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Karra and Jared
June 22, 2010
| Engagements
Tonight I met with Karra and Jared to talk about their wedding and shoot some engagement photographs. They are getting married in October at Paradise Springs, so it was fitting that we met there. Paradise Springs is a beautifully rustic mountain retreat, filled with various cabins and lodges - Karra knew after she visited that it was the perfect spot for their wedding and it's easy to see why.

We talked about their wedding plans and life in general for a while before touching the cameras. They live near Bass Lake, letting Karra and Jared live the life they want to live. They are constantly able to spend time outdoors and together.  How great is that?

Eventually I brought out the camera to create some art together. After a while at Paradise Springs we drove over to the Nelder Grove which is one of my favorite places for a local hike. We were only there for a few minutes before the mosquitos came after us even with a quick bath in bug spray. We finished up the day in an open meadow with gorgeous light on our way back down the hill.  

At the end of the day though, the story really comes down to Karra and Jared. To me, that's where these photographs really shine. Karra and Jared make these shots come alive with their tender touch and style. I know I have my favorite shot from tonight, what's yours?

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Beth Alberta says: Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Love them all Great work Patrick!!!!
Carol Cardinale-Ruiz says: Thursday, June 24, 2010

Beautiful Work as usual!!
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122
Erica and Brett
May 20, 2010
| Engagements
Erica and Brett are getting married this August just outside Yosemite at Tenaya Lodge. We attempted to do an engagement shoot up here a few weeks ago, but unfortunately the weather was no where near cooperative. So we traded in the serenity of nature for the familiarity of their home town San Francisco.

They have the most laid-back calming feeling about them. It's as if they have already been married for ten years or so and are about to embark on the next ten. Their interactions are always filled with kindness and love. They love living in the city, but also enjoy traveling together to both mountains and beaches far away. Both Erica and Brett have a strong love of art and both work in artistic fields.

Together we explored the Marin Headlands and their home neighborhood, including a a stop over at their favorite local store. We attempted to shoot at the Palace of Fine Arts, only to fine it closed - what's up with that? We talked about their plans for the wedding and life in general and let me tell you, this is an awesome couple.

It was a beautiful day in the city and their artistic side shines through in these pictures. I'm really excited for their wedding - they have some very unique plans! Oh yeah, they took advantage of my offer for free engagement photography - why haven't you?



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Ted says: Thursday, May 20, 2010

I love the voyeur shot the most! The bridge shot, did you run back there and just stalk them?
Anonymous says: Sunday, May 23, 2010

You guys look great! The pictures really show your true colors!
Anonymous says: Sunday, May 23, 2010

Whoops
Anonymous = Blake ; )
Claire Meadows says: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

LOVE. THEM!!!
TAMMY D says: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

AMAZING! I LOVE THEM ALL! CANT WAIT FOR THE BIG DAY!
Espo says: Saturday, June 19, 2010

Just think, years from now you both can say "Damn we look good" Amazing pictures...See you soon!!
Missy B says: Monday, July 26, 2010

Great photos, hot couple! love the various location choices. congrats.
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118
Erica and Brett: Sneak Preview
May 16, 2010
| Engagements | Previews

I just got back from a long weekend in San Francisco. Here's the proof: one from Erica and Brett's engagement session this afternoon. I really love this shot because it's a traditional shot in a traditional location, and at the same time, it's not. Tons more fun coming soon.

erica_brett-1.jpg

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derek lapsley says: Sunday, May 16, 2010

that's fan-freakin'tastic man!! dig it
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117
Austin and Mariah
May 14, 2010
| Engagements
Austin and Mariah live in Colorado and grew up in Los Angeles, but they are getting married next May in the small town of Groveland. Why Groveland you might ask? Well beyond the small towns beauty, Austin's family purchased a slice of land and built their dream home on it. Knowing how much the home means to their family and what it will mean in the future, Austin and Mariah decided to have their wedding right there at the house. In fact, the day that I met up with them, a large barn was just starting to be built to serve as a reception hall for the wedding. How cool is that?

