Are you newly engaged and wondering where to start? The first two vendors to book: your venue and photographer. To start, it’s a good idea to make a list of what to look for when you’re venue shopping.  Here are some of mine:

Does it have an indoor option? I’ve shot multiple weddings where it’s hailed and rained in Spring and Summer months. It’s a must to have a backup location. In the hottest months, is the reception area air conditioned or are there areas with misters? It can be pretty miserable if you and your guests don’t have a place to escape the heat. The same goes for cooler months. Do they provide portable heaters and/or set up bon fires? What’s their food like? See if you can schedule a tasting like you would for cake. If you prefer to hire your own catering choice, like a food truck (which is super fun) do they allow it?

All of the venues listed below checked these must-haves off my list. 

Red Hawk Golf and Resort | Sparks, Nevada

Brittney and Fred’s wedding took place at Red Hawk in Sparks, near Reno. This venue offers a beautifully designed landscape with plenty of greenery in the middle of a high desert climate, like an oasis. You can get ready in one of their large houses and get rides on golf carts when you need to get somewhere quickly.

Fairview Napa | Napa, California

Kenna and Ky said I do at Fairview Napa where their ceremony had a view of a lovely golf course. We took a golf cart at sunset and captured some gorgeous moments in a vineyard and then over to a huge oak in a spacious landscape.

Flower Farm Inn | Loomis, California

Renee and Connor had their wedding at the Flower Farm Inn, complete with a glammed out barn with all of the AC on a hot day you could dream of. The ladies had their own two story Victorian farm house to get ready in. The guys had the smaller house next-door. Being on a farm, there are so many great spots for portraits, especially when the farm has a vineyard on site. :)

The Outdoor Art Club | Mill Valley, California

Bianca and James were wed at The Outdoor Art Club in the heart of Mill Valley. There are so many lovely old trees and greenery, you would never know it. You truly feel like you’re in a story book with the gorgeous gardens and redwoods surrounding the historic cottage. Elegant, magical, and so cozy.

Heriloom Inn | Ione, California

Krystal and Dylan were married at Heirloom Inn, an amazing property built in the 1800’s. With its lovely gardens and historic house, Heirloom takes you back in time to a different era. When the sun sets, the lights come out and sparkle behind the ceremony arch, above the dance floor and dining areas, and throughout the grounds.

The Barn at Second Wind | Sacramento, California

Sarah and Jon siad I do at The Barn at Second Wind, located along the Delta. When you get there, it feels like you’re far from any city, when it’s actually extremely close to the cities surrounding Sacramento. The ceremony took place under a giant of a tree, the reception at the glammed out barn next-door. We walked down the road and up a hill to find a lovely location to shoot romantics with a view of the delta. We also had access to all of their lovely vintage furniture and vineyard.

Bear Valley Lodge | Bear Valley, California

Last but not least is Kathryn and Troy’s wedding at Bear Valley Lodge in Bear Valley. Before the ceremony, we had the perfect cloudy, soft light for portraits at an amazing lookout before a storm arrived. After portraits, their ceremony took place at the ever-cozy lodge with a roaring fire behind them, providing warmth and ambiance. A lodge in the middle of a forrest, close by an epic outlook over mountains? Yes Please! I’ll bring the cider, whiskey, and s’mores. ;)