Michelle Walker Photography's BLOG

Photo shoot with I Dream of Cakes!

2008-06-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

Take a look at Shinmin's BLOG...

We created a concept and photographed a spread for YWD magazine. It was awesome to work with such a culinary genius - I hope to do it again someday very soon!

Liz & Dave at The Kohl Mansion

2008-06-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Liz and Dave were married at the fabulous Kohl Mansion in Burlingame. Kim from Always RSVP helped them create a gorgeous setting for a wonderful wedding. After a modern Jewish ceremony overlooking the garden, the guests were treated to a wonderful Kosher meal by Paul & Wendy at Too Caterers followed by a delicious cake by Maralyn at Have Your Cake. Paige from Passiflora Designs did the most beautiful chuppa and florals and I have never seen lighting as cool as that by Knight Vision Lighting - check out the gobo's on the floor, ceiling, and the outside of the mansion! And the boys at Thomas Hughes Video captured everything on film!

Yvette & Djaya at The Ritz-Carlton

2008-06-23T18:08:00.001-07:00

One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is seeing how different cultures celebrate the joy of marriage. Yvette & Djaya are Javanese and had a wonderful ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. They were each escorted to the alter under a bright red umbrella and sat (not looking at each other) throughout the Muslim ceremony (check out their traditional Javanese outfits). After the ceremony (and a quick outfit change), their ballroom reception was fun & upbeat. Their friend, Wendy Chan did a beautiful job with the flowers and Susan at Elegant Cheesecakes created a masterpiece of a cake for them to cut - all captured by the talented videographer Joel Cook.

Cecilia & Michael at Wente Vineyards

2008-06-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Livermore Valley is a beautiful place - vineyards, mansions, great weather and Wente Vineyards is a perfect place for a wedding. Cecilia & Michael were married on the lawn terrace in front of the winery then moved inside to the Cresta Blanca room for an evening of wonderful food, music, and dancing. Bloomsters created gorgeous table settings and florals and my good friend Justin Fone captured everything on video.

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Shelley & Skip at the Ritz-Carlton

2008-06-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

Shelley & Skip are an amazing couple - gorgeous, fun, successful, and (did I mention) gorgeous? They were married on the terrace of the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton with their closest friends & families. After the short (but very beautiful) ceremony, we all headed inside for cocktails, dinner, and dancing - check out the hula-hoops! And look at the beautiful color palette that Laura from Floramor created for them - it's one of my new favorites!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Marina & Richard at Swedenborgian & The Fairmont.

2008-06-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Swedenborgian in Pac Heights is one of my favorite churches in San Francisco - it's dark, romantic, and has a great history. Marina & Richard looked great lit by candlelight at the alter. After the ceremony (and portraits in the beautiful courtyard) we met-up at the gorgeous penthouse suite and the Fairmont Hotel. The couple and their guests enjoyed an amazing cocktail party with food stations, great music (by Denon & Doyle) and florals by Edmonds Plaza Florist. After a fun test (involving Barbie & Ken - really!), the couple busted out the cowboy hats, boa's, and bowlers - it was a blast!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Tying the Knot - a BLOG worth checking out!

2008-06-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Edyta's BLOG has posted a GREAT idea (photos taken by moi!)...

(taken from her BLOG...)
Happy Friday!!! This Tying the Knot Moment is one of my favs so far!! Friend and photographer, Michelle Walker (based out of the San Francisco area) emailed these awesome photos to share! Super hip couple, Eulalia and Paul, were married in Chileno Valley Ranch in Petaluma, CA this past May. Their seating cards were hung by string, as seen above. In order for guests to retrieve their name, they had to exchange the seating card with a polaroid taken of them! Super cute! Thanks for sharing Michelle!!
Advice: assign the task and station to one or two friends to help the flow.

Becca's getting married!

2008-06-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when a friend gets married. Becca and Jere will get hitched next month at the fabulous Lark Creek Inn. Here's a sneak-peek of Becca in Amy Kuschel's studio for her dress fitting.

Eulalia & Paul at the Chileno Valley Ranch - yeehaw!

2008-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Eulalia & Paul had a wedding that we would all love to have - casual, elegant, fun, and fabulous! Sally & Mike at the Chileno Valley Ranch hosted the event with the ceremony on the back lawn and the reception in the barn. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and apple orchard and dang those burgers were good! Pam Ferrari created a wonderful menu with all locally provided ingredients - all perfectly prepared. Paul Robertson decorated the barn with poppies and Eulalia wore the most amazing dress designed by her and Azadeh Couture - check out the hand applied flowers all over the skirt. The couple was gracious enough to let me drag them out of dinner to catch the sunset on the bluffs above the ranch - and the photos are amazing! It was a perfect day.

