When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

November 2, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I am the Vine {Quail Lake Vow Renewal in Central CA}

When Abel and Lindsey were first married in a small courthouse ceremony ten years ago, they couldn’t have known the challenges the next decade would hold. All they knew was that they were  committing to weather life together.

From three beautiful children joining them in succession, to taking care of their ailing grandmother, through all the uncertainties and ups and downs, the Lord held them. When it seemed like they would never have time to just breathe, God gave them the selflessness and strength to get through.

And now, He has graciously given them a new season – He has blessed their obedience, drawn them together, and even created a bit of “breathing room” in their lives.  What a reason to celebrate!!  October was the perfect month for it too – the warmth of autumn colors, the harvest, the reaping of good things that have involved LOTS of hard work…

Lindsey’s dress was just perfect – elegant, intricate, warm.

She was a radiant bride, even while just getting ready!  Her “something blue” was a beautiful ring given to her by her grandmother.

Abel was stunning in his fall-colored suit, taking in the significance of this special day.

I can tell he is so proud of their kids, as they are of him!

Abel and Lindsey chose to have a “first look” before the ceremony.  They were so sweet.  I always think this is such a special choice – the emotions and memories of sharing this amazing time together last for a lifetime!

It was super cute to see how excited the kids were to see their parents all dressed up and loving on each other.  After Abel & Lindsey had a few moments to themselves, the kids RAN to them and engulfed them in hugs!

What a beautiful family.   (Love little sister’s curtsy!)

And I mean, really, how can anyone resist kiddos this adorable?!

I have to admit, I have a very hard time holding back from capturing portraits of tiny people who are SO stinkin’ cute.

We also captured some portraits for Lindsey’s brother and sister-in-law and their sweet family.  This one would make a super-cute Christmas card!

But I’m kind of partial to this one ;) .

And here is the full extended family portrait for Lindsey’s side…

The celebration was touching and beautiful, with the kids as the wedding party, Lindsey’s parents officiating, and guests who’ve loved and supported Abel and Lindsey through it all.

Surrounded by loving support…

After the ceremony, we created some golden sunset memories near all the beautiful fall trees at Quail Lake.

I love the peaceful way they hold each other close – it’s like they know they will make each other stronger.

At the reception, they had a really cute photo board showing special memories from the last ten years of marriage – what a great idea for a Vow Renewal!

Here is Abel’s extended family portrait:

And a fun one of Lindsey and her dear friends!

The dancing after dinner was so much fun!  The kids especially know how to get DOWN!! :)   I think little Mr. was just overcome by all the sweet emotion of the evening.  He had me wiping away happy tears behind the camera!

What a precious thing to see the love they have for each other, and the joy and fun they share.  Abel was even serenading his lovely bride in that middle shot… :)

As the evening wound down, the lake and the stars and the spinning world just became more beautiful.

Abel and Lindsey, may the Lord richly bless you in the decades to come with deep love and unity.  Continue to be a blessing to each other! And “may our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!” (Romans 15:5-6 MSG)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in your amazing day, this testimony of God’s faithfulness to you and your growing commitment to Him and each other!  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your images once your Web Gallery is ready!

Continue to cling to the Vine!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 11, 2012

When Time Stood Still: All You Need Is Love {Fairway Canyon Wedding Photographer}

When I first met Branden and Jessi for our Consultation, I could tell they were madly in love just by the glances they exchanged… the way they paused and looked at each other whenever I asked a question, the way they shared a desire for a simple wedding, meaningful and sweet without all the drama some over-the-top weddings have.  “We just want it to be very… US,” they said.

Fast forward to a month before their wedding, and I received an email stating they had eloped!! :)   What a nice choice for their desires for simplicity; they seemed so happy with the way their intimate ceremony worked out.  They kept their venue date and instead used the planned time to celebrate with friends and family – a reception full of joy, tears, laughter, and love.

Here’s to simplicity, Branden & Jessi: All you need is love – choosing it for each other everyday for the rest of your lives.

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Jessi is a nanny for cutie pies D & P – they love her to bits (if you can’t tell)!!!

And she thinks they’re pretty special too :) .

It was great to meet Branden & Jessi’s bridal party – they were fun to work with for traditional and… not-so-traditional portraits ;) .

The women all looked so lovely…

I think Branden and his Best Man Rodney heard more than once that day that they looked like they belonged on “Men In Black.” ;)

Of course we had to get a little mobster action in there:

The light was beautiful and soft in the field because of the clouds – reflective of the simple beauty of their love.  I think this would make a perfect gallery-wrapped canvas on Branden & Jessi’s wall:

They are so relaxed and tender with each other.