Besides obviously having their priorities in order, Austin and Mariah compliment each other perfectly. The simple fact that they are planning their wedding at their parents house speaks volumes about them. And did I mention they are actually sharing the wedding planning responsibilities?

We all talked for a while about their wedding plans before heading outside for a few photographs. Despite being May it had snowed the night before and still wasn't too warm yet, but the meadow in front of their house was gorgeous! Everwhere I turned I kept seeing new ideas for great shots (but I have to save something for the wedding right?) in my head. Eventually we headed into town and even into a gold rush era bar. And best of all, despite having a nerve-inducing camera pointing at them they were always at home in each others arms.

After we were all done, I enjoyed some tasty mexican food in Groveland before heading home (thanks for the recommendation). I drove home with the feeling of making two new friends. Did I mention that Austin and Mariah took advantage of the free engagement photos that I am offering?

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Josephine says: Friday, May 14, 2010

BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Love them! XOOXOX
Carole Dougherty says: Friday, May 14, 2010

I love them all. But especially the one in the forest, the one on the red porch and the one in front of the blue wall. Patrick Pike has a great eye. And Mariah and Austin are a perfect couple. Aunt Carole
~Mariah~ says: Friday, May 14, 2010

Despite the cold weather, our crappy outfits, and me not feeling that well I think these pictures still turned out great. Artistic but real at the same time. I can't decide which one I like best - I like them all for different reasons. Thank you, Patrick, for being so patient with us and for finding such awesome moments. ~;0)

Sylvia says: Saturday, May 15, 2010

All fantastic shots of the real Mariah and Austin. I like that. Next time I want to see more of their beautiful eyes.
Stephanie says: Saturday, May 15, 2010

So sweet! I love the pictures!
Ciot says: Monday, May 17, 2010

These photos are lovely! I especially like the one with the huge tree in the background! I can't wait for the big day! I know the wedding will be fabulous!
Sarah says: Monday, May 17, 2010

So pretty!!! You both look so happy! Really beautiful.

PS- Love that Ciot said her name was Ciot :)
Patrick says: Monday, May 17, 2010

Thank you all soooo much! I love that you can all see Mariah and Austin's personality shining through these pictures.
Kelly Marie says: Thursday, May 20, 2010

These photos are pure joy! Love you Mariah and Austin!
LettyAnn says: Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Thanks for sharing these pics Mariah. They are beautiful and as they say a picture is worth a thousand words...
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09
Nancy and Josh
March 23, 2010
| Engagements

Nancy contacted me last year after she saw photographs from her friend's wedding that we had taken and just about hired me on the spot. This past weekend we met in the afternoon at the Beach Chalet, where Golden Gate Park meets the Pacific, for an engagement session. Outside of phone conversations, it was the first time we all had the chance to meet each other, so it was great to talk with them face to face. It quickly became evident to me that having a camera follow them around was going to push them outside of their comfort zone. But hey, it's my job right?

We traveled through the city and then to the Marin Headlands, with a quick stopover to view a small bridge. It's always a bit of a challenge to me to come to some place so iconic as this and do something that doesn't look like a replica of everyone's tourist photos.

I know there are lots of images here, but I made a slideshow with even more photos. It's work and all, but there's nothing like getting to know a couple and spend the day with them creating memories. One thing is for certain, I can't wait for the wedding! See you both soon!

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Ted says: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Pat,

These, as with your other work, are just so inspirational!!
paula leme says: Monday, April 12, 2010

you new blog looks amazing, i love it! and congrats on the awesome images :)
Matthew Saville says: Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The new blog is awesome! Love those intothedarkroom ppl...

Great images in this session of course. The rim light on that 4th one is magic!

=Matt=
Patrick says: Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Thanks everyone! I couldn't be happier with they process or the finished product. This is the perfect platform to show our hard work!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Nancy and Josh . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://patrickpike.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/8