Staci Welch » Wedding

The days of summer

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:38:02 +0000

So, in case you’re wondering which side of the planet I fell off of…I didn’t! I rarely work in the summer, actually I rarely work anytime my kiddos are out of school. It’s just one of those things that are important to me. I’m very lucky to have the freedom to make that choice. It’s been four weeks now, and the score is 2-4. As for professional projects, I’ve had two…The Vidana Wedding Album and The Exeter Eels Swim Team pictures, always a highlight of the summer! And, personal projects is four and counting. Yes, we’ve had a productive summer so far!

To catch up, Gil & Molly tied the knot on May 1st and I have yet to blog it, so here we go!

I first met Molly last Fall when she popped by the studio to inquire about Wedding Photography. She was so sweet talking about Gil and their relationship and upcoming wedding plans. We waited quite awhile to shoot the engagement session, where I finally met Gil. They were so cute together, I knew their day would be an emotional one, and it did not disappoint.

The Vidana Wedding Album should hit my doorstep any day now, and although they do not have it in their hands yet, I’ll share it with you!

Matt & Nicole

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:06:45 +0000

The adorable Nicole & Matt tied the knot on Saturday and I was lucky enough to document their day! This sweet couple is so in-to each other that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. It was definitely one of those “pinch myself” weddings – a great couple, a beautiful connection and awesome friends & family. In fact, the Wedding Party was the most fun EVER!

I am so excited to share, so let’s get down to it!

Matt & Nicole, thank you for sharing your family & friends with me for one the most special days of your life! Congrat’s! xoxo

Terry + DeAne = Married

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:21:22 +0000

So, this weekend was very special to me. Typically, I grow pretty close to my couples, but this was different. DeAne & I became friends instantly upon meeting about four years ago, along with the rest of the amazing Westbrook family. In fact, I can honestly say that I have always felt like a part of the family. I proudly (& consistently) claim the ‘Big Sister’ role. Being a photographer herself, DeAne was one of the first to support me becoming professional. Because of her friendship & graciousness, I was able to transition into weddings as a second-shooter for her. About a year & a half ago I lost her to the big city of Sacramento. Where she accepted a rare State Photographer position at the Capitol. It was there that she met Terry.

Living outside of the city, commuters often ride the ‘light-rail’ train system into, and around, the area. DeAne’s station had arriving trains every seven minutes. One morning she noticed a quite handsome man, waiting for the same train. They eventually introduced themselves, and began learning more & more about each other. DeAne & Terry later realized that they had been traveling to the Capitol, walking through the same entry, and working on the same floor without ever crossing paths. Just seven minutes could have separated them forever. And, now because of destiny they cannot imagine being apart. They shared an instant connection, that began another great love story. DeAne & Terry soon joined together their lives & families in every way but marriage, saving the best for last.

About a year went by and DeAne was on a girl’s trip to Tahoe, where Terry surprised her with a marriage proposal. Of course the answer was “Yes”, she had wished for this day since they’d met. The girl’s weekend quickly changed, to a couple’s weekend with an overnight visit to Squaw Valley Resort. They soon decided that they wanted a short engagement, and would marry just four months later. That day was Saturday, October 24th.

DeAne & Terry married at DeAne’s family home, among all of their dearest family & friends. We were so happy to share in their amazing day! Here are just a few of my favorites…

DeAne & Terry, we love you very much, and wish all of life’s blessings on you and your new family!
xoxo

jason + katey @ historic seven sycamores

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:36:52 +0000

Sunday was a glorious day full of laughter & stories in honor of Jason & Katey. They were here, at the Historic Seven Sycamores, just 13 months ago when Jason proposed marriage to Katey, under the same oak trees where they were joined in marriage in front of their family & closest friends. I was, and always will be, honored to be their photographer. Here are just a few of my favorites…

Katey was such a naturally sweet & calm beauty.

Katey had a very close relationship with her grandmother, who passed away before having the chance to witness her lovely granddaughter becoming a wife. Katey wore a special piece inside her dress, over her heart in recognition of her passing. It was an endearing moment.

The simply classic, slightly romantic touches of ‘Ball’ canning jars & sunflowers.

Jason’s father specially made the signs scattered about, encouraging guests to partake in yard games & merriment.

3rd Annual ‘Operation: Love Struck’

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:56:17 +0000

In the spirit of Paying-It-Forward I am excited to announce The Third Annual – Operation: Love Struck! If you don’t already know about this very special thing I do, now is the time to learn!

I am announcing next year’s contest much earlier than usual due to the fact that we will be showcasing our services at the next Wedding Style Bridal Show, September 27th. During the show, we will telling as many brides as possible about next year’s contest, in hopes of getting an even bigger response than last year.

Here’s how it works…

Email a story of a couple who really deserves free wedding photography. And YES, you can even enter your own story! You MUST attach a photo that is about 900px on the longest side, and approve that it can be used on this blog.

Why choose just one?

That’s just the way it is! Actually, the choice is usually hard to make, but always worth the process of making it. The winning couple will receive complete wedding day coverage*. The Big Day will begin with hair & makeup, and end when the party’s rage’in! An Engagement Session, Travel, Photographing/Editing Time and a Low-Resolution disc of images are included. All prints and related items, such as albums, are available but not included.

