I've moved!

I have a new blog! I'm really excited about the look and feel- I think it reflects me so much more than this one. I won't be posting here anymore, so please change your bookmark to:
http://www.lilidurkinblog.com/

I hope to see you there!

Serendipity

This morning I went over to the coast to meet up with a potential bride and groom in Half Moon Bay. It was one of those glorious mornings on the coast- the temperature was perfect, skies blue, no wind, and not a cloud in sight. As I spoke with this couple, it was so lovely to see the way they looked at each other, their adoration for each other was so apparent. I love seeing that, just another reason I so love what I do- I get to see people when they are so in love, full of hope, brimming with excitement about their future together. It reminds me how fortunate I am to have found that with Jesse.

The lovely couple I met with booked me on the spot. (Yay!) Their reception will be held at the Oceano Hotel and Spa. I hadn't heard of this venue, so when we were done meeting, I headed up to the Oceano to check it out. It is amazingly gorgeous. While it has only been open a year, I can see that this will be a hugely popular place to get married. Located near Pillar Pointe Harbor, it has shops and restaurants steps away. The wedding garden is quite picturesque and the venue has several options for ceremonies and reception locals including tenting the lawn.

Don't you love it?


After checking out the Oceano, I walked to the Harbor Shops next door. This is a small mall with only about 5 shops open now, but they are working furiously to open the other shops as well. The ceilings of this small mall are glass, so you can imagine the light inside is wonderful. I came across a store called Savvy Skirts. I met Sheri Olson, one of the owners and she is a delight! She and a girlfriend started this store as a way to honor their late friend who had died suddenly of Lymphoma. In their friend's name, they donate part of their profits to the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society. I could have spent a lot of money in there, but managed to restrain myself and just get a couple little things- but I'll be back! This is a great spot to get gifts for the women in your life- girlfriends, new moms, bridemaids, brides, even flower girls. Sheri does invitations there as well, and can help you come up with custom touches for your day. She is so friendly with a bright personality. Sheri, I loved stumbling upon your store today!

Field Trip

This past week I got to be a driver for my daughters field trip to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. I was excited to check it out, especially since I will photograph a wedding there this fall. We had some rain, but not too much. The kids had a great time preparing a snack for the goats and feeding them, looking at chickens, turkeys, cows, sheep and going on a train ride. For those of you that have kids, it is a wonderful place to take your children! For information on getting married there, click here. Enjoy your weekend- stay dry and healthy!

Janice and Robert- an engagement

This past Saturday morning, Janice, Robert and I met up for an engagement session at Santana Row. It was cold, but beautiful out and we were able to get some great photos. Here are a few from the session as well as a slideshow. Thanks again Janice and Robert!!!



I love this one of Janice.




If you would like to see more, here is the slideshow!

Janice and Robert: Sneak Peek

This past Saturday, I finally got to meet Janice and Robert who had booked me over the phone. They are goofy and fun, we really had a good time out at Santana Row. Here are a couple images with more to come!

Priscilla and Brandon E-Session Part 2

Here are a few more pictures from our picturesque session.




Thank you Priscilla and Brandon! I really enjoyed getting to know you more and I am looking forward to your wedding in a couple of months! And now, onto the slideshow!

Priscilla and Brandon: E-Session Part 1

Last weekend I had a great time photographing Priscilla, Brandon and their little puppy Tahoe. They were so sweet together!


Isn't her ring fabulous?

Priscilla and Brandon: Sneak Peek

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing Pricilla, Brandon and their beautiful pup Tahoe on a trail in Almaden. Here is a little peek of what will come later this week.

Shannen and Jason

Here are a few more pictures and the slideshow for Shannen and Jason's e-session last weekend. It was so much fun, I really had a great time editing the photos and re-living the moments of that afternoon. Shannen and Jason, your love shines so brightly- congrats to you both!



What a gorgeous ring! Jason picked it out all on his own- wow!




And if you haven't had enough.... here is the slideshow.

Shannen and Jason: Sneak Peek

Today was such a gorgeous day in the city. The sky was a dreamy blue and crystal clear. I was so happy to get to spend it with Shannen and Jason. I love the way they make each other laugh, the love between them is obvious. They are funny and genuine and I am so looking forward to their May wedding! I had a blast with them today. Thank you both for letting me document your love!

