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Nicole Blumberg

Northern California
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Jennifer and Josh’s wedding | Clear Lake, CA

March 11, 2018

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A Clear Lake Wedding Photographer’s Look Back: Jennifer and Josh at Ceàgo Vinegarden

As a Clear Lake wedding photographer, I find some weddings stick with you for years, and this is one of them. Jennifer and Josh got married on the shores of Clear Lake at Ceàgo Vinegarden, a Mediterranean-style biodynamic estate in Nice, CA that’s since closed to the public — which makes revisiting this gallery feel a little more special. Lavender fields, olive groves, a working vineyard, and a lakefront pier gave the whole day a warmth that’s hard to manufacture, and Jennifer and Josh brought just as much warmth themselves.

Getting Ready by the Lake

The morning started separately and relaxed — Jennifer getting her hair and makeup done surrounded by her bridesmaids, Josh and his groomsmen pouring whiskey and needling each other over neckties. Josh’s side got ready with a lake view worth lingering over, looking out over the water and pier from a balcony before the day really got moving.

Rows of vineyard vines with golden hillsides rising behind under a clear blue sky at Ceàgo Vinegarden, photographed by this Clear Lake wedding photographer
White papel picado banner strung beneath a wrought-iron chandelier against rammed-earth walls and wood beams
Bride in a pink robe reading on a tablet, and a hand holding a handwritten letter
Sparkly rose-gold peep-toe heels and a beaded bracelet displayed on a wooden crate
Bridal bouquet of white roses and greenery resting on a dark wood table
Black-and-white close-up of glittery peep-toe heels with ankle straps on a wooden crate
Close-up of two crystal drop earrings resting on a bundle of dried lavender
Black-and-white close-up of the bride applying lipstick, her face lit against a dark background
Two young girls with braided half-up hairstyles, one smiling forward, one in profile
Two young girls in cream lace dresses with braided hair sitting together in an arched doorway
Black-and-white photo of a shirtless groomsman laughing while shaving, and another fixing his hair in a mirror
Groom in an open white dress shirt smiling as he buttons his cuffs in a bedroom
Black-and-white photo of a groomsman holding a drink, and whiskey being poured into glasses
Black-and-white photo of a groomsman in sunglasses, and glasses of whiskey lined up on a bar
Black-and-white image of three groomsmen in white dress shirts laughing together while one adjusts his tie
Two groomsmen in white dress shirts, one helping the other tie a khaki necktie in a kitchen
Groomsman seen from behind in a white shirt and tan tie, others reflected in the mirror
Two groomsmen in white dress shirts, one adjusting his tie, the other smiling while holding a drink
Close-up of a groomsman's legs in dress pants, holding black dress shoes over gray socks
Black-and-white photo of the bride in a white robe smiling, standing in a doorway getting ready
Wedding dress hanging in a doorway beside a window; bridesmaid helping fasten the bride's backless gown by a fireplace
Close-up of hands lacing the back of the bride's dress; bride holding glittery gold peep-toe heels
Black-and-white close-up of the bride adjusting her strapless dress, hair in an updo with a pin
Black-and-white photo of a flower girl in a lace dress with hands clasped, watching the bride get ready
Bride having her hair styled from behind, then viewed in a mirror, in black and white
Black-and-white diptych of the bride in her backless gown, one shot from behind, one a close profile portrait
Black-and-white portrait of the bride glancing over her shoulder, backless dress, hair in an updo with a hairpin
Black-and-white photo of the bride seated in an armchair holding her shoes, in a full lace gown
Black-and-white photo of a bridesmaid kneeling to adjust the bride's garter near glass doors
Close-up of a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whisky on a glass table
Groom in a suit on a balcony overlooking Clear Lake and its pier, adjusting his cufflink
Groom in a dress shirt and tie holding a bottle on a porch; a bridesmaid on a balcony in black and white
Portrait of seven groomsmen in dark suits posed together indoors near a rustic table
Portrait of three groomsmen in white shirts and ties seated around a rustic wine-barrel table
The bride with six bridesmaids in blush dresses posing together indoors
The bride in a beaded gown and long veil walking down an outdoor breezeway

A Ceremony That Blended Traditions

Jennifer and Josh’s ceremony took place outdoors under a flower-draped arbor, with guests welcomed by a hand-lettered chalkboard sign and a ring bearer carrying a “Here Comes the Bride” placard down the aisle behind the flower girl. The ceremony itself blended traditions beautifully — Josh wore a kippah, and the couple shared a cup of wine with their officiant — and when they finally kissed, their guests cheered them on waving pink pom-poms.

