Magical and Misty Sunset Beach Maternity Session in Half Moon Bay, CA | San Mateo Maternity Photographer

Hey, hey! We’re back in action on the blog and have so much to share, here’s the latest addition!

Most of our maternity clients have their hearts (extremely) set on sun flair at sunset for their maternity sessions. However, there are never any guarantees that we’ll catch that flair when working with mother nature, especially when we are paying a visit to the coast. But we always reassure them to have no fear, because even if it is overcast or misty just like this session in Half Moon Bay, CA, the photos and the experience will be nothing short of magical, and are always beyond beautiful!

Been Kinda Quiet Around Here, Eh? Well, Now We’re Ready to Spill Some Beans – Get a Glimpse Into What We’ve Been Up To…

You may have noticed that our photography site has a new home at www.angiecapriphotography.com (you are here), and you may be wondering why?

The homepage over at www.angiecapri.com (screenshot below), is a glimpse into what we’ve quietly been up to for quite some time, with a couple more of the beans we promised…

 

Our new business launch is happening very soon,

so stay tuned for all of the juicy details!

 

Follow the new biz on social here…

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube

 

And don’t worry,

our photography services aren’t going anywhere ;)

We’ll be ready when you are!

 

A Few Housekeeping Notes on this Website Change:

– If you featured our photography website before this change: Please update the website from www.angiecapri.com to www.angiecapriphotography.com 

– If you shared a blog post before this change OR you’re searching for one but the URL’s not working: You can most likely update the domain portion of the URL only (ex: change angiecapri.com to angiecapriphotography.com in the URL), and the rest of the link should still be correct.

OR you can browse our blog using the categories!

 

Thank you for all of your continued support! :D

Celebrating 6 Years | East Bay Beautiful, Natural, Fun | Boudoir and Business Photographer | Concord, CA

The past year has been one of inspiring and expansive, (at times earth-shattering), soul-searching and exploration, personal growth, and purpose discovery work.

Deepening my listening to my body, inner voice, feelings and emotions, and prioritizing my health over my business happened.

As well as finally beginning the process of combing through and organizing my personal photos and videos (easily 30,000, uh huh…). Which nearly haven’t been touched since the start of my business. Why? Well, because everyone else’s photos, moments and memories, have come first ;)

Learning how to incorporate and honor all parts of myself, and having that reflected back in the work I do in the world, will transform my reality in the near future (so stay tuned)…

As for the business specifically, I’ve decided to focus on our most exciting, rewarding, and popular photography sessions: boudoir and business (headshots, personal branding), which I’m very excited about!

We also just implemented a new appointment scheduling system – such. a. time saver! Increasing efficiency really tickles my pickle these days :D And finally, we got our website homepage and portfolio, (it’s been driving me nuts for years), to a happy place (that we can live with for a while), so yay!

A humongous thank you to our fans and supporters who remain loyal to us, our work, and share their excitement with their favorite people too, so we continue to grow!

Here’s to the evolution of our businesses, our lives, and ourselves, for always being works in progress!

Celebrating 6+ years (adding in the initial 2 years of discovery and learning, makes that a total of 8 – oh my!!), with highlights from (just another) one of our most gorgeous boudoir sessions :D

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Chokers: Victoria and Marie on Etsy // Location: Angie Capri Photography, Concord, CA

Oakland Personal Branding Photographer for Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists | With a Natural, Genuine and Happy Vibe

I sorted for hours and hours looking for a photographer in the Bay Area who had natural, genuine, and actually happy looking photos of people. Yours stuck out! I started my physiotherapy practice 6 years ago in a tiny room and finally, we’ve moved into a beautiful big light-filled (dream) studio space in Emeryville. We’ve come a long way, baby! There are big things coming and I couldn’t be more excited. – Christina

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Make Up by Sarah Dean // Location: Dogwood Bodywork & Performance, Emeryville, CA

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Beautiful, Warm, Engaging, Personal Branding Photography | For Fun, Bubbly, Bay Area Real Estate Agents

“Leading up to the photo shoot, I was nervous! I spent days trying to figure out outfits, locations and ways to pose – all for it to be seamlessly executed by Angie Capri. I was concerned about how and where I was going to be posing, will the weather be what I need it to be, and what if I don’t like the photos? All the stress and worry, was all for not.

As soon as we had our initial phone consult, I felt better. I instantly felt like I was in good hands, and had nothing to worry about. We planned for a fun day of branding photos for my business, and the anxiety and stress melted away immediately upon meeting Angie!

She was warm, supportive, and easy to get along with – it felt like we were old friends! It no longer felt like a photoshoot, more like two friends having fun, laughing and sharing stories.

As someone who is usually behind the camera, having photos taken of myself for my business, was completely foreign to me. However, being in the business of Real Estate, I realized that I am my brand, and for my brand to do well, professional photos were needed.

I was really looking for a photographer who could capture me and the brand I am hoping to achieve and promote. As a Realtor, there are 1000’s of us in every city, and it was important that I set myself apart from the rest. I wanted to ensure that my personality and professionalism came through in the photos, and upon receiving them, I was astounded.

The first part of my session was more formal at a private residence in Lafayette, CA. The second part was more casual at Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA, where I had the idea of capturing some photos with my dog. In theory, I thought it would be cute and relatable, but being the forever puppy that he is, he couldn’t quite hold it together as well as I thought he would! HA! I appreciated Angie’s patience with trying to get some good ones of us – and trust me, she did! But a less exciting place, would have probably been a better idea for his photo op :)

Angie came highly recommended by a couple of my personal friends, and the first thing they all mentioned was how amazing she was to work with. And they couldn’t have been more correct. The photos that resulted in this wonderful day, were absolutely stunning! I was concerned about looking stiff or uncomfortable, but Angie captured my personality perfectly! I now have amazing photos that I use on my website, social media outlets and marketing brochures.

Working with Angie, in short, was easy! She was fun and never let my insecurities get the best of me. She captured exactly what I wanted her to capture, and I am so incredibly happy with how it all turned out. She provides a sense of pride when photographing you. You never feel ashamed or insecure, she always makes you feel beautiful and she keeps you laughing!

I really enjoyed, to my surprise, the actual photographing. I had SO much fun with Angie, sharing stories of our childhood or mutual friends we have. But most of all, I enjoyed the feeling of comfort. I enjoyed the fact that she was able to make me feel secure in my outfits, my brand and most importantly, myself. Having been a pretty self-conscious person for a long time, Angie made me feel so wonderful!

If you’re considering hiring Angie, my suggestion would be to book RIGHT AWAY and to stop putting it off! If you are looking for amazing photos, without the stress or feeling like you have to put on a “good face,” then Angie is your go-to! She captures parts of your personality that you didn’t even know were “capture-able.” Don’t over think it. Be comfortable in what you’re wearing, let your personality shine through, and Angie will capture it perfectly!” – Laura

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location 1: Private Residence, Lafayette, CA // Location 2: Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA

Celebrate 50 Years with Self-Love this Valentine’s Day | Beautiful, Classic, Luxurious, Sacramento Boudoir Photographer

“I wanted to celebrate turning 50, by giving myself beautiful boudoir photos. And to remind myself that age, is just a state of mind. Outside of that, I didn’t have any other reasons for the photos, and I did feel like I needed to justify it. Angie encourages us to enjoy these photos for ourselves first, which made me feel more comfortable doing something so special, just for me!

I usually don’t like having my picture taken, but I had already worked with Angie quite a few times prior to my boudoir session: family photos, daughters’ high school senior photos, and professional headshots, (we were able to sneak in a couple updated ones right before starting my boudoir session too!).

Angie is always positive and full of enthusiasm. She always sets me at ease quickly and I feel relaxed every time I work with her. She always finds a way to make the process fun and enjoyable.

Angie recommended a few locations based on the classic and luxurious style I loved. We both agreed the stunning and charming Inn at Park Winters in Winters, CA, was exactly what I had been searching for!

We had a blast. I loved that I could let go of my inhibitions and feel like a super model all day! (Not to mention, I extended my getaway overnight and enjoyed breakfast in the morning too!) We shot indoors and outdoors – being outside in February in Northern California at dusk and FREEZING, and my photos look like I am relaxed and at ease – Angie is good at talking you through it all.

If you’re thinking about hiring Angie for your own boudoir session, just do it – you won’t regret it! Let go of any negative body images you may have, and give yourself to Angie. You will be amazed by the results!” – Barbara

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Park Winters, Winters, CA

East Bay Genuine, Natural, Fun, Professional Headshot Photographer for Business Coaches | Walnut Creek, CA

“I was seeking a new professional headshot for my business, website and social media (my current one’s 10 years old)! I usually don’t enjoy having my photo taken, I had been putting it off, wanting to lose weight first, waiting for “perfect timing,” just name the excuse so I didn’t have to see myself on film.

But Angie has a natural, honest and genuine presence about her that made me totally comfortable in immediately hiring her. She put me at ease during the process, planned everything, so I didn’t have to do a thing but show up.

Angie set me at ease quickly and helped me relax, she helped me have fun and enjoy the process of having my photo taken. Getting my makeup done and seeing the finished results were fun too!

Don’t over think it, Angie is a pro. She will help with every aspect of the shot and make you feel at ease. Working with her was wonderful from start to finish, the process was easier than I expected. Run, don’t walk to work with Angie Capri!” – Dorothy

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement

Natural, Beautiful, Confident | Mind, Body, Soul | Premier Fine Art Nude East Bay Boudoir Photographer

“Where are you at in your life? Where do you want to go? And why aren’t you there yet?” Asked our yoga teacher last week…

It’s that time of year, when many of us create resolutions revolving around making healthier, more meaningful choices, in some shape or form, for our mind, body, and soul.

May you continue to feel the motivation to stick to your goals in the New Year and beyond – as we are always works in progress, after all!

Choose what will make you feel confident, beautiful, joyful, and sexy in your skin (and help you bring your sexy back, if you feel like it’s slipped away), so that you may feel loud and proud on the inside – but may you also feel confident and daring enough to prance around in your birthday suit too – awe, yeeeah!

Here’s to getting out of our own way in the New Year and evolving towards our full potential. And feeling like hot sh*t, in our most natural state, along the way too!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Effortlessly Brand and Market Your Business with Creativity and Elegance | High Value Commercial Photography

“We needed creative and elegant commercial photos for our new hat company, to improve our brand and professional image, for use on our website, product catalog, brochures, trade show posters and social media. As well as updated professional headshots.

We were looking for a simple neutral setting, that didn’t have too much going on in the background, so the hats could really stand out. Angie provided helpful information and location ideas for the shoot. The one we choose in Concord, CA, aligned with what I had envisioned. She also recommended professional hair and makeup to take the images to the next level, and simultaneous videography for efficiency – something I had planned to do separately later on.

Angie does a great job with the photography, but also with making the shoot a pleasant experience – everyone developed a camaraderie that felt natural. She helped make all of our models (who are my friends and co-workers – not professionally trained), feel at ease.

She also provides great organization, coordination, awesome preferred vendor referrals, and effortless collaboration with our hair and makeup artist and videographer, before and during the shoot.

The process was easier than I expected. Once we figured out the location, date and time, it was easy to get things going. The photo shoot itself went very smoothly. Be sure you’re prepared and give Angie as much information and ideas as possible, so she can help advise you and make the session have high value.” – Alvin

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Sun Hats, Fedoras, Bucket Hats, Visors, Beanies, T-shirts: Raghat // Location: Concord, CA

Snugly, Sexy and Always Classy | East Bay Boudoir Photographer

Although we’re the biggest fans of warm summer months, we welcome winter, because we’re obsessed with leg warmers! Not only because they help us stay warm (the more the merrier), more importantly of course, it’s because they’re also an adorable and fun idea for a soft and snugly boudoir look!

We love mixing and matching outfits, so after our clients have reviewed our pre-session go-to wardrobe tips, we encourage them to bring a wide range of options. It allows us to get more creative and have more options to play with!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Energetic, Down-to-Earth, Genuine | San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer

“Photography is important to us, because it can capture a moment in time that you’d like to relive over and over. Real genuine moments. Working with Angie allowed us to do just that.

Sometimes photographers can come off as strong minded and inflexible, but Angie’s down-to-earth. She’s really easy to talk to and has a great way of giving instructions that feel natural. We felt genuinely taken care of from the start.

She’s passionate about her work and every session with her clients. We would tell others who are considering hiring Angie, to be ready for all of the energy she brings to her sessions!

She provided a more comfortable setting every single time a picture was taken. She provided guidance on where to stand and suggested some fun posing, but also went with the flow and naturally captured everything happening in the moment. She has a really fresh and unique take on photography and will deliver!

The thing we loved most about the day was clearly marrying one another, but also getting to be around the most important people in our lives, sharing this moment with them, and having every emotion that was in the air that day captured.” – Malaya + Michael

From the bride:

How did you two meet?

We met in 8th grade through Michael’s best friend. They were working on the talent show, I was in the show that year. They heard me sing and I really got Michael’s attention. We stayed friends and dated in our sophomore year of high school. We broke up, became friends again. Then started dating again in our senior year.

How did he propose?

Michael proposed to me in mid-December the year before, in front of the biggest and most-decorated-in-lights home. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m addicted to lights! It was perfect and full of magic.

What was the wedding planning process like?

Michael was in boot camp during the 3 months we were planning our wedding. Our only form of communication was through hand written letters, that sometimes took weeks to reach him. It made it especially hard for me to communicate with him, and have his input in the decision making, including details that affected our original budget, etc.

So my advice would be, plan to marry a Marine when he’s in boot camp!! LOL I’m kidding!

But basically, I planned the wedding by myself, but also with the help of family. Even though it started out as an intimate elopement, it quickly grew into a full on wedding, and turned out to be more work and more decision-making than I had originally anticipated, which got overwhelming at times.

Our wedding color palette was burgundy and navy blue to represent The United States Marine Corps. Michael had just come home from graduating from boot camp, so I wanted to not only celebrate our marriage, but his accomplishment as well.

Tell us about other special details you incorporated into your wedding day:

I wore my nana’s charm bracelet. It was meaningful to me because she couldn’t be there, but wearing that sort of made it feel like she was, and she was very important in my life.

Funny or silly details you’d like to share?

My wedding dress was cheaper than my senior prom dress!

What are your suggested “do’s” for those planning their weddings?

Consider all possibilities, including those things that can go wrong and make checklists!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Cake and Cup Cakes: Susie Cakes // Wedding Dress: J. James Bridal // Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Reception: La Fuente, Brentwood, CA

Natural, Playful, Fun | East Bay Golden Sunset High School Senior Portrait Photography | Concord, CA

“I wanted natural and fun senior portraits for my daughter’s graduation announcements, and updated photos with her brother. My daughter usually doesn’t enjoy (actually she hates), having her photo taken.

We were referred to Angie Capri, and the whole photography process ended up being easier and more enjoyable than we expected. It was actually fun!

Angie immediately put my daughter at ease and helped her feel confident. She quickly disarmed her. She captured fun shots of her and her brother, expressing the essence of who they are individually, and their playful, silly, loving relationship.” – Lisa

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Location: Concord, CA

Spend a Fun Afternoon Boosting Your Confidence | Classy and Tasteful Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

“I had such a phenomenal experience with Angie! When I booked my boudoir session, I was definitely nervous. However, she was so communicative about how the photo shoot would go and what to bring, it put me at ease.

I used the makeup and hair stylist she had recommended. I felt so beautiful going into the shoot, which helped with the nerves. We began shooting at her studio and I began to feel nervous again… I really hate taking photos of myself. But once again, Angie made me feel comfortable and showed me some of the photos we had taken, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe that was ME in the photos! The photo shoot was a fun confidence booster and was such a great way to spend the afternoon…” – Tara

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Unique, Playful, Lighthearted | Personal Branding Photographer for Therapists | Color Factory, San Francisco, CA

“I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I help my clients reach their full potential in health, sex, and relationships. I work with a lot of same-sex couples, people who identify as LGBTQ, as well as millennials.

I wanted to grow and improve my brand and professional image online with new professional headshots and personal branding photos. I wanted to uniquely communicate my fun and approachable personality and coaching style, with photos that were lighthearted, colorful, welcoming, and not stuffy.

I was looking for a vibrant location and photographer that would really help me stand out. I decided on the Color Factory in San Francisco, as the perfect location. And when I discovered Angie, I knew she was the one for me, after reading numerous phenomenal reviews and browsing her portfolio and distinctive style of photography. She was on board and excited for our creative adventure together from day one.

Angie was extremely friendly from the moment we met on location. I instantly felt at ease and we dove right in! She was very easy to talk to and helped calm my nerves. I was nervous that I was taking up too much of her time, but she was extremely flexible and patient, I highly appreciated that! And the fun and bubbly photos I received, completely captured what I was going for in my new branding photos!

I valued the easy-going, playful nature she brought to the shoot! She was flexible and open to trying new angles and approaches. She helped me have fun and enjoy the process of having my photo taken. It was also surprisingly, a confidence building experience.

If you’re planning to revamp your website and marketing materials with new personal branding photos, be sure to have fun with it! If you’re thinking about hiring Angie, know that she is attentive to your needs, she wants to understand what you are attempting to capture in photos, and is extremely personable!

I already highly recommend her to my colleagues now, and I hope to work with her again in the future for other types of photos beyond those related to business! THANK YOU, ANGIE!!!! It was such a great experience! :)” – Melissa Risso

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Kristen Kramble // Location: The Color Factory, San Francisco, CA

Energetic, Fun, Spontaneous | East Bay Natural Light Family Portrait Photographer

“Angie’s style and personality make her different from other photographers I’ve worked with. She has a ton of energy, is creative on the fly, makes her clients feel special, and her final photos always blow me away! She makes​ our family portrait session​s​ easy, flexible, spontaneous and fun! Plus, our family photos ​always ​turn out beautiful! I would recommend hiring Angie for any of your photography needs – you will be so happy you have found her!” – Annie

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Concord, CA

Elevate Your Connection | Intimate, Beautiful, Fun Oakland Couples Boudoir Photographer | Part 2

In case you missed part 1, click here.

From her: “As our lives and bodies change and before we have kids and get older, we wanted to capture this time in our lives, early in our marriage, to preserve the special connection we have to look back on.

The process of doing the couples boudoir shoot with my husband was such a great experience. We felt elevated in our connection by spending the day together like that, in such an intimate and unique way.

Angie made the whole experience so comfortable and fun. The final result of pictures was beyond what we hoped for.

I felt really calm and beautiful working with her. She set me at ease quickly and helped me relax. The process was easier and more fun than I expected – especially during such a revealing and potentially vulnerable and awkward type of photography session.

You will never regret having photos done by Angie. Come as you are and she will make beautiful pictures. We look forward to working with her in the future as our family grows.” – Shelby

From him: “I’ve never considered myself photogenic, but somehow Angie made me feel like I was a cover model. Her relaxed confidence and friendly energy really helped set the tone for a fantastic day with amazing boudoir pictures.

Being in front of the camera can make me feel vulnerable and also superficial at times, but never once did I feel that way shooting with Angie.

Angie’s a true professional with a great eye for engaging pictures, but she is also a wonderful human being. I can’t recommend Angie enough and would gladly work with her again.” – Ryan

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Private Residence, Oakland, CA

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone | Intimate Oakland Partner Yoga and Fitness Photographer | Part 1

“We were pretty nervous before our partner yoga / fitness and couples boudoir sessions. It was something I wanted to do for a while, but kept putting it off because it was so outside my comfort zone. I felt nervous even talking to a photographer about it.

We met Angie at a wedding she was photographing. We quickly saw how great she was and how comfortable she made everything feel.

As soon as I had the consultation with Angie for our shoot, my anxiety started to shift to excitement. She is so warm and engaging, it feels like your best friend is going to be hanging out, and just happens to have a camera.

We intended to practice our yoga and fitness poses more in advance of the session, but time got away from us. With Angie’s quick shooting and patience, we ended up with some amazing photos, and only fell over once…” – Shelby + Ryan

Check out part 2, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Anasa Yoga, Oakland, CA

Holistic Educator, Energy Healer, Spiritual Alchemist | Captivating, Compelling, Radiant | Personal Branding Photographer

“Truth be told, I’d had a terrible morning the day of our photoshoot. I had been crying and felt drained. There was a part of me that wanted to back out of the session and crawl into bed. But, I know how hard Angie works to put together her shoots, and because she’s in such high demand, combined with my busy schedule, it would be a while before we could set up a new date. I knew I had to just pull it together.

As soon as I saw Angie, my energy started to shift. She is always full of light and so much fun to be around. I started feeling less like Eyeore and more like Tigger. During the shoot, I was smiling, laughing, and back to my whole self again, thanks to Angie.

In the past, I have not enjoyed having my picture taken and tended to be very critical of myself. Working with Angie is different. Her gift of capturing the essence of the person she is working with, makes it easy to relax and feel comfortable in front of her camera.

I value her eye for angles, lighting, and composition. I value her bubbly personality and patience. I value her comfortable and professional style.

Having up-to-date, beautiful, radiant photography that captures the essence of my businesses and who I am, is critical because it either draws people in, or turns them off. The photo story Angie creates is captivating and compelling.

When you’re planning your own shoot, have fun with it – but that is a given when you are working with Angie. I think the next most important thing would be to love the process with no hesitation.

If you are considering hiring her, do it. You will love the experience and your photos.” – Tamara

Who is Tamara Gerlach?

A woman in love with transformation:  yours, and my own.

I’m a former USA Gymnastics National Team coach, owner of Encore Gymnastics since 1989, a bestselling author, host of the Radiant Living Radio Show, ordained priestess, holistic educator, and the creator of AromaDance.

I am passionate about awakening you to your power and guiding you to higher levels of consciousness through workshops, courses, and one-on-one sessions.

As Servant and Healer, my job is to listen…Listen to your heart’s voice and the Divine Teacher within you…Then, I offer my gifts with beauty, grace, and generosity to help you access your senses, intuition, and Inner Luminary.

As a Spiritual Alchemist*, I offer tools to activate your heart to transmute fear and anger into love, playfully building upon and blending many mind-body-and-spiritual practices, to create unique ways of guiding you on your journey to Spiritual Freedom.

My soul’s work has been expanded on many spiritual journeys, working with healers all over the U.S. and world, including Nepal, Bhutan, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Tanzania, Ecuador, Peru, Bali, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt…the list goes on. Really, I just seem to meet healers wherever I go.

Together, we create deeper levels of consciousness and freedom. Through the work we do, you will come to realize that you ARE Divine Light just doing what you are here to do, make the world a better place.

I appreciate every soul that I have the honor to work with. Seriously, I wake up every morning excited that I get the opportunity to change lives, and I go to bed every night feeling very well-used.

*Spiritual Alchemist~ One who practices the Art of Transmuting lower energies into energies of great value. We are ALL Spiritual Alchemists, it’s just a matter of whether we are conscious of it and practicing or not.”

Tell us more about your tools, offerings and modalities:

Essential Oils (featured in gallery):

Often, I will enhance my work with you using the botanical energy of Essential Oils. Over several decades, I have discovered the power and potency of our Earth’s gifts, and help to educate and empower you to live a life of physical and emotional health. Essential oils help us discover how to have a happier, healthier, and more balanced life. They’ve been used for 1,000’s of years for supporting and purifying the body. Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils are not only fabulous for emotional and physical wellbeing, they can be used to cleanse your home, spice up your meals, love life, and create energetic harmony. I live and breathe the oils and am a living testament to their amazing power.

AromaTouch (featured in gallery):

A hands on technique where a series of essential oils are applied to your back, neck, and feet. You will relieve stress, strengthen your immune system, evoke a healthy inflammatory response, balance your autonomic nervous system to create homeostasis, and awaken your Lymphatic system. Sound awesome? It is!

Anointing (featured in gallery):

A sacred and extraordinary experience that brings your energy centers into alignment and opens your heart to your divine light. This is a combination of energy work, oil application, and a full awakening of your senses. It is difficult to describe the shift that happens, so my invitation is to come for the experience when you are ready…you will know when it is time.

AromaDance (featured in gallery):

A beautiful way to free your mind, open your heart, and reconnect to your body. Dance to inspirational music while anointing your energy centers with a series of oils to open you to your inner radiance, joy, and creative flow. It moves energy through your body, releases stress and tension, expresses creative energy flow, inspires joy, peace, and serenity, allows you to lose your monkey mind and come fully into your senses. You’ll feel clear and blissful. You will strengthen your connection to self as you grow and expand.

Radiant Living Radio:

Radiant people are just different, and stunningly beautiful on the inside. My intention is to share inspiring luminaries that will generously offer their talents and tools to support your growth.

Amazon bestselling book, “Cultivating Radiance” (featured in gallery):

Cultivating Radiance is about fully honoring yourself and all that you have to offer. Our Radiance begins on the inside and is reflected on our outside. In order to keep up with our dynamic lives and to sustain a high level of energy, we must take care of our whole selves. Cultivating Radiance provides simple tools to align our personal elements of health before we “hit the wall” or exhaustion becomes our standard. You will be given mindful “Discovery Questions”, Activities, Inspiration for Gratitude, and Mantras to broaden your understanding and empower yourself to make choices that will give your life deeper meaning and to live a joyful, harmonious, Radiant life!

“As my outside ages, my intention is to become stunningly beautiful on the inside.”

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Gerlach Ranch, Martinez, CA

Fun San Francisco Wedding Photographer | Cassava Cozy Neighborhood Restaurant Reception | Part 3

Continued from Andrea and Bobby’s interview and wedding ceremony at Lands End in part 2…

What did you love most? What were your favorite moments of the day?

Getting ready in the hotel, helping my soon-to-be husband put on his cuff links (they were my dad’s).

Social/photo hour after the ceremony.

The walk to the reception — it ended up being a really cool opportunity for me to catch up in small conversations with random guests (my high school BFFs, his aunts, my aunt).

There were a few moments during the ceremony when I focused really hard on soaking in the memory of looking into my partner’s face, knowing we were completely surrounded by love.

My aunt, who is a judge, performed our ceremony as she’s done for many of my relatives, and clearly spent a lot of time and energy customizing a script for us. It was so special to have her be a part of it.

And – for real – our first look and pre-ceremony couples shoot, Angie did a spectacular job of curating the experience of it so that it really was just an hour of me and my partner connecting with each other and remembering why we choose each other.

How and why did you choose your locations?

