half moon bay wedding photography – Page 3 – Shanti Duprez Fine Portrait Photography

Liquid Sky Estate Half Moon Bay, CA / Mimi & Jeff

Posted on September 23, 2013 | by Shanti

A secret little gem nestled into the bluffs of the Half Moon Bay Coastline called Liquid Sky Estate was the breathtaking backdrop for Mimi and Jeff’s vows. Catered by Cetrella and coordinated by Satra of Events by Satra, this was surely an intimate wedding to be remembered. I love how this venue overlooks this sacred beach that is almost untouchable unless you had access such as this.

Only 20 guests made up of purely family, this felt more like a warm family gathering than a reception, all in celebration of Mimi and Jeff. The ceremony took place out front on the lawn, officiated by her father and customized by the bride and groom. It was so heartfelt yet underlined with humor in which it had everyone laughing and really tuning in to the vows. Mimi’s sisters played a big role in the wedding from creation of the bouquet to putting on an amazing rap toast that was very entertaining.

Overall my job on this day was to capture the emotions in the room and the ambiance of the evening. It was such a joy to be apart of such an intimate and unique wedding.

Shanti Duprez / Portraits by Shanti / Half Moon Bay / Coastside / Liquid Sky Estate / Events by Satra / Cetrella Catering / Intimate Wedding

Yellow = Promise of New Beginnings

Posted on September 18, 2013 | by Shanti

Mary and Joe contracted me to capture their beautiful and intimate wedding in the foothills of El Cerrito at a lovely venue called the Hillside Community Church. Don’t let the name fool you as this is hardly a church but more of a rustic hall that overlooks the beautiful bay area skyscape as well as opening up to a small meadow complete with a serene mini waterfall.

But what I really loved about this day is the accents of yellow wherever you looked. The groom donned yellow socks, shoelaces, and a belt that complimented his light gray suit, while the bride added just a splash of yellow with her yellow heels.

Mary chose to get ready at a nearby hotel, the Double Tree in the Berkley Marina and it couldn’t have been better. It had lush landscape and plenty of various locations to capture the beginning of this day.

They had such sweet personalized touches to their ceremony such as taking a “you’s and me” picture with their guest behind them, but what I really loved was them passing around their wedding rings so that each person could have the honor of blessing the rings.

The ambiance of the reception was nothing less than joyful. The tables were decorated with wild flowers in little vases and they even had a yellow themed candy bar. What was even more unique is both Mary and Joe are vegan, so the meal was different and delicious… as was the cake! Who knew!

And for the grand finale… the golden ray of the sunset. Amazing! Thank you Mary and Joe for letting me be the one to capture your day!

Shanti Duprez / Portraits by Shanti / Double Tree Berkley Marina / Hillside Community Church / Yellow / Vegan / El Cerrito / Garden Wedding

Finding Love in the Shark Tank: Creekside Terrace Los Gatos Wedding

Posted on September 10, 2013 | by Shanti

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful venue Cesar and Jen found to seal the deal on their love! Creekside Terrace in Los Gatos is this rustic, turn-of-the-century log cabin that over looks a meadow filled with a waterfall, beautiful trees, a mini vineyard, and even a wooden swing… I was truly in my element. The bride got ready at the quaint Hotel Los Gatos, with its vine covered windows and its beautiful terraced balcony; it was the perfect beginning to capture Jennifer before the big day. The sweet Reverend Layne Kulwin delivered such a great service on marrying these two, complete with passion and giggles.

Jen and Cesar are huge Sharks fans (I think that is an understatement)… as not only were the tablecloths, bridesmaids colors, and all accent colors the signature teal, but Sharkie himself made an appearance! A gift from a groomsman, Sharkie in full spirit continued to play his pranks, gobble up heads, and attempt to steal the bride away on numerous occasions… everyone was entertained, including me!

This wedding had great energy and an amazing staff, thanks to the staff of Panetta's Elite Event that kicked this wedding into full gear.