Guests at a "Welcome to Jennifer & Josh Wedding" chalkboard sign at Ceàgo Vinegarden, taking photos with instant cameras
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and a floral arbor under trees
Ceremony structure of four greenery-and-white-flower-wrapped poles in terracotta pots, holding white fabric, under oak trees
A purple and pink bouquet, a unity candle with a cross, and a watercolor tree artwork on an easel
Black-and-white photo of the groom walking down the aisle arm-in-arm past cypress trees and a terraced hillside
Black-and-white close-up of a guest kissing near lavender bushes as another guest photographs them
Close-up of the flower girl in a white lace dress carrying a ribboned basket of petals down the aisle
A young ring bearer in suspenders and a bow tie holds a hand-lettered "Here Comes the Bride" sign on the aisle
Hands holding a small wooden ring box, and the ring bearer holding it outdoors
The bride in a strapless gown walks down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father, holding a white rose bouquet
Black-and-white close-up of the groom wiping his eye with a handkerchief at the altar
Black-and-white view from behind of the veiled bride walking the aisle past seated guests under trees
Black-and-white close-up of the bride's father placing her hand into the groom's at the floral-draped altar
The aisle lined with guests under trees, and the couple sharing a cup of wine with the officiant
The bride and groom, who wore a kippah, hold hands before the officiant under a white-rose floral arch
The couple at the floral arch with their officiant in a red stole, potted flowers nearby
Black-and-white close-up of hands holding wedding ceremony program cards printed with the couple's names
The groom, in a kippah, raises then drinks from a wine glass beside the bride and officiant at the arch
Black-and-white image of the bride reaching toward a small table with a candle as the officiant looks on
Wide shot of the ceremony aisle with greenery-wrapped columns, seated guests, and the couple walking with attendants
Pink floral maraca wedding favor tied with ribbon, tagged "shake me at the kiss," resting on a wooden folding chair
The bride and groom kiss under a floral-draped arch beside a large tree at Ceàgo Vinegarden
Guests cheer and raise pink pom-poms as the bride and groom kiss under a tree during the ceremony
Rear view of seated guests waving pom-poms as the bride and groom stand at the end of the aisle
Close-up of the bride and groom embracing and kissing under the floral arch
Black-and-white photo of the newlyweds walking hand-in-hand back up the aisle past smiling guests
A purple and white flower arrangement in a terracotta vase; a patio umbrella over large clay urns
A candle centerpiece on a wine bottle atop a table runner; a floral centerpiece with a numbered table card
Outdoor reception with round tables, wooden chairs, and string lights under a covered pavilion at dusk
A long table set with candles and bread baskets, shown in two different lighting setups
A colorful triangle escort-card banner on a stone wall; a chalkboard wedding menu sign on an easel
A colorful triangle banner on a stone wall; a guest in a pink dress holding a wine glass, smiling
A musician playing acoustic guitar outdoors, shown in color and black and white
Black-and-white photo of a guest holding two wine bottles at a tasting counter as another reaches for a glass
Black-and-white images of a drink being poured from a tap, and a guest with a surprised expression
A guest in a suit at the bar counter with a cocktail and a champagne flute, making a funny face

Golden-Hour Portraits: A Clear Lake Wedding Photographer’s Favorite Light

This is where Ceàgo Vinegarden really showed off. We wandered through vineyard rows and lavender fields, past an old wooden cart and the estate’s hacienda-style buildings, all the way down toward the lake, chasing the kind of golden-hour light that photographers dream about. Josh carrying Jennifer through the lavender at sunset is still one of my favorite frames from this whole gallery.