What I am looking for:

A couple who has a mushy, gushy love story
The couple must be getting married NEXT year (2010) in California (if I am already booked for the date, I’m sorry!)
The couple must be willing to appear and have their story on this blog.

The specifics:

ENTER BY: December 31, 2009
SEND ENTRIES TO: info@staciwelch.com
All entries will be personally judged by myself and my team of judges, and based completely on our pulled heart-strings!
Winners will be announced by January 5, 2010

SO, nominate a deserving friend, and spread the word! GOOD LUCK! Everyone has a story, I can’t wait to read yours!

If you just don’t know how or where to begin, here are the winners of the 1st & 2nd Annual contest! Check out their stories for inspiration…

This prize is individually valued at $3,000.00 – and is not transferable.

* If the winning couple is getting married outside of Tulare County, an overnight stay of up to two nights could be necessarily provided for the photographer.

Sam + Katie @ Rancho Santa Margarita

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:31:27 +0000

Saturday, Sam + Katie were married in the prettiest wedding venue I have ever seen, Rancho Santa Margarita in the tiny little town of Santa Margarita, just north of San Luis Obispo. We started the day with some prep shots at The San Luis Creek Lodge, then off to the rancho for the remainder of the day. The sun was perfect, but the wind was almost unbairable! Sam & Katie, their amazing families, and their hilarious friends made this weekend so much fun! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Here’s some favorites from the day. Warning!! This is the longest blog post yet!

And, one final shot in the sunset…

Congratulations Sam & Katie! We absolutely adored being part of your wedding day!
xoxo

Matt + Sarah @ The Hart Ranch

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:40:13 +0000

Matt & Sarah were married Saturday, after over a year of planning. Mother Nature blessed us with a perfect setting & gorgeous weather. Patty Watte constructed a picture perfect venue with the help of California Party Rentals & Luis’ Nursery Floral. Fugazzis‘ kept everyone happy with their amazing cuisine & spirits! Dinner had a delicious ending, thanks to Shelly Wade’s beautiful cake! It was our first (& hopefully not last) experience working with the wonderful Dawn of Composure Photo & Videography and Ray of AMS Entertaiment! What a great team! Thanks so much, everyone!

Here’s a few from the day…

Congratulations Matt & Sarah!

Matt + Amanda @ The White Horse

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:26:30 +0000

Friday I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding with the wonderful Deene Souza. We had so much fun, too much in fact! Matt & Amanda were married at The White Horse Inn River Terrace in Three Rivers, with a reception immediately following. As the 2nd Shooter, the day was full of fun & friends in the industry. Shelly at Sweet Memories did an amazing job on the gorgeous floral decor, Video Image Productions was on hand to capture everything on video and Mancini Productions kept the evening flowing with their rock-solid reception schedule. Darlene, of All About The Cake, came through with my favorite detail – the cake! Great job, everyone! What a team!

As for the images, here are a few of my favorites…

A first glance at their baby girl…

A perfect setting…

A quiet moment…

Matt & Amanda, thank you for such a fun day! You guys are adorable! May your days be filled will laughter, and your nights be filled with sweetness…

Justin + Vanessa @ Orange Blossom Junction

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:21:53 +0000

Saturday, I shot a wedding that I have been looking forward to since our first meeting in January. I love meeting new couples, recently engaged. There is such a buzz between them. I love to hear their ’story’. I love seeing the connection they have. I love knowing, without a doubt, that destiny has conquered another soul. Those feelings only intensified after the engagement session.

Justin and Vanessa are one of the most passionate couples I’ve worked with. I knew when I met them, that their wedding would be intimate and very emotional. I was not disappointed. The whole day, from start to finish, was filled with great friends and funny stories of the times they’d shared.

Here are just a few of my favorites from the day…

Justin & Vanessa, thank you for sharing your big day with me! I have enjoyed every minute of getting to know you both. Best wishes!

A very special thanks to Doug Long at The Orange Blossom Junction, who orchestrated his team to an evening of perfection!

Ryan + Lauren @ Historic Seven Sycamores

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:18:57 +0000

Last Saturday Ryan & Lauren were married at The Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch on the outskirts of Ivanhoe. The process began the afternoon before with the setting up of the venue. They went from there to the rehearsal dinner at Fugazzi’s in downtown Visalia. A wonderful dinner combined with good wishes and fun stories from the past made the evening even more special. At moments it even brought tears to my eyes.

We don’t usually spend the evening before the Big Day with our clients. We leave them to their closest friends & family. But, this wedding was different. Some of you might already have met Lauren. If you’re a former wedding client of ours, it’s a very good possibility. Lauren assists and second-shoots for me on most of our weddings. But, the relationship began three years ago as friends. In fact, there has never been a time that I haven’t felt like part of her family – like another sister. So, needless to say, this day was an emotional one. We are honored to be, not only, Ryan & Lauren’s friends but their chosen wedding photographer as well. It truly meant the world to us.

Ryan & Lauren, we are insanely delighted that you have found each other, in this crazy world, and have promised to love each other for all eternity. You two are an amazing balance of everything needed in a marriage that will outlast anything the world can bring it. Congratulations, and don’t forget to Live, Laugh & Love - every day.

Here’s a teaser from the Wedding Day!