Weddings by Christina Diane

The Christina Diane Weddings Blog has MOVED!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:58:00 +0000

It's a new year and time for a new site! Come on over to the blog and website! Thank you so much for the continuous support! I'll see you over here.

xoxo.
Christina

Staci and Andrew Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:45:00 +0000

Happy weekend everyone! As promised, here is the second part of Staci and Andrew's beautiful DIY inspired wedding. I know a friend of mine who is recently engaged was really inspired by how Staci made her day top-notch with a little ingenuity and a lot of creativity. She has such an eye for art, I mean check out Andrew's boutonniere and the hairpiece in the bride's hair! It's these little details that make things seem really special and personal...but mostly just FUN!

Staci used Etsy.com as a resource for both inspiration and execution. It's a great site with tons of handmade items from artisans both local and all over the world. I, for one, love it.

Congratulations Staci and Andrew! Enjoy the photographs guys!

Staci and Andrew

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Hi guys! Staci and Andrew's wedding was ah-may-zing. So fantastic that I can't fit it all in one post, but here is Part One.

Staci's attention to detail is really unparalleled, she just didn't skip a beat! Beautiful little butterflies were everywhere and this very creative bride even made accessories for herself and bridesmaids. Seriously, look at the gorgeous necklace she wears. Staci made it herself!

I loved that Andrew's grandmother got into the fun and placed a butterfly on her blouse pocket. Lovely!

This couple really showed me that "DIY" can be super elegant, even the flowers arrangements were home-made after purchasing the stems from the San Francisco Flower Mart. Just goes to show that if a bride is crafty and resourceful with a great eye, a wedding on a budget can easily look like a million bucks. Serious wow-factor here. Congratulations guys! Stay tuned for Part Two!

Christina Diane on Here Comes the Guide!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:50:00 +0000

I just wanted to share some excited news with you all. I'm excited to announce that Weddings by Christina Diane is officially on the amazing guide for brides & grooms; Here Comes the Guide! It was quite the process, but so worth it.

Here Comes The Guide is extremely thorough with their interview process and they don't allow just anyone to advertise with them. It's actually one of biggest reasons why I love them so much— that they really want their clients to find the best vendors possible. I ended up providing them with fifteen vendor referrals as well as an additional fifteen referrals from my past clients. It's such a great tool and so nice for my clients to know that they are taken care of. It's not just my word, by HCTG's as well and believe me you, it means so much.

Here Comes the Guide is an amazing resource for anyone to find local vendors. I often refer friends and clients to HCTG because now knowing their process of selection— I know that these vendors are just THAT amazing. If you haven't ventured over there, check them out. And be sure to check out my vendor page! Say hi, comments are always welcome!

Storybook at the Shadowbrook

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Excited to show you a few shots from Eliina and Maksim's small and very intimate wedding. Everything was so romantic, kind-of like a woodsy fairytale. The ceremony was held at the historic Sand Rock Farm, a beautiful B&B just outside of Santa Cruz and the reception was at a cool place called Shadowbrook.

I'm telling you, the spot is magic. It used to be a log cabin summer home and was built in the 20s. The restaurant is cut right into the sloping hillside, so there's a cable car to take you from the parking lot into the lush dining areas. There's even a waterfall! It's definitely one of the most romantic places I've seen.

Country Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Happy Monday everyone! Everyone likes to start the week with a little cheer, so I'm happy to share with you a few photographs from this summer's beautiful backyard and country wedding of Sarah and Kristian. The day was full of sunshine, sunflowers and smiles at the Deer Crossing Inn in Castro Valley. I really loved that they included the sweet touch of Coca-Cola, there is something so nostalgic about Coca-cola in a bottle. A sweet classic, of course!

Sarah's J. Crew gown and her pearls fit perfectly with her theme: simple yet elegant, fresh and young. And, the best touch? Her awesome brown cowboy boots really helped to set the mood of her day. Sarah definitely spent some time planning all her amazing details: from a custom carved wood sign, to a clever "sarah-mony" sign, to sunflowers galore and candied apples— she really out did herself

One of the things I love most about being a photographer is getting to capture the unexpected and all the little moments that can't be planned. While Sarah and Kristian were lying happily in the grass, a ladybug landed right on her nose— that's good-luck if you ask me :) Sarah & Kristian's wedding was so much fun to shoot; their families blended so well together and I felt so lucky to be a part of such an amazing celebration!

Congratulations to the newlyweds and lots of sunshine in their lives to come!

Paradise in the Bay Area

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Lovebirds of Paradise Danielle and Michael brought a little bit of the tropics to their wedding this summer.