Panya and Sean: Sneak Peek

Here are a couple shots of the bride and groom I photographed this past weekend. More to come!

Greta and Jeff: E-Session

With all the rain we had this week, I am realizing how lucky Greta, Jeff and I were last weekend to have a break in the weather to get out and shoot their engagement session over in Half Moon Bay. Looking through these photographs makes me smile, remembering a great morning on the coast! Thank you Greta and Jeff for letting me share it with you!



Greta loves rocks- and not just the shiny kind you wear on your finger. ;) She found this one on the beach that morning- makes a pretty perfect ring holder, don't cha think?


Jeff had a clever little trick to get Greta laughing- it involved a little pinch- I love how his face looks just a tad bit guilty in this one. :)








If you want to see more, here is a little slideshow I put together. Enjoy!

Greta and Jeff: E-Session Sneak Peak

I had so much fun this morning with Jeff and Greta over on the coast. I know sleep sounded so good this morning to both of them, but they were troopers and met up with me bright and early for the nice morning light. Ummm... how stunning of a bride will Greta make?

Happy Engagement Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope each and every one of you have a love filled day! We enjoyed a COLD picnic up at a winery with some friends today. The kids might have stayed all day, but us grown ups were wimps and had to wrap it up after an hour or so! Why don't kids ever get cold? I thought the wine would keep the big people cozy- it helped, but it was cold out there people! Enjoy your day, but remember to tell the one's you love how much you care about them everyday- not just today!

If you know someone who got engaged today, pass my info along- I love photographing the love story of a wedding!

New Slideshows Coming!

I am so excited to be using ShowIt slideshows to showcase my photographs. I will be using them lots this summer for weddings, but thought I would try it out here on my blog using a few photos from a family session I did last month at Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards in Saratoga. Give it a little time to load. Enjoy!

A few Helpful Vendors

So last week when I was at the wedding faire at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley, I had the opportunity to meet a few vendors that may be of great use to you.
First and foremost, let's talk cakes because who doesn't love cakes? La Farine Bakery in Oakland has some really, really delicious cakes. Wedding cakes aren't always the tastiest cakes in the world, but the cakes from La Farine are scrumptious! My favorite was the Jezebel- it is an almond genoise cake soaked in Ameretto (are you drooling yet?), filled with rich chocolate mousse and apricot jam and finished with vanilla buttercream frosting. Part of me is sad that I don't live closer- but I know if I did I would be in trouble!

If you are planning a destination wedding or need help planning an exotic honeymoon, Rebecca Gardner at the travel store is your lady. Not only can she guide you towards wonderful locations and hidden gems, but she can help you plan your activities and point you to great restaurants. She can even help you set up a registry so that your guests can gift you honeymoon activities and dining experiences. How great is that? I have to say I am a little jealous of her job as she gets to "try out" different locations so she can guide her brides properly. Her email is rebecca.g@travelstoreusa.com

I'm Back!

Whew- ok so I was MIA for a while... a long while, but here I am back into the blogging swing of things! First of all.... if you have any reason to be in Columbus, Ohio this coming Friday, January 30th you need to go to Filene's Basement!

Filene's Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to home goods, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.

How many gowns are there?
There will be 1500-3000 gowns!


How much do they cost?
$249, $499 and $699.


What were the original prices?
$900 to $9,000 plus!

If you can't make the 30th in Columbus, there are several other events coming up in their other locations. Too bad none of then are in the SF Bay Area! here are the other locations and dates:

February 20th- Boston, MA
February 27th- New York, NY
March 20th- Atlanta, GA

OK, now that that is out of the way. A huge THANK YOU!!!!! to all the lovely brides, grooms, mother's of the brides, and friends of happy couples whom I met this weekend at the Modern Bridal Fair in Berkeley. I am looking forward to photographing many of your weddings this upcoming Summer and Fall! The Claremont Resort and Spa was a beautiful location- I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy their spa!

I had some great booth neighbors. Chad from Hotel Monaco in San Francisco was so fun and friendly. Get ahold of him if you want to book your wedding at this Boutique Hotel or even have your out of town guest stay there. It is gorgeous and in such a terrific location- 2 blocks off Union Square!

On my next blog, I will hook you up with a great contact for planning your destination wedding or honeymoon and with a fantastic event planner.