Surrounded by just a few family and friends Carla and Thomas exchanged vows in his Aunt’s backyard. It was a beautiful, simple, and intimate ceremony. There was no hiding Carla and Thomas’s excitement about getting married as they celebrated with their guest. This was proof that having a small affair can still be beautiful and meaningful. The decorations were great and I loved the brides dress. We had a lot of fun taking their pictures. Thomas is really in to soccer so we did some photos with his soccer ball. They also had a great drink called a guavatini. The guest were loving it.

Check out some images from their day. www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/slideshow/carlaandthomas

Its that time of year for Holiday Parties and was I able to have a really great time with some of the local photographers in my pug group. Normally we meet every month to talk and learn.  Not this time it was just all about having a good time as we went to Strike bowling in Cupertino. It was a really fun time and it was a great change of pace. All I can say is that none of us should give up our photography business for becoming pro bowlers. I don’t think any of us could of made a league but we sure had a great time. If your looking for something fun to do with friends this venue was great. They have these great red leather benches to wait your turn on and servers who bring your hearts desire right to the lane. They had other activities like pool and air hockey but we ran out of time. So check it out.

This by far had to be one of the most unique weddings that I’ve photographed.  It was so fun and they carried the theme out fantastic.  One of the fun things for me was that I got to wear jeans and tennis shoes and I fit right in.  Well, if I would of had cowboy boots that would of been fantastic.  Casey and Jessie were married overlooking a beautiful valley at the Brazil Ranch in Carmel, CA.  The view was spectacular and since it was a clear day in the distance you could see the ocean.  There was so many fun details from the simplicity of the flowers, the black wranglers and cowboy hats the groomsmen wore, tattoos of pistols, bride and bridesmaids in cowboy boots , and one of my favorites the old red truck.  Another great thing was the bbq menu and that they had a plate of pickles.  If you’ve ever been to the south or Texas for a BBQ then you know there is always pickles.  This crowd was so much fun to work with and they were game for pretty much anything.  Check out more of their photos below.

 www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/slideshow/caseyandjessiewedding

I just love these images!  There is just something magical about children and the fall.  Its amazing how they just can’t resist playing in the leaves.  It was such a beautiful afternoon in here in San Jose.  Check out more of their images on the link below.

 www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/slideshow/bellaandandrew

Roberta and Gary had a beautiful day to exchange vows at the Opera House in Los Gatos. I’ve photographed receptions there several times but never did the ceremony and reception. It was quite a celebration and the reception had a great theme of “Everything Chocolate.” I’ve never seen so much chocolate. It was like taking a tour of the Willy Wonka factory. It was great. They even handed out customized candy bars for all their guest.

www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/slideshow/robertaandgary

flowers by special event flowers www.ellenjanay.com

This couple just made me giggle. Happiness ooozed out of them all day long and it was contagious for everyone around them. I just love this photo and how her simple gesture just made him laugh. It was a beautiful ceremony at the family church and the reception was held at the Diablo Country Club in Alamo. The whole wedding had some great personal touches. Check out the grooms cake in the slideshow. It was a rubik’s cube with a deck of chocolate cards. It tells you a lot about their personalities. Below is a list of some of their vendors. So enjoy!

www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/slideshow/whitneyandbryanwedding

Vendors:

DJ was Brian and www.21stcenturysounds.com

Diablo Country Club  contact Scott Dowling 1(925) 837-4711

We had such a wonderful time photographing the Bradley family on a beautiful fall morning. I’ve had the oppurtunity to photograph the family several times in the last couple of years, and each time it has been a joy. One of the most fun was photographing the family of four. Kids this age are not know for sitting still so we went with the flow. What does every kid love to to do on a bed? Jump! I love the uniqueness of this family photo and the smile it brings to my face when I see it.

http://www.jilljohnsonphotography.com/bradleyfamily07

I can’t believe December is already here.  I’ve been so busy the holidays have just snuck up on me.  But I have to admit I’m one of those people who love this time of year.  The only thing I miss about living in California is the snow.  The first snowfall always got me into the Christmas mood.  But now we have our own tradition.  The first Saturday after Thanksgiving we head up to Boulder Creek to the Johnson Tree Farm.  This place is great and every year we have some of the same people and some new.  This year my in-laws were able to join us.  It was a lot of fun.  After having 10 people over to our place for Thanksgiving we had a lot of leftovers.  It was great we took a lot of it up to the farm, had a picnic, did a hayride, fed some goats, drank some hot cider, and of course we picked out our tree.  This year our tree’s name was Rosebud.  The boys love that the trees have names.  The last couple of years we let the boys help cut it down.  This year we saw if they could carry it.