VIEW SLIDESHOW

The top first dance songs...

2008-06-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

The clever guys at Y! Radish and discjockeys.com have compiled a list of the "most requested first dance songs". Here they are:

Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One)
A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein)
When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss)
Faithfully (Journey)
No Ordinary Love (Sade)
Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery)
Power Of Love (Celine Dion)
Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams)
When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton)
All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
I'll Be There (Mariah Carey)
On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men)
At Last (Etta James)
Don't Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.)
Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers)

(Mine is in there - can you guess which one it was???)

Today is THE day!

2008-06-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all my same-sex clients, friends, & family. My best wishes to you all and my sincerest wish is that the rights you get to enjoy today will stay with us forever.

Check here to see what the Bay Area has planned for today.

Inspiration for Everyday Living

2008-06-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

INSPIRATION FOR EVERYDAY LIVING featured 4 pieces of my travel photography as an inspiration for decorating a (sophisticated & I think, whimsical) child's bedroom - way too cool!

ART INSPIRATION: MICHELLE WALKER

Our amazingly talented wedding photographer, Michelle Walker, is currently selling a selection of her travel photos through her website (available in three printing options and a variety of sizes). The following ethereal images are my favorite- I think any combination would look perfect in a child's bedroom, giving it just the right touch of sophistication.

Taking it "old-school"

2008-06-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

(photo by Don Low)

I was shooting an engagement session with one of the coolest couples (Elaine & Don who are getting married in August) and Don whipped out his Holga! Now it's been a while since I've worked with a Holga (much less film), but take a look - not bad (if I say so myself)...

Jun & Stephen - wow!

2008-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to photograph Jun & Stephen's wedding earlier this month. We began by photographing their engagement photos at Baker Beach, the Financial District in SF, and Stephen's family chicken farm in Georgia! Things just got even more fabulous after that. The wedding started with a high-tea for the bridal party (all 30 of them) at the Top of the Mark then off to Grace Cathedral for the ceremony. Jun wore a beautiful barong tagalog and Stephen wore a handsome tuxedo. The ceremony was wonderful with touches of Jun's Filipino heritage included - cord sponsors draped the yugal (a decorative silk cord) in a figure-eight shape--to symbolize everlasting fidelity--over the shoulders of the couple and Stephen gave Jun 13 coins or arrhae, as a sign of his dedication to Jun's well-being and the welfare of their future children. We then paraded over to the Mark Hopkins Hotel to enjoy an evening of traditional dancing by the Hiyas Philippine Folk Dance Company, music by DGroove, a chocolate buffet by Cocoa Bella, chocolate fountains by Sweet Springs Chocolate Fountain, ice sculptures (including a life-size piano bar and Mr. Peanut (as a nod to Stephen's southern roots)) by Chisel-It Ice Sculptures, video pals Jewel & Chuck of Savadelis Films, and a photobooth by Red Cheese. Everything was made perfect by my friends Rebecca Reategui (event planner extraordinaire), Karen Axel of Tapestry Flowers (one the most amazing floral designers I've ever seen), and Marisa at Classic Party Rentals for all the rentals & lighting.

SLIDESHOW
ENGAGEMENT GUESTBOOK
WEBSITE
WEDDING ALBUM
EVENTS ALBUM

Christine & Joe in San Francisco

2008-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Christine & Joe were married at my favorite church, St. Dominic's in San Francisco. Joe is in the armed services and has been knighted by the Vatican! Their service was lovely with special honors given to our fallen soldiers. After photos on the church stairs, the guests headed to the Presidio Officer's Club while the couple and I made two stops - to the Legion of Honor and the top of Lyon Street to get some photos with the cherry blossoms. Christine was gorgeous in her Monique Lhuillier dress and flowers by Deborah Berhel. Indulge Caterers created a delicious meal for all the guests and Baytenders were pouring the signature drink - a "caipirinha" (since Christine & Joe will be relocating to Brazil very soon). The Martini Brothers kept everyone dancing after a special performance of traditional Portuguese Fado music.

SLIDESHOW
WEBSITE

The girls at Wildflower 2008

2008-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

In between photographing amazing weddings, I train. First half-marathons and now triathlons - most for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's been a tough (and fun) training season - 4 months of swimming, biking, & running almost every day. But I did it! I completed the 2008 Olympic distance Wildflower Triathlon (my first Olympic distance tri). I trained & raced with my girlfriends, Odessa & Meg (who I met 3 years ago at Team in Training) and Amy was there as our official photographer/chef/driver for the weekend - yea Amy! Take a look at all our silly PHOTOS and see my RACE REPORT. Next up for me? The Nike Women's Marathon in October!

