Now that I’m blogging again, I need to catch up on all the fantastic stories I haven’t shared yet. Which better one to start with than Megan & Carl? Megan wrote this in her review “She promised to tell a story, and to me, it’s the best story ever written.” I  feel butterflies in my stomach when clients say such beautiful things about my work. I blush when I read that line still. But sincerely, thank you, Megan & Carl. 


Megan & Carl brought their friends & family from all over the United States to the redwood forest of the small town of Santa Cruz. Inside a cozy wooden cabin in the middle of winter, everyone came together to celebrate this beautiful family and feast on BBQ.🤤

A couple in wedding attire holding hands in a wooded forest setting.
A bride and groom share a playful moment among tall trees in a forest setting.
A romantic wedding portrait of a couple embracing in a lush forest setting.
Couple sharing a romantic moment in a lush green forest setting during their wedding.

There is something special, almost magical, about first looks in the redwood forest.

Two floral arrangements on stands create an elegant ceremony space among towering redwood trees.
An elegant floral arrangement with cascading greenery and white flowers stands in a redwood forest.
A thoughtful wedding sign with blankets reading 'to have and to hold in case you get cold'.
A romantic floral arrangement featuring deep purple roses and delicate baby's breath with eucalyptus leaves.

Their ceremony happened in the beautiful Fairy circle of this redwood grove. With the San Lorenzo river roaring in the background. A unique and breathtaking setting for this truly unique breathtaking ceremony. "Picture a boho backyard wedding with eucalyptus and lace." That's how Megan described the decor. The venue was a decoration on its own. The arch, handcrafted by their sister, was covered with big eucalyptus leaves, delicate baby’s breath with pops of color from the peonies, and dusty, maroon roses.

A person in a navy suit walks along a forest path on their wedding day.
A flower girl in a pink tulle dress walks down a woodland path carrying a basket.
A wedding celebration moment captured on a forest path with joyful emotions.
A wedding ceremony site nestled among majestic redwood trees in a natural forest setting.

Carl came walking into the ceremony to The Next Episode Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg in his white converse sneakers. But I must say to me; Addy stole the show in her gorgeous dress and sparkly pink converse sneakers! She was as cut as can be. It seemed like a little fairy was flying out of the forest for a few minutes. And Megan, oh, she was a vision. I loved her winter lace wedding gown, and Boho forest look!

An intimate forest wedding ceremony under tall redwood trees with floral arch decorations.
A wedding ceremony beneath a floral arch in a serene redwood forest setting.
A wedding ceremony in progress among majestic redwood trees with guests seated on wooden benches.
A couple exchanges vows under a decorated floral arch in a redwood forest.
A tender wedding moment shared between a couple in a sunlit forest setting.

Carl's sister did a great job officiating the ceremony. There is something so special about ceremonies done by someone close to the couple. Deeply meaningful and beautiful, just like the setting itself.  It was magical. It can’t help but be with a name like a “fairy circle.”

A romantic wedding portrait of newlyweds surrounded by towering redwood trees.
A sweet family moment during a forest wedding with a child in a pink dress.
Wedding celebration in a redwood forest with guests cheering as newlyweds walk down path under tall trees.
Sweet moment between two people in a forest with a wicker basket and pink tulle dress.
Newlyweds walking down aisle between wooden benches in forest as guests take photos.

With Addy coming to stand with and join her mom and dad, it was some of the most beautiful moments I’ve been lucky enough to witness. Holding both her parent's hands as they have their first kiss. Then Mom, Dad, and Daughter all together celebrate the joyous occasions! It was one of those happy moments that feels contagious. Everyone was happy!

Wedding couple standing together near creek in peaceful forest setting.
Romantic moment between newlyweds beside a flowing stream in wooded setting.
Couple walking together along forest path beside stream wearing wedding attire.

We were off into the muddy forest to check out the magnificent river that was flowing with clear mountain water was something to behold. With the droughts in California, this river is often dried out, especially during summertime. But this Santa Cruz had had some good rain, and the river was a sight to behold. 

Wedding portrait of couple in elegant attire standing among tall forest trees.
Joyful candid moment between newlyweds laughing in sunlit forest setting.
Intimate moment between newlyweds in forest with natural lighting.

We made our way back into the forest just in time to catch the most magical sunset light. This was a golden hour! It was such an honor to photograph this gorgeous couple and document their beautiful story in this beautiful and unique location.

Close-up of bride and groom's matching white sneakers with scattered eucalyptus leaves on ground.

Winter in the forest means mud, and boy, were we planning on treading in some. Megan came up with the fantastic idea of getting her and Carl both white converse sneakers. She wrote their wedding date on one side and Mrs. & Mr. on it on the other side in sharpie. This made for a great keepsake, all be it a muddy keepsake.

Newlyweds playfully pose in an antique bathtub against a rustic wooden building backdrop.
Close-up detail shot of hands resting on white lace wedding dress fabric.
Creative wedding photography featuring a vintage bathtub pose against a rustic wooden backdrop.
A romantic wedding photo shoot featuring creative poses in a vintage clawfoot bathtub outdoors.

Cocktail hour was spent hanging out on the cabin's deck with the most beautiful view of the forest and sunset. And when Megan asked me during the cocktail hour if we could take photos inside a bathtub, I said let’s go! Thanks, Carl turner, for playing along with our idea. These were so fun and are some of my favorites! The two of you goofing off in this outside bathtub with the windows behind you reflecting the sunset color in the sky!

Romantic table setting with pink roses, eucalyptus, and baby's breath in glass vases.
Rustic wedding reception setup with long white tables and hanging pendant lights in a wooden room.
Elegant floral centerpiece with pink roses and eucalyptus in a dark vase.
Wedding reception table with white chairs and greenery garland in a cozy wooden interior.
Overhead view of place settings with mint green plates and eucalyptus table runner.
Wedding reception table detail with soulmates sign and floral arrangements.

After the fabulous sunset on the outdoor deck, it was time to go indoors as the winter nights can get freezing! But inside, the cabin was cozy and warm with a roaring fireplace and a true feast prepared; BBQ brisket and BBQ Chicken thighs with braised collard greens, baked beans, roasted delicata squash with pomegranates, and homemade cornbread. The food was excellent! One of the perks of being a wedding photographer is the excellent food I eat almost weekly, all thanks to my amazing clients.

Wedding couple sharing cake at their reception in a rustic venue with wooden walls.
Newlyweds sharing an intimate moment while cutting their wedding cake together.

We ended the evening of laughter and conversations with Megan in her stylish jean jacket (I’m a jean jacket lover myself!)  full, on smashing cake in Carl's face! 😂 Her face was so hilarious! The cake, by the way, came from the fantastic @milkbar in New York. You can order they're amazing cake online. This cake was the best cake I have had in my life!

Black and white photo showing puppet hands performing at a lively dinner party table.

It is a fantastic honor to be entrusted by such wonderful people to tell their stories. Megan & Carl, your story is beautiful; thank you for reminding me what photography is all about. It’s about telling a story.

Venue: The Ferreira Property in Soquel, CA

Photography: Picturist Photography

Rentals: M&M Party Rentals

DJ & Event Planning: Turner Events