Flag Hill Winery Wedding | Debs & Alex

Debs and Alex held each other tight as fireworks burst from the vineyard in front of them, a surprise treat for their friends and family who celebrated with them this past Saturday. A fitting end to months of hard work and planning. But Saturday wasn't the end, in fact it's just the beginning. The beginning of a life spent together. Debs and Alex's wedding was a direct reflection of who they are not only as a couple, but as individuals. Personal details told the story of their love while friends and family, who played an important role in their relationship, celebrated with them. Saturday was an celebration of love and marriage, of two people coming together and becoming one.

Venue | Flag Hill Winery

Photographer | Deborah Zoe Photo

Hair & Make Up | Wingate Salon & Spa

Bridal Dress & Veil | Madeleine's Daughter

Bridal Shoes | Nine West

Bridesmaids Dresses | Mod Cloth

Florist | Sweet Meadows

Bakery | My Friend's Bakery

Out On The Edge

When I first decided to make the leap to become full time wedding photographer I was scared. No, petrified. I was leaving all that I knew, all that I had worked SO hard for. I went to school to become a news photographer. I spent five years working nights and weekends, covering floods, funerals, courtrooms and football games. I won awards and accolades and our newsroom became my home. But suddenly here I was giving my two weeks notice. What was I doing? I knew what I needed to do. My heart was screaming "Follow Your Dreams" but my rational side was pulling me back, into reality. How could I make a living as a wedding photographer? It's too risky. This is safe. This is where you belong. Stay.

But I knew better. The call to follow my dream was stronger than any rational fear I conjure up in my mind. Now was my time to step out on the edge and jump.

Almost nine months later, I've worked just as hard as I did these past five years, to build a strong foundation for my business. I've enjoyed every minute of celebrating with each couple I have worked with.

On Saturday I was reminded of how much I love what I do. I was reminded WHY I do what I do. I was reminded of how important my job is, documenting the beginning of a couple's love story, documenting the power of  a great love story.

As I drove home I thought about my previous job. I thought about how long I struggled with the question of whether or not I should become a wedding photographer. And I smiled knowing that I followed my heart and trusted in God to provide a way. I took a step of faith, out on the edge, and jumped.

Now here I am living it all out.

I had to add this. We all know I love everything about Indiana Jones....

Our Trip To Napa: The ShootThisNotThat Wedding

Two things. If you ever have the chance to go to Napa, do it. And if you ever have the chance to work with Summer, double do it. Summer put on an amazing workshop, an experience that I will never forget. From all the other attendees turned new friends, to the knowledge she bestowed up on us, to the amazing details she pulled together for us to photograph, the ShootThisNotThat workshop, in short, was epic. I left our time in Napa, refreshed and excited. I learned so much from Summer and I am so grateful to her for taking the time to instill in us all the knowledge that she is so passionate about. And I know that you are dying to see all the eye candy from our trip and all the details that Summer pulled together. So here goes:)!

We'll start off with the beautiful location, Scribe Winery. This place is a photographer's dream. So many nooks and crannies to shoot and discover! It was an old bootlegger's home and hasn't been touched since they lived there. Gah.

Scribe winery looks out over their expansive property...their driveway is over a mile long! It made for a beautiful backdrop. And that furniture from One True Love Vintage just was icing on the cake!

Onto the details. Summer brought together the sweetest touches. I personally loved these numbered plates.

And the sweet spools of thread were adorable as well!I'm a sucker for a beautiful flowers and these bouquets from La Fleuriste did NOT disappoint!

Even the stationary was amazing. This suite was created by Mae Mae Paperie. Can I get married again?!

Onto our stinkin' cute couple. How adorable are they?!

Audrey and Stella Beauty did an amazing job with hair and make up and the Ivy and Aster dress provided by Lovely Bride was just perfection.

One of Summer's favorite sayings during the workshop was "When in doubt, blow it out". I'm laughing just thinking about it, BUT, I have to say that phrase really challenged me and the way I was shooting. I took a few more risks than I normally do when it comes to shooting. I over exposed, I blew out the background, I let details go to highlight others. I'm pretty excited with the results and can't wait to continue to experiment!

So the color theme of the mock wedding was neon yellow with touches of pink. I how amazing was it then that the winery had this bright yellow door?!

After shooting up at the main building we took a quick walk over to the hacienda.

After a LONG day of shooting we were all pretty tired and hungry. Summer along with the ladies at The Collection (learn more about then tomorrow) and Scribe Winery, hosted a wine dinner for all the workshop attendees, their significant others and any one else involved in the workshop. It was nothing less than amazing. The dinner was catered by Barbara Llewellyn with linens provided by La Tavola. Great food, great wine, great company. What a wonderful way to end the day!!

Tomorrow: All the behind the scenes goodness of the workshop... stay tuned!