We met in San Francisco so having a wedding in the City made sense for us. Being near the ocean gave me a sense of having my dad a little closer. With that as a guide, we looked for a space that would allow the most guests, and be wheelchair accessible. Eagle’s Point at Lands End was the best fit, allowing for 50 people, and it happened to be within a short-ish walk to a cute cafe in the Outer Richmond, Cassava, that had caught my eye almost a year earlier.

It was a huge bonus that when I got a hold of the National Parks Permit representative, Katie, that she was just about the kindest person imaginable who went above and beyond to make sure we could get our reservation secured in time and Yuka (Cassava co-owner), was equally wonderful — could not have been more understanding about budget constraints and worked really hard to get us a menu that worked for us and all of our guests. 

What are your tips for couples planning their own wedding?

We got advise early on to list out our priorities and plan from there. I think that applies to anyone on any kind of budget, but also factors in when you’re planning this once in a lifetime kind of day and there are seemingly endless options, but only so much time to fit that in.

If you missed it:

Be sure to check out Andrea and Bobby’s first look and journey to the wedding ceremony in part 1, their interview and wedding ceremony at Lands End in part 2!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Flowers: Assembled by Bride’s MOH/sister, sourced from, of all places, Costco // Bride’s Ring: Family heirloom from groom’s grandmother // Cake and Desserts: Made by Bride’s cousin // Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang // Wedding dress: Nicole Miller // Ceremony: Eagles Point at Lands End, San Francisco // Mural Stairway: Lincoln Park Steps, San Francisco // Reception: Cassava, San Francisco

Never Too Old to Celebrate, Appreciate and Pamper Yourself. Especially When You’re a Grandma | East Bay Boudoir Photographer

“After meeting and getting to know Angie and her work during many of our women’s community workshops, I knew it’d be fun to work with her for a boudoir session (while it was out of my comfort zone, but also exciting to try something new). And it certainly was!

Angie provides a safe, warm and welcoming presence and [previously] a cozy boudoir studio location in the East Bay. We laughed all day and was I tired afterwards from being a model for a day – those poses are more work than you might expect, but completely worth it!!

It was a great day, I took advantage of having a whole day carved out for myself, which is rare. I used my essential oils to help chill my nerves (Angie’s also a big fan). I treated myself to a special lunch at my favorite restaurant. I enjoyed working with Annie of The Makeup Movement for my hair and makeup (one of Angie’s top recommended artists). And after our photoshoot, Angie and I went out to dinner.

I recommend planning ahead of time as Angie suggests. Don’t wait until the last minute. She’ll help sort and choose the best items from what you bring with you to the shoot, and she also has wardrobe on hand to mix and match with.

Then you can sit back, relax, play and have fun! Trust Angie, she will guide you and make you feel beautiful.

I would not hesitate to do it over again. I think it’s a wonderful experience for women at any age to enjoy. I felt honored to be one of Angie’s first grandma boudoir clients too! You’re never too old to celebrate, appreciate and pamper yourself!” – Dawn

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Pink Silk Robe: Love Ophelia // Black Lace Nightwear: In Bloom by Jonquil // Custom Garters: La Gartier  // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Unique San Francisco Wedding Photographer | Lands End: Intimate Wedding Ceremony | Part 2

Continued from Andrea and Bobby’s first look and journey to the wedding ceremony at Lands End, in part 1.

How did you two meet and when did you know he was the one?

How we met is your basic friends of friends story: my sister/BFF/roommate worked with his friend/roommate. We both knew the other existed, crossed paths several times, and had zero interest in each other for the first year or so.

Then, one fateful St. Patty’s day night, we both hitched a ride home from separate parties in the back of my sister’s car, I had a few drinks in me and forced him to hold my hand, being the good sport that he is, he obliged.

A few weeks later we ­­crossed paths again and he used our last encounter to make good spirited jokes at my expense. But we soon realized what we’d been missing. We’ve been lacing fingers ever since.

Tell us how and why your wedding was different, unique and meaningful:

I loved that our wedding was different in most ways: Friday morning, outdoor-standing ceremony at Lands End; canned sparkling wine toast; almost a mile-long march to the cafe reception spot, with a photo-op stop at a random, gorgeous staircase along the way; mimosas and fried chicken (we’re booth vegetarians, but guests raved about these); quick toasts; out by 3 p.m. 

We were really minimal with decor since we had an amazing backdrop, but I knew from the outset that I wanted my hubby to be in a bold colored suit.

In the early phases of planning, I felt worried about what planning a budget wedding would mean for guests’ experiences and their take-aways; there were things that weren’t important enough to us to want to increase our budget, but I was still self-conscious one guest or another would be annoyed by, but we still didn’t want to prioritize over other.

The wedding we ended up with was different enough from any other, that I didn’t feel like people had expectations of any one thing and everyone seemed up for the ride, however it came.

When my dad passed away suddenly, less than two months before the ceremony, I knew that the best way to honor him would be to have a wedding, but that I couldn’t go through with the one we had planned. We changed up our plans a month out and cut the guest list in half. The wedding we ended up with was based almost entirely on our priorities, what felt right to us, and not on any sense of obligation to anyone else. 

Tell us more about the traditions you kept, ditched, or made your own:

We did: follow the old-new-borrowed-blue-six pence for your shoe tradition, along with a cake cutting.

We didn’t do: a bouquet toss, or first dance (there was no dancing), and we saw each other before the ceremony.

The reason we followed the “old-new-borrowed” tradition is because friends and loved ones volunteered the requisite trinkets, my sister had gotten the six pence from our dad for her wedding after he told her about that oft forgotten line of the rhyme– these things made the tradition special to me, but otherwise I don’t feel like I’m very tradition oriented.

Up next:

Be sure to check out Andrea and Bobby’s first look and their journey to the wedding ceremony at Lands End in part 1, their interview and wedding reception at Cassava in the Outer Richmond in part 3!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Flowers: Assembled by Bride’s MOH/sister, sourced from, of all places, Costco // Bride’s Ring: Family heirloom from groom’s grandmother // Cake and Desserts: Made by Bride’s cousin // Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang // Wedding dress: Nicole Miller // Ceremony: Eagles Point at Lands End, San Francisco // Mural Stairway: Lincoln Park Steps, San Francisco // Reception: Cassava, San Francisco

We Tip Our Hats to Clients Raving Behind Our Backs | East Bay Boudoir Photographer Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary

Most businesses don’t make it past the 5-year mark. But we did. And we’re killin’ it.

Happy 5 Year Anniversary to us!! Clink.

We continue our focus on boudoir sessions that are classy and tasteful. Created and designed to celebrate diverse life-changing moments, stories, transitions, and transformations in women’s lives.

As well as professional headshots and personal branding photos for business owners, setting them apart, expressing what they do, and helping them connect authentically to their ideal clients. We’re currently expanding into the commercial arena as well.

We continue to seek out offbeat weddings that are adventurous and unique, as well as ever suspenseful marriage proposals.

We continue to offer fun, lighthearted and magical, family, maternity, and high school senior portraits, for those seeking something different and nontraditional.

We love specializing in photographing women! We continue to set ourselves apart by providing our clients (across the board – including the guys too), with photos that are beautiful (handsome), natural and fun! Moments that are not overly posed, awkward or cheesy. (Yes, yes, you’re welcome. We barfed a little bit too just thinking about it, sorry).

We have new and exciting systems in place, streamlining the creative process for us and our clients. Rather than making the trip in person to their home, taking measurements, then needing to revisit and re-measure as the wall art collection evolves, we are now able to electronically design wall art collections directly on our clients’ walls, virtually – wahoo!!

AND hot diggety – all of our new clients get ​​their own private client portal – keeping our documents and information in one place for easy access!

Now, while we are less ecstatic about some things we must do to run a business, (said things are centered around the lengthy, daily, computer related activities, that have probably given us tendentious by now), the parts we love, go on and on!

The freedom we have to make our own schedule, be in charge of our own lives, and be our own boss. #girlboss here, mmm hmm. To explore new places, be exposed to unique experiences and fun adventures. Meeting new people, networking, connecting and partnering up with our favorites.

Being challenged in new ways. Growing, evolving, transforming professionally and personally. Having something new to learn, being creative and staving off boredom (we get board easily). And last but sure as hell not least, having the ability and the honor to impact and change lives. We are grateful we get to capture and tell stories that give our subjects a voice, make them feel seen, and may inspire and encourage others.

The projects and clients we’re booking, are increasingly diverse and exciting with each year that passes. And we love that some of our clients, who have been here with us since our beginnings, have come back two or three times over the last few years.

We literally have people raving about us, our work and the experience we provide – behind our backs (not just in front of our faces).

That volume only gets louder as we get the opportunity to serve more humans. Thanks to you, we tip our hats for your ongoing support :)

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Adventurous San Francisco Wedding Photographer | Legion of Honor: First Look | Part 1

“We were referred to Angie by a friend and booked her last minute for our wedding photography. We had a brief (but lovely) phone conversation with her before meeting her the morning of our wedding.

We were nervous, but Angie set us at ease quickly and helped us relax. She helped us have fun and enjoy the process of having our photos taken. Angie was really easy going, she didn’t pose us much at all. I loved this and it added to the comfort and intimacy of the day.

Angie introduced herself as an old friend. She cheered us on as if she was a close friend who had been rooting for us all along. She curated and made every bit of our first look and pre-ceremony couples photos fun. It didn’t feel like we were having our photos taken, or like it was about the photos (even though we got amazing shots). It felt like it was about us getting to spend a few quiet moments together before the ceremony.

Her talent had been apparent in her portfolio, but when she took a moment to show us some shots on the back of her camera while shooting, it gave us even more excitement and confidence in her ability to capture the beauty of the day.

Our entire wedding was an adventure and it all took place in San Francisco. The first look was at the Legion of Honor. Then we walked a short way to the ceremony site, Eagle’s Point at Lands End. Our reception was at Cassava, a cafe in the Outer Richmond, which we paraded to with our guests for about a mile, with a few stops for photo-ops along the way.

Our wedding was not at all typical. I’m sure there were plenty of components Angie and her second shooter had seen before, but the timing, layout of events, and setting were all a little different. Coupled with the fact that we didn’t connect with Angie to hire her until just a few weeks before and we were doing a lot of last minute work. So she didn’t get a ton of details from me in advance, but she was a great sport, she rolled with it and was enthusiastic about every bit of it. She is absolutely fantastic.

Angie’s talent as a photographer is off the charts, but what really sets her apart is her friendly and confident nature that she’s able to pass along to clients. There were some very emotional moments on our wedding day, and Angie’s presence was really comforting; she exudes empathy and love even to near strangers. Hire Angie and her team. You will get beautiful photos and be in the company of a friend.” – Andrea + Bobby

Up next:

Be sure to check out Andrea and Bobby’s interviews, their wedding ceremony at Lands End in part 2, and their wedding reception at Cassava in the Outer Richmond in part 3!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Flowers: Assembled by Bride’s MOH/sister, sourced from, of all places, Costco // Bride’s Ring: Family heirloom from groom’s grandmother // Cake and Desserts: Made by Bride’s cousin // Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang // Wedding dress: Nicole Miller // Ceremony: Eagles Point at Lands End, San Francisco // Mural Stairway: Lincoln Park Steps, San Francisco // Reception: Cassava, San Francisco

Ecofeminism | What Women and Earth Day Have in Common | East Bay Boudoir Photographer

Ecofeminism: One grassroots movement, combing two political and social causes, that get us all riled up. Combining gender equality, across the gender spectrum, and environmental preservation.

Bringing patriarchal oppression and domination to the surface, and supporting a m​​ovement towards a more inclusive society, that’s built on an even playing field.

Uh-huh. Yes, please.

What Is Ecofeminism?

“How can I ensure my rights as a woman are upheld? How do I confirm that the sanctity of the planet is cared for? How can I guarantee that the rights of all living things are respected without diminishing or isolating other marginalised groups in the process?”

The Answer Lies Within Ecofeminism.

“Ecofeminism, established by French feminist Francois d’Eaubonne in the 1970s, is a relatively new form of feminist theory. It caught the eye of feminists, environmentalists, and peace activists as a result of its aim to break down the structures and institutions limiting feminism as a philosophy. Ecofeminism addresses phenomena that effect contemporary society, particularly gender equality and environmental preservation, to understand oppression as a structural process in order to eliminate domination. The theory argues that society has been constructed to prioritise the dominance of patriarchal values and acknowledges that the union of groups who are oppressed can deconstruct the current social hierarchy to create a more inclusive society.

The theory utilises intersectionality, that is the interconnectedness of identity traits (race, class, gender, sexuality, etc.), to recognise similarities between the oppression of the environment and the domination of women. The ecofeminist movement concludes that humans’ need to control the environment is identical to men’s need to control women, elites’ need to control the poor, and ‘whites’ need to control ‘blacks’. There are struggles for power and dominance occurring cross the spectrum of marginalised groups. This is not meant to reduce any individual or groups personal experience. Rather, it encourages activists to understand the methods of oppression and how activist movements need not exist in isolation. Ecofeminism utilises grassroots initiatives, such as collective action through rallies and bottom-up decision making, to assess and reevaluate the overarching power and control of dominant groups while attempting to simultaneously create unity and inclusion among the oppressed.

Although Ecofeminism may appear to be a movement of feminists who also care about the planet, it is much more than that. Feminism, or Liberal Feminism as it is known in International Relations theory, strives for gender equality and environmental preservation within the framework of a pre-existing patriarchal system. Ecofeminism, on the other hand, aims to dismantle this system and completely rebuild it with the foundation that all living things have value, worth, and different qualities that make them vulnerable. Instead of striving to make women equal in a man’s world or to prioritize the environment in a society that values consistent and extreme development, Ecofeminism highlights what a new world order would look like with man and woman, human and planet, all respected and contributing on an even playing field.”

(Article continues below gallery).

 

“For example, many contemporary security issues are responses to natural disasters, often the effects of climate change. However, so often when security measures are made, such as closing borders or intervening in foreign conflict, it is women and children who are most effected. Ecofeminists would argue that if we continue to function in a system created by men, if women are absent from leadership and decision-making positions and processes, and if the consideration of the environment does not play a key role in preventing security threats then security procedures will continue to favour men over women and the planet. Fighting for equality is one thing, but bringing awareness to the institutional barriers that will always prevent oppressed actors from reaching equality, forces us to reevaluate why society is structured in the manner it is and why we behave the way we do.

So why am I telling you all this? Because in a way many of you who belong to the 1MW [1 Million Women] community are ecofeminists without even realising it. Do you care about the environment and want to adjust your habits to be more ecofriendly? Are you also passionate about equality across the gender spectrum? Do you generally think that all living things should be treated with a sense of respect and dignity? Then jump on in, you’re an ecofeminist!

Being an ecofeminist doesn’t require you to change the causes you are passionate about. Rather it pushes you to think about why you care about these causes and to reassess how you can contribute to alleviating these issues. The fundamental thing you can do to contribute is to widen your scope of activism. If you marched for women’s rights this past month, don’t lose your fire. March for science in the upcoming months. Become and ally for the LGBTQ community. Be aware of the events taking place in the Black Lives Matter or indigenous rights movements. Inform yourself about how your government is treating refugees and what you can do to help.

Don’t feel like you have to solve every problem out there, but do not limit your passions and activism to causes that solely affect you. When you practice eco-friendly habits, recognise that with a healthier planet you are contributing to the betterment of all human beings. When you fight for the rights of women, do not forget that your actions will ripple to the future generations that those women created and care for. There are many ways to get involved, and Ecofeminism allows you to fully understand how far your actions can go.” – Megan Capriccio, 1 Million Women

You’re welcome.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Custom Chokers: Victoria and Marie on Etsy // Location: Angie Capri Photography, Concord, CA

Warm and Relaxed East Bay Professional Headshot Photographer for Medical Professionals

Vanessa had just completed a dual masters in nursing and occupational therapy through the University of Phoenix, whoo Vanessa! She wanted to celebrate with some new professional headshots to take her forward in her career, in addition to cap and gown photos for her graduation party announcements. Working in the medical industry can be hard, stressful, and seemingly always on the go. She wanted her photos to represent her warm and calm approach to consulting, so shooting outdoors in nature at sunset, was definitely the way to go!

Confidence Boosting TLC that’s Poppin Bottles Worthy this Valentine’s Day | Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

When we heard from Tara we were completely stoked. She was interested in a self-love, confidence boosting boudoir session for, her!

What’s something women are experts at tossing to the wayside? Good old fashioned TLC. News flash homegirl, loving ourselves is non-negotiable!

#bemine is cool. But #beyours is even cooler if you ask us :D

Taking time out for ourselves on the daily to stop and smell the roses such as: smelling some roses (hey, why not?), relaxing in a bubble bath, getting a massage, creating a vision board, balancing our chakras (ahh essential oils), stretching, yoga, going for a walk, a hike, working out, watching the sunset, eating delish food, reading an awesome book, sipping on a cup of tea – are 10+ marvelous ways encouraging a daily self-love affair. Which also makes us feel, even sexier in our skin. Whoop!

And then when you’re ready for something extra special, oh I don’t know, that’s poppin bottles worthy or something… That’s when you call us for a sexy as hell, confidence boosting, classy and adventurous boudoir session.

Just like Tara did. Watch and learn.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Free-Spirited High School Senior Photography | Natural, Urban and Original | San Francisco, Sutro Baths

During our initial consult, mom explained Kelsey had specifically selected and chosen to work with us because of her interest in our portrait style. She was enrolled in an Arts Academy with a focus on photography at the time and also an avid runner. She was especially drawn to our clean lines, symmetry, original and creative shots as well as our light, composition and style – we were excited to find out more and knew we were off to a great start!

During our consult with Kelsey, she told us she had seen too many seniors take their photos in tall golden grasses wearing white dresses and was certain she wanted something completely different. In nature but with an urban feel and with elements of water. The Sutro Baths long the San Francisco coast quickly came to mind, and as suspected, they were the ideal location for her session and also for an accurate expression of her free-spirit.

Glamorous Original Sophisticated | Premier East Bay Boudoir Photographer

Business suit hangs in the closet. Jammies lay folded in the drawer. Glamorous, original and sophisticated goddess-wear, suit you today boo.

A boudoir photography session is an experience that invites you to explore and express the other sides of you. Sides that might be hidden, quieted, rarely expressed. Parts of you, who seldom get come out to play, while juggling multiple roles professionally and personally.

Wearing beautiful feminine lingerie that makes you feel like, express, explore and embody the goddess you are, takes the boudoir experience and your very being, to another level.

In today’s feature, goddess Maggie is wearing such glamorous, original and sophisticated lingerie, designed and created by some of our favorite colleagues and friends. More behind the inspiration of their designs, in order of appearance…

Black Lace Nightwear by In Bloom by Jonquil:

Inspired by her silent movie actress Great-Aunt and fashion illustrator Grandmother, Diane Samandi began sewing patchwork bikinis in the front window of her San Francisco Victorian in the late 1970’s. Diane had always loved old Hollywood glamour and vintage design and with those elements in mind, bikinis soon became dresses, and dresses became exquisite lingerie…

In 1980, Diane founded Jonquil, a romantic feminine lingerie line well known for its lavish laces, intricate detail and elegant European designs. Jonquil has enjoyed thirty years of success, and is one of the most sought after lines in the lingerie world. Jonquil is sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and the finest specialty boutiques worldwide.

Custom Garters by La Gartier:

La Gartier is a custom, hand-made garter company dedicated to creating entirely unique, one-of-a-kind wedding garters. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, La Gartier was founded upon the belief that just as every bride has her own personality, style, and identity–so should her garter. From hand picked fabrics to vintage jewelry, to Swarovski crystal rhinestones and hand sewn initials, each La Gartier garter is truly inspired. With quality, beauty, and sophistication in mind, La Gartier garters are not just another wedding accessory–they are a statement.

Detachable White Bridal Melrose Tulle Train Overskirt by Ju.Lee Collection:

The love of classic silhouettes and vintage details is the inspiration behind Ju.Lee Collection. Classic wedding dress styles are re-imagined with a mix of romance, sexiness, and glamour. The collection consists of multiple collections and is designed for modern stylish brides who are bold and original but also admire the old world charm.

With a well-edited selection of wedding gowns, bridal separates, and accessories, brides will find quality alternative bridal wear that is unique and original. Our vision is to design bridal fashion that is wearable and to make every bride look effortlessly stunning.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Black Lace Nightwear: In Bloom by Jonquil // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Detachable White Bridal Melrose Tulle Train Overskirt: Ju.Lee Collection // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Veterinary Surgeons and Hospitals Personal Branding Photographer | San Mateo, CA

Behind the scenes personal branding sessions are powerful for veterinary surgeons and their staff. What better way to showcase how clean, professional, safe and friendly their hospital is, for their furry, four-legged patients? W​​e so enjoyed illustrating what a gem this Veterinary Hospital is on the Peninsula in San Mateo, CA. We love capturing and telling stories just like this, for a variety of professions. The possibilities are endless, exciting and fun (especially with such adorable subjects) :D

 

Coaching You to Feel Natural, Comfortable and Confident | Classy Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

“Simply put, Angie was AMAZING to work with. I was so comfortable and confident working with her. She coached me through exactly what to do, and the best part was, that it felt natural! It never felt forced or stiff and neither were the final photos. She totally works with your flow and highlights your strengths. She’s super bubbly, friendly, and easy to work with! Love her and her work! I would 110% highly recommend working with her!” – Miranda

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Garter: La Gartier // Hair Accessories: Pink Pewter // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Enjoyable and Genuine | Professional Headshot Photographer for Massage Therapists | Walnut Creek, CA

“I was lucky enough to have our photos taken by the incredible Angie Capri and I could not have been more thrilled with the experience and results. I own a spa and wellness center that recently moved to Pleasant Hill and I have a total of 10 therapists who I like to promote via emails and on our website, usually with a brief biography and a photo. It’s safe to say our photos were either horrible, outdated, or missing all together. Hiring Angie to take our photos was one of the greatest decisions that we have ever made.

Angie came to our office which made things a lot easier, especially with all of the people that we needed to have pictures taken of. She came out more than once to be sure to capture photos of everyone. We all hate having our pictures taken but Angie and her bubbly personality made it enjoyable! The smiles in every photo were genuine, she could tell if they were forced, and would immediately make us laugh. She is a perfectionist and would make sure that every strand of hair was in place while ensuring that you were positioned in a very flattering angle while still being yourself.

All of our photos turned out amazing! Now, not only does our website have matching photos of each of our therapists, we had all the photos framed and put on our wall for display. The photos really helped make our website and spa look more professional. I strongly recommend Angie Capri Photography for all of your photography needs.” – Laura

Developer Mark Hall Acquires Rights USL Franchise Oakland East Bay | East Bay Corporate Headshot Photographer

Whoa, news flash! A humongous congratulations to Mark Hall, Hall Equities Group, the USL and the East Bay, whoop whoop!! We cannot wait to experience all that’s in store at the new amazing soccer stadium and the exciting Shadelands SportsMall (hey hey, Encore Gymnastics)!

Oh yeah, we took that headshot. Mic drop.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced that Mark Hall, a real estate-oriented entrepreneur based in Northern California and the President and CEO of Hall Equities Group, has acquired the rights for a United Soccer League franchise in the Oakland East Bay area. Hall is an active real estate developer and operates a nationwide portfolio of varied commercial properties, apartment buildings and hotels, as well as a variety of sports-focused businesses. Hall intends to pursue the development of a 15,000+ seat soccer-specific stadium complex to house the new club. The overall project could potentially include a hotel, a conference facility, retail and other uses synergistic to the stadium complex that would enhance the fan experience.

“Located in one of the largest media markets in the country, the Oakland East Bay area fits perfectly into our mission of building passionate regional rivalries, and further strengthens the USL’s presence on the West Coast following our recent expansion in Fresno and Las Vegas,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “We have full confidence in Mark’s vision and plan to bring professional soccer to the East Bay, given his track record of success in real estate investment and development across the country.

“The USL continues to be a leader in the growth of professional soccer in North America by bringing the world’s game to new, untapped markets with proven local ownership groups and soccer-specific venues that deliver an unforgettable experience for fans. East Bay’s stadium will not only serve as a first-class venue for a professional soccer team, but also be a community asset that hosts other events.”

Having acquired the rights to a USL franchise, Hall will work directly with local officials to secure a suitable location for a major stadium project. The goal is to have the stadium and team ready for kickoff by the 2021 USL season or sooner, if possible.

“Professional soccer continues to thrive across North America, and we are thrilled to participate in its future by bringing a professional USL club to the East Bay,” said Hall. “The East Bay area is the center of gravity for soccer participation in Northern California. We have passionate fans who love the game, and I’m looking forward to building the club for this region, with a state-of-the-art venue to call their own.

“We see a unique opportunity to fill a professional sports void created from the loss of the Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors to venues outside of the East Bay. We intend to fill that void with soccer, which we see as the up-and-coming sport of the future, both in our region and the nation. A well-conceived stadium complex can be a game-changing economic generator for the right area, and we hope there will be a community that will find an integrated stadium, hotel and conference facility to be an attractive anchor, which will generate jobs and economic vibrancy.

“Our new USL club will be a natural extension of our other sports-oriented activities currently underway in the East Bay,” said Hall, who is presently overseeing construction of the Shadelands SportsMall facility in Walnut Creek. This $45 million-dollar project is one of the largest privately financed indoor youth sports complexes in the United States, covering 250,000 square feet. This highly-anticipated facility, which is expected to complete construction by August 2018, will house seven long-established businesses conducting youth-oriented sports training. Tenants in the Shadelands SportsMall include the Ultimate Fieldhouse Basketball complex, which has recently been home to the Stephen Curry SC30 Select Camp, Encore Gymnastics, American Swim Academy, Vibe Volleyball, Mike Murphy Baseball, Sparta Taekwondo and the anchor tenant of the complex, Copa Reál Soccer Training Studios (www.coparealsoccer.com) – a subsidiary of Hall’s diversified sports business platform, known as COPA Innovation Laboratories. For more information, visit www.usl2eastbay.com

About COPA Innovation Laboratories:

COPA Innovation Laboratories (“COPA Labs”) is engaged in the research, development and production of advanced training tools, the accumulation of athletic talent data through quantitative assessment protocols, and the operation of sports training centers. COPA Labs also expects to launch a suite of franchised business opportunities for sale in 2018-2019, employing the use of its proprietary training systems and devices. COPA Labs’ team consists of software engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, data scientists, sports scientists, trainers and others in facilities located in Northern California and Dallas, Texas. COPA Labs has license agreements and joint ventures, as well, with other firms which have similar or complementary business activities located in the United Kingdom and Germany, and relationships extending into both the Premier League in the UK, and the German Bundesliga. For more information on COPA Labs go to www.copainnovationlabs.com.

