Uncategorized Archives - Essence Photography | California Photographer | capturethestory.com

Engagement Session- San Francisco, CA

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 22:46:48 +0000

We had such an amazing time this past weekend photographing these two love birds! We absolutely love Engagement Sessions. They are such an incredible opportunity to start building relationship with our clients, and prepare for their big day! We celebrate their love, create beautiful photos, laugh a lot, and make an adventure of the whole experience!

We hope you enjoy a glimpse into this beautiful bay area engagement session as much as we enjoyed photographing it!

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Kristen & Michael- Palms Event Center in the Vineyard- Pleasanton, California Wedding

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:37:10 +0000

The first wedding of 2019 was A M A Z I N G! This wedding was located in Pleasanton California at the Palms Event Center in the Vineyard. A STUNNING backdrop for any wedding. This couple was so fun and from the moment Justin and I arrived we knew it was going to be an incredible day. I was warmly greeted by Kristen (the bride) and her group of loving bridesmaids and family.

I was loving this adorable letter board. I love when couples add little details like that, so I had to make sure we grabbed some photos highlighting their creativity!

This mother daughter moment was so beautiful. The brides mother was radiant and kind. You could truly sense the joy and celebration this entire group brought to the day!

One of our favorite things about the Palms Event Center is this incredible, romantic barrel room…. the lights are low, and it just feels so intimate. We love the floral and candles accents this couple added to the day!

This cathedral veil though…. you guys…. this is one of my favorite things to work with…. it’s just magical! (Hence the overload of veil shots below).

Since this wedding was in the midst of winter the vineyards take on a completely different look and feel. We loved how these turned out.

WE LOVE these twinkle lights… I mean lets be real… who doesn’t love twinkle lights!

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J&B Love Story David Girard Vineyard- Placerville, Ca Wedding Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 18:25:46 +0000

We’ve had such an incredible love filled wedding season! As we’re finally approaching the finish line for the year (one month left) I’ve had some time to start reflecting on the year, and sharing some of the beautiful Love Stories we’ve had the honor of capturing!

This wedding at David Girard Vineyards, in Placerville, CA was amazing. WE LOVE working at David Girards, everyone is amazing, and the light at this venue is out of this world!

We hope you enjoy looking through these images as much as we do!

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Sophia & Jesse – Gover Ranch, Anderson California Wedding

Betsy Erickson — Tue, 08 May 2018 21:16:29 +0000

Wedding Season is Here!

Happy 2018! Wedding Season has begun, and we’ve hit the ground running. We’ve already photographed SO many beautiful love stories. We are so excited to start sharing some of the incredible celebrations we’ve had the honor of capturing!

Today’s blog is an incredible joy filled wedding located here in beautiful northern california. The ceremony took place in Red Bluff, and the reception was located at Gover Ranch. Enjoy a glimpse into this beautiful day!

We loved working with an incredible vendor team! Shout out to…

Carats & Confetti – WOW these ladies know how to pull of a fantastic celebration!

The Floranthropist- STUNNING floral, amazing as always!

Gover Ranch- Always love this incredible garden venue

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Lexi & Jon – Vacaville California Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 25 May 2017 23:55:08 +0000

Happy day it’s almost summer! We’ve been working NON stop the last couple of months, and we can’t way to start sharing more of the beautiful Love Stories we’ve been capturing all around Northern California.

Today’s BEAUTIFUL couple had their wedding at a private estate located in beautiful Vacaville, California. We worked with an incredible team (Listed below) and days like this one remind us why we love doing Wedding Photography.

We hope you enjoy a glimpse into this beautiful wedding, as much as we loved photographing it!

Coordinator | Alluring Events & Design

Video | Classic City Films

Florist | Dixon Florist

Rentals | Blossom Farm Rentals & Celebrations Rentals

Makeup | April Lopes

Hair | Noelle Radosevich

DJ | Ron Landaker

Signs | Chalk and Design

Catering | Buckhorn Catering

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Alyssa & Cheyne – Fairfield, California Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 20:17:43 +0000

I am so excited to be sharing this amazing wedding with you. Justin and I loved meeting this couple, and knew right away we were going to love capturing their celebration! They’re both kind, genuine, and fun to be around. They set the tone for their day beautifully, and we are so honored that we were able to capture it.

We also really loved working with such INCREDIBLE wedding vendors. Thank you team, you are all amazing at what you do.

Coordinator: Alluring Events & Design

Make Up: April Lopes

Hair: Noelle Radosevich

Venue: Green Valley Country Club, Fairfield CA

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Allison + Amit {Gover Ranch Love Story} – Anderson, California Wedding Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 19:08:14 +0000

Our first wedding of 2016 is here! We had such an incredible time at this love filled celebration! Every detail was beautiful and thoughtful. We’re so thrilled to share this little preview with you, and we can’t wait to photograph all the amazing Love Stories this year!