Portraits by Shanti / Shanti Duprez / Panetta's Catering / Creekside Terrace / Los Gatos / Sharkie / San Jose Sharks / Hotel Los Gatos

Stars were aligned for a perfect day in every way! : Mission Ranch, Carmel California

Posted on November 1, 2012 | by Shanti

Breathtaking, graceful, glowing, happiness, stunning, and in love, these are just a few of the adjectives that I can think of to describe a pretty perfect day that celebrated the love of two very awesome people along with their loved ones from both close and afar.

The wedding ceremony was in a somewhat secluded area off the 17 mile drive in Carmel, CA called Church in the Forest. I'm not always a fan of the look of churches , photography speaking, but this church was so beautiful in a very simple and Carmel sort of way. With big windows that open you up to forests all around you, it allows, even a large wedding, to have the intimacy of all those you love around you and the magic of Carmel's nature to seep in to the calmness and the serenity of the moment.

If that wasn't beautiful enough, the reception was held at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch in Carmel. Which is this historic ranch resort that sits on 22 acres with views all around you. Again, they managed to find an intimate location to have a wonderful sit down dinner with 150 of their closest friends and family. After dinner, some toasts, and the first dance, the guests were invited into the “old barn” to boogie down to an amazing live band called Steve Ezzo and the Monterey Bay All-Stars. Amazing! They had everyone out there dancing to all sorts of fun music both current and old school. It was a blast to capture.

And what made this day even more perfect… having my two favorite people help to capture this day. Simone Anne Photography and my very own associate Shannon Henretty were there to capture all the details of the day! Two very creative and detail oriented individuals. Together, we are so inspring and we really just feed off each others energy… its a blast.

Ok, enough about the details… I can't end this blog with out talking about Christa and Aaron and what they mean to me… I have known Christa for years, having the pleasure to work with her mom in my last lifetime, and watching her grow in to this beautiful young woman that is glowing from the inside out. When Catherine, her mother, asked me to capture this day a year ago I was beaming… I loved this family, but not having been in their lives for the last 10 years, I never had expected that I was on their radar of options. I knew this was a wedding that would bring everything I do full circle and it did just that. I left capturing this wedding thankful for what I do, and thankful for bringing wonderful people back into my life and allowing me to witness, capture, and be apart of such important moments in their lives. And then their is Aaron, a person who from the minute I met him had left me feeling as if we too were old friends. He has so much warmth and insight on life and couldn't be a more perfect match for Christa.

Thank you Miles family for allowing me to be so apart of this day. It was an honor!

Carmel Valley Ranch Wedding | Shanti Duprez / Robert Lewis Stevenson Chapel / Mission Ranch / Kathryn Smith Flowers / Steve Ezzo & The Monterey Bay All-Stars / Cherie Cricchio / Main Event Transportation / Jinny's Bridal / Badgley Mischka / Von Vonni / Men's Wearhouse

Shanti contributed to our wedding day in such a meaningful and fun way, I cannot recommend her highly enough. She knows all the best shots (even at a tricky venue, like on a catamaran), she knows people in a way that creates ease and relaxation, and the results are spectacular. Thank you so much Shanti!

Colleen Henney

This is an honest review, no glorification here whatsoever: Shanti is amazing to work with and highly professional. We have worked with her for over 13 years, beginning with our engagement photos all the way to a recent family photo shoot on the beach in June. You can see her portfolio online, so it’s obvious that her craft is unquestionably excellent….but what you can’t tell is how organized, professional, yet comfortable to work with. Shoots are on time, orderly and organized. Particular shots you asked for? She’ll not only get those, but she’ll sneak in some unexpected shots that capture your moments forever in time. Got kids? No sweat! Shanti is a pro with all ages. In fact, she just did an amazing job of capturing my 70 year old mother with her 8 grandchildren ranging for toddlers to teens…in the sand no less!!! Everyone looks amazing thanks to Shanti because she is so personable and easy to be with. Orders are filled promptly and as expected. You will not be disappointed with the quality of prints and framing done by Shanti. If you’re looking for off the charts customer service, unquestionable quality of photography and professionalism, look no farther.

Anya