Say Cheese » Nikki

Joy and Jason tie the knot at City Hall

Nikki — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:57:35 +0000

Tuesday I had the pleasure of joining Joy and Jason for their intimate and private ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco. It was so cute cause they got ready together at the Fairmont Hotel, however Joy didn’t let him see the dress until she was in it! We then headed to City Hall for their quaint ceremony. San Francisco City Hall is just so gorgeous, it’s something that I imagine to find in old Rome or Italy. It’s such an amazing backdrop! Later that night we met at Townhall restaurant for their “reception.” Their friends coming had NO idea that they got married that day… they thought it was Joy and Jason’s engagement party! What a surprise to all them! Everyone was overjoyed and not surprised that they got married in private… Thank you for sharing your day with me! Congratulations Joy and Jason!

Here are a few of Red Loft Studios favorites…

Jason doing his thang…

We’re not engaged or pregnant… we got married!

Their wedding recipe:

Getting ready location: Fairmont Hotel
Ceremony: San Francisco City Hall
Reception and incredible dinner: Town Hall

Kristi and Mike at Chateau St Jean

Nikki — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:29:20 +0000

Kristi and Mike decided to say their vows in gorgeous Sonoma at the Chateau St Jean. What an amazing backdrop! The opportunities for photography were everywhere! Since I had two engagement sessions with them, this was now my third time spending time with Kristi and Mike. Their love for each other was amazing and we got some great shots because of it! They were glowing! All day! Mike had this impermeable grin from the first moment I saw him. Guests traveled far… and the reception was a blast. Great tunes… and everyone was dancing! I even got pulled out on the dance floor! Perfect location…

Congratulations Kristi and Mike!

Here are a few of our Red Loft Studios favorites…

Kristi’s scotch gift to Mike…

So cute!

Oh the conga line!

Some of the wonderfully wine inspired details from the day…

Want a wine inspired wedding? Check out the vendors…

Location: Chateau St Jean
Coordinator: Robbin Montero at A Dream Wedding
Caterer: Park Avenue
Hair and makeup: It’s a Date
Cake: Costeaux French Bakery

Kristi and Mike and lil’ Morey too!

Nikki — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:27:29 +0000

This past weekend Kristi, Mike and I headed to Baker Beach to finish their engagement shoot. We missed the boat last time due to the fog in the bay, but Friday was gorgeous! It was absolutely perfect weather, well it was a little chilly and Kristi was quite the sport in her dress! They brought Morey out once again… he definitely has grown in these past monts, but still as rambunctious as ever! I can’t wait for their wedding THIS Friday at the Chateau St Jean in Sonoma. See you guys soon!

Check out a few of Red Loft Studios favorites…

The celebration of Elizabeth and Kyle at the CIA

Nikki — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:05:01 +0000

Recently I had the honor of photographing Elizabeth and Kyle’s wedding in Calistoga, California. The whole day was full of family memories that made their wedding very personal. Kyle’s uncle gave their vows at the same church Elizabeth was baptised at. My personal favorite was when Elizabeth walked down the isle to a beautiful string rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin.” I found myself silently singing along. It was beautiful, and as she walked down the isle she was filled with tears! After six years of being together Elizabeth and Kyle celebrated their marriage in style a the Culinary Institute of America. It was a gorgeous setting including a surprise bagpiper for Kyle that led them into the dining hall. Their friends and family danced the night away!

Congratulations you two! Thanks for letting me be a part of your beautiful wedding!

Here are a few of our Red Loft Studios favorites…

Their rescue pup Moe!

The Mayor of Calistoga, Jack Gingles, cruised by on his bike and Elizabeth had to take advantage of the photo op!

Some details from the day…

The recipe for their beautiful wedding…

Coordination – Nikki Keller
Reception – Culinary Institute of America
Florist – Fleurs De France
DJ – Music By Request
Makeup - Julie Dy
Decor – Five Star Productions
Video – Cook Media Group

Pictures with Morey…

Nikki — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:35:34 +0000

This past Sunday Kristi, Mike, and their little pup Morey and I played in the sun and fog in San Francisco. We started off in the warmth at the Palace of Fine Arts, then traveled into Chrissy Field, which was overcast – with no view of the Golden Gate Bridge. We made the best of it, and Morey had a top notch day. The best part of it all? It was Kristi’s Birthday!! I can’t believe she let me put her through torture on her birthday.. ha ha. We had a blast. I brought balloons to play with… that popped. However one was salvaged and we certainly utilized it! Being new to the Bay Area, they got to experience new sites and the changing weather of the fall. Sunny one day, foggy the next. We decided to extend our engagement session for early spring… on a day that you can see the Golden Gate, and hopefully not in fog.

I can’t wait for the second shoot! Happy Birthday Kristi!!

Here are a few of our Red Loft Studios favorites…

Chrissy and Robbie’s tenderhearted Saratoga wedding

Nikki — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:47:57 +0000

This past Saturday Robbie and Chrissy said their I do’s in the quaint town of Saratoga. They were married at the Saratoga Federated Church, then danced the night away on the same tennis court that Robbie had proposed. It was such an intimate and loving wedding. The two are just so in love and such good friends, it was hard not to smile throughout the entire day. Even the story of how Robbie proposed, (you’ll have to ask him cause it’s a long one…) To make a long story short, he led Chrissy with clues till the day when she finally saw him on one knee on that tennis court in Saratoga. Too cute!