It's hard to beat the weather this time of year and outdoor ceremonies always photograph beautifully. While the bride is always the belle of the ball, this groom has some serious style. Check out Michael's shades and pinstripe white suit!

The pinks and deep burgundy of the flowers (I love orchids) against clean whites were so striking and set the tone for a lovely reception.

Our happy couple chose the Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose. A perfect backdrop to a bright and cheery day.

Congratulations to this gorgeous couple. Such a joy to photograph!

Grandparents: Happy Anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:32:00 +0000

I just really need to share this awesome photo I found. (see I told you I promised more posts)! Meet my grandparents, wait, my AMAZING grandparents: Gary and Margery who have been married for 51 years! (they're 52nd anniversary is just a couple weeks away).

I took this photo of my grandparents because this is what they do— they travel in their fancy RV across the country, to Mexico and Canada and back. They do it because they love it and traveling makes them happy.

I just wanted to give you a little piece of my family heaven. I'm proud of these lovebirds and all the accomplishments they make everyday; proud of all the sacrifices that they've made in their seventy years of living. I love you! Happy Anniversary!

P.S. This photo was taken with my trusty Hasselblad, a few years ago at some awesomely cute RV park (maybe Wildnerness Lake)

I'm in Miami TRICK: Carolina + Ralph

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 14 May 2010 01:24:00 +0000

You can't travel to Miami without the LMFAO's lyrics of "I'm in Miami Trick" or the late nineties hit of Will Smith "Going to Miami...bienvenidos a Meeeaaaaammmi" in your head. Every time I say Miami or look at these gorgeous wedding photos in Miami those songs come to mind!

It's been such a whirlwind year for me. I'm officially busier then I have ever been, engaged, trying to plan my own wedding and handling the enormous amount of work in front of me. I am so, so thankful and grateful for EVERYONE who has been there along the way.

So without any further ado, and, by the way, I do promise more blog posts... I present to you a beautiful Miami wedding from February of this year. Carolina + Ralph definitely epitomize what LOVE really means. Carolina a native of Argentina and Ralph a native of Martinique— one could only imagine all the romantic linguistics of Spanish and French chattering in the background. I for sure was in heaven. Weddings like this; amazing love, amazing friends and amazing families (which I tell you Ralph and Caro had the most amazing support one could ask for) makes me appreciate my job E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. I just love documenting these amazing love stories! I might start sounding like the "girl" who cries wolf, but gee, this really is one of my favorite weddings.
Enjoy. Xo.

Getting Ready: The Vice Roy
Location: The Links at Key Biscayne
Dress: Nicole Miller
Event Design + Flowers: Goldflower Corp

Let's hear it for the girls: A bridal fair!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:19:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

You are cordially invited to the best bridal party event in town. The bridal event is not your average bridal fair, seriously! Some of the best wedding professionals will be there including, yours truly:)
Lots of goodies, great vendors, signature cocktails and snacks at the swank BellaPelle Skin Studio in San Francisco.

I'd love for you all to be there! Bring your friends, your mom, your aunt, your grandma— anyone who wants to gush in all wedding goodness. Not only are there going to be lots of eye candy, it's a great way for your bridal party to get to know me!

I'd love to see you all there— & don't forget to bring your besties!

Xo,
Christina

Here is a list of all the amazing "hidden gems" that will be in attendance:

Photography: Weddings by Christina Diane
Skin Care + Pampering: Bella Pelle Skin Studio
Invitations + Stationary: Savor the Date
Wedding gowns: Amy Kuschel
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Flowers: Design in Bloom
Cakes & Baked Goods: True Confections
Jewelry: Frolick

fun + romance, yes!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:32:00 +0000

Engagement sessions should always be FUN...

...and always end up being romantic. Thanks Nestor & Michelle for making this sunday such a FUNday!

My love. My Story.

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Many of you have been asking me what's the story? How'd it happen? When did it happen? Was it ROMANTIC? The short answer, San Francisco, December 7th and no. But, the reality is, is that I wouldn't expect anything else from Rabbit. Now you might be saying— You deserve the down on one knee, etc... Don't you worry there will be more goodies to come, promise!

Back to the story: It was December 7th, which if you know your US history you might remember it's the day we went into WW II. Talk about romantic, right? The same day that WWII began? At least its memorable. Now, Rabbit is not very good at surprises and he was just like a kid in a candy shop, super excited and super antsy. He said to me: "Babe, I love you and I want to give you your Christmas present early." I, of course, wanted to wait until Christmas Day to get my gift, but like I said before— he really couldn't wait. He said " You have three choices: a Wii, a bicycle, or... here it comes an engagement ring!".

