Silia's California by Kelly Kuvakas

Why in the world did I pack a bathing suit??  (Two, to be honest.) It’s COLD in California! 

When my friend Silia asked me several months ago if I’d consider photographing her daughter’s wedding in exchange for 2 weeks of sightseeing in her beautiful northern California, my response was a resounding “Yes! Yes! Yes!”  (Photos at end)

When I asked what to pack, Silia’s response - “layers” - meant packing camisoles, tanks, ¾ length sleeve sweaters – one black, one white – enough to cover the color spectrum conservatively, along with a couple pairs of capris and a pair of jeans for good measure. Perfect summer wear, with the exception of the heavy jeans.  I was ready to go --- or so I thought!

When Silia picked me up at the airport she promptly asked me if I had a sweatshirt or a coat.  Uhhhh…. No.  Sunny California – bathing suits, tee shirts - yes.  Sweatshirts, coats - no.  “I can always run into a Goodwill and pick one up if I need one” was my thrifty-shopper, albeit slightly-confused, used-to-East-coast-summer response. 

Little did I know, Silia and her hubby Mark had already bought an orange "Carmel" hoodie and included it in a beautiful welcome basket of teas, body wash and kettle corn. Such royal treatment!!  Such wisdom!  I would wear the sweatshirt almost every day of my 2 weeks of sightseeing! Cupertino itself was quite moderate but most everywhere else we traveled (including the beach) was a land of eternal Fall weather!

Friday I drove to the wedding site to get my bearings and later photographed the rehearsal. 

Mark, father of the bride, escorts Jacki, the bride at the rehearsal

Salad, pasta and cheesecake were in abundant supply at the rehearsal dinner making me and the two families happy pisanos.

Jonathan Andresen, serving up the fettucine

The next day’s dawn promised warmth and sunshine.  With the prayers of many of my friends backing me up - you always want to do a good job but even more so for people you love - the photography began.  The beautiful bride Jacki prepared herself

Silia, mother of the bride laces up the dress

Jonathan, Kimberly, Mark, Jacki, Silia, Lauren

while the handsome groom, Nate...

Katy, David, Nate, David, Renee, Laura

                                                   waited patiently...

for a glimpse of his soon to be wife.

Jacki's grandmother's locket

The wedding vows were given, rings exchanged (the real rings were left behind in a car so Mom and Dad’s wedding rings were substituted during the ceremony), tears were shed and wiped away while the promise of two lives becoming inseparable was evidenced by a salt ceremony, where Jacki and Nate would pour two vials of salt together into one container.  “This union cannot be divided until each one can identify their own grain of salt” or something similar was said.  Salt -- of the same color, texture, size and taste -- making it impossible to segregate, single out, separate.

The party celebrating the coming together of two lives 

marked the day with joy...

After the bride and groom drove away, we headed back home, excited but exhausted.  

The bride and groom honeymooned in Hawaii while I toured Northern California. 

Throughout the trip I've heard myself quietly saying "Oh my goodness" over and over again when confronted with the power and beauty of God’s incredible, living masterpieces.  I had one very special time of worship at the edge of the sea...

Below are some of my favorite images from the trip.  Some sights are man made, some God made.  In the spirit of Northern California, grab a sweatshirt and a cup of hot coffee.  I hope you will experience a refreshing, a retreat, maybe even a time of worship...