About Hall Equities Group:

Hall Equities Group is a real estate investment, development, and property management company representing the interests of select private investors and company-sponsored group investment entities. Originally founded in 1962 as a small family residential real estate brokerage business, Hall Equities Group has grown into a diversified property developer and investor with demonstrated success across multiple property types including industrial buildings, multi-family housing, retail shopping centers, branded and boutique hotels, office buildings, self-storage, subdivisions, and master planned communities. In 2015, Hall Equities Group acquired twenty-nine hotels and the corporate assets of ZMC Hotels, a Duluth, MN based hotelier. ZMC Hotels has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Hall Equities Group, and now owns or operates a total of forty-one hotels with eight additional new hotel projects under development. The combined portfolio of Hall Equities Group and ZMC Hotels now covers 165 properties across nineteen states. For more information on Hall Equities Group, go to www.HallEquitiesGroup.com.

About USL

The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, Nashville SC, North Carolina SC and a new club operated by Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United are set to join the league for 2018, with Birmingham, Alabama and Austin, Texas set to join the league in 2019. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship.

See the original USL article, click here.

See more of our headshots of the Hall Equities Group Team, click here.

Beauty and Power are Always Accessible Within Me | Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

“I couldn’t be happier that I said a big ‘yes!’ to doing a boudoir shoot with Angie. The experience allowed me to conquer my own fears, banish my body concerns, replacing them with love and excitement about myself, and step fully into my feminine power. My photos serve as a beautiful memory and reminder that this beauty and power are always accessible within me.” – Haley

See more boudoir photos and read more about Haley’s personal journey in part 1, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Garter: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Designing Fine Art Canvas Wall Collections Families Love | East Bay Family Portrait Photographer

As we’ve allowed clients to leave with digital files in hand, we’ve found that while they have intentions of printing them themselves, sometimes it’s really difficult, or even impossible for them to make a decision without our help. (A big contributing factor is that they have too many images they love. Hey, we don’t gotta lie to kick it!)

Instead of being overwhelmed with choosing which images to print, how and where, allow us to guide you in creating fine art treasures to showcase in your home. Images you’ll puruse on by daily. Moments with your loved ones you’ll relieve every time you pass them.

This is why each client has a private design consultation once their photos are revealed, when we go through their photographs one by one, help them select their favorites, and then showcase them in a beautiful way. One of our favorite ways to do so is by creating fine art canvas wall collections. Stayed tuned for an example from this families’ session after the gallery. Ooh la lah…

Timeless Sacramento Wedding Photographer | Grand Island Mansion, Walnut Grove, CA

Erika and James’ classic wedding at the historical and distinctive Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove, CA, an Italian Renaissance styled villa built in 1920, hidden along the Sacramento River delta, was elegant, romantic and timeless. The perfect backdrop for two lovebirds who always seem to look effortlessly cool and stylish. Infusing details throughout their day, illustrating their rebellious, creative and free-spirited selves, which we can never get enough of!! And that cake cutting? Erika and James easily secured 1st place in the best cake eating contest, for miles!

Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and makeup: Katie Miller and Erika Creston, Vamp Salon, Oakley, CA // Groom’s Suit: Seymour’s Fashions // Bride’s ring: Grandmother’s // Getting ready venue: Vamp Salon, Oakley, CA // Flowers: Good Scents Florist // Cake and Desserts: Cheese Cake Factory // Band: Bread and Butter // Wedding venue: Grand Island Mansion, Walnut Grove, CA

Facking Amazing and Flawless | Classy Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

“I just wanted to express my gratitude for both of you squeezing me in last minute and executing a flawless experience as a whole. I had SO much fun and have to say I have never felt more comfortable or more beautiful in my life.
 
Sarah, phenomenal job on makeup and hair, I’ve never been so pleased. Angie, you are FACKING amazing and I can’t thank you enough, I know my fiance is going to LOVE his gift.
 
Both of your are badasses and it was such fun to work with you. I will definitely recommend you both to all of my friends and clients. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! XO, Heather”
 

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Magic Laughter Freedom Fun | Bay Area Lifestyle Photographer | Photos Of Me For Me | Part 2

Continued from part 1, click here.

“I know many women are hesitant to pamper and spend money on themselves because we’re used to taking care of others first. Especially us mom’s out there!

A mother of 4 myself, with my youngest graduating from high school soon, I saw it high time to do something unique and special for myself.

As someone who does not like my picture taken and does not like many photos of myself, I’ve never taken professional photos of myself, for myself.

Now knowing I’ll have these images to look back on when I’m feeling so beautiful, vibrant, radiant, comfortable in my skin, having such an amazing time, not worrying about business or kids, just being freely me, is so liberating, satisfying and exciting.

I am ecstatic to say the entire experience was really fun and Angie really does make the whole process easy and painless!! She is so professional and talented.

She jokes that her clients become addicted to having their picture taken with her. I have to admit, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. It was THAT much fun! It feels like you’re hanging out with one of your girlfriends. You feel so comfortable around her, everything feels light, flexible and fun. (Even when you’re being dive-bombed by bugs, I actually swallowed one ahhh, and it’s almost 100 degrees outside!!)

She truly captures your inner radiance, the magic that is YOU. Get ready for lots of laughter too! Thank you so much Angie!” – Cheryl

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Location: Clayton, CA

Fun Vibrant Natural | Personal Branding Photography and Professional Headshots for Bay Area Real Estate Agents | Part 1

“I’ve been a Bay Area real estate agent for over 30 years. I needed updated and natural professional headshots and personal branding photos, since I am the face of my business.

I hired Angie Capri as my photographer and I choose her because she was highly recommended by several of my business associates, as well as my personal friends. I was excited to update and breathe life into my brand image, as well as my marketing materials, social media and online presence.

My birthday was right around the corner, so we combined our business photography session with a country casual lifestyle session too. It worked out perfectly. Like a great adventure, as we organically choose two jaw dropping, beyond perfect locations!” – Cheryl

Continued in Part 2, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Location: Clayton, CA

Playful Body-Positive Captivating | Bay Area Boudoir Photographer | Stretch Your Comfort Zone

“Ever since I met Angie, I’ve admired her work from afar. I loved the playfulness, joy, and authenticity of her work, it emanates a glowing light that’s captivating. I love photography, but I’d never been so drawn in by any one photographer before, so I just knew I had to work with her at some point.
 
The opportunity to create a boudoir photoshoot with her arose and I seized the opportunity, with both nervousness and deep excitement and knowing that this was an experience I was meant to have.
 
Doing a boudoir shoot was always something that both intrigued and scared me, it was definitely not within my comfort zone.
 
Growing up, like many girls do, I had issues with my body, never feeling like it was exactly what I wanted it to be. Constantly worrying about my tummy being too big, being too tall, or thinking my chest was too small. I never felt pretty enough, and to me, boudoir photoshoots were something that only “pretty girls” did. And yet it was something that I desired nonetheless.
 
Fast forward 10 years, add in deep self-work around confidence, self-love and self-acceptance, and I’ve come to know that a boudoir shoot is something I am equally deserving of.
 
Through the photoshoot with Angie, I was given the opportunity to truly embody this new knowing. Angie naturally creates such a warm, inviting, ease-filled, playful and body-positive environment. Despite being in rather revealing clothing, my thoughts didn’t once focus on the size of my thighs or rolls of my stomach. Angie’s bubbly, genuine feedback lovingly reflects back to you your beauty and artistry in every moment. Not to mention her giggly laugh is infectious and creates a natural lightness.
 
From the moment I walked in the door with my hair and makeup and bag of costumes, I felt like a queen, standing fully in her power. The feeling was so fun and exhilarating that the hours flew by and I was sad to see our time come to an end.
 
There are a few particular things that make Angie very unique and the perfect photographer to experience a boudoir shoot with:

  • Angie’s mission is about empowering all women and making them feel sexy in their own skin, no matter what their shape or size. Knowing this is what drew me into this experience and then actually experiencing it during the shoot was truly beautiful.
  • Angie innately knows how to boost your confidence and compliment your beauty with pure authenticity, which made me feel utterly fabulous.
  • Being a very amateur professional photography subject, I was put at ease by how well Angie directed my poses and impressed by the amazing results on camera.
  • Most of all, Angie just makes it fun! Any nervousness or worries I had just melted away, I enjoyed every minute of the shoot, this energy comes through in the photos. 

I couldn’t be happier that I said a big ‘yes!’ to doing a boudoir shoot with Angie. The experience allowed me to conquer my own fears, banish my body concerns, replacing them with love and excitement about myself, and step fully into my feminine power. My photos serve as a beautiful memory and reminder that this beauty and power are always accessible within me.
 
Through this collaboration of working with Angie, I truly believe that a boudoir shoot is something all women deserve to experience – the self-love, self-acceptance, power, and empowerment of it is something we all deserve, just by being who we are.
 
If you’ve fantasized about doing this, say yes to yourself and jump in with both feet. I know you’ll love it and yourself even more through doing it.” – Haley

See more photos from Haley’s boudoir session in part 2, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Beautiful Confident Fun Professional Headshots | Elevate Your Business Branding and Marketing

“When I started my business and got to know Angie through our networking group, I knew I wanted her to be the photographer to take my personal branding photos and professional headshots for my assistant and I for my insurance agency.

Like most women, I wanted to “lose weight” first, but I needed those professional photos sooner rather than later. With Angie’s encouragement, I made the leap and just did it! And I’m so relieved I did.

From the get go, Angie was detail oriented throughout the planning and coordination of the session. Her communication was always on point too! She did a fantastic job outlining the process and preparation. She is incredibly prepared and establishes excellent expectations from the beginning.

She also explained why professional hair and makeup is so important for your professional photos and recommended another talented artist who we loved working with and an amazing job as well!

After narrowing down some clothing choices using Angie’s wardrobe tips, I still couldn’t decide and I was one of those people who brought about 10 different outfits. Angie quickly went through them and helped me choose the winners!

She has such a talented eye, she knows exactly what she’s looking for to get the best outcome possible. She makes you look your absolute best! She quickly put my mind at ease as soon as we got started and I knew we were in the best hands possible.

What I love about Angie is how beautiful she makes you feel throughout the shoot, which definitely boosts your confidence while you’re feeling nervous in front of the camera.

Most of all, we had a BLAST! Laughed the entire time!

My favorite part was how she does her “photo reveal” which definitely makes you feel important and that magic happened.

I LOVED all the photos she took! They all turned out so beautifully. It was too hard to choose just a few. Of course, I had to get them all!

Now, we have a variety of professional photos that are natural and fun to use throughout our website, printed materials, and social media, etc. The consistency has truly elevated our brand and marketing. Standing out was so important to us and we know these images will bring more value and business our way!

I would recommend Angie to anyone I know for photos regardless of the type! She is fantastic and has an artistic eye and a KILLER personality. Thank you Angie! You are the best!” – Vanessa

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Artistic Passionate Fun | Professional Bay Area Boudoir Photographer Who Sets You at Ease

“I did a boudoir photo shoot with Angie. I was extremely nervous to be in front of the camera while feeling so exposed. She helped to calm me down and she actually got me laughing! Angie also knows exactly how to coach her clients on how to pose and what looks the best. In addition to being extremely creative and artistic, she is very organized and precise. Angie was able to plan everything perfectly and I actually received the gift for my husband earlier than expected. I recommend Angie – she is passionate, fun and professional all in one!” – Lucienne

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

East Bay Headshot Photography | Professional, Polished, Natural and Fun

“I first met Angie and got to know her well through one of our weekly business networking groups. I soon recognized other established local business professionals in her headshot portfolio. Since I could clearly see how polished and professional her photos were and how much fun she brings to her sessions, I decided to hire her for my new headshots.

The planning and prep from start to finish was detailed and thorough. She immediately made sure to gain a clear understanding of exactly what I was looking for and I felt prepared.

When I arrived at her bright and cozy studio, I was warmly greeted and made to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Angie pays attention to the details. She continuously readjusted clothing and accessories, tried a variety of ideas and angles to ensure she was getting the most natural photos and made me look good.

Once I saw the final images, I beyond satisfied. They turned out better than I had anticipated!

If you’re looking for a photographer who’ll help you relax and feel confident in front of the camera, who will provide you with natural and polished professional headshots, you’d also like to have a lot of fun in the process and you want it to be easy, look no further than Angie Capri Photography!” – Michael

East Bay Family Portrait Photographer | How To Guarantee Documentary-Style Print-Worthy Family Photos

You’re beyond excited. You are POSITIVE you captured the perfect shot of the little ones on your cell phone. Especially, since you took a ton. Nice work!

You can’t wait to blow them up. Decorate your walls. Design an album. Share them with the family (who’s eagerly anticipating their big reveal).

You begin culling the images. You’re selecting your fav’s and quickly realize, most of the photos are out of focus.

BUT you’re able to squeeze out a few good shots. Yay, you!

Next, you begin uploading them for print at your local quickie-mart. Only to realize, you’re unable to get the perfect sizes you were hoping for, because they were taken in such a low resolution, these few, are becoming pixilated.

And you have a stomach ache.

Nailed it or failed it? Yeah, it hurts. We know!

Next time, have more certainty and peace of mind. Don’t miss anymore of those print-worthy moments, as your little ones and your family grow.

No need to sweat it. We got you! Sit back, relax as we capture you and your family interact, connect, laugh and cuddle. That’s right, YOU get to be in the photos with YOUR family too.

Enjoy each other. BE in the moment.

There’s a time and place to hire a pro. You get what you pay for, and you are getting having it done right. The first time.

You’ll get the experience and guidance of a trained professional who can make taking family photos fun. Warm, sweet moments captured documentary-style, rather than in a forced or overly posed way.

And of course, high resolution images capable of providing you with the long-lasting artful, family heirloom style prints and wall art you’re craving.

An enjoyable process and photography experience that puts a smile on your face.

You’ll relive it every time you recline on the couch with the kiddos as they grow. Admiring these precious moments together. Hearing the laughter. Feeling the love. For a lifetime.

Your family photos with us, will be what you hope for.

You can put the cell phone down now.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Location: Concord, CA

Premier Bay Area Boudoir Photographer For Sassy Super Women | Celebrates 4 Year Anniversary

Celebrating 4 years in business on May 4th this year. Reflecting on how far we’ve come and how much this fun (bumpy) ride has been! How much our style, quality, creativity, depth and meaning behind our clients’ sessions have evolved and deepened.

Grateful we have the opportunity to collaborate with and photograph strong, brave, adventurous, sassy super women like Bernadette (her photos and story, coming right up), who have no problem and make no apologies for basking in a self-love session for themselves, celebrating and sharing their personal journeys with positivity and inspiring and motivating more women to do the ​​same.

Women like her, make our lives, simply wonderful!

What’s next? We are ever transforming, don’t cha know?!

We are in the midst of such new and exciting offerings that will help us reach, impact and transform more women, around the world!

By the time our 5th anniversary rolls around… Well, you’ll just have to stay tuned to find out. #sorrybutnotsorry hehe

 
 
“Want to feel empowered, beautiful and drop dead gorgeous? And/or are a fellow divorcée, living life to the fullest and wanting to flaunt it? Angie can help you with all of that. I have known of Angie for many years. I cannot believe it took me so long to book a boudoir session with her. We had so much fun and the time flew by, even though we shot for 4 hours!

If you are at all self-conscious or nervous about posing in lingerie, Angie will put you right at ease. She will be your stylist, coach and biggest fan during the shoot. She will guide you to pose your body and shoot from the best angles, sometimes you’re bending and stretching your body in unnatural positions and it seems like an eternity… But it is so worth it!

She says, ‘no fake smiles allowed,’ and when you hear her giddy laugh from behind the camera, because she’s excited about how your photos are turning out, you can’t help but smile and gain a bit more confidence with every shot.

Angie will also capture your best features. My favorites are closeups of my legs in my Jimmy Choos, photos in her vintage claw-foot bathtub and the others in the gold vintage chair with a jeweled garter on my thigh – they’re pretty hot!

Ladies, don’t forget the shoes! This is a bold shoot. Don’t hesitate to bring items that our out of your comfort zone. Be edgy, daring, no holds barred. Angie will love the opportunity to add something unique to her portfolio to inspire and motivate more ladies and it will also encourage other women to think outside the box when they see your photos!

I have received so many compliments on the photos and I already have a girlfriend booked for a boudoir session with Angie, we’re going lingerie shopping together and she cannot wait! Will you be next? (Well, you should be). Book your boudoir session with Angie. You won’t regret it.” – Bernadette

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Hair Accessories: Pink Pewter // Red Versatile Bliss Statement Necklace: Stella & Dot // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Elevating Your Business and Professional Image | East Bay Personal Branding Photographer

Celebrating Earth Day this week with this environmentally friendly landscaping duo’s new fabulous personal branding photos and professional headshots!

“Angie Capri helped improve our landscaping business in Martinez, CA, by taking amazing pictures for our website and business cards. The pictures not only turned out great, Angie made it easy and fun for us. We would recommend her to anyone who needs quality pictures taken.” – Kyle and Jake

East Bay Sunset Wedding Photographer | Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek | Flawless Bubbly Fun | Part 2

Here comes Part 2 of Rachel and Nick’s fun filled wedding day, as well as our interview with the bride herself!

Check out Part 1, click here.

How did you meet and when did you know he was the one?

My husband and I met at an old job of mine when I was working in a restaurant as a server. He and his father came in every Saturday morning precisely at 7am. They were my regulars for months! When they had first started coming in, I was in a long-term relationship going sour. I never put any thought into how attractive my husband was, until a few months after being single. Then it started to hit me, I noticed he would peak around the corner just to look at me or try to catch my eye. I tried to get to know them a bit more, and found out that he owned his own construction company and was working 6-7 days a week. I was really hoping that he would leave his phone number on a receipt or something, though he never did (most likely because he was with his dad). One day, I grew the courage and wrote my number on a piece a paper, and said to him, “If you ever get a day off, let me know” and handed him the paper. Now, here we are almost 4 years later and married!

Tell us about any traditions you kept, ditched, or made your own and why/how?

I nearly forgot about the tradition of having something old, new, borrowed and blue, but my mother and bridesmaid surprised me with everything I needed! My mother gifted me her mother’s wedding band (something old). My bridesmaid had a custom patch made with my birth initials embroidered in blue and sewn onto my wedding gown. She also let me borrow a long pair of wedding socks to wear with my new cowboy boots!

Tell us about your location choice…

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to get married at Diablo Ranch. Not only are the views and sunset stunning, but the ceremony and reception sites are as well. The venue ranch hands helped with nearly everything, from Friday before the rehearsal dinner, to Monday with breaking down and returning rentals. Also a fun environment where our guests could play lawn games, poker/blackjack at their casino table, play a game of pool, and even hang out with the farm animals. Could not have asked for a better location.

Tell us about your wedding day theme, design and inspiration…

Fall country chic was our inspiration. We are a laid back, fun couple that love to be in the country so it only made the most sense to incorporate into our wedding day. We are all about having a good time with family friends, and that’s exactly what we did.

What did you DIY?

We built our own custom made corn hole game boards along with every other decoration from centerpiece crates, to photobooth backdrops and signage. Turned out to be a full-time job!

Describe your song choices…

We had a very diverse group of guests, but made sure we had our own touch for the main songs (procession, bridal walk, first dance, father/daughter, etc.). My favorite song would be from our first dance, “From the ground Up” by Dan + Shay.

What are your tips for couples planning their own weddings?

Do not wait to do anything at the last minute and never hesitate to ask family and friends for help!

 
 
The Team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wedding dress: Sottero and Midgley by Maggie Sottero from Gesinee’s Bridal, Concord, CA // Bridesmaids dresses: Gesinee’s Bridal // Flower girl dress: JJ’s House // Bridal Robes: Wedding Prep Gals // Cowgirl and Cowboy Boots: Buckle Co. // Jewelry: USA Bride // Rings: Shane Co. // Suit: Men’s Warehouse // Flowers: Beauty’s Blossoms // Cake: Bella Cakes by Cindy Gill // Rentals: Chairs for Affairs // DJ: Magic Entertainment // Signage, Calligraphy and Wedding Coordinator: Me, Myself and I (bride) // Caterers: The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe, Lafayette, CA // Wedding Venue: Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek, CA

East Bay Sunset Wedding Photographer | Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek | Flawless Bubbly Fun | Part 1

“As everyone knows, a wedding photographer is key to every wedding because that one day can go by so fast and you can’t remember quite every moment. My number one priority for our wedding was to have an outstanding, reliable and fun photographer, to capture every and any moment at our wedding, and Angie was able to fulfill that for us. Her above and beyond personality allowed us to enjoy and create memories with our family and friends, which is what we wanted and more.

Prior to the wedding, we were extremely stressed out with getting all details finalized and ready for the big day, though Angie was able to ease our nerves with her consistent communication, guidance, her bubbly personality, and of course, her flawless style of photography. Being a photography fanatic myself, it was difficult for me to find a photographer that fit the style I wanted to have captured. Because we had our sunset wedding at an outdoor venue, there were a lot of factors a photographer would need to take into account to capture stunning photos.

Not only did Angie take breath taking photos, but when I was in a serious time of need, when one of my boots would not go onto my foot, Angie jumped into action with her handy baby powder and got that stubborn foot in there! Never would have thought our wedding photographer would have to help me get my boots on…

I could not imagine choosing anyone other than Angie. We are looking forward to future photoshoots!”

– Rachel and Nick

 
Continues over in Part 2, click here.

The Team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wedding dress: Sottero and Midgley by Maggie Sottero from Gesinee’s Bridal, Concord, CA // Bridesmaids dresses: Gesinee’s Bridal // Flower girl dress: JJ’s House // Bridal Robes: Wedding Prep Gals // Cowgirl and Cowboy Boots: Buckle Co. // Jewelry: USA Bride // Rings: Shane Co. // Suit: Men’s Warehouse // Flowers: Beauty’s Blossoms // Cake: Bella Cakes by Cindy Gill // Rentals: Chairs for Affairs // DJ: Magic Entertainment // Signage, Calligraphy and Wedding Coordinator: Me, Myself and I (bride) // Caterers: The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe, Lafayette, CA // Wedding Venue: Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek, CA

Standing Fully in Her Power | Beautiful Sensual Healing Boudoir Photography for Loving Beings

I can’t imagine celebrating International Women’s Day today, in any other way, other than sharing Tonya’s story and boudoir session, that’s so full of strength, healing, joy and inspiration…

Her story and experiences are unbelievably moving and beautiful, and so articulately expressed. I was in tears when I read her story for the first time. Tonya, thank you for everything – for being adventurous, so brave, sharing your story and allowing me to share it with others, and also allowing me (and our team) to be apart of your healing journey, it is an honor and I am grateful.

You have also encapsulated, understood and appreciated why I do what I do, and have expressed it better than I’ve ever been able to. You have brought it all full circle, for you and for myself. I appreciate you and getting to know you so much!! Thank you forever!! You are so powerful in every way imaginable. Giant hugs and kisses!!! xo

“I met Angie at a local event a mutual friend was hosting. When she described her boudoir photography, I was intrigued, partly because she’s an “innocent-looking” young woman with a bubbly personality, and not something I expected her to say, but also when she described her photography of showing the beauty of women, natural every-day women, and not model-like women, and helping them to see for themselves their own beauty, it felt like a very honoring experience.

When I shared with friends that I scheduled a boudoir session with her, they asked if the pictures were going to be a gift for my husband of 20 years, and my resolute response was, “No, this is a gift for me – a gift of myself, to myself.”

As women, so many of us are berated with negative body messages from the media, from religious backgrounds, everywhere, we develop beliefs that our bodies are not enough of this and have too much of that – there’s always something we’re not happy with; but I had a deeper reason.

For me, it was about taking a stance, it was about taking back my power as a woman that was stripped from me when I just barely turned 17. It was about embracing my own femininity, sensuality, and all of those things I never allowed to really develop because of the shame of an act that was forced upon me and the hidden secret of that act for over 30 years.

It was about seeing my own beauty in a way I’ve never allowed myself and to express the joy of truly being present in, and owning my body. I’ve spent some time on my healing journey and my boudoir photography session with Angie was an additional step on my path. She came into my life at the perfect time, a time when I was finally ready to embrace myself.

My journey isn’t over, but I’m further along the way…

I’m normally the one behind the camera, taking photos of my kids and their teammates playing the various sports they’re involved with, and taking photos at family events. It’s easy to be the one behind the camera – it can be a way of staying hidden. There’s a vulnerability in being in front of the camera.

Angie made the experience absolutely wonderful. She quickly helps one feel at ease and playful, to be easily self-expressed. It was fun to take on a persona of being free and not a wife or a mother or businesswoman, but just me, freely me.

Angie coordinated a pre-shoot hair and makeup session with Annie Lam, who is an amazing makeup artist. I typically throw on my makeup and am done in about 5 minutes. Annie took her time. Her makeup expertise is fabulous and I received quite a few compliments – even from complete strangers. I wish she was my makeup artist on my wedding day. I didn’t want to take off my makeup after the shoot was over, and I didn’t. Totally against my nightly makeup removal routine, I kept my makeup on and didn’t take it off until the next night. From Annie’s studio in Pleasanton, I headed to Angie’s studio in Concord.

Her studio is very welcoming and easy to get to. It was adventurous preparing for the shoot with what I wanted to wear and I definitely went “out of the box” with some of the items I chose, feeling a bit giggly and very excited about our photo shoot scheduled the day before my 49th birthday! I purchased an authentic purple belly dancing outfit online and beautiful intimate apparel from Victoria’s Secret – too bad they don’t sell the angel wings – would have loved to have had those. It was a bit like playing dress up, only wearing a little less.

Afterwards, Angie and I had our official online photo reveal where she showed me the pictures from the shoot. They were beautiful, and fun. Loved Them!!! I’m excited to be purchasing her entire package. Sometimes others can see in us things we can’t quite see in ourselves, and Angie certainly did that for me.

If you are a woman who is not fully self-expressed, for whatever your personal reasons are, there’s more to you, there’s more to your beauty than you realize, and I’m not just talking about outward beauty, but the beauty of a woman who can tap into her inner self, and be present in her own body to know who she truly is, and it is that place that we can take hold of our own confidence and self-assuredness to handle what comes our way.

