Napa California

Matt's cousin Kim was married a Auberge du Soleil in Napa, California. Our trip was a full week and we toured San Francisco a few nights as well. The theme of the trip was 'food' as we ate our way through Northern California. I remembered how much I love San Francisco--I was born in the city. Most of these shots are with my Fuji F11, point and shoot camera, which I love. It takes great photos.


Napa was quaint and loaded with excellent wine. I only photographed a little bit at Kim's wedding, as I had instructions to participate as a guest, but it's hard to avoid a few quick shots... especially since Kim had unique details everywhere. The 'Belize' card, amoung others, told stories of places they had vacationed, how they feel in love and Mike's proposal in London. It was a romantic idea and it doubled as their table names.

I caught this candid moment as Kim danced with her Dad. Canon 30D 1600 ISO 24-70mm 2. 8 at 1/15 of a second. I wish I shot it with my 85 f1.2!

Matt and I took a road trip down the California coast, HWY 1, and it was breath-taking. I had no idea California had such a pristine coastline intact. Great towns to visit along the way. Carmel, Monterrey, Santa Cruz, and finally tiny San Simeon, where William Randolph Hearst built an incredible mansion (including this pool, below). We stayed overnight (at this steller hotel on the coast--see Matt with binoculars, below) and toured the castle in the morning and it was worth it. I pretended I was an LA movie star invited to the Castle for the weekend. You could taste the parties and the glamour and I love 1940 as we toured its unbelieveable grounds.

Carmel