For a moment, I was in shock. I had an idea it was coming. (Many of my friends knew this as well). But, when & how was always the question— and I just don't know if there is any way to surprise me, REALLY. And then, you give me the choice between a Wii and a ring, really? I absolutely said "A RING, A RING" and then retracted and said "All 3, All 3". Sadly, I didn't get all three.

We got in the car, drove to union square, parked and then here comes the best part— it HAILED. That was the most romantic part of the whole day, s-e-r-i-o-u-s-l-y. As we jaywalked across the street, from the Union Square to Tiffany's, it literally hailed on our heads, how sweet. We (he) didn't purchase the ring at Tiffany's, we actually went down the street to DeBeers because we liked the matching options best:)

So that's my very un-romantic story, but so, totally, US and that's what I love— that's what I love about him. He's just Rabbit!

We did it backwards, we bought the wedding band first, but its so simple and beautiful & I love it. You may remember my latest post on my heirloom.The thought crossed my mind of using the ruby ring that was my great-grandmothers'. But, I don't want to ruin it— my great grandmother was so tiny (only fits my pinky) and I'd rather wear the gorgeous ring around my neck. I might replicate the setting, we will see— the possibilities are endless!

Hope you enjoyed my little love story.

A beautiful story: The Heirloom

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000

I'm such a fan of thoughtful gifts; gifts that friends make for me, letters— anything thats sincerely invaluable. This Christmas I got one of the best Christmas gifts ever— an heirloom passed from my grandmother to my uncle to my dad to me! It's my great-grandmothers wedding band and engagement ring! It was such a delight to see! I've always wanted an heirloom, something that I can cherish and then pass down to my children.

I'm a bit of a nosey girl, I love history, which was actually my first choice in degree before I switched to photography. I especially love learning about my ancestors, my family and where I came from. I called my grandmother, (dads mom) who lives in Texas to tell her that the rings now belong to me. She was so thrilled for me and wanted me to promise that they will always stay in the family. Well, that's definitely a promise I can keep!

I'm always curious; I wanted to know MORE! So I asked my grandmother: Whats the story? What are their names? Where did they live? Where did they meet? How old were they? Where did they purchase the ring? How long were they married? You could hear it in her voice that she was so excited to share these things with me and this is how the story goes...

My great-grandmothers name was Inez Thompson. She lived in South Dakota where John, my great-grandfather to—be, also lived. Both their parents had neighboring farms. My grandmother told me that in those days my great-grandmother was raised as a southern lady; as a woman who was only there merely as a decorative wife. When they were 15 both their families moved to Valier, Montana. A year later, when they were 16, both their families moved to Rathdrum, Idaho. And that same year at sixteen years old they married!From what my grandmother says, their wedding day was glorious, and I can only imagine how beautiful it was!

The Rings:

The rings were purchased via catalog, either Montgomery Ward or Sears. My grandmother told me that the rings were platinum and ruby. Sadly, I went yesterday to this lovely place in San Francisco where I was told that the ruby was synthetic. Nonetheless, the fact that the ruby isn't real doesn't bother me a bit. It's a beautiful gift, a beautiful ring and a BEAUTIFUL story! I'm so proud of where I came from.

Enjoy the beautiful photos below! My favorite part is the engraving on the inside of the wedding band: 11.25.31. NineteenTHIRTYone, wow! I can promise you that I will engrave my wedding band just like my great-grandmother did!

❤ Mariachi LOVE ❤

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:22:00 +0000

I get so excited when I get to see Mariachi bands. They just remind me of growing up (near San Diego) and give me that happy & excited feel inside. I get so excited that sometimes I just want to join in on the celebrating fun!

Sue and Marco's wedding was one of my favorites this year! The stylish getting ready moments took place at the oh-so-fabulous Claremont Resort; the nuptials at the, kid you not, prettiest church in the east bay; the portraits at the lush and gorgeous Piedmont Park; and the merriment of celebration at the stylish and beautiful Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club. It was so hard to choose all my favorites from this pretty wedding... but here they are— the keepers I just had to share! A big congrats to Sue & Marco. You two have such an amazing love and it completely resinates in the photographs. Enjoy:)

Mr & Mrs. Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

As I'm sitting here watching E!: Khloe Kardashian's wedding, I realized that if Khloe can display her life as a "bride to be", so can I. If you didn't know already, I am engaged!

I feel so lucky to be a wedding photographer because I get to be apart of an enormously special day. I get inspired by every little love story, every grandma or grandpa that I meet, every kiss and all the amazing details that capture the day.