And if you are already a woman who stands fully in your power in all areas of your life, that is so completely awesome, and what I would say to you is, this may be an opportunity to reveal your softer side.

We as women juggle a lot of different responsibilities with work and family life and we tend to place everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. It’s time to take time out. It’s time for you to honor you. Schedule a boudoir photography session with Angie. She will help you see the beauty, the femininity, the sensuality, and the loving being that you already are.

Thank you Angie. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” – Tonya

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Pink Silk Robe: Love Ophelia // Detachable White Bridal Melrose Tulle Train Overskirt: Ju.Lee Collection // Purple and Red Lingerie Sets: Victoria’s Secret // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

East Bay Photographer | Authentic Professional Headshots Are The Doctor’s Orders

“Angie was amazing! My husband (who’s also my business partner) and I, updated our professional headshots for our Chiropractic business, The New Health Chiropractic Center, and they turned out so beautiful! She not only made us feel comfortable and at ease during the shoot, but made sure we were well prepared as far as what styles and colors of clothes to wear that would be most flattering. We will definitely work with her again for our future personal branding photography session at our new office space. Thank you Angie!” – Vanessa and Tommy

Bay Area High School Senior Portrait and Women’s Empowerment Photographer | Valentine’s Day Self-Love Affair

Celebrating love and Valentine​’​s ​D​ay​ by encouraging women of any age, to have a self-love affair.

Intentionally choosing to feature this young goddess in training, because we want these young ladies, to get a head start.

Transitioning from high school into the real world. Leaving your childhood behind. Beginning to ​explore the world and ​broaden your horizons as an impressionable young adult – few! That’s a lot to take in.

Maybe attending college straight away to study and deepen what you’re passionate about. Or maybe you’re jumping right into your career and getting some down and dirty real life experience​.

It​’s a monumental time in our lives regardless!

As women, it’s an additionally huge time in terms of how we’ve learned and been conditioned so far, to view and care for ourselves and our bodies.

Time will tell how those beliefs and habits will continue to stick with us and evolve (or not)​. Throughout the rest of our lives​.

While you’re out there girls, don’t forget, self​-​love is the best love​!​

Let’s empower each other as women early on (guys, you’re invited too) to learn to value, care for, and appreciate ourselves as a whole​.​ Mind, body and soul​.

To take that ​concept, feeling, belief and love affair ​with ourselves, weave it throughout our entire lives,​ and feel great about it instead of feeling selfish or guilty.

May she never forget, to love her :)

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Wardrobe Stylist and Location Scout: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Flower Crown: Enchantment Floral // Sweetheart Short Ruffle Skirt: Ju.Lee Collection // Location: Benicia, CA

Captured As Friendly and Approachable in Photos as You Are in Person | Authentic East Bay Headshot Photographer

He’s a scientist who’s had a challenging time coming across and being captured as friendly and as approachable in his photos, as he is in person.

For his new professional headshots, he was ready to change that…

He came to the right place. Mission accomplished! :)

She’s a Rebel, With a Cause | Adventurous Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

We hope everyone had an awesome holiday (in what ever size, shape or color you celebrate in). We’re getting ready to bring in the new year with a bang bang and I’d say we’re doing an awesome job with this one!

Sweetness infused soft pink feminine ruffled skirt and custom garter plus, rebel infused black leather jacket plus, attitude infused metal spike bra plus, adventure infused purple lips plus, tattoos telling her stories equals, an empowered woman. Watch out… She’s a rebel, with a cause…

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Sweetheart Short Ruffle Skirt: Ju.Lee Collection // Spike Bra, Black Leather Jacket, Infinity Diamond Bracelets: Mimi + Miran of Tradesy // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Cozy Holiday Story Time in Pajamas with Hot Coco | Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer | Mill Valley, CA

“We set two completely different scenes and moods during our family portrait session. The first part (click here) was more formal and elegant, outdoors showcasing the outside of the house and the surrounding gardens. The second portion was indoors, in our pajamas, in our living room, in front of our Christmas tree, with hot cocoa and story time with our son, for a casual holiday look (as seen here).

Angie was able to capture an incredible variety of images and her use of the available light (indoors and out) was amazing! As soon as I saw the photos I had big sloppy tears streaming down my face and onto my clothes, they were so gorgeous, so precious, so fun and they pulled at my heartstrings.

My biggest tip for anyone who is looking for a special moment or occasion to be captured, would be to make sure they hire a photographer who is really fun to work with, who makes collaboration really easy, who is creative on the fly, who makes you feel really comfortable – this is how you guarantee receiving the most authentic photos and Angie Capri is definitely our go-to gal who we trust with our precious family moments and memories!

You are so talented Angie! Thanks a ton! Much love, Sara”

Easygoing and Fun East Bay Photographer for Artistic and Creative Professional Headshots

“I needed to update my professional profiles and resume, so I got headshots done with Angie, I am so impressed with how they came out!

Artistic Quality – I’m a fan of Angie’s work, I love the bright, airy style her photos have, the way she captures everything is so filled with light. She has a great eye for aesthetics!

Experience – Angie went above and beyond in making sure I was comfortable before, during and after the shoot. She took time outside of the consultation just to say hi, and showed me a range of past examples for inspiration on style and setting. She provided amenities and advice for the day of the shoot. She has a whole guide written up for what to wear, what to expect, and how to look your best.

That sounds like a lot to think about, but when it came time for the actual appointment, it was a breeze. She has a really easygoing manner, and kept conversation rolling and positive. I get fairly anxious about photos, and I usually avoid them, but she kept on chatting and making me laugh. She’s fun to be around, and has a way of bringing out actual real smiles, even in a time-sensitive situation that I normally find to be tense and intimidating. By the end, I just felt confident and gorgeous, I couldn’t believe how the time flew by.

My hair and makeup appointment was with Annie of The Makeup Movement, and she was AMAZING. Definitely check her out if you’re working with Angie, she knows exactly how to tailor the look to fit this specific style and process. The look she made for me came out so gorgeous and natural! Angie streamlined everything with setting the appointment, all I really had to do was pick a day and she figured out the rest.

Highly, highly recommended! :) ” – Suzanne

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Personal Branding Photographer for Artists and Creatives | Colorful Effortless Easy | Benicia, CA

Our adventures and interview with Kerry Lee, the The Alchemical Artist – covering the inspiration behind our personal branding photography session, the symbolism behind some of the key images we created, the transformative work Kerry Lee offers (I’ve already enjoyed 3 of her workshops), and what she loved best about collaborating with yours truly. Grab a cup of tea and a snuggly blanket, this is going to get real good!

Why did you choose to collaborate with Angie Capri for your personal branding session?

A picture truly does speak a thousand words. Especially as my work speaks to a deeper part of us and is colorful! I was looking for a naturally creative photographer who understands creatives, because she/he is one! It was time for professional and unique photographs to represent the unique work I do with Intentional Creativity to go along with my website upgrade and create more branding consistency.

Angie has a great eye and attention to detail, knows the best angles for a curvy woman’s body, “gets” the message I was wanting to convey in photos AND makes the process easier and more fun by the minute. I am super pleased with my photos and the responses I’m already getting have been double thumbs up!

What is Intentional Creativity™?

Intentional Creativity is a method of creating with mindfulness and intention as part of a journey of self-discovery. It begins with an inquiry about a story that lives inside our memory banks. This inquiry creates an awareness of what our wise inner voice, our intuition, our higher self, wants to express by tuning in to our subconscious through our right brain and our heart. Moving the memory through our hands and into image in physical form can create transformation. Transformation can be the release of a block, a healing of a painful memory or helping a vision for the future get clarified and begin to come in to place. I offer this method in various formats such as group workshops, traveling painting parties, corporate team building events and individual coaching. 

What is Intuitive Painting?

Intuitive Painting is where we practice a deep listening to the stories hidden within our memory banks and draw inspiration from them with an inquiry. We use our voice of our intuition, imagination or higher self, the wise inner voice we all have, to guide us to find our treasures, symbols, icons, and medicine and bring it in to image and physical form. I have found that because this method is more about the process than painting technique that mistakes can not be made, that I am freer to paint intuitively, not worrying about what looks “right”. Creativity opens up with fear disappears. I have also found that some of the symbols that I have intuitively painted, I later discovered had insightful meaning and messages that often relate to the original intention the painting was based on.

What did Angie provide that you valued the most and what were your favorite parts of the day?

Angie made the process feel effortless and easy. And I loved when she would share a sneak peek from the photos she was capturing every now and then. It helped bring me further into ease in front of her camera. And, all of the laughter! As for my favorites images, there were a lot! But top top favs include the ones on the red sofa, in front of my canvas’ and the props of dry ice and paint on my hands.

Tell us more about these symbols as seen in your personal branding session:

Why do you love lighting candles at your studio? Lighting a candle is a way of acknowledging and honoring our inner guide.

Why did you incorporate dry ice? My Dad was a scientist and used to bring home dry ice for us to play with as kids. It’s perfect symbolism for the mystery of alchemy: a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way. The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir. A seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination: ie. transforming old limiting beliefs into new empowering stories.

What’s the story behind your childhood painting (seen in the background of some of the images, to the left of the alter): The painting I did at age 13 that was found in attic of the home I grew up in, 40 years later. The style and method is shockingly similar to the Intentional Creativity Method I now teach. There’s an underpainting with a message or intention, there’s red thread in her hair (like the “red thread ceremony”), and pink highlights in her hair that I myself only got a couple of years ago, plus other designs in her hair and the cosmos, which I often paint. All signs and affirmations of my life path and my future!

What does sage signify? I love ceremony! Burning sage is a wonderful way to create ambiance and change the energy of a room.

What does the red thread symbolize? I incorporate “red thread ceremonies” at the start of my Intentional Creativity events to help students feel more connected, to help them realize they are exactly where they need to be and surrounded by exactly who they should be in that moment. It’s inspired by this Ancient Chinese Proverb, “an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.”

Tell us about the Inner Wisdom Cards: Creating Inner Wisdom Cards is a simple and powerful workshop I offer. The theme or inquiry can be about anything but I especially love working with my students to create affirmation cards that transform limiting beliefs into empowering new stories.

Why glitter? Who doesn’t love glitter? A little goes a long way to create magic in a painting too. To me glitter symbolizes magic in a moment.

What does your Peace Tree represent? I have a Peace Tree in my backyard and would love to see peace gardens everywhere. I believe everything starts with intention. And when creativity goes right along with intention transformation begins. The flags have a wish, intention or prayer for peace in our world written on one end of the flag and a wish, intention or prayer for peace for yourself on the other end of the flag. Peace starts within ourselves.

Why is your calendar so unique? I love creating themed calendars! This one has simple monthly inquires and experiential activities to become the Dream Weaver of your life using my, “12-step program,” based on my life experiences, in the form of once a month guidance, to help make your own dreams come true. I’m already working on my 2018 calendar “Embrace the Mystery” about navigating and moving forward into the mystery we all have; the future.

What are your thoughts or tips for other women, business owners, and artists who are considering hiring Angie Capri?

Think about the image and message you want to portray, then have a brainstorming session with Angie and when she says, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this!,” know she does!

Trust Angie, her eye, her skill and her amazing camera lens. Her eye for deciphering what to focus on and how to position a curvy female body is amazing!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Location Scout and Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Location: Kerry Lee’s Art Studio, Benicia, CA

Peekaboo Sexy Peacoat Boudoir For Badass Females | Tasteful Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

Cold rainy weather? Time to bundle up!

… Actually, scratch that. You’ll never look at another peacoat the same after we’re done with you today hehe

There’s a little somethin’ somethin’ in store for that holiday right around the corner, when you get to dress up and be who ever you’d like to be too…

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Hair Accessories: Pink Pewter // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Sacramento Rustic Ranch Fall Inspired Sunset Maternity Photographer | Field & Pond, Winters, CA | Part 2

Tony and Beatriz’s light-hearted and romantic maternity session was shot just before sunset, filled with rustic and fall tones, at one of the most awesome ranches that I just love, Field & Pond in Winters, CA. We doubled up and shot a fabulous boudoir shoot on the same day. Once you’ve oohed and aahed over these two love birds, you can see more over in part 1: Beatriz’s glamorous rustic ranch inspired maternity boudoir shoot, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean  // Location: Field & Pond, Winters, CA

Sacramento Maternity Boudoir Photographer | Glamorous Rustic Ranch | Field & Pond, Winters, CA | Part 1

I’m addicted to location scouting and when I stumbled upon this gem of a location, I literally jumped up and down!! It was perfect for the glamorous and rustic look we were searching for, for Beatriz’s oh lah lah maternity boudoir session, and for her couples’ maternity shoot with her honey outdoors at sunset, immediately to follow – it was quite the fun filled day! So after you’re done melting over these beauts, you can see more in part 2: Beatriz and Tony’s rustic ranch fall inspired sunset maternity session, click here.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Custom Garters: La Gartier // Location: Field & Pond, Winters, CA

Energetic, Enthusiastic, Fun and Sincere | Classy Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

“She is very enthusiastic and sincere about bringing the best images out of the time spent in working together, and that energy is absolutely impossible not to pick up on as she stops to show you some of the images captured.

We shot in two outfits, a beautiful, feminine punk look, and a bright, Victoria’s Secret style. The images from both are classy, lovely, and fun, worth the three hour drive from Carmel, and I could not have been more comfortable in doing a boudoir shooting session.

During the shoot, she serves as both photographer and stylist, and will take her time to ensure that you and your outfit are in the ideal setup to be photographed. She will also communicate with you regularly with instructions and reminders regarding the shoot, so that you can ensure you are prepared. Angie’s style is girly and boho, and it was quite lovely to see that incorporated in our shoot, as it is a side of myself I have not seen photographed.” – Mimi

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Wardrobe Stylist: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Rose Floral Tasseled Kimono: Mimi + Miran of Tradesy // Turquoise Lingerie Set: Victoria’s Secret // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

San Francisco Vintage Inspired Elopement Photographer | Intimate Secret Garden Brunch in Golden Gate Park | Part 3

Part 3 is finally here!! Shawna and Jason’s gorgeous intimate secret garden brunch in Golden Gate Park might make you hungry, so make sure there’s a snack within reach… Let’s dive in!

In case you missed one:

  • Part 1 | The Sophisticated San Francisco City Hall Vintage Inspired Elopement and Interview with our Bride, click here.
  • Part 2 | Industrial Artisan Coffee Bar Romance, click here.
  • Part 3 | You are here!

The team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Wedding Coordinator: Jaimee Leigh Events // Flowers: Jaimee Leigh Events // Officiant: Jaimee Leigh Events // Homemade Jam and Wedding Favors: Jaimee Leigh Events // Hair and Makeup: Lily Tran of A List Makeup // Table Linens, Place Settings, and Other Party Rentals: Stuart Event Rentals // Cake Stands, Signage and Calligraphy: JBG Designs // Wedding Dress: Designed by Madison James from Trudys Brides, Campbell, CA // Bridal Vintage Crystal Hair Band: FAYBOX // Flower Girl Dresses: Bow Dream Flower Girl Dress Vintage Lace // Flower Girl Shoes: OzKiZ // Flower Girl Socks: Fairy Wings Socks // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Bride’s Ring: Dover Jewelry and Antiques // Groom’s Ring: Inherited // Men’s Suit: JCPenney // Men’s Shoes: UGGS // Bow Tie: Macy’s // Fedora Hat: Hats in the Belfry // Suspenders: JIERKU Suspenders // Brunch Beverages: J Vineyards & Winery // Venues: San Francisco City Hall, Sight Glass Coffee, Secret Garden at the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

San Francisco Vintage Inspired Elopement Photographer | Industrial Artisan Coffee Bar Romance | Part 2

“Photography is so important to us because we believe photos are capturing a part of humanity. Whether a wedding, family photos, or a landscape – photography inspires, even if it inspires just the memories of a special moment years from now, or allows future generations a glimpse into the love they came from :)

We wanted to collaborate with Angie Capri because we were looking for someone who wanted to have fun and find creative and unexpectedly personal moments in celebrating our day. She was very organic in her approach to our elopement, which allowed us to truly enjoy the day, be in the moment and allowed for more candid and creative shots of our celebration. One example, our impromptu shots by the old San Francisco City Hall elevators, we were passing them on the way out, she gasped and stopped on a creative whim and they are some of the best shots of the day!

Angie is beyond fun, creative, intuitive and helpful. Not to mention talented with an eye for creative and artistic touches! Quite honestly, she quickly became a part of the family because that is how she treated us from the very beginning. She is so honest and fun and down to earth. I can’t imagine not having her at our wedding, it was so natural having her there :)

We adore her style of photography because it is creative, free-spirited, organic, sophisticated, joyful and kind.

If you want stunning, creative photos, in an environment of acceptance and joy, then Angie is the photographer for you! She has an eye for detail, and the unexpected! And her sense of love is reflected in her product and work!”

– Shawna and Jason

In case you missed one:

  • Part 1 | The Sophisticated San Francisco City Hall Vintage Inspired Elopement and Interview with our Bride, click here.
  • Part 2 | You are here!
  • Part 3 | Intimate Secret Garden Brunch in Golden Gate Park, click here.

The team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Wedding Coordinator: Jaimee Leigh Events // Flowers: Jaimee Leigh Events // Officiant: Jaimee Leigh Events // Homemade Jam and Wedding Favors: Jaimee Leigh Events // Hair and Makeup: Lily Tran of A List Makeup // Table Linens, Place Settings, and Other Party Rentals: Stuart Event Rentals // Cake Stands, Signage and Calligraphy: JBG Designs // Wedding Dress: Designed by Madison James from Trudys Brides, Campbell, CA // Bridal Vintage Crystal Hair Band: FAYBOX // Flower Girl Dresses: Bow Dream Flower Girl Dress Vintage Lace // Flower Girl Shoes: OzKiZ // Flower Girl Socks: Fairy Wings Socks // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Bride’s Ring: Dover Jewelry and Antiques // Groom’s Ring: Inherited // Men’s Suit: JCPenney // Men’s Shoes: UGGS // Bow Tie: Macy’s // Fedora Hat: Hats in the Belfry // Suspenders: JIERKU Suspenders // Brunch Beverages: J Vineyards & Winery // Venues: San Francisco City Hall, Sight Glass Coffee, Secret Garden at the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Sophisticated San Francisco City Hall Vintage Inspired Elopement Photographer | Interview + Tips | Part 1

What did you love most? What were your favorite parts or moments of the day?

We loved all of the amazing locations we included in our wedding day: San Francisco City Hall, the coffee shop, and the secret garden at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. They all served as such spectacular backdrops, expressing layers of our love and relationship. It was so special to us that Angie was so open to all of our ideas and adventures!

A favorite moment of mine at City Hall during the ceremony, was how both of the entire rotunda areas cleared out, on both sides of the building! We had uninterrupted backgrounds in our photos and a peaceful wedding ceremony experience in such a busy and public space, which can be near impossible!

We also had no idea that Angie had run all the way to the other side to get those wide shots of the building and our ceremony in progress, captured in the midst of it all, they were a huge and exciting surprise at our photo reveal!

Meaningful and silly stories?

It seems like there were 100 other weddings going on simultaneously at City Hall as well as ours that day, which was a Friday. I found that interesting and actually thought that made it more romantic, that we were all a part of each other’s special day in some way :)

A funny moment in the midst of so much energy and excitement, was having numerous foreign tourists taking pictures of us, while Angie was taking pictures of us at City Hall. It was so funny! One in particular was literally caught red handed in a few photos, which makes us laugh every time!

Tell us about traditions you made your own and why?

Using the Kiddush Cups (the Jewish version of communion) and the Ketubah (the Jewish wedding contract) in our ceremony was special for us, especially since we aren’t Jewish! We admired the concepts and loved that they made the commitment more of a personal promise for us, rather than a legal process.

Incorporating my stunning vintage ring purchased from an estate store called Dover Jewelry and Antiques and Jason’s inherited ring was special, different, unique and meaningful for us as well.

Tell us about your wedding day theme, design and inspiration:

When I first moved to San Francisco (from Colorado), I visited City Hall, and immediately stated that it was so beautiful and that I’d love to get married there someday! And then, a few months before moving out of California (back to Colorado with my brand new husband), my dreams came true! Not to mention that I love the artistic design of Art Nouveau and the turn of the century – it was the perfect excuse to run with the theme for our elopement!

Thoughts on location choices?

San Francisco City Hall: I can’t get over how beautiful it is and I really can’t get over how beautifully it photographed!  Beyond what I imagined. Also, on the phone and in the clerk’s office, the people that worked there were so over the top kind, helpful, and excited for our special day. I did not expect that at all :)

Sight Glass Coffee, San Francisco: Since we are coffee fanatics and huge Sight Glass fans, it would have been sacrilege to not include it in our wedding and document it as part of our story!

Secret Garden at the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco: Such a hidden gem, it was our own intimate secret garden, in one of the most visited and busiest parts of Golden Gate Park!

Tips for couples planning their own weddings and/or elopements?

Relax and enjoy your day and your partner! Don’t worry about the details, it all comes together in the end.

How did you meet?

Jason is our officiant Jaimee’s brother, her and I (then the 3 of us) were best friend’s, that’s how I met Jason and fell in love. And there is nothing better than marrying your best friend. He is my favorite person!

See what’s next:

  • Part 1 | You are here!
  • Part 2 | Industrial Artisan Coffee Bar Romance, click here.
  • Part 3 | Intimate Secret Garden Brunch in Golden Gate Park, click here.

The team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Wedding Coordinator: Jaimee Leigh Events // Flowers: Jaimee Leigh Events // Officiant: Jaimee Leigh Events // Homemade Jam and Wedding Favors: Jaimee Leigh Events // Hair and Makeup: Lily Tran of A List Makeup // Table Linens, Place Settings, and Other Party Rentals: Stuart Event Rentals // Cake Stands, Signage and Calligraphy: JBG Designs // Wedding Dress: Designed by Madison James from Trudys Brides, Campbell, CA // Bridal Vintage Crystal Hair Band: FAYBOX // Flower Girl Dresses: Bow Dream Flower Girl Dress Vintage Lace // Flower Girl Shoes: OzKiZ // Flower Girl Socks: Fairy Wings Socks // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Bride’s Ring: Dover Jewelry and Antiques // Groom’s Ring: Inherited // Men’s Suit: JCPenney // Men’s Shoes: UGGS // Bow Tie: Macy’s // Fedora Hat: Hats in the Belfry // Suspenders: JIERKU Suspenders // Brunch Beverages: J Vineyards & Winery // Venues: San Francisco City Hall, Sight Glass Coffee, Secret Garden at the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Authentic Fun Bay Area Professional Headshots that Aren’t Cheesy or Outdated (…cause THAT would be gross!)

“Angie is a Rock Star!! I am not someone that enjoys having pictures taken. As a matter of fact, I avoid being in pictures and take them instead. I needed some head shots for my website and other marketing collateral.

Angie made the entire process easy. During the photo shoot, she kept me laughing and having a good time – it didn’t even feel like I was having my pictures taken. It was fun!

Of course, the most important thing are the results. Angie knocked it out of the park with the final images. My head shots are awesome and I’ve received a ton of compliments on them.

If you are in need of great photographer for an event, wedding, family portraits or personal branding, I highly recommend Angie Capri. She does a great job!

Angie is professional and fun to work with. I promise, you won’t be disappointed with the results, I highly recommend her. She is truly the best!” – Dan Cunningham

Martinez Maternity Photographer | Magical Full Moon Solstice Sunset Session | Celebrating World Photo Day

Our most magical recent photography moment for us to share on World Photo Day and why:

Christina’s maternity session is filled with so many layers of beauty and magic. The obvious – becoming a mother, creating a new life, being an incredibly inspiring woman (which we found out first-hand) – takes the cake!

But Christina’s session is extra magical! Her photoshoot fell on June 20, 2016 – the longest day of the year, with a full moon falling on the same day as the full moon solstice – I mean come on!!

Added beauty is, this was all by beautiful coincidence – we did not plan, research or strategize this ahead of time!

(And I think the full moon on the full moon solstice gets some cake too hehe).

What is the full moon solstice?

“The Sun will reach its highest declination in the sky, its farthest point north for the year. That is the moment of the June solstice. This means that, in the Northern hemisphere, we have the longest day of the year, and the shortest night… Enjoy it, because the next one won’t be for a while—June 21, 2062, in fact … if you use UTC.” More info on www.slate.com

What is World Photo Day?

Good question, cause we didn’t know either until this morning when Facebook notified us that it existed (thank you Facebook!).

Exciting to learn more about the history of photography, take a step back and really appreciate what each and every one of us are doing every time we snap a photo, and to also appreciate how far we’ve come artistically, creatively and technology-wise.

I’m in awe, feeling so grateful that my profession and passion is helping to capture memories and pieces of stories that can be remembered, relived and enjoyed forever… Even far beyond our own lifetimes. Gives me chills every time I remember that.

“World Photo Day is an international photography event on August 19th that celebrates the passion for photography in our communities.

In a world where millions of pictures are uploaded every minute, World Photo Day is inspiring thousands of photographers across the planet to share a single photo with a simple purpose: to share their world with the world.

From everyday life to incredible landscapes, our global gallery is an evolving mosaic of images captured by photographers of all skills levels living in a diverse range of countries and cultures.

No matter who you are, where you are or what equipment and skills you have, World Photo Day can help open your eyes to the possibilities of photography, and enable you show us the world as you see it.”

How was World Photo Day decided?

“The date behind World Photo Day originates from the invention of the Daguerreotype, a photographic processes developed by Joseph Nicèphore Nièpce and Louis Daguerre in 1837. On January 9, 1839, The French Academy of Sciences announced the daguerreotype process. A few months later, on August 19, 1839, the French government purchased the patent and announced the invention as a gift “Free to the World”.

It should be noted that the Daguerreotype wasn’t the first permanent photographic image. In 1826, Nicèphore Nièpce captured the earliest known permanent photograph known as ‘View from the Window at Le Gras’ using a process called Heliography (check it out on their website, link below).

August 19th, 1839 was chosen as the date behind World Photo Day based on the following historical merits:

  • The Daguerreotype as the first practical photographic process.
  • The purchase and release of the patent by the French government.”

More at www.worldphotoday.com

Alright, here comes magic…

(Oh and, that dress!! That dress, gets some cake too ha!)

