Ok, ok….it’s been a really long time since our last Blog post.  Days turn in to weeks turn in to…..well, you get the picture.  So, I am officially making it my Summertime Resolution to BLOG BLOG BLOG if only because we have so many great things to blog about!  To begin this personal call to action I’d like to start with the notion of how wonderful fate can be.  There I was – standing between a bazillion frames at Aaron Brothers when from out of the corner of my eye I spotted such a beautiful mom.  In one hand she carried her selection of frames while with the other hand she pushed her stroller containing the most precious baby girl with eyes, oh my goodness those eyes….well, you’ll see.  It’s times like these that I thank my lucky stars to have been raised by  parents who had no inhibitions when it came to publicly cooing and fawning all over children.  Trust me – there were times when all I wanted to do was melt in to the floor.  Today, it is a behavior that I carry on proudly.  So, to make a long Blog short, this chance encounter lead to the most amazing session with the most wonderful family you could ever hope for.  Call it fate or call it chance.  No matter what it was – I sure know I was in the best possible place at the best possible time.  Ron and I look forward to watching you grow Baby Allison.  We can’t wait until the next time.  {{hugs}}

Here are a few of our favorites………

What an amazing Saturday we had! We spent the afternoon with bride-to-be Justine as she tried on designer Matthew Christopher wedding dresses at Starlet Bridal in Santa Rosa. I met up with Justine and her fiance Mike at their house before their appointment. They fixed mimosas and let me play with their brand new little kitten before we ventured a few blocks to the bridal store. As a single lady, I’m embarrassed to say it was my first experience in one, but Starlet is absolutely beautiful. The owners and staff as well as the designer were all very warm and welcoming. Matthew Christopher made a personal appearance at a trunk show and gave each of the girls there his undivided attention. Justine’s mom and sister and I had a lot of fun watching her try on different dresses, but when she put on one in particular, it was clear that it was the one!

She had several to choose from from Matthew Christopher’s new 2011 line, but ended up going with the Dahlia. All the dresses were exquisitely designed, elegant and classy, and some with a touch of edginess. I told Matthew when (and if!) I get married, I know who I’ll be turning to for my dress!

For those of you girls who don’t have your dress yet, consider hiring a photographer to go meet you for an hour or two while you try some on! It might help you with your decision as it helps to see how your dress is photographed to know how truly stunning you are going to look on your wedding day. Plus, it’s SO much fun!

-Melissa

Hi Arken Studios followers! We had the privilege of second shooting a wedding with Kate Harrison at the Beltane Ranch in Glen Ellen, CA. Historic Beltane Ranch is an absolutely beautiful property on a hillside overlooking vineyards and wineries of Sonoma County. Be sure to check them out as they are an excellent venue and have beautiful private accommodations for a wine country getaway as well.

Here are some images from the day. We loved shooting Jodie and James! We wish them the all the happiness in the world in building their lives together.

If you find yourself in Sonoma and you’ve got a craving for some amazing Mexican food check out the brand new El Molino Central Restaurant.

El Molino Central Restaurant

Arken Studios was recently asked to take images for their menu and website.  We eagerly accepted!

Saying this is a small place is an understatement.  They have ONE table inside which seats two, and a small seating area on their patio.  Don’t let its size fool you.  What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in taste and quality!

El Molino Interior

Can’t you just smell the drip coffee and fresh tortillas?  Yes, fresh tortillas!  They stone grind their own corn for their fresh, hot tortillas daily - yummm!

El Molino Coffee

Grinding Corn for Fresh Tortillas!

The demand for their delicious Mexican food has been incredible with one problem - El Molino Central opened its doors with NO paper menus!  While we were there customers kept streaming in taking their food to go.  The need for a menu was obvious.  The flavor of their food is also obvious as you can see from the images below.

Melissa was brought in to design a menu for them and Ron photographed the charming restaurant and their delectable main dishes.  Problem solved!

Scrumptious

More scrumptious

In a nutshell - This is not your normal Mexican take-out joint.  It is a little jewel of a place where scrumptiously authentic, artfully prepared tacos, tostadas and all your favorites (plus a few surprises) await you!

We were privileged to photograph the grand opening of Franco’s Ristorante, Pizzeria and Wine Bar on Thursday June 10th, 2010. After only being open for a short time, Franco’s is already making a name for itself as the best authentic Italian spot in town! The food is homemade and beyond delicious. The staff is warm and welcoming and makes you feel like family. The wine they serve and cook with is top-notch. They feature vintages from several local wineries such as D’Argenzio Winery.

Here are a few images from the event! Click here to VIEW THE FULL GALLERY.