I didn't realize how insanely beautiful this wedding business is, until now. Because I am my clients, I am the bride to be. We got engaged on December 7th and since then have been utterly obsessed with planning. I spend endless hours on some amazing wedding blogs including: Style Me Pretty, Something Old, Something New, The Ritzy Bee, Ruffled, Kiss the Groom and Snippet & Ink. I am enamored with details galore, color, decor, dresses and oh—so—beautiful photos! I have so many ideas and feel so blessed that I have had the opportunity to witness some of the most beautiful weddings— I'm just so happy that it's my turn.

I feel like it's super fitting for me to turn my wedding blog into a blog that showcases all the goodies that I LOVE and not to mention the weddings I LOVE to shoot. I'm so grateful for everything that I have shot thus far in my career & am so VERY grateful for the future.

The photo above is one of my favorite photos of Rabbit and I. (Yes, that's his nickname and everyone including my momma call him that). I'm so excited about 2010 and so excited to share with you my little loves of inspiration!

San Diego, America's Finest City: Erin + Greg 10/02/09

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:21:00 +0000

I grew up in San Diego and I was lucky enough to have a dad that fished every weekend; I pretty much grew up on a boat, in the water and by the beach. The first weekend of October I found myself to be in such a nostalgic state— I was happy to be back in San Diego, by the beach, in the water and on a lovely boat! My dear friend Erin was marrying the man of her dreams on a beautiful cruise, during the sunset, and, while guests gazed at the gorgeous San Diego skyline! I was so happy to be in San Diego and was so grateful of the opportunity to shoot a great friends wedding in such a special place that's so close to home. Erin & Greg have the most contagious laugh— there was not a moment of silence at their wedding, rather, laughing and merriment all night long. You also might have noticed Greg kissing Erin's tummy; they just welcomed baby Kaiya into the world on December 23rd. Congrats to Erin & Greg on a blissful life together and a new beautiful bundle of joy! I love you all:)

Christine & Austin: Cline Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:47:00 +0000

It was definitely a warm weekend in Napa Valley— But after organizing the photos from saturdays wedding at Cline Cellars in Sonoma, California, I realized that the warm weather was all worth it. A couple months ago I shot Christine & Austin's engagement session in Los Angeles. They were such a fun couple— dressing up in their pajamas at the LA farmers market— I knew going into this wedding that it was going to be a stress-free and super fun shooting day. It definitely wouldn't have gone so smooth without the amazing coordination by Nicol at Little Blue Box Weddings. I also want to thank Christine for having such impeccable taste! Her color schemes, details, flowers, cake, dress and location were chosen with such great detail. View my favorites below!

Wedding Coordination: Little Blue Box Weddings
Make—up + Hair: Chris McDonald Makeup
Floral design: Hunt Littlefield
Harpist: Heather with Harpeggio
DJ: Larry with Denon&Doyle
Cake: Perfect Endings
Lighting: Got Light
Caterer: Wine Valley Catering

Griffith Observatory, LA Farmers Market & Chupacabra!!?!

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Los Angeles is Awesome— especially when you get to shoot an awesome couple. We started our shoot in Pajamas at the LA Farmers Market. Fun, right? It was seriously awesome— eating waffles, smeared whipped cream & lots of rubberneckers. After our morning trip, we headed to the Griffith Observatory. It definitely is a lovely site— super crowded so we headed down the hill for more shooting. That's where Chupacabra enters the story. I had this idea of the two lovebirds frolicking through the ferns—I'm usually not a scaredy-pants, but this unidentified "thing" was jumping throughout the overgrown fern ready to attack...ME! I don't think I've ran or screamed so fast, all because the Griffith Chupacabra was after me. Needless to say, we left the fern area and got some other awesome and amazing shots. I'm super excited about their wedding in August. Stay tuned & subscribe to see more adventures! (p.s. the attacker might have actually just been a squirrel. A—W—E—S—O—M—E.)

San Francisco Brides: Holly & Michael

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +0000

I'm so excited to announce that Michael & Holly's Wedding at the Great American Music Hall has been published in San Francisco Brides biannual edition. I'm so excited to see their beautiful wedding images in print—Hooray! Check out the tear sheet below:

i heart engagement sessions: Fairlane + Bernal Hill

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:54:00 +0000

Engagement sessions always tend to be super fun and super unique. My latest engagement sesh with Vicky & Mike was definitely awesome. Vicky & Mike were awesome sports-- Mike lending his "baby" for the shoot. Your looking at a Ford Fairlane {year 56 or 57?} and what a beauty she was. They really wanted to incorporate this vintage collectible in their story. I had a blast standing on top of windy Bernal Hill in SF and can't wait for the wedding in August to see what awesome "Just Married" signs will be added to this classic.