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Location: Martinez Waterfront, Martinez, CA

East Bay Area Rustic Lakefront Wedding Photographer | Oak Hill Park, Danville, CA | Part 2

Check out getting ready, the first look, plus our interview with the bride and her tips over in part 1, here!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Wedding Coordinator: Mariee Weddings // Bridal Robes: SunsetToSunrise on Etsy // Custom Bridal Tanks: LineLiam on Etsy // Wedding Dress: Designed by Maggie Sottero and Altered by Monika’s California Apparel // Brides shoes: Betsey Johnson // Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth // Wedding Band: Joe Escobar // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Custom Hanger: Hanger Design Center // Florist: Twine and Dandy // Calligraphy and signage: JBG Designs // Makeup: Carrie Douros // Videography: Sybex Booths // Cake: Keri North // DJ: DJ Super Sound // Officiant: Justin Hoffman // Caterer: Affaire’s Extraordinaire // Getting Ready Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue: Oak Hill Park, Danville, CA

East Bay Area Rustic Lakefront Wedding Photographer | Oak Hill Park, Danville, CA | Interview + Tips – Part 1

Interview with our bride Nicole:

What are your favorite moments of the day?

I have three – sorry, I’m indecisive:

  1. My first favorite moment of the day was getting to do the first look and having that moment captured on camera with Chris. I was incredibly anxious for months leading up to the wedding whenever I thought about having, ‘all eyes on me,’ but taking the time to visit with him before the ceremony (and actually spending a good 30+ minutes with him beforehand), eliminated so much of the pressure! I actually ended up ENJOYING the ceremony, despite it being 100+ people staring at us. In fact, that leads us to favorite moment number two!
  2. The ceremony. Chris and I wrote our own vows and I was eager to hear what he had put together since he always says that writing is not his strong suit. It was more meaningful than anyone else there probably even realized because it’s not instinctual for him. Plus, I was excited for him to hear mine as well :)
  3. The speeches. I had planned so many little surprises relating to the wedding for the wedding party and our parents (gifts, intros, etc.) that I was excited for any part of the day that I didn’t know what was coming. With the exception of a certain bridesmaid saying penis three times throughout her speech, they all brought tears to my eyes in the best ways. I still get choked up thinking back on the parts I can remember.

Meaningful and silly stories?

  1. Our bridal party spent a good chunk of time at the rehearsal dinner using tinder with my nieces and nephew. Hilarious.
  2. Incorporating our dogs into the ceremony.
  3. Jen’s amazing ceremony back-drop and artful calligraphy everywhere.
  4. The gift Chris gave me on the day of, was a quote engraved on a rose gold bracelet. The quote on the bracelet, I later found out during the ceremony, was actually the final line in his vows. SUPER ROMANTIC. “As long as I have you, I have everything.”

Interview continues below gallery…

What traditions did you ditched and why?

We ditched the garter and bouquet toss. Neither of us were crazy about those traditions so we decided to dump them.

Describe your wedding design and inspiration:

Our theme was rustic with a coral, navy and neutral color palette. I love rustic and shabby chic decor and the contrast of these colors together, so it just seemed like an easy choice – probably the easiest decision I made during the wedding planning process!

Thoughts and tips on location choice?

Oak Hill Park in Danville is a very beautiful place to get married – I like the incorporation of having one part indoors and one part outdoors. The big draw for us there was the fact that it was very a la carte when it came to vendors you used which meant we could choose our own! A lot of the other venues we toured didn’t allow this – you had to select from their list. It gave us more freedom to choose our favs :)

Must do tips for couples planning their own weddings?

  1. Make a list of things you’ve seen and been inspired by from other weddings that you’ve loved, take note of what your favorite parts were looking in from an outsider’s point of view. Focus on those parts and making them your own!
  2. Try to rent or borrow vs. buy or you’ll have a lot to sell or store afterwards!
  3. Remember, the day is going to be a whirlwind and springing (paying a little extra), for people who take amazing photos and videos, and focus on details that are important to you, will help you to remember everything years later in a beautiful way.”

Check out the wedding ceremony and reception over in part 2, here!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Wedding Coordinator: Mariee Weddings // Bridal Robes: SunsetToSunrise on Etsy // Custom Bridal Tanks: LineLiam on Etsy // Wedding Dress: Designed by Maggie Sottero and Altered by Monika’s California Apparel // Brides shoes: Betsey Johnson // Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth // Wedding Band: Joe Escobar // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Custom Hanger: Hanger Design Center // Florist: Twine and Dandy // Calligraphy and signage: JBG Designs // Makeup: Carrie Douros // Videography: Sybex Booths // Cake: Keri North // DJ: DJ Super Sound // Officiant: Justin Hoffman // Caterer: Affaire’s Extraordinaire // Getting Ready Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue: Oak Hill Park, Danville, CA

Bay Area Wedding and Boudoir Photographer Celebrates 3rd Anniversary | Studio Grand Opening

Angie Capri Photography is turning 3 today!! Wow – 3 years since we revealed our newly renovated studio at our official grand opening and ribbon cutting extravaganza! That’s when our business baby began to actually resemble a real business! We hosted this event just 2 years after we made the plunge into our discovery, learning and experimentation phase – which brings us to a total of 5 years in the professional photographer biz world, as of today :)

We began with travel and abstract photography and fine art exhibitions – we were actually terrified of photographing people because we can be so critical of ourselves in photos. But then we found out that we’re actually pretty darn good at photographing humans! And… we choose to photograph and specialize in the most challenging demographic of them all…. women!

There are many many talented photographers out there, but till this day we have found very very few (less than a handful around the world in our opinion), that are really able to authentically capture and express the true authentic energy and essence of a woman, who is not a trained professional model – in a way that honors her, in the way she should be represented!

Our studio was originally intended for our photo consultations and photo reveals. It has since been transformed into a boudoir studio where we shoot – serving as a great option in addition to our on location work that we’ve become known for!!

We poured our love into the renovation of our intimate studio space, carved out of a corner of an electronic manufacturing facility, in an old (we mean old) industrial building!

Designing a relaxing, cozy environment, where our clients have had many opportunities to get to know us and connect on a deeper, more intimate level, has allowed us to empower all of our clients and more women especially!

Our grand opening back on May 4, 2013, was a huge success thanks to everyone who showed their support then, and continue to send us love today! We would not have come as far as we have without our communities’ support!

Our special day was a super hot one, especially during the morning event (yes, we had a 2nd evening event too!). But thanks to my honey Jeff, we had ample amounts of shade to avoid sunburn (thanks babe! ;) ).

The (giant burlap) ribbon cutting was super emotional for us during the opening ceremonies. Julia our fantastic MC, choose the perfect song to play, “Girl on Fire,” to commemorate the festivities (which quickly became our new theme song!).

The vibe was relaxed as everyone enjoyed our outdoor garden setting in the industrial parking lot outside of our studio, mixed with eclectic vintage furniture, a stacked wooden pallet table home to our treats, and an antique coca-cola refrigerator keeping our beverages cold and refreshing! The incredibly detailed (and time consuming) ACP female figured mascot cake pops, were a huge hit and meant so much to us!

We had a wonderful group of friends, family and small business owners attend who were also excited to network with other heart-centered and energetically awesome people! We even raffled off almost $5,000 worth of raffle prizes throughout the day (oh hey! that’s how we roll).

The team: Photography: Outlive Creative // Event MC and Sound Services: On Stage With Julia // ACP Female Figured Mascot Cake Pops and Cupcakes: Christine’s Creations // Vintage Furniture Collections: Outlive Creative and Angie Capri Photography // Venue: The Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

We have grown in leaps and bounds since our grand opening! We continue learning, experimenting, developing our processes, our style, stretching, adapting, constantly re-balancing, juggling, becoming more efficient, more patient, persistent, and continuing to challenge ourselves every single step of the way (seriously, every single step has been hugely transformational!).

The juicy part is, we’re only getting started on this journey as creative entrepreneurs, out to make a difference! We’re finally getting over that super challenging (at times is was ugly, painful, discouraging and just really shitty – we don’t have to lie to kick it) start-up “non-profit” phase, and we’re beginning to develop a wonderful flow that keeps us going, excites and motivates us even more than ever before :)

It has been a much more grueling endeavor than we ever imagined it would be when we got started as heart-centered, passionate adventurous artists – and completely inexperienced and naive entrepreneurs!

As portrait photographers, we’re dealing with humans for goodness sakes!! We better be ready to accept all of the incredible good, inspiration, adventures, experiences and connections that can come our way…

But we also must be ready for and willing to deal with the bad and the ugly – situations, challenges, negative attitudes and beliefs that come along too. Plus, we’re protecting our fragile reputation and very carefully managing expectations all along the way!

Of course, our portfolio, branding, marketing, and who we choose to spend our time, energy and talent with (applicable to both colleagues and clients) is to an extent, within our control. However, it’s quite a free-for-all in the very beginning – when you’re trying to find your footing, before you get enough experience to know better – in your niche and in the business world!

We have to be confident and stand up for what is right in our business, protect ourselves, make sure we’re receiving credit where credit should be given, put our foot down when people try to take advantage of us – that’s where our established reputation, connections, and super comprehensive contracts and agreements protect us (thank you criminal justice degree!).

Every single day we have to hustle, we have to be self-starters, we have to be self-motivated, we have to be professional and reliable, we have to under-promise and over-deliver, we have to be “on”, we have to diffuse stressful situations and come up with creative solutions on the fly – all the while, with a smile on our faces and a positive can-do attitude :)

It is so tough that if we started our business for other reasons…

Being primarily concerned with monetary gains – which takes years because the cost to be in business is so high, hence the “non-profit start-up phase reference…

If we weren’t as passionate about our mission to empower more women with life altering, authentic, non-cheesy, lifestyle and personal branding photos, and non-creepy, non-pornographic, empowering boudoir photos, and documenting incredible life moments for everyone (yes, we are also LGBTQ friendly too!)…

If we weren’t so obsessed with taking control of our own lives, creating our own freedom and our own destiny…

If we didn’t love working with and connecting with humans so much and if we weren’t really good at connecting with and making humans feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera (thank you psychology degree and our personalities lol)…

If we were weren’t willing to live simply and be all in – time, money, heart, soul, mind, body (yes, long days of shooting are super tough on our bodies, then we sit at computers the rest of the time editing, blogging, responding to e-mails, inquiries, coordinating photoshoots, building social media, and about 57 other tasks to maintain our businesses)…

Our flame would have burned out a long time ago. So it appears as though we started this baby for all of the right reasons, few! ;) ;)

A humongous thank you to all of the wonderful souls we’ve met along the way, the wonderful collaborations we’ve experienced, the incredible new friendships we’ve developed, the mentors and coaches who have guided us and taught us so much (ok really gettin’ teary eyed now…) we love you all so much, we appreciate you all so much and we are so damn thankful for you! We would not be able to continue doing what we love to do without all of your unwavering support!! It definitely takes a village.

Virtual high fives all around to that and cheers to what the future holds (we’re really excited)!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Celebrating Their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a Fun and Elegant Family Portrait Session in Silicon Valley

How the Esperanza Family celebrated their parents’ momentous 50th wedding anniversary…

Step 1: Two sister’s took charge of coordinating all of the details months ahead of time (around the “little-Esperanzas’ happiness levels” of course).

Step 2: The gang flew in from around the country.

Step 3: Checked into the luxurious, Rosewood Sand Hill Resort in Menlo Park, CA.

Step 4: Enjoyed an afternoon of professional hair and makeup primping the following day.

Step 5: Then, they were ready to say “cheeeeese.” I lie. I would never ask anyone to say that. Camera ready they were, for their elegant family photos. Hip hip hooray!! Formals first. Fun free range shots next, in one of the many beautiful courtyards at the resort. 

Step 6: Followed by a delicious rejuvenating dinner…

Step 7: And most importantly, beautiful, fun memories captured of these awesome humans together, forever.

#best50thweddinganniversarygifteverifyouaskme

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Venue: Rosewood Sand Hill Resort, Menlo Park, CA

Bay Area Birthday Party + Marriage Proposal + Engagement Party Photographer | Il Fornaio, Walnut Creek, CA

“My fiance and I wanted to make sure we choose the perfect photographer – and Angie definitely fits the bill! After about 6 months of stalking various photographers’ work, my fiance Katie loved that Angie specialized in photographing women. Then after an hour long phone consultation (which sounded like two school girls catching up after not seeing each other all summer vacation), an instant connection was made, and my fiance felt like Angie “got” her.

So we ended up hiring Angie to photograph our marriage proposal/engagement party/Katie’s birthday party, at Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek, CA – a VERY special occasion, that we celebrated with our closest friends and family and those who will be apart of our bridal party too! We’ve also booked her for our engagement session in Sunol, CA which is just around the corner – and we definitely plan to hire her for our future wedding we’re in the infant stages of planning!

That in and of itself should speak volumes – but let’s not forget to mention the actual quality of her work! Yes, she is an awesome person to be around, and her quality of work is outstanding! Being extremely personable makes sessions with Angie feel natural. And during events, if you are not paying attention, you wouldn’t even notice her in the room capturing the most wonderful moments in your life (like the petite ninja that she is!).

Obviously, we would recommend Angie to anybody who wants to capture special moments in their lives…

One warning though, you might make a friend in the process!” – Katie & Tyler

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Strawberry Mousse Lemon Curd Vanilla Bean Cake: Sugar Mill Cake Co. // Cupcakes, Cakepops and Macaroons: Candi Cake // Venue: II Fornaio, Walnut Creek, CA

San Francisco Bay Area Radiant Real Estate Business Professional Headshot Photographer + 7 Wardrobe Tips

Here are 7 of our favorite wardrobe tips for radiant and authentic business professional headshots and personal branding photos – especially if you are a real estate agent, such as our recent client Raquel, who is totally acing them all!

  1. Solid colors are typically more flattering than patterns
  2. Long sleeves are typically more flattering than tank tops, t-shirts, or short sleeves
  3. V-neck shirts are typically more flattering than round-neck shirts and turtlenecks
  4. Choose colors that are most flattering for your skin tone: typically earthy tones and fall colors like dark greens, browns, emerald blues
  5. Colors (such as those above) are typically more flattering than solid black or solid white, and also photograph much better!
  6. Make sure you will love your clothing choices when you look back at your images in 10 years!
  7. These are only suggestions of what typically works the best based on our experience, always feel free to break the rules to express YOU!!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Location: Concord, CA

Dreamy Magical Sunset Engagement Photographer | Grand Island Mansion, Walnut Grove, CA

“We first discovered Angie Capri after seeing the wedding photos she took of one of our clients’ offbeat botanical scientist weddings, and we were hooked! The top three qualities we were looking for in our wedding photographer were creativity, authenticity, and passion – we love that Angie’s photos don’t look too contrived or posed!

Our fall wedding will be held at the Grand Island Mansion near Sacramento, where we were able to photograph our engagement photos with Angie as well! We were super nervous at first but once we got warmed up, we started having so much fun – it was easier and more fun than we expected! We’re really happy with how the images turned out and that we have a huge variety of images to choose from, all while experimenting and playing just right outside the venue at sunset… it was so easy, so dreamy… Angie’s use of the light was magical.

It was nice being able to take casual photos at our wedding venue without the pressures or the timeline of the wedding day. Plus, these photos were the perfect images to use for our save the dates! We toured the venue with Angie on the same day as our shoot and selected where we’re going to have our first look, which also set us at ease.

At first we weren’t sure that we wanted or needed an engagement session, but we are so happy we did it and highly recommend it!! We know now that we’ll feel more relaxed on the wedding day, we were able to get to know Angie better as well – how she shoots, how she works – we figured out just how hard working and professional she is, she has an amazing talent and an incredible work ethic, she’s really helpful during the entire process!

We are excited and we both can’t wait until the big day and we’re so happy we’re working with Angie Capri :)” – Erika & James

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: Erika Miller, Vamp Salon, Oakley, CA // Venue: Grand Island Mansion, Walnut Grove, CA

Empowering and Classy Gifts for Those who Travel and Serve | Classy East Bay Boudoir Photographer

“I’ve been interested in doing a classy boudoir shoot as a gift for my husband who works overseas, then as I was searching around on Google and Yelp once I was officially ready to dive in, I came across Angie Capri Photography and knew instantly that she was the perfect photographer for me and offered the exact style that I was looking for! I was really excited and so relieved to have found her work!

I went to her website and purchased the boudoir collection before I ever e-mailed or spoke to her and she responded immediately to set up a pre-shoot phone consultation to begin planning and preparing! She has been so wonderful to work with since the very beginning, really responsive and I have felt so well taken care of this entire time. :)

I was so nervous on the day of the photoshoot and once we got started and we got warmed up we were having so much fun, she is amazing and made me feel comfortable during the shoot, it went by so fast and I loved it so much that I would not hesitate to do it all over again! We kept the photoshoot very simple and shot in her East Bay Area studio, her studio is so cozy, very classy and stylish.

When the photos were ready, we did a photo reveal online. When I saw the boudoir photos I was completely speechless and blown away! I could not believe my eyes!

I ordered a travel-size boudoir album so that my husband could take it with him as he travels and serves. I absolutely loved the final design that she choose, she worked with me from start to finish to choose the best images and put them together in a way that told a really sexy and classy story! I loved the album so much that I was jealous that my husband was going to take it away with him LOL.

I love Angie’s work, I believe she is awesome and is so good at doing what she does, I will definitely choose her over and over again and I’m looking forward to updating our family photos next!” – Neide

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Custom Garter: La Gartier // Location: Angie Capri Photography Studio, Concord, CA

Bay Area Boudoir Photographer Announces Destination Boudoir Retreats + Celebrates International Women’s Day

“International Women’s Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political, and social achievements.” – Thanks Wikipedia!

From the beginning, Angie Capri Photography has been empowering women through authentic, radiant and classy boudoir photography. Throughout our experience, we continue to find that it takes women a while (even years in some cases!), before they are really ready to invest in and celebrate themselves through a boudoir session.

It is such an intimate experience with themselves and with their photographer – they need time to get to know, like and trust their chosen artist to guarantee they will feel as comfortable, confident and relaxed as possible during their sessions and throughout the entire experience!

To help with this process, we have been making MANY creative upgrades and new opportunities within our business to encourage our clients:

#1 – We recently converted our consultation space into a boudoir studio, which provides a quick and easy solution and is one of the best ways for women to dive in! (Featured images below are from one of our latest sessions!)

#2 – Just two weeks ago, we announced that we are enhancing our boudoir sessions with doTERRA Essential Oils (launch party next week Wed. March 16th!), to help women begin relaxing as soon as they step in the door!

#3 – And now, we are so completely stoked about our latest addition and expansion of our business that will enable us to EMPOWER MORE WOMEN WORLDWIDE!! We invested in a Transformational Destination Retreat Planning Course just yesterday, that will REALLY take the whole shebang to the next level (well, you can multiple that by 100!!).

In addition to boudoir, these retreats will include a variety of activities the ladies will love: experiencing essential oils, creative and artistic activities that are transformational, and restorative yoga. These retreats will be relaxing, rejuvenating, exploratory, adventurous and more!!

These adventures will help us get to know our clients on a much deeper level before we even begin shooting. AND we’ll be traveling and exploring around the world while doing it, combining LITERALLY EVERYTHING we LOVE and that we are so PASSIONATE about, creating experiences that will change our clients on a cellular level and last them for a lifetime!

(If you’d like more info on the retreat program I’m bragging about so much, please reach out, I’d love to share more info with you!)

And in honor of International Women’s Day: One day I will see all woman and all humans worldwide treated fairly, with access to the opportunities and resources necessary to live a vibrant, healthy and fulfilling life! #OneDayIWill Where are YOU headed? Happy International Women’s Day!!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Garter: La Gartier

Bay Area Boudoir Photographer Celebrates Ashley Graham on Sports Illustrated Cover

It’s taken Sports Illustrated 52 years to include a full figured curvy (what they label as “plus size”) woman on their magazine cover!! It’s none other than our favorite, voluptuous, bad ass woman, who bursts with confidence and and exudes beauty from the inside out, who also supports being HEALTHY at ANY size, model Ashley Graham!! This is a huge accomplishment, and truly, it’s about damn time!!

Society and the media are changing and we want to celebrate Ashley Graham’s HUGE accomplishment by empowering more women to feel sexy and confident in their skin!! We welcome you to the revolution with a special offer made available to ANY gal of ANY size to partake in. Now, it wont be available for 52 years (since we like to move a little faster than Sports Illustrated). It will only be available for 52 hours!! To find out more, you’ll need to give us a call and ask for the, “Ashley Graham Special” (hurry, offer expires 3/5/16 @ 2:30pm PST)

PS: If you’re reading this Ashley, I would SO LOVE to photograph you – call me!! ;) ;) ;)

PSS: AND You Go Girl!!

#IamSizeSexy #CurvesInBikinis #ImNoAngel

Bay Area Professional Headshot Photographer Who’s Easy and Fun to Collaborate with!

“Angie was such a pleasure to work with! Her personality and vibe is just amazing and perfect for her profession. I really hate taking pictures but needed a professional headshot for my very conservative industry. Angie made the whole process easy and fun! Her studio was really cute and she got some great shots in a matter of 20 minutes! I am so glad I found her because I will use her for any of my photography needs in the future!” – Kayla

The Team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Makeup: I Do Dry Style, Lafayette, CA

007 Skyfall New Years Inspiration | San Francisco Event Photographer | Terra Gallery

“The sold out La Soiree event, held at the gorgeous Terra Gallery in San Francisco was, “James Bond” themed, so naturally I wanted to do something inspired by one of the films, while also making sure the style and design were modern, current and NYE inspired!

I was inspired by the most recent film, “Skyfall” (before “Spectre” came out), and loved the cold Scottish winter landscape and the tall stags that flanked the entrance to Bond’s childhood home. I used these gold stags to flank each end of the table, sea urchin wall decor to symbolize a harsh, prickly environment, as well as a hard upbringing for Bond. I used the black and copper tea light urns with floral print to symbolize something beautiful coming from something dark, and a tall magnolia arrangement with gold branches to bring scale and impact to the small space. I LOVED using the faux fur blanket to recreate the mountains, but it also brought a ‘sexy’ appeal to the design that no other piece on the table could do.

I usually go for more technically difficult or elaborate floral designs, but I kept the white hydrangea arrangements simple and sleek – keeping with the modern feel and letting the rest of the theme decor to shine through!” – Jaimee Leigh Events

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Florist and Designer: Jaimee Leigh Events // Venue: Terra Gallery, San Francisco

Memories Pull at Your Heartstrings | Elegant Fun Family Portrait Photographer | Mill Valley, CA

“I was initially referred to Angie Capri by our event coordinator for my little sister’s baby shower, we were hosting in our new home in Mill Valley, CA. We scheduled a mini couples’ maternity shoot right before the baby shower in and around our neighborhood, Angie discovered and utilized really creative and unexpected locations and backgrounds. Then she captured my sister and her fiance’s excitement and surprise as the event space and decor was revealed to them, along with the rest of the evenings festivities!

It was really important to us to document this transformative time in their lives. Our mom is a retired wedding photographer, so we have an extra special appreciation for really great photography and down-to-earth photographers! It’s also worth mentioning that most my family members are over 6 feet tall, while Angie is a petite 5 feet – she finds the balance and proudly waltzes around with her handy dandy ladder during all of our time together!

I have really enjoyed working with Angie Capri from the very beginning, she is so detail-oriented, responsive and creative! I love that her photography does not look overly posed but is really authentic to the moment and she always helps everyone get into the most flattering poses and angles!

We were so happy when we received all of the final photos from the baby shower, that we also booked Angie to photograph our family photos in our new home! I am a real estate agent so they were perfect to send to my clients and family to welcome in the new year!

We set two completely different scenes and moods during our family portrait session. The first part was more formal and elegant, outdoors showcasing the outside of the house and the surrounding gardens (as seen here). The second portion was indoors, in our pajamas, in our living room, in front of our Christmas tree, with hot cocoa and story time with our son, for a casual holiday look, (click here).

Angie was able to capture an incredible variety of images and her use of the available light (indoors and out) was amazing! As soon as I saw the photos I had big sloppy tears streaming down my face and onto my clothes, they were so gorgeous, so precious, so fun and they pulled at my heartstrings.

My biggest tip for anyone who is looking for a special moment or occasion to be captured, would be to make sure they hire a photographer who is really fun to work with, who makes collaboration really easy, who is creative on the fly, who makes you feel really comfortable – this is how you guarantee receiving the most authentic photos and Angie Capri is definitely our go-to gal who we trust with our precious family moments and memories!

You are so talented Angie! Thanks a ton! Much love, Sara”

San Francisco Bay Area Spontaneous Natural Light Family Portrait Photographer Celebrates Earth Day

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than playing in the mud!!?? Bring it!

“When we hired Angie to take our family photos in Concord CA we were looking for someone who would get shots of our family that were not just stiff posed shots. I looked around and when I found Angie Capri Photography, I was happily surprised! It was important to me to get photos of our family that included all of us, as we had just had a new baby a few months prior to our session! Angie did a great job getting photos of the baby and our toddler, who is not always cooperative. I would definitely recommend Angie to anyone who is looking for a photographer who is talented, fun, patient and great with the kiddos! We plan on hiring her again in the future to capture our family memories as we grow. Thank you Angie for the great memories!!” – Rachel

Mill Valley Special Event Photographer Make It Rain Themed Baby Shower – Part 2

…Continued from Part 1 click here

“After our mini shoot, we headed back to the party that my sister put on for us – Seriously, I was blown out of the water, this shower was NUTS – in a great way!! Super creative, “make it rain” themed decor with little cotton clouds and felt rain drops, a welcome table where guests could sign in using their finger prints, a favor table with pillow ornaments with great quotes for our guests, a champagne bar complete with flowers in drinks, a mini hamburger bar, a mashed potato bar (I have been craving mashed potatoes like crazy!!), a s’more bar complete with cake pops AND an entire appetizer station full of delicious cheeses and fruit platters!! There was even an amazing scrap-booking station inside where guests could take Polaroid photos and make a page for my future scrapbook (oh, I love scrap-booking too!). Luckily, ALL of these things were photographed by Angie so we have the memories of everything that was at the shower documented!

She took shots of me with family, friends, and every beautiful back drop possible was taken advantage of by Angie – which I know my sister who just moved to her home (we’re talkin’ like weeks before the party) in Mill Valley appreciated very much.

