I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to capture memories of the most important moments in my client’s lives. While I have done many weddings this year, I have also been busy doing multiple maternity and newborn shoots. It was exciting to capture the love that Martha and Russ shared as well as the anticipation, as I was able to get some amazing pictures in the final month of their pregnancy. Then, just a month later, another shoot during baby Melanie’s first few weeks in this world. Melanie was absolutely adorable, although I think Martha, Russ and I enjoyed the shoot a tad more than Melanie. Michael and Nicole’s maternity photographs came out gorgeous and I was lucky enough to capture the light-hearted nature of the couple as Michael’s sense of humor kept us laughing throughout. I feel so fortunate to be able to help these young couples remember the joy of their pregnancy and provide them with a life long gift. What a joy it is to capture such a beautiful moment in a couple’s pregnancy.

August 17, 2009

Ceremony & Reception:   Cline Cellars
Hair & Makeup: Ricky Sarmiento
Day of Coordination: Tanya Marie Noujaim
Flowers: Sonoma Flowers
Catering: Wine Valley Caterer
Cake: Sweetie Pie
Band: Nightbird Music

Carol and Dan were surrounded by their closest family and friends for their beautiful wedding at Cline Cellars, in Sonoma. My associate photographer, Auey Santos, did a fantastic job capturing their day. Check out these fabulous shots by Auey.

We have a few open dates left for Auey this fall & winter! For more information on booking Auey for your wedding, please e-mail us at info@claudiaakersphotography.com.

Stephanie & Sean have the best jobs ever.   Well, aside from my job, because I think I have the best job ever!   Stephanie is a labor & delivery nurse. How amazing is it that she gets to witness the gift of life every day? And be around all those adorable newborn babies? And Sean is a pilot, and flies small jets around California. I’ve always wanted to learn to fly … he’s so lucky he gets to fly for work!

For their engagement session, we hit downtown Los Gatos first, then headed down to one of the beaches that Sean used to surf at in Santa Cruz.

A big thank you to the owners of Scooterland for letting us shoot in their store!! They’re getting ready for their grand opening in downtown Los Gatos … be sure to check them out!

The water was icy cold & Stephanie wasn’t so sure about getting in … I don’t blame her!!

August 15 2009

Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Reception: Hotel Valencia
Flowers: Flowers by Yip
Cake: Jen’s Cakes
DJ: Verducci Entertainment

Araceli & Jaime wedding was pretty awesome.  They were married at the beautiful St. Joseph’s Cathedral, followed by a fabulous reception at Hotel Valencia.  Not only did they have Mariachi’s, but a killer salsa band AND a great DJ.  Between the mariachi’s, band, and DJ, the partying and dancing was non stop.  We didn’t want to leave the party – we were having so much fun!

And how romantic is this?  For their wedding present, their parents gave them a surprise honeymoon!   Their only hints were to pack their passports, and sunscreen.  How exciting is that?!?  They just got back, and Araceli tells me they were surprised with a trip to Greece.  I am sooo jealous!!