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Goodbye 2015…. & a few of my favorite things- California Photographers Justin + Betsy Erickson

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:56:03 +0000

As 2015 winds down, and I sit on my couch drinking my yummy maple latte, and reflecting on this past year, one word comes to mind, Grateful. Justin and I have SO much to be grateful for. We’re grateful for our 4 beautiful children, all healthy and brimming with personality and life. We’re grateful for our home in Northern California, that’s full of peace, and the perfect retreat for our family (as much as a home can be a retreat with 4 kids). We’re grateful for this business, that started as a humble dream, and grew to an overwhelming passion. We’re grateful for our clients, you’ve gone out of your way to show us love and support, to send kind text messages, and to tell all your friends about us, and without YOU we wouldn’t be here.

Every year we’re overwhelmed with the clients we encounter, and every year we think WOW that was an amazing year, how could we ever top that?! YET somehow every year, it happens, we meet new wonderful clients, catch up with old ones. This business, our life continues to grow in richness and joy. I don’t want to sit here and pretend it’s all easy all the time, in fact it’s often hard, owning a business will test your character. Choosing what’s right, not what’s easy, choosing to invest in something you never know if you’ll see a return in. But it’s one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve ever had. SO to celebrate the start of what we KNOW will be another incredible year, I’m listing a few of my favorite things (Betsy here). AND We’re going to be giving away a few as well. THANK YOU everyone who made this an incredible year, and THANK YOU everyone who will be a part of 2016 being an incredible year. HAPPY NEW YEAR! See you in 2016 your California Photographers Justin + Betsy Erickson.

1. Starbucks Coffee YUM (I’m not going to lie here, I bought an espresso machine a year ago and have had little need to make frequent runs to Starbucks, however in the realm of coffee they are still my favorite, and coffee in general just makes me happy! PLUS we use only Starbucks beans at home, in honor of my #1 I will be giving away 1- $10 Starbucks card.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
2. Music, specifically Coldplay’s NEW ALBUM “Head Full Of Dreams” (If you haven’t heard it yet, your missing out, “Adventure of a Lifetime” is the perfect jam to get me through my long editing days while keeping me optimistic about the future. I’ll be giving away a $10 iTunes or Amazon card, your choice. To use on YOUR favorite music.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3. Photography (as if you didn’t know that would be on the list! We love photographing all the special chapters in your story, and this final giveaway will be for your choice of a family session or an engagement session valued at $350.)a Rafflecopter giveaway

A few of my favorite photos from 2015!

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Brittany + Ty {Love Story} – Redding, CA Wedding Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:00:58 +0000

So thrilled to share with you this incredible couple. When talking with them about the details and vision for their wedding they shared that part of their love story was basketball. They met on the court and were both very involved in basketball, immediately I had the idea for the photos below, I was so happy with the way we incorporated something special into their wedding. We loved photographing their day, they treated everyone like family, and it was just such an honor to capture their Love Story. Enjoy a glimpse into their very special day.

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Erika + Austin {Love Story} – Cottonwood, CA Wedding Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 16:55:39 +0000

When I first talked with Erika on the phone about her upcoming wedding I knew she was going to be a phenomenal bride, with a lot of fun and unique ideas for her wedding I was inspired just chatting about her day. When I had the honor of photographing their engagement session and meeting them in person for the first time I was thrilled to capture their day. Erika & Austin just have a way of bringing out the best in everyone around them, and it was no surprise that their wedding day was filled with fun, and a true celebration of their love for each other! Enjoy a glimpse into their day. Erika not only put tons of time and effort into all the details {floral, decor ect} she also owns Cupcakes for the Kingdom and baked and decorated her own wedding cakes! {Yes they were as delicious as they look!} Thank you Erika & Austin for allowing us the opportunity to capture your Love Story!

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Colleen + Michael {Love Story} – Whitmore, CA Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:59:09 +0000

I was so excited when I met Colleen & Michael. They were so kind and honoring, extremely easy to chat with, and I KNEW their wedding was going to be SO FUN to photograph. From the moment I arrived in Colleens Bridal Suite I knew it was going to be an amazing day! You could feel the love, the joy, the laughter that was present on this very special day. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into their Love Story!