Overall, SO pleased with Angie’s work – She is fun, spunky, artsy, and has a great personality. She has a passion for what she does and really seems as though she cared about us in the process.

For big moments in life I would highly recommend Angie to my friends and family! Thank you Angie for your beautiful photos.” – Richelle

“My nephew is almost here!! Thanks to our wonderful photographer Angie Capri for capturing these precious moments of the baby shower we threw for Richelle, Mario and baby Rainer! It was a very special day. My husband and I wanted to host a wedding-like shower to honor the huge and selfless commitment Richelle and Mario made together to be partners and best friends in parenting their unexpected and meant-to-be blessing, their baby boy. Choosing parenting is a lifetime commitment that’s even bigger than marrying someone, in my humble opinion ;) I’m a very proud and excited big sister and first-time auntie-to-be (and first-time birth doula!) yay!!

When I saw the final images from the party, big sloppy tears came streaming down my face and onto my clothes! All I could say was, WOW!!! These are gorgeous photos. Many of them pulled hard at my heart strings. Ahhh… so sweet! Angie is so talented! I was so thrilled.” -Sara

I know, I know – you’re so sad because you think you missed part one!! Well, have no fear!! Click here to head on over to part one!!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Party planning, design and props: Katie Rebecca Events // Catering: Salt and Honey Catering // Calligraphy: Sweet and Crafty // Florals: Tango and Foxtrot // Cake pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes // Linens: Encore Rentals // Location: Private Residence Mill Valley, CA

Mill Valley Special Event Photographer Make It Rain Themed Baby Shower – Part 1

“I am in love with the photos from my baby shower in Mill Valley that my sister put on, Angie was our photographer! My sister surprised my boyfriend and I with a maternity photo shoot before the baby shower we were so happy and excited!

Right off the bat, Angie put my boyfriend and I at ease with her fun and sweet personality. She has an amazing eye, she spotted a really cool looking fence with moss that made for a great back drop for some photos just around the neighborhood. We didn’t have a whole lot of time so her finding that so quickly on our walk to a local park was awesome. The poses she had us doing were great too, natural and photographed really well!

The next set of photos were taken in another really cool spot – which after she edited – looked SO enchanted. She knew exactly how to have us pose so we looked natural but also looked good! I’m really happy with how these photos turned out. Really amazing!

She giggled at my boyfriend and I’s story of ‘how long have you been together?’ ‘About 7 months…’ (I say being about 7 months pregnant). She mentioned another couple similar to us who she ended up doing their engagement/maternity photos, wedding, and first family photos, etc…” -Richelle

To be continued in part 2… click here

I know, I know – you can’t wait to see the rest!! Well, you don’t have to!! Click here to head on over to part two!!

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Party planning, design and props: Katie Rebecca Events // Catering: Salt and Honey Catering // Calligraphy: Sweet and Crafty // Florals: Tango and Foxtrot // Cake pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes // Linens: Encore Rentals // Location: Private Residence Mill Valley, CA

Bay Area Fall Inspired Free Spirited Lifestyle Family Portrait Photographer

“I chose Angie Capri to shoot our fall family photos in Concord. I wanted a photographer that could capture what a day out is like with me, my husband and our one year old daughter and I didn’t want a lot of “posed” photos. I looked and looked on yelp and found from her reviews that her clients truly loved not only the end product but loved working with her. So I started stalking her website and thought that everything posted was unique and beautiful. When I saw a quote from her that said she was allergic to fake smiles and cheesy photos, I was sold! I booked her and she was generous enough to do a phone consultation and gave me great tips on how to style my family for the photo session.

I was really nervous on how the shoot was going to go. Like I said, we have a one year old daughter that can’t be tamed or listen to much direction!! When we showed up to our shoot, I instantly relaxed because Angie had a huge smile and seemed just as excited as we were. As she was setting up my husband and I were playing around with our daughter trying to get her to laugh (and distract her from playing in the dirt) little did we know Angie was taking photos and those happen to be some of our favorites! The entire shoot was done that way. It made the shoot fun for us and our daughter thought it was playtime!

At one point Angie wanted a shot of my husband and I walking while our daughter walked in front of us. Well, Olivia doesn’t walk she RUNS! So there was Angie, running backwards in a low squat with her camera in hand snapping the most adorable pictures of Olivia!

My husband and I absolutely LOVE our family portraits! As we were looking through them we would say one was our favorite, then we would click to the next photo and say “oh no that’s definitely our favorite” haha! We had so much fun that afternoon that I had already started recommending Angie to friends and family before we got our photos back! Now that I have actually seen the finished product I know that everyone will love not only working with her but love the magic she captures. Thanks Angie!!” – Christina and Tony

Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Eclectic Vintage Botanical Science Inspired Backyard Wedding – Part 3

This eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard Bay Area wedding is SO stocked full of goodness, we had to divide it all up into 3 digestible parts. Be sure to stick around as we reveal each one!!

Here’s what you can expect: our interviews with Jessica over at Storyboard Wedding – who styled and coordinated her sister’s botanical science inspired backyard wedding – as well as our interviews with the amazing couple themselves, Christy and James!

  • Part 1 – Where in the world this eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard wedding theme came from! Including floral, color palette, DIY design and inspiration.
  • Part 2 – Christy and James’ describe: their (hilarious) love story (which includes guns – yes, I said guns….), what it was like renovating their home for their wedding (oh, yes they did!), wedding traditions they kept and ditched. Plus getting ready photos and the first look
  • Part 3 – All about that epic DIY chalkboard ceremony backdrop and the stories behind it’s creation. Plus, wedding planning advice and tips from Christy!

Yeah… you might want to cuddle up with a cup of tea for this one!! Don’t say we didn’t warn you….

Christy, what was the hardest thing to DIY?

“The hardest thing to DIY was by far the chalkboard ceremony backdrop. I had never really painted anything that large before, and being that it was the focal point of our ceremony, I was quite nervous! I had practiced hand lettering the few weeks leading up to the wedding and thought I had a pretty good handle on it. About 3 days before the wedding, I realized I couldn’t procrastinate anymore!  I struck up a sketch of one that I had made and put that up on the board to copy. I was so concerned about my font skills, that I didn’t really proofread my work.

The next morning my sister called to tell me that in order to get the flowers to work the way we wanted, I would have to have the banner lower on the board. Figuring that there was no way that lightning could strike twice and I could recreate this ‘masterpiece,’ I started to rationalize why it would work – until I paused and said, … ’Oh … no, you’re right, I have to redo it’….. My sister paused and said, ‘oh?’ … to which I followed with….’Yeh, Uhm… I left out the ‘R’ in ‘Chemistry’’. Opps!

Obviously, I was always more concerned about the lettering than the spelling as when I really looked at my sketches, I realized I had left the ‘R’ out on all of them as well!!! James’ family was over that day helping with wedding projects and not one person noticed that the ‘R’ was missing. We all had a great laugh as we realized that our backdrop, the key focal point of ALL the pictures,  ALMOST said ‘We have Chemisty’ and no one caught it. Turns out, it really is true what they say… “engineers can do a lot of things, but don’t ask them to spell anything for you!”

Jessica, describe that gorgeous ceremony backdrop everyone’s been drooling over in detail:

“While every over detail involved in the wedding was dreamy, it really was the ceremony backdrop that was the true lifeblood and focal point of everything. Nothing short of impressive, the ceremony backdrop was 8 feet tall by 16 feet wide, hand drawn by Christy and James, using my sister’s chemistry notes from college.  In an effort to tie in a more botanical feel, the backdrop was surrounded by a garland mix of silver dollar eucalyptus, agonis, green bay leaf and seed willow eucalyptus. Something of such size required a sizable floral accent which we wanted to keep asymmetrical as well. The showpiece was placed in the upper left hand corner featuring a gorgeous mix of dahlias of varying red hues and petal type, roses, chocolate cosmos, veronica, ranunculus and blushing bride protea – just to name a few.  To balance out the focal arrangement, two smaller bursts were featured along the sides in an echo of style. The end result was a stunning backdrop that perfectly framed the couple during their nuptials and then immediately became the backdrop for everyone’s photographs throughout the night!”

Interviews continue below gallery (told you, you’d be here for a while ;) ;) …

Christy, what did you love most and what was your favorite moment of the day?

“Hands down, our favorite moment of the day was our vows. James and I are very much in love, but are not the overly romantic type. So when it came time to write our vows, it was time to really put it all out there. Standing up in front of a group of our closest family and friends and declaring our love for one another, was an extremely powerful experience. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”

Christy, let’s talk traditions! What did you: Keep, Ditch, and Make Your Own? (continued from part 2)

Made Our Own: Ceremony

“The biggest thing we made our own was the ceremony itself. James and I really wanted to make the entire day unique to us. It was also extremely important to both of us that the ceremony be light hearted and fun! Fun being the keyword. When we realized we couldn’t marry ourselves, we decided to enlist my brother-in-law, Truly. He is a phenomenal speaker and I knew that he would be the one to just ‘get’ what we were after for our wedding ceremony.

We kept trying to meet up over the months to review what he was going to say for the ceremony, but being that we are on opposite coasts, timing was never really in our favor.

Little did I know, that was a blessing in disguise. James and I had no idea what Truly was going to say until we were up there getting married. It was completely wonderful and even more special, as it felt like we were guest at our own wedding!

Truly’s ceremony was full of fun, stories, and science! James and I are so thankful and excited that that was something we let be entirely up to him.”

Christy, now that it’s been about a month from the wedding, let’s talk about any advice you have for other planning their own weddings?

Do: Step Away From Pinterest!

“There has to be cut off point when you decide to not look at pinterest anymore. You have to physically start to do things or else you’ll have this lovely ‘pinterest wedding,’ and nothing to actually show for it in the real world! So my advice is to give yourself time to really hone in on what you want but give yourself, a hard deadline that you will NOT look at anything else. Otherwise, you will never actually start to do your tasks as you’ll always be second guessing yourself or comparing your wedding to someone else’s.”

Don’t: Try to handle EVERY DETAIL on your own, hire a Wedding Coordinator!!

“This was probably my biggest mistake. Do not try to handle every last detail on your own. Have a wedding coordinator or someone who is ‘in charge’ that is NOT YOU! People generally WANT to help you when they offer their help, so do yourself a favor and anytime you make a ‘to-do’ item put next to it who would be great at that task. Trust at least one or two people to take over things for you. Don’t try to do it all on your own or you’ll be so stressed out you won’t even want to have your wedding… which is not ok. Luckily for me, I had my sister to help with all the styling and flowers and James’ Mom to help me with the ‘logistics’ of everything. If it wasn’t for them, I have no idea how our wedding would have been a success. I definitely owe them for life!”

Do: Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer!!

Why was hiring a professional wedding photographer so important to you?

“Hiring a professional wedding photographer was so important to us because the entire wedding day was a complete blur!! It goes by so fast – it’s just crazy and kind of unbelievable!! We were purely living in the moment on the wedding day and if it was not for wonderful photographer documenting every last detail, moment and emotion – we would have missed a lot of key moments. It was almost like enjoying the wedding twice once we got our photos back! It is something so special that you can physically hold onto forever once everything else has been enjoyed and used up…”

What did you love most about collaborating with Angie Capri as your wedding photographer?

“Fun and Bubbly Personality: Check

Easy Going and Flexible: Check

Imaginative and Creative: Check

Great Photographer: Double Check!!!

If you’re visiting this website you’re probably scouring the internet to find a great photographer to shoot your special day. Well look no further you have found her! Angie Capri Photography is the one stop shop you’re looking for. From Boudoirs to Baby Showers Angie can do it all.

This is what really attracted me to Angie, every single one of her photos in her portfolio was flawless! Each client no matter what shape, size, age, WHATEVER they were ALL beautiful!!! This is how I knew that I could trust Angie to take our wedding photos and ensure we had some GREAT memories to look back on.

The day of the wedding Angie showed up right on time and began shooting RIGHT AWAY. She got to work and did not stop until she was satisfied with what she got. That is a real virtue! Having a photographer that takes each session very personally to be sure it fulfills their clients wants and needs is really special. Especially when you are a bride! You can’t be stopping to look at the camera to see if she got the shot. She just DOES!

Fast forward to the big reveal and …

Holy CRAP you guys! We looked like a million bucks! Who were these people that Angie managed to capture? Each time we look at the photos we got pretty sappy because one thing you’ll notice about Angie’s photos is there are NO standard poses and stiff positions. All of her photos flow and move and capture the real emotion of the moment. I don’t know how she does it but looking back through our photos its as if you’re re-living the entire day from all the many photos she took and her special editing to make sure what was really important shined through!

My husband and I were very pleased with Angie’s services! If you’re having any doubts just have a look at her portfolio! It really does speak for itself!”

What do you think you could have lived without?

“Rushing to the finish line! One thing that I heard before I got married is, “just enjoy being engaged before you start planning your wedding.” I always thought this was funny as the point of being engaged is to get married, so why would I wait? However, in one way I really do wish that we did enjoy our engagement a bit longer. The way that weddings are planned these days, I think forces a lot of couples to pick a date that fits best with what the ‘venue’ has available, but make sure you take time for yourself and your fiancé too. Everything usually works out, so don’t let the stress of trying to have everything perfect rush you. Take your time and enjoy the process.”

Any FINAL Tips for couple planning their wedding?

“Communication and Prioritization: I found that planning a wedding was a lot like planning a play or production. There are A LOT of moving parts. The one thing that kept us sane during the entire process was constantly communicating and prioritizing when things got a little overbearing. Make sure you and your significant other are always on the same page and know when to cut things from your to-do list. Always re-prioritize and always keep moving forward.”

The Team:

Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Florals & Styling: Storyboard Wedding // Wedding dress: Maggie Sottero – Chesney // Sash: Wtoo Bridal Accessories by Watters Bridal // Veil: Bel Aire Bridal // Hair: Katie Miller, Vamp Salon // Make Up: Erika Miller, Vamp Salon // Shoes: Betsy Johnson // Jewelry: Bauble Bar // Cake: TL Cakes of Brentwood // Invitations: Ink Topiary // Wooden “His” & “Her” signs: Host & Toast //  // Rentals: Got A Party // Food: Kinder’s BBQ // Venue: Private Residence, Brentwood, CA

Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Eclectic Vintage Botanical Science Inspired Backyard Wedding – Part 2

This eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard Bay Area wedding is SO stocked full of goodness, we had to divide it all up into 3 digestible parts. Be sure to stick around as we reveal each one!!

Here’s what you can expect: our interviews with Jessica over at Storyboard Wedding – who styled and coordinated her sister’s botanical science inspired backyard wedding – as well as our interviews with the amazing couple themselves, Christy and James!

  • Part 1 – Where in the world this eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard wedding theme came from! Including floral, color palette, DIY design and inspiration.
  • Part 2 – Christy and James’ describe: their (hilarious) love story (which includes guns – yes, I said guns….), what it was like renovating their home for their wedding (oh, yes they did!), wedding traditions they kept and ditched. Plus getting ready photos and the first look
  • Part 3 – All about that epic DIY chalkboard ceremony backdrop and the stories behind it’s creation. Plus, wedding planning advice and tips from Christy!

Yeah… you might want to cuddle up with a cup of tea for this one!! Don’t say we didn’t warn you….

How did you two meet and when did you know he/she was THE ONE?

Christy:

“This is actually one of my favorite stories to tell people because the way that we met is so completely random. We met at a gun range – no seriously!

I was in the middle of what you could say was a, “quarter life crisis,” and I decided to take up an offer from an acquaintance to meet up with his friends to go shoot some guns. Mind you, I have never really been into shooting guns nor have I ever really shot a gun before, but I told myself I could probably use the stress relief and to go and be brave.

I showed up at the gun range to meet my friend and I immediately notice James. I’ll never forget the way that he looked wearing his cool black Ray Bans and his Cheshire Cat smile. After about an hour or so of pretending to be super interested in what my friend was talking about, I noticed that James was starting to go around the group asking anyone if they would like to shoot his gun.

As he walked up to me my heart fluttered and I thought, “Oh Gosh…” as I literally had no idea what I was doing. Before my brain acknowledge the question, I heard myself saying ‘Hell Ya!’ (wait…what?!…haha)

While he was explaining all the basics to me, my eyes glazed over and all I heard was ‘la la la la’, while in my head I just kept repeating, “oh god oh god please don’t let me accidentally kill anyone in front of this really hot guy!!!!” – yes…that is indeed how my brain works folks.

Before I knew what I was doing, I found the gun in my hand and I was aiming at a target. Obviously, I was absolutely terrible. (shocking!)

After missing the target like, a LOT, James came up and wrapped his arms around me to you know …help me to aim. (giggles)

On the outside, I was trying to pay attention, but on the inside my heart was begging for CPR. It was like a jolt of electricity surge through him to me. That is when I knew that he was the one. It was as if two magnets that had been searching for each other finally met. I had never felt that feeling before with anyone. My entire world was vibrating.

After we were done shooting, the guys started to talk about finding a place to go swimming and BBQ. I couldn’t imagine not hanging out with James anymore, so I practically made my apartment sound like a freaking paradise. I used the highly technical and classiest bribe I could think of … “free food and beer!!??”

James and I spent the whole night talking. The next morning after everyone had left, I noticed that James had left his number written down in two different places in my apartment – one on my bathroom mirror and the other behind my blinds on my bedroom window. Obviously, I called him.”

James:

“Christy’s version and how it all went down always makes me laugh, as my version is a little bit different.

When Christy showed up the first thing I noticed about her were these absolutely ridiculous glasses she had on! They were like something out of the matrix!”

Christy’s Interjection:

“THEY WERE SHOOTING GLASSES!!!”

James:

“ANYWAYS!!! They were really awful looking. After about an hour or so, I decided to go around and ask everyone if they had a chance to shoot, as I genuinely wanted to make sure that everyone had a great day.

When Christy got up to shoot, I was very nervous since she was shooting my Dad’s 357 Magnum. I felt that the responsible thing to do was make sure she was shooting with proper posture and form to prevent the gun from kicking back towards her face, so I put my arms around her to show her. And despite what Christy, my Dad and brother say – it was purely to help her be safe!

At the end of the day the group decided to go back to her apartment and I was the first one there. When I walked through the door I remember thinking ‘Jesus…!!!’ as I was completely taken back by her beautiful blue eyes. I hardly even recognized her. She had taken off those ridiculous glasses and had her hair down.

I was completely awe struck and instantly wanted to get to know everything about her. For me that was the moment I realized, she was the one.”

Interviews continue below gallery (told you, you’d be here for a while ;) ;) …

 

Why did you two decide to have the wedding at your home rather than at a wedding venue?

Christy:

“While we were dating (pre-question popping) James and I had noted a few places we thought it would be cool to have a wedding at. Being that I didn’t want to jinx anything, I didn’t do any further research until James proposed. Once we started to really look, we were completely shocked at what the cost of a wedding was to have at a wedding venue.”

James:

“When she started to tell me how much things were going to cost I thought, ‘we could just renovate our entire house instead!’. Christy and I were always hands-on DIY’ers – so I figured it made more sense to do it at home.”

Christy:

“It made me laugh because I had read an article a long time ago about how a couple did just that. They completely renovated their home to have their wedding there – and I thought it was genius! I couldn’t imagine having an event THAT special anywhere other than our home.”

What was the process like of planning your wedding at your home versus a wedding venue and what was the renovation process like!!?

Christy:

“Oh Gosh. (haha) It was A LOT of work. I don’t want anyone to think that it wasn’t. BUT, it was completely worth it!! We sat down about 10 months out before the wedding, and wrote down everything that we wanted to do month by month. I sort of laugh at that now because the one thing we didn’t really think about was the fact that we had, ya know…. actual jobs too!

Every spare minute we had for the next 10 months was spent on either home renovations, landscaping, or wedding planning. It was a little bit much. To make matters worse – at some point James had herniated a disc. Which made it impossible for him to move without being in constant pain. I felt really awful.”

James:

“I started to get less concerned about how the house turned out and more concerned if I was even going to be able to make it down the aisle. At about 4 months out, my Mom and Dad started to come over every weekend to help us paint, do landscaping, and work on projects.”

Christy:

“It was really crazy, and being totally honest, we definitely had many heart to hearts about what we had gotten ourselves into. (hah) The positive side was that our home was starting to look like something out of a ‘Martha Stewart’ catalogue, and every weekend we got a chance to hang out with James’ parents. We had the opportunity to form a great bond that I think in normal circumstances would have taken years. Working together as a family every weekend for the goal of having our home be ready for the wedding day, really tied us all together in a way that I am so thankful for. Having our home be exactly how we’ve always dreamed it could be, was really just the icing on the cake!”

Let’s talk traditions! What did you: Keep, Ditch, and Make Your Own? (continues in part 3)

Kept: We had a wedding!

“We kept the tradition of ‘having a wedding’ – which I know that sounds rather simple, but overall we had all the fundamentals of a wedding but of course we tweaked everything to make it the extension of ourselves.”

Ditched: Not being able to see each other before the wedding.

“We ditched the tradition of not being able to see each other before the ceremony. In the months leading up to the ceremony I was firm on my decision to not see James until I walked down the aisle. However, a few weeks out I couldn’t imagine planning this HUGE day together, and only seeing him at the end of it. I was also a nervous wreck the week of the wedding, so we decided to do our first look and all family photos prior to the ceremony. This was the best decision we made for our entire wedding! The rest of the night was a complete breeze and it really took the edge off. The best part was that prior to the ceremony, James and I sat in a room by ourselves while our guests had a ‘pre-ceremony’ cocktail hour. It gave us a chance to just be goofy with each other and chat right up until the ceremony. It was fun to be giggling with my fiancé and then 30 minutes later, hugging my husband!”

What do you think your guests enjoyed most?

“The Shoe Game Story! Out of all the things we did, we got the greatest praise about the Shoe Game Story. I read about it a while back when I was planning and picked out about 15 or so questions, stuck it in a binder, and never looked at it again – until it was game time. I also kept it pretty much a secret from James as I wanted us to have truly genuine answers. When it came time to play the game, I filled James in on the rules and my sister lead us off. At first, I think the guest were like, “ok they planned this,” as the first couple questions we agreed on. It wasn’t until there was one that we disagreed on unknowingly, that our guests erupted with laughter! I’m pretty sure it was the question on who the better driver was… haha.

By the end of the game, our guests were completely engaged and even placing bets on who would say what. I think everyone really enjoyed seeing that even a couple that just got married still has their differences, and that it is ok!”

The Team:

Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Florals & Styling: Storyboard Wedding // Wedding dress: Maggie Sottero – Chesney // Sash: Wtoo Bridal Accessories by Watters Bridal // Veil: Bel Aire Bridal // Hair: Katie Miller, Vamp Salon // Make Up: Erika Miller, Vamp Salon // Shoes: Betsy Johnson // Jewelry: Bauble Bar // Cake: TL Cakes of Brentwood // Invitations: Ink Topiary // Wooden “His” & “Her” signs: Host & Toast //  // Rentals: Got A Party // Food: Kinder’s BBQ // Venue: Private Residence, Brentwood, CA

Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Eclectic Vintage Botanical Science Inspired Backyard Wedding – Part 1

And we’re off!! This eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard Bay Area wedding is SO stocked full of goodness, we had to divide it all up into 3 digestible parts. Be sure to stick around as we reveal each one!!

Here’s what you can expect: our interviews with Jessica over at Storyboard Wedding – who styled and coordinated her sister’s botanical science inspired backyard wedding – as well as our interviews with the amazing couple themselves, Christy and James!

  • Part 1 – Where in the world this eclectic vintage botanical science inspired backyard wedding theme came from! Including floral, color palette, DIY design and inspiration.
  • Part 2 – Christy and James’ describe: their (hilarious) love story (which includes guns – yes, I said guns….), what it was like renovating their home for their wedding (oh, yes they did!), wedding traditions they kept and ditched. Plus getting ready photos and the first look
  • Part 3 – All about that epic DIY chalkboard ceremony backdrop and the stories behind it’s creation. Plus, wedding planning advice and tips from Christy!

Yeah… you might want to cuddle up with a cup of tea for this one!! Don’t say we didn’t warn you….

Jessica, tell us about the heart of the design inspiration behind your sister’s incredibly unique botanical and scientist wedding theme:

“The heart of our design inspiration was science. We leaned heavily on chemistry and botany to drive our inspiration, creating a virtual playland within something that is otherwise known to be very rigid and defined.  I really wanted to embrace every unique and otherwise masculine minded element that comes from the science world, while ‘decorating’ and enhancing it with feminine, gorgeous and organic embellishments from the botany world. When you open the door to something like science, there is such a terrific selection of fauna which is often overlooked for other affairs, that there is almost no stopping the stream of inspiration.”

Jessica, how did you go about choosing this beautiful color palette and florals?

“Christy has always had a deep seeded pension for red – ever since I could remember.  I think it definitely stems from our dad, and showed up in spades when she embraced her rockabilly style.  It was no great surprise to me when she voiced her desire for red to be her lead color.  We knew immediately that we wanted to steer clear of anything that was a bright primary red.  While lovely, it simply wasn’t a hue that folded flawlessly into a science minded world.

Within the very first moment of doing a bit of inspiration research, she spotted a stunning dahlia driven bouquet and we knew we found our perfect color palette: dark ox blood reds intermixed with organic hearty greens and neutral tones.  The selection of reds (when it came time to choose flowers), was really important as a lot of reds have a tendency to have blue undertones to them, creating an almost purple like cast.  It was really important that we choose to work with red flowers that bordered on the black brown side, creating that delicious dark blood red that we all covet so much in everything from fashion to interior design.  In the end karma dahlias along with Black Magic & Black Beauty roses did the heavily lifting in such a superb way.

In an effort to avoid anything that might even come close to resembling a Christmas or holiday color palette, I purposely selected a limited amount of white flowers.  I choose to work with anything white that leaned more towards a light airy stem or was petite and different in bloom, shape and size.  With such a strong dark focal color like blood red to drive our arrangements, flowers that were lighter in color were paramount to the overall aesthetic, creating dimension in the most subtle of ways.

A unique way that I troubleshot contrast within the arrangements, was working with what might possibly be a now favorite flower of mine, beige roses.  There are many variations of a beige rose, fortunately I was able to scoop up the two remaining clusters at the San Francisco Flower Mart that were very neutral in color perhaps with the softest pink sand kiss.  These roses were a cornerstone that I simply could not have gotten on without, giving an extra dimension to the overall effect which allowed for the deep red dahlias to stand out so much more profoundly!