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of it all… congratulations you two!

Here are some of Red Loft Studios favorites…

Robbie’s Brother and Sister both sang during the ceremony.

Former Red Lofters Emily and Aaron…

Their details were great. Bright, colorful, and very whimsical!

The reception was held on Chrissy’s father’s tennis court, the same spot where Robbie popped the big question.

Their wedding recipe:

Ceremony: Saratoga Federated Church
Coordinator: Wendy Harrop of It’s Your Day – Wedding & Events
Flowers: Deirdre Gordon
Catering: Feast for a King

Gay and Jon’s Relais du Soleil Sonoma Wedding

Nikki — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:49:26 +0000

Last Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Gay and Jon’s very intimate wedding at Relais du Soleil in Sonoma. They recently moved back to the United States after spending two years in New Zealand. Friends and family came in from all over, many which hadn’t seen the couple in a long time. It was the sweetest and most relaxing day… Gay started crying while walking down the isle followed by Jon’s tears after the ceremony. Their rings were made out of different types of wood symbolizing the places that have touched their hearts. Including wood indigenous to New Zealand and bamboo to signify their time in Asia. The food was amazing, as one would expect since Gay is a chef. A huge vegetable paella was served followed by a delicious vegan ice cream dessert. What an amazing day shared with all their loved ones. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it! Congratulations Gay and Jon!!

Here are some of Red Loft Studios favorites…

Both Gay and Jon’s parents held the chuppah during the ceremony.

Some details from the day…

Recipe for a intimate wedding like Gay and Jon’s…

Location: Relais du Soliel
Catering: Organic Chef Catering
DJ: Aaron Neimark

From the warmth of Portola to the chill by the bay… Danny and Melanie’s coastal wedding!

Nikki — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:24:08 +0000

Danny and Melanie got married this past Saturday within the vast Redwoods in Portola Valley. It was a hot day, but the scenery was oh so beautiful. During the ceremony Danny got very emotional once he saw his bride walking down the isle. I couldn’t help but shed a tear as well! They are so incredibly sweet together. In fact they’ve been together for 15 years! One of the bridesmaids told me everyone knew they’d get married, right from the get go, even as young teens they knew. From the ceremony we then traveled into Burlingame at the Embassy Suites Hotel for some fesitvities. Danny is not only Mexican, but also Philipino as well. Therefor they had both traditional entertainment; Mariachi, and Philipino dancers!! What a way to end the night! congratulations to you both!

Check out a few of or Red Loft Studios favorites…

Danny’s gift from Melanie

Seeing her walk down the isle he got chocked up, and so did I!

The Mariachi group kicked off the celebration!!

The traditional Phillipino dancers were amazing!

Some of the details from the day…

The recipe to their wedding day:

Ceremony Location: Valley Presbyterian Church
Reception Location: Embassy Suites Hotel, Burlingame
DJ: Aeon Events
Flowers: Elegance Flowers

Chris and Sam at the Old Crocker Inn, Sonoma

Nikki — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:04:39 +0000

They held their quaint wedding at the beautiful and serene Old Crocker Inn in Northern Sonoma County. This historically rich Bed and Breakfast was the perfect location for the two, charming and whimsical! They joked around all day in reference to Sam’s new full name, Sam Adams. The joke would be shared over sips of the famous brew, too funny. Tessa was the cutest little flower girl too! She was very well behaved and didn’t bark once during the ceremony. They were glowing all day, and the support from their family and friends was overwhelming. Thanks for letting me share the day with you, congrats! Here are some of our Red Loft Studios favorites.

They were so cute when they first saw each other!

Tessa the “flower girl.”

Just a few details from the day… All the signs on their tables were places they are going to visit over their honeymoon. Great idea!

You want a wedding like Sam and Chris, check out their vendors!

Location and Cake: Old Crocker Inn
Flowers: Dragonfly Farms

Emily and Aaron’s NoCal wedding at the Palace Hotel

Nikki — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:03:17 +0000

This past Saturday Jenny and I had the pleasure of photographing Emily and Aaron’s wedding at the Palace Hotel in San francisco. They are both so incredibly sweet and fun… and boy did it show in their wedding! They had fabulous details that all emulated their sunny and lighthearted spirit. Emily walked down the isle to her friends playing the violin, bango, and guitar in the key of Sufjan Stevens. The ceremony was held in the Sunset Court of the Palace Hotel and the reception was held in the grand and elegant Garden Court. They are so in love and it was wonderful to capture their spunkiness and heart. Congratulations you two!

Here are some of our Red Loft Studios favorites.

They had fun being oh so regal!

Some fun and bright details from the day…

The recipe for their fabulous wedding.

Location: Palace Hotel

Coordinator: Wendy Harrop of It’s Your Day – Wedding & Events
Florist: Deirdre Gordan
Cake Designer: Palace Hotel