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.
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.
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.
Happy almost New Year, everyone! We just recently shot Rebecca’s senior photos and wanted to share a few of them with you. We did some really fun in-studio shots which included some featuring Rebecca with her guitar. Being a song-writer, it was really important to her to capture the intimacy between herself and her instrument.
Remember, don’t delay in calling or emailing us to book your 2010 portrait session!
I’m a FINALIST!! Vote for my Alamo Square photo in the pingg competition for iconic San Francisco images.
http://www.pingg.com/content/san-frans-finest-vote-now/ SPREAD THE WORD!!!
I have been coming across a lot of really cool stuff in the beginning stages of researching for my next project. I am really only just starting, so I will see how the project evolves, but let’s just say I am writing a book, which will incorporate both a photographic essay and extensive research revolving around San Francisco architecture. It wasn’t through my research, however, that I found this fascinating video… a friend actually sent it to me - so thank you, William!
This is the best pre - 1906 earthquake footage I have ever seen. It is amazing. The film begins at best guess around present day Market Street and 1st Street, and continues up Market approaching the Ferry Building. Thanks to a quick Wikipedia search, I have verified that the Ferry Building did indeed survive the earthquake with very little damage.
Click here to see the video.
For those of you out there who have information about San Francisco history, specifically Victorian Architecture, please get in touch with me at melissa [at] arkenstudios.com. Any and all input is greatly appreciated and can assist me greatly in my book research!
My first self-published book is officially done and available for purchase on Blurb. I’m really happy that I now have all my favorite images from my Cyprus collection in one solid tangible item. It’s entitled “Cyprus: In Photographs” and it comprises images that I took on holiday last September to the Mediterranean. Click the link below to see it.
Also, if you are ever in the neighborhood of Milpitas, please swing by the Great Mall to check out my art exhibit displaying a selection of images from the same collection. It is part of the Phantom Art Gallery and runs through January 31, 2010. It is in the hallway at the entrance next to Dave & Busters.
Last weekend I woke up before dawn (5:30am!!??) to meet up with my friend Marshall down by AT&T Park to go explore and take pictures around Mission Bay. We both love very urban industrial locations and found a goldmine out there. We even got locked inside an old tour bus graveyard and had to climb the fence to get out. It was an adventure! Here are a few pics from that morning. Click here to view the rest.
Melissa