The bouquet was crafted in the nature of something science minded. The overall aesthetic was something beautifully thought out with each detail planned for, in the precise manner we expect from scientific formulas. Each detail added to the bouquet was worked with to achieve the desired result, all while allowing for a controlled yet organic and brilliant reaction. The mix of wily dahlias, when paired with free-spirited silver dollar eucalyptus, created the loveliest of structured meets free form arrangements. Keeping with the oddity angle that surrounds the sciences, elements like petite black peppers and blushing bride protea were placed within the bouquet to showcase an uncommon collection of treats that served as a delightful surprise from within.”

Christy, tell us about your botanical and science wedding style and inspiration?

“As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the field of science. Science for me is about looking at the world around you and saying, ‘Why do you work the way that you do?’ and then not giving up until you’re satisfied with the answer. A lot of great discoveries were from folks taking an idea and running with it – which is still what works today.

In college, I loved to read about how these ideas became some of the greatest inventions of our time, and it thrilled me to imagine what it must have been like hundreds of years ago when there still was so much to discover.

I think that’s where James and I really bonded, over our love for finding out what makes things tick. James has always been an extremely hands-on kind of guy, and can pretty much fix ANYTHING. He gave me the confidence to take what I learned in theory and apply it to the real world!

About 8 or so months after James and I started dating, I revealed to James my secret obsession with rocks and geology. I was kind of a rock collection junkie and loved being outdoors collecting rocks and feathers and anything else that I found unique.

One weekend James surprised me with a camping trip and very special present – a gold panning for beginners kit!! This really was true love! We spent the entire weekend tail up in a river panning for gold, and once we found a few specs in the pan I was hooked! We began going camping every free weekend we had to search for gold!

A lot of the spots we would read about where in very remote areas and small towns that used to be bustling. My favorite part about our trips was that we would always come across one or two antique shops that you KNEW were filled with cool little treasures.

At first I would have to drag James in, but after a while I could see he was fascinated at peaking into the past as much as I was.

I would always love to search through the antique stores for anything science related. When I compared the equipment they had to use then to what James and I use at work today, I found it incredibly interesting how scientists made discoveries hundreds of years ago. I would love to pick it up and think of all the cool discoveries that were made with it. So after a few of these trips it became about finding gold, collecting parts of nature, and looking for vintage science equipment. We started to amass quite a collection.

So naturally when it came time to think of a ‘theme’ for our wedding, I couldn’t think of anything better than combining our love for nature and science, as these were all the things we loved and were a very large part of our lives. Furthermore, I didn’t like the idea of buying a thousand wedding items that would never be used again. It was important to us that a lot of our decor really was an extension of who we are.”

Interviews continue below gallery (told you, you’d be here for a while ;) ;) …

Jessica, how did you choose to decorate the indoor reception area and the outdoor ceremony site, in a way that presented itself with a beautiful contrast and a consistency that complimented the other?

“While the selection of flowers we choose to work with was key, exactly where those flowers presented themselves was even more important! Given the location and the space Christy and James’ wedding was at, we were able to create two different experiences that perfectly complimented each other.  Blooms found outdoors differed greatly from those that lined the reception tables indoors. While the outdoor ceremony setup likened itself to the drippy beauty that is a conservatory, indoors played out like the pages of a botany textbook, featuring unique and peculiar stems. While the color palette outdoors was much more structured and styled, the palette indoors was allowed to drift toward more organically found hues that took on a real life collection vs something heavily curated.

Reception tables were displayed in a long table format, allowing for a non-stop flow of design. Each table was punctuated by 3 oversized metal ring stands which played host to a collection of flask variations that served as the most perfect of centerpieces. An assortment of oversized oddity blooms in the form of King Protea, various other Protea and Banksia became the centerpiece stars. In between these quiet giants were rows of test tubes set in wooden racks which played host to an assortment of stems from nigella pods, poppies, lisianthus, Scaboisa Pods, lotus pods, milk wedd and grevillea just to name a few.  To fill the space in between, vintage Merck chemistry bottles, as well as market sourced mixed bottles were spread throughout, providing the final locale for the remaining stems which lined the table.  The mixture of heights created an enchanting visual experience, all while allowing guests to easily enjoy conversations across the table.  The remaining piece to the indoor experience were actual botany textbook prints which lined the walls, giving you the feeling of the most chic of classrooms ever.

As much as the indoors was all about a certain structure, the outdoors was much more about the organic botanical beauty that nature creates herself.  We worked hard to create a more storybook conservatory type feel that was beautifully drippy and wonderfully romantic. Vintage furniture pieces that my sister had collected over the years were brought outside, featuring design points like drawers filled with clusters of flowers and stuffed with springy greens. Smilax vines hung from café light strands overhead which reinforced a reclaimed by nature type of feel.”

Jessica, explain the flow you created for guests as they arrived at the wedding to maximize their experience:

“Guests were filtered through a long side entrance leading to the backyard, providing multiple opportunities to play! A floral accented hand painted wood sign greeted guests at the beginning of their journey leading to an entry way lined in greens. Along their path to the backyard, thoughtful metal hanging baskets marked the way, filled with floral arrangements which bubbled over clueing guest into the treats that lay ahead. Each basket was a mix of Black Magic and beige roses, the ever unique and wondrous Ivanhoe rose, dahlia, gooseneck Veronica and Amaranthus which was draped over the side in a true botanical style.

Once guests breeched into the backyard, they were presented with the gift and guest favor tables with the café lights hanging overheard. Each table was dotted with vintage chemistry pieces in the form of microscopes, pipettes, beakers, graduated cylinders, bloating papers and bottles of old chemicals just to name a few treats. While these details were wonderfully fun to look at, they also created a playground for styling and bloom placement.

Keeping with the science spirit, guests had a unique take home in the form of a petite beaker turned terrarium – a special treat by anyone’s standards! In any environment where nature has begun to reclaim its foot hold, no space is left untouched.  In that spirit, I made sure to have plenty of clusters of things like succulents, bottle brush, pomegranates, euc nuts and the like to accent the bottoms of display tables, steps leading into the house as well as along refreshment tables – leaving no place left un-styled!

To give the guests places to hold their conversations, cocktail tables were placed throughout the backyard which featured thoughtful chemistry and engineering minded arrangements. Flowers were featured in brushed gold vases that were finished with a thick matte black stripe which likened themselves to pipes. The three vases of varying heights were then stacked for presentation on old chemistry textbooks. The result was a comfortable surface that served double duty as conversation starters as well!”

Jessica, what are your final thoughts?

“At the end of the day, no flower or green was left unused with any ‘leftovers’ being placed into baskets, buckets, bottles and the like. These last minute arrangements filled the space in the most delicious of ways, truly driving home a conservatory feel at every angle. Being able to create two such unique, yet beautifully paired experiences really allowed us to drive home science as a theme in a way that was relatable and approachable. I think a lot of people entered the wedding thinking how on earth is science a wedding theme, with just about everyone leaving feeling that it was quite possibly the most spectacular of wedding themes ever.”

The Team:

Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Florals & Styling: Storyboard Wedding // Wedding dress: Maggie Sottero – Chesney // Sash: Wtoo Bridal Accessories by Watters Bridal // Veil: Bel Aire Bridal // Hair: Katie Miller, Vamp Salon // Make Up: Erika Miller, Vamp Salon // Shoes: Betsy Johnson // Jewelry: Bauble Bar // Cake: TL Cakes of Brentwood // Invitations: Ink Topiary // Wooden “His” & “Her” signs: Host & Toast //  // Rentals: Got A Party // Food: Kinder’s BBQ // Venue: Private Residence, Brentwood, CA

Featured | Bay Area Bohemian Maternity Lifestyle Photographer | Inspired By This

“These two got all dressed up and found a gorgeous field to capture these precious moments for their sweet baby on the way! The blissful parents to be paired with the exquisite lighting, and Angie Capri Photography’s talent made for one beautiful shoot. Their little boy is about to be the stylish kid on the block in these adorable onesie too!” – Inspired By This

Bohemian Lifestyle Maternity Bay Area Inspired by This Feature

Check out our fall wheat field maternity session featured over on Inspired By This, click here!

 

The Team: Photography and Location Scout: Angie Capri Photography // Stylist: Bridal Stop Girl // Flower Crown: Enchantment Floral // Stationary: Peanut Press Creative

Same Sex Marriage Proposal Photographer | Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA

“Angie’s services were beyond magical!

My gorgeous now-fiancé hired her to take pictures of us, as my (then) girlfriend proposed to me on Baker Beach (overlooking the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge). The view was spectacular on it’s own but Angie was able to create shots that truly took my breath away! I am not one to be the center of attention and have a lens in my face but Angie’s expertise and her truly wonderful gift of photography put me to ease and made the whole proposal absolutely magical!

We received our photos and I was speechless with the results. With Angie’s help I was able to relive the remarkable experience that we had shared in San Francisco.

Thank you Angie, from the bottom of my heart for making Kristy’s proposal stand still in time and for allowing us to capture this most loving moment that we are now able to share for the rest of our lives!” – Kirstin

The Team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Coordinators: Michele and Marvin at The Heart Bandits // Stylist: Monique at Plumweed Flowers // Violinist: Alina of Amethyst Trio // Couple: Kirstin and Kristy // Location: Baker Beach, San Francisco

Beautiful and Radiant Professional Headshot Photography | Concord, CA

“It was great working with Angie Capri for my Professional head shots in the East Bay/Concord Area. I wanted to go with a photographer that would ensure I looked professional, but not “stuffy”. Angie was the perfect choice as she made me feel at ease during the shoot and ensured that she captured a variety of shots for me to choose from. She paid attention to details during the shoot – fixing wayward curls, straightening my necklace, etc. which I really appreciated! I really love the end result and have already received lots of compliments on my new head shots :) Angie was a pleasure to work with throughout the experience and I would highly recommend her to others.” – Laurel

The team: Photographer and location scout: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and Make Up: The Makeup Movement

Featured | San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Design and Inspiration | Burnett’s Boards

“What a fabulous little event design and styling post I have for you today from Angie Capri Photography! It’s the tale of two tablescapes. One blush and gold and totally glittery, the other combines both modern and vintage elements in an absolutely darling way, and both are exceptionally gorgeous and totally inspirational! It’s going to be tough to decide which one you love most – it was for me!” – Burnett’s BoardsBurnett's Boards Rustic and Romantic Tablescapes Wedding Feature

 

Check out our tale of two tablescapes featured over on Burnett’s Boards, click here!

More here from our Blush and Gold and Glittery Tablescape

“This sweetheart table was inspired by elegance with a bit of whimsy and glamour designed for Kinsley James Couture Bridal’s window display and so beautifully captured by the lovely Angie Capri.

I was definitely inspired by glitter which led to the DIY ombre glitter runner I made myself, it began with dusty pink glitter on one end and elegantly evolved into gold glitter at the other end. I started with a simple textured burlap runner, sprayed it in sections with adhesive glue and sprinkled on the glitter.

The mini pink moscato bottles were also DIY items sprayed with adhesive glue and dunked in glitter, a festive decor element or fun favor for a shower or wedding.

The floral arrangement by the talented Darwin at Florali was the perfect arrangement for our brushed metal urn… Those dripping ranunculus and curiously cute pink anemones were eye candy galore!

We combined various shades of pinks, patterns and gold details throughout the rest of the table.  It was a sweet collaboration full of whimsical, glamorous and rustic details.” – Your Event by Erin

The Team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Event Coordinator and Stylist: Your Event by Erin // Florist: Florali // Paper Goods and Calligraphy: Pigment and Parchment // Paper Goods and Pinwheels: Paper Source // Tissue Garland: Hand and Heart Event Design // Venue: Kinsley James Couture Bridal, Walnut Creek, CA

More here from our Vintage and Modernly Geometric Tablescape

“Our tablescape vignette is inspired by a color palette of peach, coral and gold. We wanted to blend aspects of modern, geometric design with vintage rustic pieces and lush floral accents. Since we stuck with a clean design this eclectic mix of aesthetics and decor was complimentary rather than competitive and distracting.

The tablescape is the center of our design. We begin with a simple white dotted linen to showcase the color palette, especially the gold details. The table settings arranged in a diamond shape incorporate the geometric theme by using a round gold rimmed charger and base plate and a square salad plate. The table settings are topped with a peach and DIY name cards, also cut in a variety of geometric shapes. The natural farm chairs add a rustic touch to the entire vignette.

The centerpiece is an area that gave us a great opportunity to showcase the modern geometric aspect. We started with a green garland base along the center of the table, we topped it with gold geometric terrarium vases from Anthropologie. The vases were filled with additional greenery, garden roses, anemones, and ranunculus. The design was finished off with some scattered gold succulents and a collection of modern candle holders from CB2.” – Kelly Elissa Events and Enchantment Floral

The Team: Photographer: Angie Capri Photography // Event Coordinator and Stylist: Kelly Elissa Events //  Florist and Stylist: Enchantment Floral //  Event Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals // Antique Dresser and Cart: Hunt and Gather Rentals // Custom Tassel Garlands, Embroidery Hoops, “Mr.” and “Mrs.” banners: Harlow’s House // Cake: Is my Crazy Showing // Venue: The Lighthouse, Vallejo CA

Fun-Loving (and Just Totally Awesome!) Rustic Fall Inspired Bay Area Engagement Photographer | Sunol, CA

“Chris and I met on OKCupid (or OKStupid as I like to call it) in October 2012 right after I had recently relocated back to the Bay Area from Sacramento after scoring a new job! I was on my phone one work night and randomly searched OKCupid and saw this handsome goofball crouching down next to an ugly English bulldog. After reading through his page and noting how much we had in common, I knew I had to message him. So I did, and I had a response the next day!

We messaged back and forth for a while, getting to know each other, and eventually we were texting all the time! All the dates I had gone on in the BC era (Before Chris) always felt like there was something missing that either had me running for the hills or trying to force myself to be open-minded about.

I creeped on him through the peephole as he walked up and when he walked through the door, I knew that there was nothing missing here. It was natural, it was instant, and I knew right away we were going to be together. I don’t believe in love at first sight because I think love is something that develops and deepens over time and can only be felt when you are willing to put that person above yourself and their needs above yours (I do, however, believe love develops at its own pace and it can start quickly and intensely). I think what I felt when I first met Chris was the realistic equivalent to love at first sight because that feeling just kept intensifying as I spent more time with him and grew to know him. There was no exact moment where I said, “he’s the one,” because deep down I think I’ve always known since he walked through that door in my favorite plaid shirt.” – Nicole (More from Nicole and Chris below gallery…)

“The only reading I do is young adult fiction so let’s hope that doesn’t impact my style of writing when it comes to reviewing the best photographer in all the land!

My fiancé (Chris) and I, both tend to be a little on the awkward side and the idea of taking engagement photos was more scary than exciting for our mostly introverted brains. But we knew the value of having them taken – it’s so important to capture this moment in our lives as we embark on this really big adventure together! Also, let’s be honest, we can’t just post up a series of selfies at our wedding or on our save the dates and not expect judgment (stupid people and their judgey faces judging everything).

When it came to finding a photographer, we had a list of what was important to us. We needed to find someone whose style fit the kind of photos we wanted and most important of all – we needed someone who made us feel comfortable amidst a situation that was highly abnormal for us!!

I gathered intel on photographers, looked at portfolios, sent out a few inquiries, and took into consideration every recommendation I received from people I trusted (one of which referred Angie to us…) Eventually, I narrowed down my search to Angie and a few others. The difference between Angie and the others? She called me as soon as she possibly could and left the nicest, warmest voicemail I’d ever heard, providing the information I needed and just helping me to get to know her. She followed it up with an equally informative and friendly email and was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. It wasn’t long after that, that we set up a phone call to discuss what we were looking for which ultimately led to us booking an engagement session. It was an easy decision after seeing her awesome portfolio and realizing how friendly and easy going she was over the phone.

Having never done this before – Chris and I really had no idea where we wanted to take photos, but knew the kinds of scenery that we liked. Angie had a few ideas and I spent some time hunting for areas online that would be good for us in the east bay, which is how I discovered the regional park in Sunol, CA. I showed Angie the photos and rather than just saying, “yeah, let’s do it,” (which would have been awesome already!) she actually drove to the location ahead of time, spent several hours scouting the park, and found several diverse locations that fit our interests!

She gave us realistic time frames on how long it would take to shoot and get to and from each location, which also helped determine the number and types of outfits we wanted. At first, I thought a 30 minute session with one outfit at one location was enough. BUT she promised that we would get addicted, it would be more fun and easier than we expected and we would definitely want two locations with two outfits – and well… she was right!! She was incredibly flexible, leaving her afternoon open so we could do more if we wanted.

Fast forward to the engagement photo session: it took absolutely no time at all for this awkward duo to warm up and be comfortable with Angie!! Angie helps you with where your hands should go, if your hair is laying in the correct way, or for Chris, “how to stand like a “cool dude-man.” This is totally helpful (and hilarious) because let’s face it, our natural body language isn’t always the most photogenic. So with a little coaching to get those basics down – and being able to laugh at ourselves as we learned – we ended up finding the experience to be easy and actually really fun (just like she said!)!!

There were so many candid moments of us just being ourselves that she shot – not posing for something specifically – and I just knew these would be some of my favorites. It really helped that Angie is just as CRAZY as we are and she fed right into our ridiculous behavior and jokes. Every so often when she got a picture she was really excited about, she would bubble over with happiness and come show us on the camera. It was absolutely infectious and made us even more excited to see how everything would turn out. I’m so happy that we booked a one hour session because 1) my secondary outfit rocked and 2) we started off amateurs but were now pros.

After the shoot, Angie set the expectation about how long it would take to receive the photos. I thought I would die waiting (because I’m dramatic) but it was actually faster than I expected. Part of that was due to her surprising us with the photos about a week ahead of schedule! We were actually out celebrating Chris’ birthday when the photos came in and I rudely looked at my phone – diving right in! But so did he, so it’s okay!

We admired the beautiful colors and light that I adore about Angie’s style and noticed that she did an absolutely perfect job capturing all the funny moments that really embody our relationship. Like I had guessed, some of my favorite photos she took were the candid pictures of Chris and I being ridiculous and making each other laugh! And now I get to look back at these gorgeous pictures and not only remember this time in our lives, but a really fun day with an awesome professional!

After this experience, I feel like I know more about what types of pictures I like, what poses are flattering for me, how to select clothing, and so many other details I never knew before that she helped me discover. Angie provides you with color and pattern suggestions before your shoot, and stresses that while the guidelines are helpful – it’s most important to dress in clothes that you feel comfortable in and flatter your best features! It’s crucial that even though the positions you’re being asked to stand in isn’t necessarily natural or comfortable for you in real life, that you trust her and try it because she knows what she’s talking about and you’ll see why she asks you to do what she does in the final photos (especially with her fabulous boudoir background ladies!!).

For those of you searching for your ideal photographer (no matter what the occasion is) make sure you choose a photographer that you feel very comfortable with and could see yourself sitting down to have a glass of wine with afterwards. If you do, it will just feel like you’re hanging out with a friend the whole time. Magically, a few weeks later you get something amazing to remember it by.

PS: Angie, let’s get some wine!! Whoop Whoop!!

PSS: And in case you’re wondering, YES!! We’ve definitely already booked Angie as our official wedding photographer!!! EEK :) :)” – Nicole and Chris

Featured | Interview: How to Host A Successful Small Business Networking Event with Angie Capri | Burnett’s Boards

“Angie Capri Photography recently celebrated her 2nd anniversary as a business and along with a team of amazing wedding pros and event vendors, threw herself one epic networking party to celebrate! Today, they’re going to give you all of their best tips detailing how to host an effective, engaging and entertaining business networking event!” – Burnett’s Boards

See our article and interview, “How to Host A Successful Small Business Networking Event” featured on Burnett’s Boards!!

See more highlights from our 2nd anniversary party on the blog:

Burnett's Boards How To Host Networking Event Feature

How To Host A Successful Business Networking Event

For those of you who are wedding professionals and/or own a small business, hosting a successful business networking event where people have an opportunity to meet you, meet your people and learn more about your products and services, is one of the best business building tools you can employ to build and maintain your relationships face-to-face. So today, we’re going to give you all of our best tips detailing how to host an effective, engaging and entertaining business networking event!

As a host of an awesome business networking event you are:

  • Taking charge of meeting new people
  • Expanding your own network
  • Establishing yourself as a connector
  • Creating a reason for people to want to know you
  • Strengthening your own relationships because you will genuinely be helping other people

Getting started:

  • Create a detailed list of how you plan to create buzz and excitement leading up to the event, during the event and after the event
  • Make sure that you are creative, unique and innovative all along the planning process in order to intrigue and attract your target clients and colleagues who you’d like to partner with
  • You’ll need to be able to promote your event in a way that tells the world it’s going to be fun and will benefit guests in a variety of ways
  • Make sure to create a compelling and detailed event description that can be shared in these places for maximum exposure:
    • Eventbrite (where guests can easily RSVP)
    • Meetup
    • PR Log (write an exciting press release)
    • Your own blog which you will continue pointing guests to while promoting your event across social media sites like: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram
  • Begin promoting your event a minimum of 8 weeks ahead of time
  • Send out reminders every 1-2 weeks leading up to the big day

Event Logistics

Professional photography:

Obviously, this one’s close to my heart. Let’s be sure to hire a professional event photographer to document your special event to guarantee:

  • Quality and consistency of compelling images that you will strategically use to promote your small business and your highly successful business networking event over and over again
  • Everything about the event is documented:
    • The beautiful details you and your team have spent hours (days… months!!) agonizing over to get just right
    • The fabulous guests who have arrived dressed in their best
    • The host schmoozing, connecting and interacting with their guests
    • The excitement, the fun, the emotion!!
  • How else would you be able to successfully capture and tell this story? People will need to see it to believe it (especially in this day and age driving by visuals and lots of photos)!

Location:

  • If you have a business location where you can host the event this is perfect and you’ll avoid additional rental fees. Plus, it provides your guests with a more intimate understanding of you and what your business is all about.
  • If you need to rent a location, be sure to do your research ahead of time guaranteeing you select the right location that acts as an authentic extension of your business for consistency in branding.

On a budget:

Invite your favorite local colleagues for an opportunity to showcase their own small businesses and expertise in exchange for official sponsorship, business promotion, and professional photography they can continue to use for their own business marketing and promotion

Setting the mood:

  • Comfort and ambiance:

Don’t forget to have enough seating and tables so everyone’s comfortable throughout the event. Set the mood, energy and overall experience by selecting the proper background music, natural or artificial lighting to create the right ambiance true to your brand and your people.

  • What to wear:

Set expectations ahead of time including appropriate attire that’s business professional (you’d be surprised how many people appreciate the extra direction) and having this consistency throughout your event makes people feel more comfortable and feel like they belong as they begin strolling in, ready to dress to impress. (Not to mention everyone will look fabulous in your professional event photos!)

  • Business cards:

Be sure to remind event guests and sponsors to bring loads of business cards in order to stay in touch with all of their new connections (and you better have a stack as well). You can set up a networking table and invite all of your guests to leave their information and swap with others there.

  • Greetings:

Make sure you designate a “people person” to be in charge of greeting guests as soon as they arrive (and not a moment later) to assist with signing in, creating name tags and signing a model release. Don’t forget to greet as many guests as possible yourself (the host), and introduce people who’d make a great connection guaranteeing everyone feels welcome and included

Refreshments:

Please, please don’t forget about simple finger foods, light appetizers and water so guests stay hydrated and are not starving in search of food instead of connecting and networking. This is a huge issue I continue to see networking event hosts run into and it’s a super simple fix that will either keep guests coming back for more or wanting to run away. If you’re able to go above and beyond this refreshment minimum, you will score even more impressive points with your community!

Give them a takeaway:

Provide your guests with an awesome thank you gift representative of your company and branded with your company logo:

  • Swag bags:

We personally love a goody bag or swag bag that’s so awesome your guests will actually want to use it everywhere they go (rather than tossing it in back of the closet atop all of the other sad boring bags they’ve gotten at everyone else’s events). Stuff it with your business info, sponsors’ info, samples, special offers and treats that smell and taste good (chocolate’s a great place to start!)

  • Raffles:

Another great idea is providing all of the guests with a ticket when they sign in and host a raffle at the end of the event. Ask your sponsors to donate items to the raffle for another opportunity to promote their own businesses!

Follow up:

Send a follow up thank you announcement including highlight photos (from your amazing professional event photographer) to stay in touch with guests after the event, to promote your event and future events.

Few! The end :)

Our wonderful 2nd anniversray party team of sponsors: Event Coordinator: Kelly Elissa Events // Event Photography: Sweetness and Light Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Florist: Enchantment Floral // Wedding Gowns: Rivini and Lian Carlo Designs From Kinsley James Couture Bridal // Event Lighting: 3 Stage Lighting // Event Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals // Desserts: Fleur de Farine // Cotton Candy: Sweet Puff Candy // Chocolates: Something Sweet Chocolates // Event Signage & Calligraphy: A Quaint Soiree // Custom Garters: La Gartier

***

In case ‘ya missed it up top…

See our article, “How to Host A Successful Small Business Networking Event” featured on Burnett’s Boards

See more highlights from our 2nd anniversary party on the blog:

Part 1 – Find out how we pulled it all off including inspiration, event and detail design and our DIY tips

Part 2 – More anniversary party highlights and our gorgeous brides in stunning wedding gowns!!

Fun-Loving and Free Spirited | Lifestyle Maternity Photographer | Sutro Baths, San Francisco, CA

“When I sent out inquiries to multiple photographers, no one even responded right away and the couple that eventually did we’re actually mean! When I heard from Angie Capri she was so sweet and helpful from the beginning and all the way through to the end. She followed up via email and by phone right off the bat and was really easy to get a hold of any time I had a question. We also spoke over the phone for about an hour for our pre-shoot consultation, where she answered even more questions and put me at ease. I love that she helped us find the perfect location that was in nature but also had some unique man-made features – the Sutro Baths in San Francisco was such a beautiful location, combining every single element we were searching for!

