Pajaro Dunes Wedding Photography~ Ali & Ryan!

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3186Ali and Ryan got married on a perfect September day at the stunning Pajaro Dunes.  But their hope was not to impress their guests with the gorgeous view of the ocean. In their own words, “Ultimately, we wanted loved ones around us having a GRAND old time celebrating the wedding of the century.”  How might one pull this off? By turning their wedding into a music festival.  Not just any music festival but Ozelliott Palooza! Stay tuned for more on this!

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3187Ali’s J Crew wedding dress was perfect for her! And it had pockets, extra perfect!  She paired it with colorful sandals and an amazing veil with purple lace.Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3188The youngest member of the wedding party looking so pretty!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3189And she even had some purple flair on her binky!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3190Ali’s Mom did the honors of getting her all zipped up!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3191And were cracking up most of the time!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3192So pretty!!! Love the lace and the layering of the necklaces!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3303Ali had the girls hiding in the other room and called them in when she was all dressed! Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3194Guys were also getting ready, which means they stood around drinking Scotch until the last minute!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3195Ryan, your beard is amazing!!! Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3196Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3197The guys cleaned up pretty nice! Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3198Ryan waited for Ali amongst some Cypress trees for their First Look. We were hiding behind the trees and using long lenses to give these guys some privacy. I love watching it all unfold from afar…Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3199Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3200
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3202Paparazzi style!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3203And then the crack up!!!  Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3204Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3304Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3206Shenanigans with the bridal party!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3207The things you can get your friends to do on your wedding day….Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3208Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3209And at least one classic shot with the ring bearer, flower girl and baby!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3210Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3211It was that time, time to get married.  The guests walked through the arch into Ozelliott Palooza!

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3212Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3215So much fun to have the ring bearer holding fancy ring pops and the girls and ladies with pin wheels!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3216Ali is escorted down the aisle by her parents.Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3236Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3217Always stoked when a venue has a roof that can be accessed- love the bird’s eye view of a ceremony!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3218Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3219Can’t take his eyes off Ali!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3221Someone escaped from Grandma’s lap!!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3223Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3224Ali and Ryan wrote personalized vows to each other that were sweet, funny and…Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3225…for Ryan’s ears only!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3229Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3230Rings were then exchanged!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3231Kissing happened!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3232And MARRIED!!!!!!!!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3233Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3234Everyone!!!! We can’t always get high enough to get this shot but when it can be done- it’s awesome.  We have one from our wedding and love it!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3302Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3237While everyone was off at cocktail hour, I stole Ali and Ryan for about 20 minutes to capture some of that newlywed bliss!  The light was perfect, the dune grass was exceptional and I had a bride and groom sporting amazing outfits- I was pretty much in photo heaven!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3305Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3239These two crack each other up!  I have no doubt that they are going to have a blast being married til they are old and gray!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3240Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3241Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3242During my walkthrough with Ali and Ryan months prior to the wedding, I saw this tree. I dreamed of this image and now here it is… so grateful when my brides and grooms are so easy-going and well, basically just sit and snuggle where I ask them to!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3243
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3306Pretty paper flowers, drought friendly too!  Ali was inspired by how some of her favorite stores were using paper flowers as decor and in their merchandising and decided she could do that too! Job well done!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3245Off to join friends and family at the cocktail hour and of course, Cornhole time!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3246Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3247Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3248Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3249Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3252Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3250Taking a little break after she won the game!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3251Passing down the skills!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3301How guys pose when I tell them I need to photograph their socks. Hysterical! And no, the guy on the left is not Blake Shelton!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3307Ali and Ryan with their families’ help, did such an incredible job personalizing their reception room.  So much love and creativity went into this whole wedding- it really was amazing! All of the table names were from shows that Ali and Ryan have gone to. Each centerpiece had a record from that show and on the label was the date and location of when and where they saw that show.  Additionally they added their favorite album from each band!

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3255

They incorporated family members’ pictures on the fireplace since family is so important to each of them.

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3256Cocktail Hour winded down and everyone came into the reception room having so much fun, laughing, taking selfies- it was really sweet to see. Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3257Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3308And everyone even diligently filled out the note for the bride and groom!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3259Wedding days, when moments between generations like this are all around you!  One of the many reason why I love weddings.Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3260The wedding party was announced getting the crowd rowdy for the main act!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3262Toasts started right away and the guests were cracking up! Such a great part of a wedding day and this crew did an extra exceptional job!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3263Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3264Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3265
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3310Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3267Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3268Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3269Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3270Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3271Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3272Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3274Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3275Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3277Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3273And to wrap it all up so perfectly,  Ryan’s aunt read a beautiful Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and the rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again my friend

May God hold you in the hollow (palm) of his hand

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3278Screw the wedding cake, Italians know how to serve dessert!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3279

Although the Irish blessing had left everyone’s eyes a little welled up, Ali took it upon herself to get the shenanigans going again!

Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3311And Ryan took it like a man while Ali licked her fingers in defeat!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3282Rings on a record!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3283The sunset was pretty but the moon rising was exceptional!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3284Everyone migrated to the adjoining room for the dance party! Ali’s Mother started it off by reading her note to the bride and groom that was on her place setting.
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3285Parent dances! Ali with her Dad!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3286Ryan with his Mom!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3287Then on to the newlywed’s first dance!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3288Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3289Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3290It was sweet, super romantic but it was time for the party!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3291Things kicked off immediately! Nonstop dancing and fooling around- everyone was having a blast!Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3292Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3293Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3294Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3295After so much cardio activity it’s always good to hydrate.Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3296Hair shaking madness!
Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3297Everyone gathered round for the last dance…Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling_3298And probably not the last kiss! Congratulations Ali and Ryan!!  Thank you so much for having us document your super creative and fun wedding!

A HUGE Thank you to the fellow vendors!

Michelle Bergman- Wedding planner extraordinaire!!!!

DJ- Nick Sohriakoff

Monterey Bay Caterers – food, linens, & caterers

 

 

Susannah Gill is located in El Dorado Hills CA. She photographs weddings, families & babies in Tahoe, San Francisco, the Bay area and is always looking to travel! Phone:1-916-936-7363 Email: susannah@susannahgill.com