Anita Martin Photography Blog

Andrea and Brian are engaged! {Folsom River Engagement Photographer}

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:37:26 +0000

Andrea used to work with my husband at Peak Adventures on Sac State campus. She is a wonderfully friendly, sweet, and adventurous gal that loves the outdoors! She is also extremely smart and is finishing up her MBA. Her drive for education advancement is how she met Brian she was out to dinner with her fellow MBA program friends and Brian tagged along with his brother. The two of them got to talking, realized they had more in common than just a few mutual friends…and they started dating. Brian headed off on a long trip to Germany for work almost immediately after these two started their relationship, but Andrea knew she had found the “one” and made sure they kept the romance alive while he was overseas.

They enjoy spending time with their pup, are working on settling into their new home (which is almost through final construction! yay!), and are planning their destination wedding in Hawaii next January! I have to admit I am a little biased on destination weddings since I had one myself in Hawaii…so I am positive their day will be perfection.

We met in downtown Folsom for their engagement session, and despite the attacks of mosquitos and a tick sighting, we managed to laugh, play in the pretty sunset light, and get some romantic photos of these two lovebirds. I really had such a great time with Brian and Andrea and I look forward to putting together the cutest save-the-dates for them this month Congratulations to the happy couple!

Decompressing in the Black Rock Desert {Black Rock Nevada Photographer}

admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:54:09 +0000

I admit I am a bit of a work-a-holic. It can be great for business and borderline unhealthy for my personal life My husband has been twisting my arm to take a few days off so we can take an adults-only camping trip to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. After lining up Grandma to watch our son, we headed out for 4 days of relaxation and reconnection.

Black Rock is an interesting place. After driving east into Nevada we cruised into Gurlach, a town that seems impossibly in the middle of nowhere. Tumbleweeds blew across the street as we parked at Bruno’s Country Club for breakfast before heading out on the playa. Dropping off the highway onto the flat, salty playa was it. Last chance for civilization. We drove almost 50 miles across the remains of what was Pleistocene Lake Lohontan that once covered much of Nevada. The salty lake bed crunched under our tires. We spent time running around the playa, taking photos, and working on our Go Pro video before heading out to the Black Rock Hot Springs nestled in the shadow of well, a black rock

I admit it was refreshing to shut off the cell phone and enjoy the kind of quiet that is so rare these days. It was so quiet if the wind was still there was literally no sound. There was not another soul for 50 miles the entire 4 days in the desert. It was hard to pack up and leave after dipping in the natural hot springs, hiking, laughing with my husband, and reading to my hearts content without any notion of actual time.

If you are not convinced on the necessity of a trip like this, you should check out our video. I cannot put into words how much fun it was to be one with nature for a few days.

Alex and Betty’s San Francisco Engagement {Sutro Baths San Francisco Engagement Photographer}

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:03:32 +0000

I was introduced to Alex and Betty through their wedding planner, Dani. They met while undergrads in Washington and have successfully (and awe-inspiringly) managed to keep their bond strong through many years of their long distance relationship. I watched Alex look after Betty, and Betty lean on Alex during their session, and can tell the miles definitely do not keep these two apart. They are planning a very eco-friendly wedding in Seattle next year…overlooking a waterfall! They are both only children so their parents are incredibly proud of them and cannot wait to host their beautiful wedding. They pride themselves on being earth conscious and Alex spent time sharing some amazing facts about the native plants along the San Franciscan coastline. I appreciate people that are intelligent, clearly compassionate in their dealings with other people and the environment, and of course I love people that are in love! The conversation flowed as we walked. We started our session at Lands End, walked and wandered amongst the grasses and banyan trees, making our way to the Sutro Bath ruins. I joked that Alex had planned a work-out for the three of us, as we hiked up and down what seemed like hundreds of stairs along the coast. The views were inspiring, the sun was shining, and Alex and Betty were smiling. After a short drive to Baker’s Beach, we ended our session at sunset in the sand. Walking barefoot in the sand at sunset is about as romantic as you get and Alex and Betty ran, laughed, and held each other as the fog rolled in. We were lucky to have sun during our session and the chilly fog came just as we wrapped up. Alex gently gave Betty his coat when the cool wind started to blow, and she snuggled against him for warmth. I adored spending my afternoon with this sweet couple. Meet Alex and Betty…

Hillary and Michael’s Gorgeous Arden Hills Country Club Wedding {Sacramento Wedding Photographer}

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:35:56 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting Hillary and Michael last year. After their engagement session I knew these two are a couple of pretty amazing people. Not only are they completely in love, they are both awesome dancers! Michael and Hillary met at work years ago, and after working hard, he was able to woo her into being his girlfriend. He proposed in San Francisco and Hillary said yes. She is a little older, much wiser, and now cannot imagine her life without him. I got goosebumps when she referred to him as “her husband” when she was getting ready that morning. Hillary is so sweet, her tears were flowing as soon as she saw her father that morning, again when she put on her wedding dress, and again when she said I-Do. Their ceremony was perfect, with her brother officiating. He broke down when he started talking about his sister. After being pronounced husband and wife they couple was greeted by their FUN bridal party. Their reception was a hit, surrounded by their families and friends, they danced the night away. This couple is in it for the long haul. I can tell by the way they make each laugh that their love is forever. Congratulations to this sweet, happy couple, may you live and laugh together for a very long time. I am honored to share these images of Hillary and Michael!

Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your very special day. I am so happy for the both of you and wish you all the happiness in the world in your marriage.

VENUE: Arden Hills Country Club with onsite coordinator Shannon Bell

FLORIST: Floral Creations by Melissa

CAKE: Cortney Martellucci

CATERER: Arden Hills

WEDDING DRESS: Maggie Sottero

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: J. Crew

TUXEDOS: Men’s Wearhouse

Andrea and Jason’s Amador Wine Country Engagement {Amador Engagement Photographer}

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:49:17 +0000

Andrea met with me a few months ago and I knew instantly that I was going to love her! She has the most infection laugh, a laugh that makes everyone around her smile. She just has such joy about her. I can tell her and Jason have a lot of fun together. We chatted over coffee about how her and Jason met, about her dog, about her wedding plans. She is a dear friend of one of my 2012 brides, and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to photograph her wedding also. Andrea and Jason are planning their big day for October of this year. I am even more anxious for their wedding day after ALL of the fun we had at their engagement session. We talked about a good location and decided on Amador County. We met at the Helwig Winery in Plymouth, where we strolled the grounds and laughed a lot. Beautiful, sweeping views, wide open space, and the brightest green grasses surrounded the property. The second I pulled into the parking lot I knew this was the perfect place for them and their little doggie. Jason and Andrea are the proud parents of Walter, the sweetest pup ever. He was so good for us and I think he really liked smiling for my camera Without further ado, meet Andrea and Jason!

Congratulations to you both! I am looking forward to your wedding day!

Franny and Mike’s Napa Winery Engagement Session {Napa Engagement Photographer}

admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:56:55 +0000

Franny and Mike are a couple of fun loving, wine drinking, hang-out-and-BBQ kind of people. My kind of people! I have known Franny for a few years, and had the pleasure of photographing her sister’s wedding last fall. I was so happy when I heard that Mike had asked Franny to marry him (of course she said yes!). They have been together four years, and they know the time is right to make it official. I am really looking forward to their wedding this October! I have a feeling that their wedding is going to be incredibly fun and sweet.

When she told me she wanted her engagement session at Castello di Amarosa in Napa, I was completely thrilled! Not only is the castle gorgeous, but it is spring in Northern California. The napa grape vines might be a little more bare this time of year, but the grass is green and the wildflowers are in full bloom. The most beautiful yellow flowers were growing on the winery grounds and just the sight of flowers brings tears to my eyes! We only get a small window of green every spring around these parts, and these two happily wandered the property with me to find some lush areas that were hidden away from the Saturday wine-tasting crowds. We were nervous about rain for their shoot, but the skies cleared and the sun shone just for Franny and Mike…and a few hundred wine-loving tourists The crowds might have been in full force the day of their engagement session, but didn’t bother this sweet couple, they only had eyes for each other

Thank you to Franny and Mike! Congratulations on your engagement. I cannot wait until your wedding this year!

Anita Martin Photography is available for Napa Valley engagement sessions and Napa Valley Winery weddings | Now booking for 2014

Second Anniversary for Cristin and Matt! {Apple Hill and Placerville Couples Photographer}

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:45:02 +0000

Cristin and Matt were married two years ago and as a yearly tradition, they get portraits taken of them as a couple. I admit I was nervous about this session, mainly because Cristin is a photographer herself! I really should not have been nervous… the second I met these folks I felt like I have known them for years.

Matt is a Minnesota boy, growing up on a farm in the heart of America. Cristin is a sweetheart from Las Vegas. The two of them now live in a cozy studio in San Francisco. Their bustling city life is exciting, but we decided to take their session back to a slower time. Cristin wanted to incorporate some agricultural elements, so we headed up to Apple Hill for a sweet country session!

Matt shared fun facts about tractors, tillers, and corn while Cristin snuggled close with her husband. I love how kind and affectionate they are with each other. I learned more about farm equipment this day than I expected, and it was ridiculously fun.

They are so very sweet together. We left Apple Hill and ended up in downtown Placerville, California. The old-time feel of the historic downtown was perfect for this couple! Favorite photo of Cristin!