A note about the weather – From the beginning, I was really excited about having sun-flare in our images, but unfortunately the universe had other plans on the day of our photoshoot. There was no sun to be found whatsoever lol the sky was completely covered in clouds and it was a bit misty, even a little rainy – it looked like a storm was brewing! Despite all my hesitation and worries, Angie was quick to think of creative ways to make me feel better. She promised that no matter what kind of weather we were presented with, our final images would be beautiful no matter what! She even explained the pros and cons to having sunny weather and the pros and cons for having a cloudy day – which actually does make for great pictures – now I totally get it, and she was right!

A note about professional hair and makeup – from the beginning Angie provided me with her preferred hair and makeup artists and she completely raved about them. We decided that I could just let my hair flow naturally since it would probably end up getting all blown apart in the wind anyway. And in regards to make up, I decided to get my mine done at a local Mac counter. Just as Angie had warned me, I was very unsatisfied with the results since as she explained, you are not guaranteed great results and it is very inconsistent because you never know who you’re going to get. Typically when her clients have gone to Mac they have been disappointed in the past. So now I know that I will definitely use Angie’s preferred hair and makeup artists the next time we have the pleasure to work with her again (because I’m secretly addicted now hehe)!

In the end, my husband and I were so happy with our final images from Angie Capri! She totally under promised and over delivered – big time! The variety, the creativity, the beauty, the uniqueness, the natural flow, the free-spirited nature, and the love between my husband and I all led to the most magical of pictures I’ve ever seen!! Her positive attitude, laughter, and excitement totally turned a gloomy day into a sunny sky kind of day. Our shoot was filled with lots of silly jokes and amazing memories with a new friend :-)

Thank you for everything Angie Capri! Xoxo” – Tammy and Michael

The team: Photography and location scout: Angie Capri Photography // Luxury robe: In Bloom by Jonquil // Venue: The Sutro Baths, San Francisco, CA

Featured | Dreamy Metallic Sweetheart Table | Wedding Design and Inspiration | Storyboard Wedding

“I am always a sucker for an absolutely gorgeous, well styled table setting. There is such an art and endless beauty to place settings that it is forever enchanting to see each new variation and possibility. Just the right combination of items on a table can transport you into a whole other world. When this stunner of a glamour table setting hit my inbox thanks to wedding photographer Angie Capri Photography, I was down right giddy! San Francisco Bay Area event stylist Your Event by Erin teamed up with florist Florali to bring to life a dreamy sweetheart table filled with metallic goodness to be put on display in local bay area bridal boutique Kinsley James Bridal Couture. Through the use of a mix of glitter in differing sizes and shades, Erin brought serious shine to the glamour party! Crafted by hand, the center focus of the glamour table setting is an ombre glitter table runner which is perfectly complimented by glitter dunked pony bottles of champagne. To inject some sweet realness, Pigment and Parchment created lovely calligraphy style ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ tags bringing to life the glitter sealed gift bags. What I love most about this glamour table setting is how beautifully approachable it is. Just enough elegance with the right touches of shine equal a forever beauty!” – Storyboard Wedding

Storyboard Wedding Sweetheart Table

 

Check out our dreamy metallic sweetheart table featured over on Storyboard Wedding, click here!

 

The Team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Event Coordinator and Stylist: Your Event by Erin // Florist: Florali // Paper Goods and Calligraphy: Pigment and Parchment // Paper Goods and Pinwheels: Paper Source // Tissue Garland: Hand and Heart Event Design // Venue: Kinsley James Couture Bridal, Walnut Creek, CA

Featured | Same Sex Shoot Turned Surprise Proposal and Elopement | Southbound Bride

“This shoot, you guys. It is so filled with love. In most of the styled shoots that I feature here on the blog, it’s all about the details – the pretty flowers, the table, the stationery, the cake… and of course, the ideas that are meant to inspire all of you brideys for your own, larger-scale weddings. Over the years, I’ve seen a few styled shoots that turned into engagements, because let’s be honest, is there a prettier way to pop the question? But when this same-sex shoot from Angie Capri crossed my desk, I knew it was something extra special. Not only did the lovebirds, Kylie and Andrea, have the moment when Andrea got down on one knee captured on film, but they were married on the spot in the most romantic surprise elopement I can imagine. So today, we get to not only be inspired by the pretty details created by Angie and her team, but by the sheer love as well.” – Southbound Bride

Southbound Bride Same Sex Proposal and Elopement Feature

Check out our same sex shoot turned surprise proposal and elopement featured over on Southbound Bride, click here!

Read part one: The Love Story and the Photoshoot

Read part two: The Proposal and on the Spot Elopement

Watch the short film putting it all together here

The Team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Direction, Coordination, Wardrobe styling, Concept Creation and Location Scout: Angie Capri Photography  // Videography: Different Cloud Imagery // Event Designer, Prop Sourcing and Stylist: Candy Crush Events // Table linens: Candy Crush Shop // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Dean // Florist and Officiant: Jaimee Leigh Events // Calligraphy: Steele My Heart // Cake Pops and Oreo Cookie Desserts: Maskipops by Adri // Bridal Accessories: Something Treasured // Tassel Banner and Tassel Balloon:  Love Garlands // Cake Topper:  Modern Blooms // “Love” Glitter Banner and “Mrs” & “Mrs” Chair Signs: Kansas Pink Antlers // Location: The Lighthouse, Vallejo, CA

The San Francisco Bay Area #LoveIsLove LGBTQ Friendly Wedding Vendors and Venues List

Here at Angie Capri Photography, we have been loud and proud about being inclusive and LGBTQ friendly. We don’t discriminate!! We believe in documenting weddings and other important events without prejudice because we simply believe in love (damn it!!)…

Shockingly AND unfortunately, LGBTQ couples do still run into challenges (yes, even in the San Francisco Bay Area of all places – I know, it’s crazy) while searching for wedding vendors and venues who are LGBTQ friendly, and those who continually offer a warm, welcoming, fun and friendly experience.

This is why we’re compiling a list for our clients to make the wedding planning process as easy and as painless as possible (so they don’t feel like they need to “come out” to every vendor at every inquiry) while also giving these LGBTQ Friendly businesses the opportunity to identify themselves so that we can all support inclusive collaborators and partners!!

San Francisco Same Sex Marriage Equality Photoshoot 264

How to submit: E-mail us the following information by October 1, 2015 (of course we’ll continue to grow our list, so it’s never too late to submit. Once we have a substantial amount of new additions and as our schedule allows, we will gladly send an updated list to all participants):

  • Name of venue/vendor:
  • Name of best contact person:
  • Best contact information (website, address, phone, e-mail):

(Specifically vendors and venues in San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino County, Palo Alto, Los Gatos and in general across California: Monterey, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Diego)

October 15, 2015 update: A huge THANK YOU to all of the ladies who have connected us with amazing participants thus far:

  • Chanda Monique Daniels of A Monique Affair
  • Stephanie Hibbert of Chef Stephanie
  • Renée Flores of Mariée Weddings
  • Sarah Warner of Warner’s Whole Heart Events
  • Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll Makeup and Hair

Disclaimers:

  • By submitting your information and/or the information of those you are referring, you’re confirming you and they are interested in having their information added to our group referral list and to be included as a participant. If you are unsure, please contact them to confirm before submitting their information.
  • If your information has been added in error please contact us to request it’s removal, we will do so as soon as our schedule allows.
  • We will try our best to personally reach out to each participant – by e-mail or phone, an in person meeting, and/or touring their venue when ever possible, although this is not guaranteed.
  • Joining this list is open to the public, meaning anyone can submit their business information and become a participant. We have included our own referrals (those we have met and/or worked with previously) but we have not met or worked with every participant on the list. Whether we have met/worked with them or not, we take no responsibility for anyone’s behaviors or your experience with them in any capacity whatsoever.
  • Because some information included in this list may be personal and not intended for public use (such as but not limited to cell phone numbers and e-mails) as a participant you agree to keep this list among those who are included as participants on the list and their referrals or clients. You also agree not to share this publicly in order to avoid spamming etc.
  • As a participant, you agree to conduct your own independent research (as are we) to guarantee each participant is the right fit for your clients before referring anyone.
  • Clients who are given this list also agree to conduct their own independent research to guarantee any participant is the right fit for them.
  • As the creators of this list we reserve the right to remove any participant at any time per our discretion should we receive sufficient negative feedback and evidence about them from other participants or from clients, including but not limited to:
    • Spamming other participants or clients with an excessive amount of unwanted advertising, promotions, e-mails, etc.
    • Acting in such a way that is not in alignment with the “LGBTQ Friendly-ness” and spirit of this list
    • Not providing the highest quality of customer service and maintaining the highest level of professionalism with participants and clients

Cheers to happy networking, community building and taking a stand for what’s right :)

#loveislove #lovealwayswins

Thank you everyone!

Featured | Bay Area Classy and Curvy Boudoir Photography | Pretty Pear Bride

“Today we have a gorgeous boudoir shoot featuring an amazing curvy woman. It was so fitting to share this with you today as opposed as our usual Sexy Saturday because she has a motivation in her that belongs no where else than on Motivation Monday. She was truly an inspiration to me and I know she will be an inspiration for all those fellow plus size brides out there striving to be something that someone else wants them to be. Be comfortable in your skin and let Liz help you see that.” – Pretty Pear Bride

Vintage Inspired Boudoir Photography Featured on Pretty Pear Bride

 

Check out Liz’s classy empowering boudoir session and read her personal story of weight loss and transformation, click here.

The Team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Sequin linens: Candy Crush Shop //  Location: Gerlach Ranch, Martinez CA

Free Spirits Rejuvenate at Sagrada’s Yoga, Hiking, Wine and Chocolate Retreat | San Luis Obispo, CA

“After working really hard (and nearly nonstop) for 2 years – I found myself in serious need of a getaway where I could relax, rejuvenate, turn off any form of electronics – I needed a serious break from my computer, the internet and social media – of which I had no idea I’d have such a close relationship with when I started my business… Can you say #digitaldetox??

I’m adventurous, outdoorsy and a free spirit at heart. Luckily, a quick search turned up EXACTLY what I was looking for (and didn’t even know it). Lo and behold there was one spot waiting just for me at Sagrada Wellness’ Yoga, Hiking, Wine and Chocolate Retreat in San Luis Obispo, CA – I mean, could a gal like me ask for anything better?? I just don’t think so! But that wasn’t all, we also enjoyed some meditation classes and I tried my first sessions of qi gong and transformative acupuncture too.

In order to get the most out of my retreat once I arrived (since the human mind takes about 3 days to really relax and take a vacation), I decided to begin my trip a few days earlier and explored San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach areas to begin unwinding and sloooowing down…

I’m thankful I had the opportunity to enjoy this retreat and I definitely plan to visit again as soon as possible! I felt so well nourished by all of the delicious, fresh (and mostly vegan) cuisine we enjoyed throughout our entire stay, and adored every last loving detail and all of the wonderful cozy design elements combining rustic woods and metals – one of my personal favorite styles!

My experience was peaceful, positive, intimate and restorative. I was able to rest my mind, reconnect with myself and learn a thing or two about who I am becoming. I also took a step back to appreciate how far my business has come as well as gain clarity on the direction it’s going.

It’s so important to simplify and have those friendly reminders that baby steps are good things and better than BIG leaps sometimes (which is how I tend to travel through life)…

Thank you for a wonderful experience Sagrada!” – Recovering Overachiever (a.k.a. Angie Capri)

(More about Sagrada Wellness below gallery…)

“Our mission is to be a model of sustainability, a place where people renew, and remember the art of being. Our 45-acre mountain sanctuary is dedicated to peace and awakened doing. With the love and help of our family and community we strive to be a low impact business, supporting a positive planetary shift. We are 100% solar powered – fueled by the suns brilliant rays, committed to growing our own organic food, and living with feathery creatures that present us with qi filled eggs every morning.

We are stewards of this land and believe in the deeply sacred power of this place. With our sweet legacy, the fertile land and space, we honor the importance of living balanced and positive lives.

We are known for our world class yoga retreats in California in a breathtakingly beautiful and nurturing retreat environment. Our yoga retreats are very intimate in size allowing for plenty of one on one time with our gifted yoga and Pilates instructors, and allowing for a quiet and restful stay. Sagrada’s cuisine is colorful, local, and deliciously vegetarian, and almost 90% vegan. We are not restrictive in philosophy and enjoy a strong cup of coffee in the morning and tastings of our rich and luscious Central California Coast Wines in the evenings. Our all-inclusive yoga retreats are ideal for deepening your connection to yourself and your yoga practice.

The Vacation Rental is a newly constructed home designed by Co-owner and Architect Scott Currie. He has a contemporary, rustic, country aesthetic that offers guests a special place to reflect on peace and awareness in the ranches majestic and natural landscape. We invite you to spend your next retreat vacation with us at Sagrada Wellness. We pay great attention to detail and put tremendous love and enthusiasm into our business. We promise to host a special vacation for you that you are sure to remember.” – Sagrada Wellness

Featured | Custom Illustrated Portraits Inspired by Maternity, Boudoir and Wedding Day Photos

How special is it for one creative soul to inspire another?? Well, in all of this hustle and bustle of being a creative small business owner, it’s refreshing and energizing to know your work has landed and has inspired someone else, confirming there are people out there who are listening, who see you, who care.

I was thrilled and honored to receive this custom illustration from an image I shared on Instagram of one of our bohemian boudoir shoots.

Creating custom illustrations inspired by your maternity, boudoir or wedding day photos is a unique and genius way to create more beauty in your life and express another layer of your story. I knew I had to interview the woman behind it all to find out more – and as a thank you, share her story with the world!

Naava Katz creates “custom illustrated portraits for mothers, brides and other magical people” (how cool is that introduction!?). She’s able to capture and express such depth and meaning of her subject’s story in just one image.

Bohemian Bride Illustration

San Francisco Bay Area Boudoir Photography 133The team (pictured above): Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Illustration: Naava Online // Location scout and wardrobe styling: Angie Capri Photography // Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Hairstyling and model: DeShawna Phillips // Florist: Jaimee Leigh Events // Lingerie and nightwear: In Bloom by Jonquil // Garter: La Gartier // Venue: The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa, Livermore, California

Our interview with Naava Katz

Why do you love creating custom illustrations and why do you focus on women and “other magical people”?

I began noticing that “custom family portraits” were becoming popular on Etsy. I’ve been a designer for many years for businesses, but the idea of creating art for families really lit a spark in me. I like illustrating fashion and different character details. But what I was most drawn to – and possibly because I just had two babies in two years – was imagery that focused on love and special moments.

I began by illustrating photographs I found on Instagram that inspired me. Most of those images were women with their children or on their wedding day. Moments in life where the emotion speaks louder than any other detail. The bridal portraits were the first drawings I did where I had that Aha! moment. They weren’t just drawings of a woman in a dress. They were about the moment she said yes to one of the biggest decisions of her life. Where she felt so beautiful and so at peace. That segued into pregnancy images and mother and child.

When I felt like I found my groove, I launched my store on Etsy. I would also love to create these illustrations for editorials in magazines. Illustrations are a wonderful way to enhance a story or product.

How do you weave extra meaning into your projects?

To add to the emotion and the layout of my illustrations I like to add a 3D halo around the characters. Like a physical aura. I had trouble finding the perfect little gems that would sit well on the paper. But I finally found them in the nail art industry! They are so tiny I have to use special tweezers to pick them up and a fine tip glue pen. But they come in an array of colors and add an extra little shine to the drawings.

Where should people start when deciding who to choose for their custom illustrations?

I think it comes down to the style of art you’d like in your home. Some people want to find an artist who is very modern and graphic. Some people like cute comical characters. I’m more of a storyteller with my art and keep my lines very simple. Whatever you’re looking to have illustrated, first find an artist whose portfolio matches your taste.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by a lot of photography. Family portraiture and bridal photography has become such a beautiful art form. Artists behind the lens are really pushing their imagery to great heights. That inspires me to create illustrations that capture emotion and love the way a photograph can. Plus, this is exactly how I found you while searching for inspiration on instagram!

Next, read Naava’s superhero inspired interview with Cut Out + Keep (a blog about arts, crafts and full of tutorials) and check out their brand character “Crafterella” as designed by Naava (interview continues below gallery…)

Here’s more from Naava’s interview (which I just love!) with Cut Out + Keep!

Naava’s artistic career has been filled with adventures. From illustrating and writing children’s books, to designing stationery and hand-lettering cartoons, there is always a new project to take on. She is a producer, a maker, a creator and a teacher. In addition to raising two creative daughters (which has been her biggest project yet), Naava posts drawings about parenthood (and other magical things) on Instagram @naavaonline.

Have you always been creative and artistic?

Yes and yes. And yes again. I’ve always been an “art major” in every sense of the term: as a student, as a professional, as someone who doesn’t skip an aisle in a craft store. I have a “grocery list” in my phone, and I have a “things to draw” list. Guess which gets done first.

How would you describe the style of your work?

You reach a certain point in life when all of a sudden the most awesome things that happen to you seem to fly by so fast. Those are the moments that I like to draw. Illustrating those life experiences, especially as it connects to marriage or motherhood, is my way of slowing everything down.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

I would like to take this moment to officially say to my new Copic markers, where have you been all my life?? Not to be dramatic or nothing, but they have been life changing for my art. I will also accept any opportunity to use washi tape and glitter paint.

Who is your favorite superhero?

The 6 women my 2 girls are named after.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

I’m fine as is, but actually I would like my dog to have super powers so she could do some of the carpooling and perhaps a load of laundry.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I may be late to the party but I think Instagram is still amazing for artists. It’s like the whole world is sharing a studio together. If you curate your feed carefully, it can be such a great tool. It’s also shown me that most artists are up way too late.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

Lynn Johnston was my first art hero. Her cartoons were always sweet, funny, and loving. I consider her to be a major influence. I’m also a big fan of Katie Rodgers (fashion illustrator), Emily McDowell (greeting card designer), Rachel Ryle (stop motion animator) and Katie Daisy (painter). They’re all highly creative women with an inspiring work ethic.

Heart-Centered Energetically Awesome Small Business Owners (No Slackers) | Bay Area BNI Casting Call

San_Francisco_Bay_Area_Boudoir_Wedding_Photographer_17

Angie Capri Photography has joined our first BNI group and we are also one of the founding members! This is exciting because we have had the opportunity to help shape the membership of our group to reflect our core values. Our BNI group is based in Walnut Creek, CA. We call ourselves, “We Inspire!”

We are out to create something different, out of the box and less traditional. Very appealing to us, as other BNI groups we’ve visited in the past are typically more traditional, stuffy and kind of corporate feeling (yuck!).

Review an updated list of our members on the BNI SF Bay Website, click here.

“The vision of ‘We Inspire’ is to help each other build our businesses to their highest potentials through referrals. We build long term, meaningful relationships with each other and empower each other to become our best professionally and personally. Our chapter is passionate about giving back to our local community, nation and world. We believe that if everyone can contribute a little, much can be done, therefore we strive to create a community within our chapter that desires to give and serve. Our goal is to take this philosophy and vision to other BNI chapters and create a movement of volunteerism.”

Check out our brand new logo, created by Nerd Crossing (our IT peeps)!

BNI Logo We Inspire Walnut Creek CA

Who WE ARE, WHO should JOIN OUR GROUP, more about BNI:

We are looking for quality small business owners who are heart-centered, energetically awesome, inspiring, reliable, professional and outstanding to pass our referrals to, who are interested in and passionate about our mission as a chapter!

Review an updated list of our members on the BNI SF Bay Website, click here.

BNI is a business and professional networking organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization currently has over 7,100 chapters worldwide and last year, members of BNI passed over 7.1 million referrals which generated over $5 billion worth of business!

What makes BNI unique, is that it allows only one person per profession to join a chapter. Thus, once you become a member, none of your competitors can participate. You meet on a weekly basis with the same group of people. You’ll continue getting to know each other, building trust, relationships and incredible referrals that book!

“We Inspire” Meeting and BNI Membership Info:

  • “We Inspire” BNI meetings are every Thursday at 12pm for 1.5-2 hours
    • Many other groups meet at 7 or 8 a.m. yuck! (If you ask us…)
  • At The Elks Lodge: 1475 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek, CA
  • Parking is free and ample, make sure you arrive early to grab a spot!
  • $150 application fee (one-time fee), plus:
    • $445 for one year of membership (annual dues)
    • Or $685 for a two year membership
  • $100 or so for quarterly dues – this covers our meeting venue and the food (we are working out if/when we will begin offering or including food)
  • Attendance – You can miss up to 6 meetings in 6 months. You need to find a substitute to cover for you at least 3 of those times.
    • This may be worrisome for those of us who work alone, but it can actually be beneficial for you because if you can find a previous client or a colleague to substitute, this person can brag about you to everyone, talk about what their experience has been collaborating with you and/or hiring you!

If you would like to check out our group before joining, attending as a guest or subbing for an existing member, would be a great way to start:

  • Let a member (or us) know you are coming in advance so we get can you registered ahead of time and set you up for success!
  • Arrive 15-30 minutes early, sign-in, be ready to network, get situated.
  • The meeting runs 12:00pm-1:30pm.
  • Bring a lot of business cards, 30-50 would be great. They will get passed around during the meeting.
  • We (personally) stay until 2pm (or even 2:30pm) to connect, catch up and network – always a great idea to stay longer if you can.
  • Costs for guests/subs is complimentary at this time.
  • Eat lunch before the meeting, we do not currently offer or include food at this time.
  • Dress for success in professional business attire.

More tips on what to expect as a substitute or guest:

If you are a sub only: We use subs so that our spot in the group is represented when we are not present ourselves. During the meeting each member will have 15-30 seconds to introduce themselves and ask for a great and very specific referral for the week. Since the member you will be subbing for will be unable to attend, this is your most important duty as a sub. Ask the member you are subbing for to send you a statement you can read during this portion of the meeting. Bonus tip: Please practice this ahead of time, time yourself, to be sure you can share your message consistently and familiarize yourself with it.

As a guest, the above description would not apply for you. Instead the member who invited you will have 15-30 seconds to introduce you and your business (or you will be asked to introduce yourself), they’ll let us know during this time.

Later, members will share more about their, “one-to-ones,” “thank you for closed business,” and referrals’ for the week. During this time, guests and subs will have 15-30 seconds to say what they liked about the meeting/the energy of our group/the speakers (there are two every week). Or guests and subs can give a live testimonial about what their experience has been with the member who has invited them, from the perspective from being the members’ friend/colleague/client – which is always amazing and greatly appreciated!!

Bonus tip: Anytime you are speaking as a guest or a sub, be sure to get right to the point, keep it short and sweet, the whole meeting is timed and when guests or subs get carried away, it can impede the flow. Sometimes they ramble because they are nervous and/or they haven’t practiced and timed what they’re planning to say ahead of time LOL.

Towards the end of the meeting, guests and subs will leave the room with the membership committee, while the members talk about member type things. The membership committee will give guests and subs info about joining should they be interested and feel like it would be a great fit for them and their business. This is a great time to ask any questions they might have about membership. We are not pushy so just be honest (this is your first first time, just checking it out, or what ever you feel, etc.).

An exciting time for our chapter, celebrated our official launch party in July 2016 and growing rapidly!

We’d LOVE your help in filling the remaining available categories with heart-centered, energetically awesome and inspiring, super reliable, professional and outstanding small business owners!

Be warned that we are very picky! We are only interested in people who are interested in building long-term and meaningful relationships, interested in serving others and who are on their a-game! That means no slackers allowed! #sorrybutnotsorry

Review an updated list of our members on the BNI SF Bay Website, click here.

Check out our founding members and launch party photos!

(Updated: 9/29/16)

Featured | Bohemian Berry Inspired Boudoir Photographer | Southbound Bride

“Morning lovely ones! We’re starting off our day today with some boudoir inspiration that really encompasses the idea of natural beauty to me. Our subject looks so comfy, so happy and so beautiful! And she’s surrounded by gorgeous nature, and the most delicious light – spectacularly captured by photographer Angie Capri. The other things about it I adore, are the deep berry/jewel palette that comes through in the flowers, both bouquet and floral crown, which I think makes a drop dead amazing colour scheme for a wedding, as well as the ‘bride’s’ awesome curly hair.” – Southbound Bride

Southbound Bride Berry Boudoir Feature

Check out our bohemian berry inspired boudoir shoot featured over on Southbound Bride, click here!

Our latest photoshoot gives me chills! It takes place outdoors in an olive orchard in Livermore, California and is glowing in the most incredible sunlight, shot at sunset. It’s an empowering and magical bridal boudoir shoot filled with romance and radiates natural beauty. Our color palette is berry inspired (raspberries, blackberries and blueberries). Our magnificent flower crown and bouquet includes purple artichokes, chocolate cosmos, begonia, olive branches, roses and privet berry.

The team: Photography: Angie Capri Photography // Location scout and wardrobe styling: Angie Capri Photography // Makeup: The Makeup Movement // Hairstyling: DeShawna Phillips // Florist: Jaimee Leigh Events // Lingerie and nightwear: In Bloom by Jonquil // Garter: La Gartier // Venue: The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa, Livermore, California

Bay Area Networking Events: Angie Capri Photography Anniversary Party Highlights: Part 2

We would love to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful team of sponsors, helpers and guests who contributed their time and talents to make our anniversary party into an absolutely wonderful, fun and beautiful event!! All of our sponsors personalities and talents totally rocked in so many unique ways and we all made amazing new connections.

Presenting part two of our anniversary party highlights: Our beautiful brides, those gorgeous dresses designed by Rivini and Lian Carlo from Kinsley James Couture Bridal, and the brilliant bouquets are totally smokin’ hot set against our rustic industrial setting… I love watching such an eclectic mixture of design elements all come together in a beautiful cohesive work of art just like this!!

Learn more about how we pulled it all off, including event and detail design as well as our DIY tips over here in part one

Learn more about how we pulled it all off, including event and detail design as well as our DIY tips over here in part one

Our wonderful team of sponsors: Event Coordinator: Kelly Elissa Events // Event Photography: Sweetness and Light Photography // Hair and makeup: The Makeup Movement // Florist: Enchantment Floral // Wedding Gowns: Rivini and Lian Carlo Designs From Kinsley James Couture Bridal // Event Lighting: 3 Stage Lighting // Event Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals // Desserts: Fleur de Farine // Cotton Candy: Sweet Puff Candy // Chocolates: Something Sweet Chocolates // Event Signage & Calligraphy: A Quaint Soiree // Custom Garters: La Gartier

Find out more about our special gift with purchase from La Gartier for new wedding & boudoir photography clients in summer 2015