Renewing of one’s Wedding Vows is a special way to reaffirm your love to your spouse.  Stacey and Tyler decided to reaffirm their vows to one another while on their 5th Wedding Anniversary get-away to California.  Reverend Lucinda Martin officiated the ceremony lakeside at beautiful Howarth Park, Spring Lake, Santa Rosa.  There were plenty of ducks and geese to witness the intimate ceremony on this quiet Thursday morning.

Reverend Lucinda had wonderful words to share with the couple.  We were honored to be able to capture this special time in their lives.

Dear Nancy, Ron, Melissa -

I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the services that the Crain family provided during our recommitment ceremony in April.  Being able to spend the day with you all, and to have such amazing shots of our day will remind us of just how special you helped our day to be.  We had heard such amazing things about the creativity and non-interference way that you all operate, and were not let down at all.  Some photographers tout “personal touches” and end up with the same stock shots that anyone with a camera captures.  Needless to say, this is NOT the case with Arken.

Cheers,

Tyler and Stacey

We enjoyed spending the day with Tyler & Stacey as well as Lucinda.  After the Reaffirmation Ceremony we had a short drive to Kenwood and had a wonderful meal at Cafe Citti.  A nice intimate Italian cafe.  After our meal we visited Chateau St. Jean where we strolled around their beautiful grounds and then tasted their Reserve offerings poured by the knowlegable Bob Beck.

We really enjoyed our time with Stacey and Tyler and wish them the best back home in Colorado.  We hope to keep in touch and visit again next time they come to Sonoma County!

Join us in welcoming Bella to the world.  Bella as you know is Italian for “Beautiful” and isn’t the name fitting?  Such a little sweetheart, we barely heard a cry out of her during the photography session.  Her Mother Stefanie is obviously proud of her little creation as she should be. 

Stefanie & Bella - Arken Studios - Sonoma County Baby Photographer

Stefanie & Bella - Arken Studios - Sonoma County Baby Photographer

Bella - Arken Studios - Sonoma County Baby Photographer

Congratulations to Sean and Erica Elderton!  What a fantastic wedding in a fantastic setting.  Erica was a beautiful bride and the gown was just fabulous.  There are just too many great shots.

Sean & Erica’s Ceremony was held March 27th at the Pioneer United Methodist Church which is the oldest church in Placer County.  After the Ceremony we had the entire Bridal party walk across the street to create images at the beautiful Court House. We had a great time shooting the after ceremony shots as you can tell.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as I sit here in our Sebastopol office of Arken Studios this weekend with the rain coming down non-stop.

I wanted to thank all the brides with whom we had the opportunity to speak with at the Walnut Creek Bridal Fair.  The Marriott Hotel provided a wonderful venue for the event as always.  We also had a great time talking with all the other great wedding vendors.  There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a new bride experiencing for the first time what will become her wedding.  Visiting the Event Staff, Caterers, Cake decorators, and of course their photographer.  Many times the brides have yet to decide on the style of her wedding.  Will it be elegant, festive, classic or contemporary?  Seeing the possibilities at an all inclusive event such as a Bridal Fair is a real eye opener for her.  It’s the same with their photographer.  What style of photography will she want for preserving the memories of her most special day?  There’s Traditional, Formal, Candid, Photojournalistic.  Will she want B&W images, full color or an edgy cross processed look to her album?  Many times she hasn’t even thought about these possibilities.  That’s where Arken Studios comes in.  We can help make the decision by showing the options.  We can also photograph the wedding in any style desired with our experience and training.  One thing is sure, the Bride and Groom can be rest assured that making the decision to use Arken Studios to photograph their wedding will be the most comfortable decision for their day.  We LOVE photographing weddings.  Call us and schedule a FREE consultation so we capture your love and your wedding with our unique artistry!  707-824-0497

Arken Studios LOVES Valentine’s Day!  A day devoted to the one you love!  What better way to show your love than to schedule your engagement photo shoot this Valentine’s Day season.

Call by Valentine’s day to schedule  your wedding consultation and recieve a complimentary Extended Engagement Session, a $950 value, upon booking your wedding. Normally we include an in-studio engagement shoot with most of our wedding packages, but for a limited time in celebration of the season of L-O-V-E, we’ll go the extra mile and capture your passion for each other with an all day shoot on location in some of the most picturesque areas of Sonoma County.

This session is truly an experience you’ll relive together every time you view the art we create from the day.  Whether you purchase a coffee table book or a wonderful canvas gallery wrap for your walls, you’ll just want to hug each other again every time you view them.

Remember, dates book up quickly so hurry and schedule your wedding photography consultation with us!  And if you reserve your wedding date over the phone, we’ll schedule a date for your awesome photography session immediately!

Engagement Photoshoot ON Valentine’s Day is available first come first served.  All others can be scheduled after Valentine’s Day.

Call us at 707-824-0497 or email us with your information.