Thank you Matt and Cristin for meeting me in the beautiful Sierra foothills for your couple’s session! I had such a great time with the two of you. You are both amazing people and I am honored to have spent the day with you. Cristin, I hope your summer season is busy and you are loving your own photography business! And thank you for the inspiration to get photos taken of my husband and I

Liz and Joe’s Campus Engagement! {UC Davis Engagement Photographer}

admin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:20:18 +0000

It is always awesome when I get to spend time with fun lovin’ couples like Liz and Joe! From the moment we arrived at the UC Davis campus I was excited about their session.

Backstory – College Joe did not know College Liz. College Liz used to hang with the cool kids in the library. Not studying…that is where she went to eat and talk. College Joe was busy skateboarding around campus. I think I have successfully convinced him to ollie over his groomsmen at the wedding.

We started in the library and I admit I could not stop myself from giggling uncontrollably…the part of the library where College Liz used to hang out is now a serious study zone and I apologize to all the students that were trying to study over the sounds of my muffled laughter. I could not help myself, really, these two are so.much.fun!

We walked to the Chemistry building, where College Liz spent her days. College Joe was in the computer science labs on the other side of campus.I kind of love this shot.Yes, they have it!The UC Davis campus has egghead sculptures strategically placed in front of some of the buildings. We stopped for a photo in front of the law building, where two eggheads are in a heated exchange I love these guys.A quick outfit change inside the law building.After wandering the law building, we ended up in the arboretum. So sweet.Liz, you are beautiful, and your laughter is contagious!I hope you two never stop being so playful. I know your wedding is going to be SO awesomely fun!
In the art building. After our tour of the campus, and trip down memory lane, we ended our session at the library. The spot where all of our fun began!

Special thanks to Joe and Liz (and their college counterparts!) for the incredibly fun engagement session! I am completely excited for your wedding and had so much fun getting to know the both of you.

Chris and Anne’s Morgan Creek Golf Club Wedding {Roseville Wedding Photographer}

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:10:17 +0000

When I first met Anne, she spoke of her and Chris’ love of golf, and her plans for her romantic February wedding. Once I got to know her and her sweet spirit I could tell that she cared very deeply for her family and friends, and she wanted to preserve the moments that transpired on their wedding day.

I was finally able to meet Chris the week before the wedding, and it was no surprise to me to see how relaxed and completely happy the two of them are with each other.

There are not many people in the world like Anne and Chris. They have an inspiring love story and one that you can just FEEL when you are around them. Without giving away too many details, Chris wrote Anne a letter for her to read the day of the wedding, and he looked forward to their adventures together … and he knew they were made for each other. He knows how blessed he is to be her husband.

I arrived at Anne’s mom’s house in Roseville the day of the wedding.
Anne sat and had her hair and make-up done in her mother’s bathroom, a place she probably ran through to check her make-up or the back of her hair many times before. But this day was different.Surrounded by her 8 bridesmaids and her mother, she watched excitedly as the veil was finally put on. Anne said so many times that day she was never nervous, she was only excited to be married. She was happy.

When the girls were ready, they drove to the Morgan Creek Golf Club to get Anne into her dress.She is absolutely radiant. A true beauty inside and out.Her father came to see her prior to the ceremony and was swept off his feet by the sight of his daughter in her wedding gown.These girls were so sweet and love Anne so very much.Meet Chris. He spent time with the boys, waiting for the ceremony to start.Just before the ceremony Anne walked into the reception hall with her girls to get ready to walk down the aisle.
When Anne walked into the reception room and realized that today she was actually going to marry her best friend, she couldn’t stop crying.

I loved every single second of Chris and Anne’s wedding. Congratulations to the very happy couple.

Venue: Morgan Creek Golf Club, Roseville, California

Event Coordinator: Kim Lantz, AlphaLee Events

Make-Up: Jill Briggs, Beauty Box Make Up Arts

Elizabeth and Tim’s Engagement {Folsom Lake Engagement Photographer}

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:10:07 +0000

Elizabeth and Tim are the kind of people I would love to sit with for hours, talking about life and love and what really matters. They are wholesome to the core and completely country. I knew I would love them when Elizabeth first told me there were thinking something casual for their session, with long sleeves and boots. I have a special fondness for everything country and I am beyond pleased that this gracious couple has chosen me for their engagement and wedding photography.

They are planning a wedding in Coyote, California, complete with tiny cowboy boots on the feet of the flower girls. Elizabeth was telling me that her brother managed to produce some of the most gorgeous little girls and I am itching to get them in front of my camera I cannot wait to celebrate with Tim and Elizabeth, and all their family and closest friends.

We met at Folsom Lake for their engagement session. I knew the lake would be the prefect place for their shoot! The light we had was perfection. Golden, soft, and completely blissful. It was also perfectly warm without a cloud in the sky.

I am so happy I had a chance to finally meet you both. Best wishes for easy wedding planning. I am looking forward to seeing you both again in June.