The bride and groom walking hand-in-hand through an olive grove, shown from two angles
Black-and-white photo of the bride and groom standing close, smiling at each other under olive trees
The groom carrying the bride through a lavender field at sunset, with sun flare in the background
The bride and groom embracing forehead-to-forehead in a field at dusk
The bride and groom kiss beside a wooden door on a stucco building with a terracotta tile roof at Ceàgo Vinegarden
Close-up profile of the bride and groom nose-to-nose, her hair swept into a low bun with a jeweled clip
The bride and groom smile at each other in front of weathered wooden barn doors
Backlit sunset portrait of the bride and groom embracing forehead-to-forehead with trees silhouetted behind them
The groom lifts the bride off the ground for a kiss, backlit by a dramatic golden sunset
The groom carries the bride across a trimmed lavender field in warm sunset light, a signature shot from this Clear Lake wedding photographer
The bride and groom walk hand in hand down a gravel path toward Ceàgo Vinegarden's Mediterranean-style hacienda buildings
The bride and groom stand hand in hand between lavender rows, looking back toward the camera, hacienda buildings behind them
The bride and groom pose near an old wooden cart, lavender rows and Clear Lake visible in the background
Black-and-white photo of the bride and groom, her dress low-backed, walking away along a palm-lined walkway
The bride and groom cheer with arms raised, laughing, in a rustic wooden doorway

A Reception Full of Personality

The reception had the kind of personality that makes a wedding memorable — string lights strung over round tables, colorful papel picado banners hung under a chandelier in a rustic, concrete-walled space, and toasts that had the whole crowd laughing. There was a three-tier cake, a bouquet toss under lantern light, and by the end of the night Josh’s friends had hoisted him up onto their shoulders. It was that kind of party.

A bridesmaid giving a toast, and guests raising wine glasses at candlelit outdoor tables
Wide overhead view of the outdoor reception at Ceàgo Vinegarden, with string lights, vineyard rows, and Clear Lake in the distance — a favorite shot for any Clear Lake wedding photographer
Black-and-white photo of a guest laughing at the candlelit head table
Black-and-white photo of a guest speaking and holding papers, others laughing beside her at the table
A guest holds a microphone speaking at the reception, lavender field and Clear Lake behind them
Black-and-white photo of a guest speaking into a microphone beside another guest at the candlelit table
Black-and-white night photo of the outdoor reception under string lights against a stucco building
Three-tier round wedding cake with white icing and a blush lace band, displayed beside a wine barrel
Close-up of the engagement ring and wedding band resting on a succulent plant
Black-and-white photo of the bride and groom embracing closely against a stone block wall
The bride and groom dancing under a chandelier and papel picado banners in a rustic, concrete-walled space
Black-and-white side view of the bride and groom in a close embrace against a textured stone wall
Black-and-white photo of guests laughing and posing together at the reception
The groom and bride laughing together with a large champagne bottle, then celebrating with guests on the dance floor
The bride and groom kissing on the dance floor at night with string lights and guests in the background
Black-and-white photo of groomsmen dancing and cheering, one waving a jacket overhead
Black-and-white photo of the bride dancing with arms raised among guests under hanging paper banners
Black-and-white photo of the bride and groom laughing and dancing with arms raised among cheering guests
Black-and-white photo from behind of the bride in her open-back gown, facing the reception crowd
The bride tossing her bouquet backward to a crowd of guests in a lantern-lit venue at night
Black-and-white photo of the groom removing the bride's garter while she laughs, surrounded by bridesmaids
Black-and-white close-up of a guest dancing with a napkin tied around his head, papel picado banners overhead
Black-and-white overhead shot of the groom being lifted and carried by guests at the reception
The bride and groom standing together in a lavender field at golden-hour sunset — a lasting memory captured by this Clear Lake wedding photographer

Still One to Remember

Ceàgo Vinegarden may be closed now, but Jennifer and Josh’s wedding is proof of how special this stretch of Clear Lake was for a wedding day — and honestly, still is. If you’re planning a wedding anywhere around Lake County or Northern California wine country, I’d love to talk with you as your Clear Lake wedding photographer. Take a look at what it’s like to work together, and get in touch here — I’d love to hear what you’re picturing.

+ COMMENTS

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  1. JC Page says:
    March 11, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    Nicole – this is so good. You captured everything so beautifully – I bet your clients are delighted – bellissimo!

    Reply
  2. Leann says:
    December 18, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Hi!
    Do you do small packages for weddings? We are just looking for a photographer for a few hours on our big day (June 21st, 2014). Our wedding is located in the Mendocino Forest (Lucerne, CA). It’s a small, semi-casual, all out-door wedding which will consist of a small ceremony and a huge reception. We would just like to capture a few candid shots, the venue/decor, formals with the bride & groom (+ family). Please let me know if you would be interested in quoting something for us!

    Thank you for your time,

    Leann

    Reply

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