiting to finish getting suited up for things that afternoon.
Evan’s brother and Best Man Ben was all smiles that afternoon
“So I can just stab it right into his chest so it doesn’t move, right John?”
These guys were busy playing games on an iPhone. haha!
How cute is this cake!?
Pamela put it all together earlier that afternoon with white chocolate seashells and graham cracker sand!
Gotta look sharp as the ring bearer
Upstairs Jenn was getting ready for her walk down the aisle
Hugs and kisses from Mom
Evan watching as his bride turns the corner
Hugs and kisses from Dad and she’s given away!
right as they went to light their unity candle a gust of wind blew by…
“Don’t worry!” said the Rabbi, “We have backup!” and he re-lit the small candle used to light their respective family candles
Spotted! Haha, I guess I’m the only person in the audience moving though…
Evan’s focus quickly went back to Jennifer though
The exchanging of rings is a bit different in a Jewish ceremony I learned. it’s put on the pointer finger first, and then you personally move to the ring finger as a sign of agreeing/accepting/etc.
Another part that is different is the marriage license is signed immediately, during the ceremony
Nearly done! Just a few more things to say…
Mazel Tov!
This was kinda cool.. So Evan and Jenn saved a lightbulb from the first place they lived together to crush as part of their ceremony – the shattering of a glass and reuniting of your soul with your soulmate is too long to explain here. But please look it up if you’re curious (I did because I never knew the exact explanation)
And then, of course, kissing your bride/husband!
Heading down to the beach for some photos
A little help from her husband. The sand was wayyy too soft to stand in in heels.
Jenn was exciting to do a kiss shot. it took a several tries since right as we got to this one (and the last shot on the beach) my flash cable started acting up! Silly technology, always breaking.
Had to get one of us before we went in!
Tell kids to dance during their entrance, and they will!
First speech of the night was the Father of the Bride, Mr. Flagg
Best Man Ben was up next
Had to tell a couple funny stories of Evan up there.
Pamela’s speech was very sweet. She actually put together a list of the things Evan should do to keep Jenn happy. It was a list of things Pamela remembered from growing up with Jenn as little girls
Mr. Fasbinder got up to say a few words to his son and new daughter in law, too. He also said a Jewish blessing as well. Very sweet
After dinner it was time to start visiting the tables and saying hi to everyone
Outside the kids were all playing hide and seek… at least they were at one point. I don’t remember what they were doing here. haha
Family and friends checking out the ring!
The school friends table!
After dinner many people headed out to the fire pits. It was a really comfortable evening to be outside
Making their way out for their first dance
Evan and Jenn looked like they were having a great time dancing and laughing while their family looked on
The Daddy-Daughter dance is always the sweetest though I think
One more kiss for his little girl before they leave the dance floor
Jenn held her dad’s hand they walked off, it was really sweet
Evan and his mom were laughing and having a great time during the Mother-Son dance next
And then the floor opened up to everyone!
And shortly after things got going Hava Nagila started…
The ceiling was a little too low for the chairs though, so that didn’t happen. haha
Breakin it down to a little cha cha slide
Evan and Jenn were laughing as they tried to cut the cake! The frosting was still pretty cold from being refrigerated so it took a couple tries. haha!
I think the ladies were all kind of avoiding the bouquet… or perhaps it was a little too dark to see easily, but no one really lunged for it! haha
Not too many single people at the wedding as it turned out! haha
Had to get my usual shot with the bride and groom!
Also had to get a shot with the Lordans! I think the last time I saw them was at Michael’s brother’s wedding.. maybe more recent. Either way it’s cool to see past couples and new weddings I shoot – especially when they’re people I met at their wedding in the first place.
Breaking it down to Party Rock Anthem
Hugs from his girls! Mr. Flagg spent a good portion of the night on the dance floor with his daughters. It was sweet to watch
Jenn and her cousin (I think?) dancing
Mr. Flagg getting down with Jorian, Pamela laughing her ass off watching. hahaha!
Get low! Get low!
Dancing to Sexy and I know it! LOL
Mr. Flagg, flexing!
This was hilarious, Mrs. Flagg walked up to ask Jenn something while Apple Bottom Jeans was playing…
Right as “Low, low, low, lowwww” played…. Jenn got low, Mr. Flagg laughed at his wife’s confusion…
Then Mrs. Flagg got low, too, and Mr. Flagg about lost it! HAHAHA
Last dance of the evening…
Everyone grabbed their partners for one more dance before the night was through.
Everyone making sure people have rides and saying last minute goodbyes before heading out.
And that wrapped up my weekend with the Flagg and Fasbinder families! I had an awesome time spending Saturday and Sunday with them. And it was very cool to be part of Jenn’s wedding and getting to know Evan a bit more, too. Hopefully you guys enjoyed the images!
For those of you who follow my work regularly I’ll be heading out to Michigan next week to shoot the Foyt-Hornshaw wedding! Two of my friends from college who have since moved to SoCal but returned to MI where they’re from for their wedding. While in Michigan I’ll guest speaking at a friends high school to her photo class, and I will also be guest lecturing and giving a lighting demonstration at Central Michigan University to some classes for my old professor.
What I’m saying is that my next update might not before at least a week. September is a busy month of travel. But check back soon! Or follow me on Facebook or Instagram (@johnremus) for more updates.