Tourist Club : Eileen & John

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:09:00 +0000

June has just begun and it's been amazing so far. I had the ultimate pleasure of shooting Eileen & John's wedding at the German Tourist Club in Mill Valley. The Tourist Club is an awesome "Best Kept Secret" of the Bay Area that was founded by a group of German nature friends, which overlooks the breathtaking Muir Woods. To find the secluded cabins, everyone must hike down a steep and windy paved road. Once there— your dazzled by the dashing views, the sounds of birds chirping and the smell of luscious greenery.

Eileen and John shared their best kept secret with many of their closest family and friends and I was so happy to be apart of their special day. The lucky two are off to Indonesia to celebrate their nuptials. Congrats!

Napa Valley, Brix & Brian & Nicole

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Brian & Nicole were the sweetest couple who planned a destination wedding in Beautiful Napa. The hot weather didn't bother these native Floridians— Meanwhile Nicole's infectious smile and laugh set the mood for their fabulous wedding. Their Ceremony was in the garden at Brix while the sun was setting over the mountains. I've never ran so fast in my life before this wedding; We ran through the lush, green vineyards to catch the Napa Valley Wine Train. The moments were priceless and I just loved how the photos turned out. I also had the pleasure of working with Martha and her Daughter Marian as they did the videography for Brian and Nicole. Congrats to you both!

Shotwell + Great American Music Hall= Love United

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Holly & Michael are a power couple; young, hip, talented and having a great fashion sense is definitely understated. They're awesome boutique was featured as Daily Candy's 2008 "Sweetest Things" for best style! With a great sense of style and fashion, Holly and Michael were in search of the perfect wedding photographer. They didn't want "typical wedding" photos they wanted avant-guard, they wanted fashion and they were excited to hire me for the job. It was such an exciting wedding to work on because I was so passionate about the couple, their love and the story they wanted their friends and family to enjoy and share.

This wedding in particularly, I went over the top with planning. I brought in the most talented set designer, Courtney Atinksy to build a set for a "Photo-Booth" Station. Not only was it amazing, It was definitely a wedding success. I had two wonderful assistants making sure the wedding was well covered at all times. With an amazing crew I was able to produce the most amazing, fashion forward wedding I've ever shot and I can't thank everyone involved enough for all their hard work.

The wedding took place at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Holly's wardrobe included a dress from famed New York Designer, Morgan Le Fey, custom jewelry by Erickson Beamon and a family friend flew in from Pennsylvania's Oakmont Bakery to bake their delicious cake.

Big thanks to Holly and Michael for making me cry. Congratulations on a lifetime of love, happiness and super style!

Kiko & Mayank: Bend, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:40:00 +0000

Kiko and I have a bit of history— we go waaaay back, well, not that way back but we did meet in college and the rest is, well "history". Kiko and Mayank have such a cute love story: they met between mutual friends playing poker in a nifty warehouse style apartment in San Francisco. Love at first sight? Maybe? I just know that they were destined for each other and guess what? I have proof:

Once upon a time Kiko and Mayank were in Bend, Oregon. Kiko in her stunning dress and Mayank in his handsome suit were ready to begin their new lives together—And take some family photos. We (family and wedding party and myself) were outside in the chilly weather taking our formal portraits before the ceremony. I decided to steal them for a few shots by this magical tree. This tree was magnificent; this tree was a once in a lifetime kind of tree, with a once in a lifetime backdrop; this tree looked like it needed to be in a movie; this tree was ——to——die——for! So all of a sudden, while I was mid-shooting, an eagle flew right into the shot— not kidding. Ya, ya, it looks like it was photoshopped (Thanks I take that as a compliment) but it wasn't because it was it was really real! Proof that they were destined for each other? I think so! I can't get anymore proof then the most serendipitous moment in my lifetime (and probably theirs). Thanks Kiko and Mayank for giving me such a wonderful gift. Check out the real proof below.

You know how the story ends..."and they lived happily ever after". But the truth is, is that they are living happily ever after and their life began while celebrating with family and friends. There were many wonderful vendors at the wedding including: Curl Up & Dye Salon, Flowers by Deanna, Brock Sound Company-- and the oh so gracious staff at the Pronghorn Club! Congratulations to Kiko & Mayank and be sure scroll below to see some of the other festive photos.

John and Kate (not plus eight)

noreply@blogger.com (christinadiane) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:17:00 +0000

First off—this lovely young couple should be models. Both of them are so beautiful inside and out! Their love story is your typical 21st century story— (they met off the internet) and I love, *love* it! On top of being a really beautiful couple and really beautiful people-- they had a really beautiful wedding on the beach in Oceanside, California followed by a reception at Cal-a-Vie.