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Heritage Roasting Company – Shasta Lake, CA

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 18:51:20 +0000

It’s been a while since I posted a non wedding blog, but today I’m so excited to share with you my little secret to getting through a very busy wedding season. COFFEE, and lots of it! Most of my clients know I’m a sucker for coffee, bringing me starbucks gift cards was a known way to making me one happy photographer, but that my friends is a thing of the past. NOW if you want to do go the extra mile to spoil me and make my day a little better you can get me a Heritage Roasting Company gift card, because I have to say, they’re the best coffee I’ve ever tasted! If you haven’t tried their coffee yet I HIGHLY suggest you get up there to Shasta Lake and get a cup, it’s well worth the drive I promise! And if your not local you can go online to Heritage Roasting Company and order some beans to brew at home! This morning I had an opportunity to go up and capture this fabulous shop in action! Not only is their coffee perfection in a cup, but they’re coffee shop is stunning, and sets a fabulous atmosphere to enjoy a little break from your day. Their team of Barista’s goes the extra mile to get to know their customers and make them a part of the Heritage Family. While I was there taking pictures a regular Heritage customer parked out front, and immediately the team at Heritage said “OH Look its {Customers Name} and today’s their birthday” they proceeded to welcome them and then sing Happy Birthday, I was so impressed, it’s rare that a business takes that kind of time and effort to get to know their customers, but that’s another reason I love Heritage, that’s their heart and one of the many reasons they started this Coffee Shop. They also just launched a really cool program called “Love in a Cup” where you can pre-pay for someone’s coffee! If you want to learn more about that click Here our local news did an interview with Sara Sutherland one of the owners of Heritage and she explains this incredible program! Enjoy the photos!

Sara & Stuart Sutherland

This is the Hot Chocolate they made my Daughter Patience, a little heart, she was pretty thrilled about it!!

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Shannon + Derek {Love Story} – House On The River Lakehead, CA

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 17:00:16 +0000

Enjoy this incredible glimpse in to a fabulous Love Story! Captured at House on The River, located in Gorgeous Lakehead, CA!

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Kristin + Manny {Love Story} – Monte Verde Inn, Foresthill CA

Betsy Erickson — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:40:11 +0000

Meet Kristin + Manny, if you’ve been following my blog you may have already met them, I did their engagement session earlier this year and we had a blast! We ended up photographing their engagement on an extremely overcast day, so overcast that within 10 minutes of ending their sessions it began to rain. I was delighted that their wedding day had BEAUTIFUL weather! Perfect weather actually. It took place at Monte Verde Inn, a beautiful quaint colonial styled farm house venue nestled in the mountains just east of Sacramento CA, in a town called Foresthill, CA. It’s a breathtaking venue, and a photographers dream, there’s a lot of variety in this little oasis. A Red Barn (my personal favorite, who doesn’t love a red barn?!) Vineyards, Gardens, A Fountain, A Giant Tree Canopy Ceremony Spot (which in my opinion is one of the most magical ways you could say I DO!) and of course the beautiful house I mentioned earlier, that’s so full of character it just brings every creative part of your being alive! Capturing Kristin + Manny was not only amazing because of their beautiful backdrop, but filled with love in it’s finest form. Full of complete and whole acceptance for each other, when they read their vows I was actually in tears (don’t judge they were awesome vows!). And the entire day was about them enjoying the love that had for each other and their friends and family, the flow was just perfect. Now that you know I was extremely inspired by this day, you’ll understand why I have over a 100 photos in here as a preview… sorry if I got a bit carried away, but it was just too hard to narrow it down and tell this story from this one! I loved working with all the vendors that made this fabulous day, all the more fabulous. Hair by: Kelsey McCain Make-up By: Shana Beals DJ: Mike Woodall of HITS Entertainment and of course Monte Verde Inn, who catered this beautiful event, hosted it, and provided day of coordinating they did a FABULOUS job, and the food was simply phenomenal! ENJOY!

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Protected: I’m a Believer! – doTerra Essential Oils

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 05 May 2014 23:29:07 +0000

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Lovely L {Maternity Story} – Redding, CA Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 06:46:07 +0000

SO excited to share these with you! I had the honor of capturing this lovely lady a few years ago with her 2nd son, and since then we’ve become super close friends. I’m so grateful for her friendship, and felt so blessed to capture her 3rd pregnancy! She radiates beauty, and is one of the most genuine and authentic people you’ll ever meet! Enjoy a glimpse into their story! The gorgeous floral head band was designed and created by the lovely Katie Walden from the Floranthropist

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Claremont {Love Story} Berkeley CA Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 18:04:19 +0000

Justin and I loved capturing this BEAUTIFUL {Love Story} in Berkeley CA. It took place at the gorgeous Claremont Hotel, which holds the most breathtaking views of the City And Bay. Enjoy this glimpse into their Love Story….

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Get Inspired To {Capture Your Story} – San Francisco, California

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:09:18 +0000

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11.12.13 {Love} Story- San Francisco Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:09:02 +0000

I finally have time to start catching up on my blogging~ I was so honored to have the opportunity to capture this beautiful wedding in San Francisco CA on 11.12.13 which took place at 1400 hours. The ceremony was small and intimate held on beautiful Baker Beach, which has an epic view of the Golden Gate! We love traveling to the Bay Area for photography, if you’re need of a San Francisco Wedding Photographer we’d be more then happy to come down and capture your Love Story!

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E+K {Love Story}

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 18:34:48 +0000

Another fantastic Engagement Session on the blog today! Love meeting all these fabulous couples, and so excited to be apart of capturing your love story!

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