Wildflower 2008

2008-05-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

I just completed my first Olympic-distance triathlon! Wildflower (at Lake San Antonio, CA) is one of the world's most beautiful and challenging tri's. My goal was just to finish - I did! Here's a photo of me and my girls (Odessa & Meg) at the finish line - more details to come...

Inside Weddings Spring 2008

2008-04-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to have a wedding that I photographed published in the newest issue of Inside Weddings! Take a look and Jennifer & Yiu's gorgeous wedding...

And I was lucky enough to work with many of my favorite vendors on this amazing event...

Venue - The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Cake - Elegant Cheesecakes
Wedding Designer/Coordinator - Ha Le Events
Florals - Flower Divas
Lighting - Enhanced Lighting & Sound
Rentals & Linens - Classic Party Rentals
Videographer - Weddings On Film

On-site photo studio.

2008-04-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have received requests over the years for something unique and different - something that guests can really have fun with...

We're now offering an on-site photo studio! Have it at your cocktail hour or reception and your guests can visit it and at their leisure. Your guests will really have a great time with them... allowing their true personalities to emerge. And the quality of the photos is really high (unlike many of the photo booths you can rent) so you can include them in your wedding album - maybe as a collage page like the one seen here. Contact me for a quote - usually $1000-$2500.

PS - Instyle Weddings Magazine loved the idea so much, they published it!

The cutest 'save the date' card.

2008-04-04T15:51:00.001-07:00

Take a look at this adorable Save The Date card that one of my favorite couples created from their engagement photo.

Amanda & Luis are a very creative & fun couple. Amanda owns a very cute boutique in Los Altos - check them out at http://www.151boutique.com/.

I can't wait for their wedding in July!

One of my favorite places & two of my favorite people...

2008-04-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

If ever you need a GORGEOUS location for a wedding, party, or corporate event, make sure you check out the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. And make sure that you meet Tony & Debra or their wonderful co-workers (called "ladies & gentlemen"). I am always awed by the Ritz - the beauty of the location, the AMAZING ladies & gentlemen who work there, and the fact that I always feel like part of their family - and you will too! Look at what fun we have!...

Wedding Workshop

2008-03-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Melissa Panico of Melissa Panico Event Planning is holding a Wedding Planning Workshop. If you need help getting started, creating a budget, designing a timeline, etc., this is the class for you. It is on Saturday April 19th from 1pm-4pm. The costs is $80 - check it out!

THE PARTY'S NOT OVER

2008-02-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

If you weren't able to make it to my opening on Sunday, don't fret! The show will be up until March 29th. Check it out...
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
2221 Broadway (at Grand)
Oakland, 94612
(510) 451-4677

THE show!

2008-02-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Luka's in Oakland hosted the first showing of my travel photography. Me and 60 of my closest friends, colleagues, and clients gathered to watch the Oscars, view my BIG prints, and eat Luka's awesome food...

Top right to left - #1 John Woods, me, Kevin Chin, Justin Fone, and Suzy Clement. #2 Luka's before the show. #3 Me and Andrew Weeks. #4 The hallway at Luka's. #5 My husband, Craig and my travel buddy, Sue Meylan. #6 Elisheva's cute husband, Elisheva Basseri, Nancy Liu Chin. #7 Armando. #8 Amy Hayson. #9 Luka's during the show. (Photos taken by Kevin Chin, Michelle Walker, and Amy Hayson.)

A very, very special thank you to John Woods of Enhanced Lighting who made my work look really good, Amy Hayson of Peculiar Pair Press who created the invitations, Maria & the crew at Luka's Taproom and Lounge, and DJ Joe Franco who spun the rockin' tunes.

Every year I get to travel somewhere exotic and fun to photograph my personal work. For Luka's show, I displayed photographs from Cuba, India, Africa, and Peru. To check them out, please go to my NEW website at http://www.michellewalker.com/.

Travel Photography Show!

2008-01-09T05:19:00.001-08:00

On February 24th, I will be having the very first solo exhibition of my travel photography! Everyone is welcome! Please come - there will be great photography, food, drinks, and music.

Opening Reception On

Sunday, February 24th 6-9pm

Michelle Walker

Luka's Taproom & Lounge

2221 Broadway, Oakland CA 94612

510-451-4677

DJ Joe Franco Spinning

Food & Drink

Michelle will be displaying photography from her many travels

http://www.michellewalker.com/

(invitation by www.peculiarpairpress.com)