Our next stop was the railroad tracks, where they had some time to just enjoy each other’s company candidly.  I always feel so honored to be the “fly on the wall” when a bride and groom have special time together before they meet the crowds of the day.  It’s beautiful.

It’s so fun when I don’t need to encourage additional affection or joy between a couple.  The bliss you see on their faces is all them :) .

A passing car honked in approval, and Branden agreed of course!! :)

Looking off into their together future…

This one would make a gorgeous wall portrait.

This one too:

They had a Blessing Tree at the reception – each guest could write a blessing on a gift tag and then hang it on the tree.  What a great idea, together with such vibrant spring colors!

The reception was a joyous celebration – great food, memorable toasts, fun dancing, plenty of laughter.

The venue was beautiful.

And I’ll leave you with another portrait of the simple beauty of their undying devotion… with a little romantic vintage style mixed in.

Thank you for the privilege of capturing this sweet time in your lives, Branden & Jessi.  May every coming year be even sweeter!

I’ll see you soon to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

April 18, 2012

When Time Stood Still: New Life, New Creation {Riverside County Wedding}

I have known Leslie for over 5 years now, and I am blessed to count her a dear friend.  We’ve walked through some very challenging times together, and I’ve seen her blossom to become more and more like Jesus.  When I got the call that she was engaged, I couldn’t wait to meet Richie.  God reached down to give them the gift of a marriage founded in Christ!  I knew this would be the beginning of a fresh new work of God in their lives, of something truly beautiful, a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Leslie, thank you so much for allowing me to join you on this most special of days.  The purple and blue was so lovely; it suited you, friend.   You were the belle of the ball :) .

Richie and Leslie chose to have their first look before the ceremony (but saved their kiss for the pronouncement! ;) .  It was beautiful.  Richie was stunned and Leslie was beaming as they set eyes on each other for the first time that day.  They prayed and asked God’s blessing on the day and their lives together.

Richie, thank you for cherishing Leslie.  Thank you for loving her and the kids with true love that sets its own aside to guide and protect the ones it loves. You have a beautiful bride who loves and respects you very much!

It touched me to see how very full of joy the reception was.  So many happy tears from the bride and groom, family, and friends!

God’s richest blessings upon you, friends.  May He be glorified in all you do, in the new creation He’s made in you, and in the sweetness of your unconditional love.

“Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.  Love never dies”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, MSG

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

July 14, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Call It Love {Riverside County Wedding Photographer}

Filed under: Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 5:25 am
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Since I first met with Tyan, she’s been beaming. Radiant with love, eager to enter this new chapter in her life that she’ll now and forever share with Eric. Though their relationship often involved a lot of miles between them, they made it through, and I was so honored to share in the first day the miles wouldn’t have to separate them anymore.

This day was full of happy colors and bright flowers. Tyan was a princess and Eric her prince – seriously, think an elegant, petite Cinderella. The weather was unusually mild with a gentle breeze.   Everything was perfect.

Isn’t she beautiful?!


It was so nice to finally meet Eric.

He seemed calm as he got ready for the wedding at the hotel, but he and his groomsmen had a thing or two up their sleeves (not literally, lol).  Eric had planned two special surprises for Tyan.  The first was a beautiful pearl necklace, and the second…  I’ll show you later.

I’m always so glad for my couples who choose to spend special time together before the wedding.  This time can be so precious, and it’s so nice to have photographs to remember how you felt when you saw each other alone on your wedding day for the first time.

And here, the princess and her prince :) .

I can never resist cutie pie kiddos…


I had done the wedding photography for two of Tyan’s bridesmaids, Natalie & Jon in October of 2008 and Renee & Rich in September of 2009, so it was also like a sweet reunion for me!

 

Here are some details as the ceremony was about to begin:

It was so sweet to see their faces during the ceremony – I always love that part!


Ah, and here was the second surprise… Eric and his best man had put Tyan’s ring in a Thor Pez dispenser.  It was cute.  I think she was amused ;) .

People kept commenting throughout the day that Eric & Tyan’s (eventual) kids will be such cute redheads!

Toward the end of the reception, Eric and Tyan moved over to the lighted swing.  I like this next one for the tenderness they share.  Black and white can bring emotion through so well.


As they prepared to leave for Michigan, Tyan said goodbye to some special kiddos she babysat through the years.  Some of the boys were in tears.  Take good care of her, Eric, she has a gang of little boys back home! ;)

Eric and Tyan, thank you so very much for allowing me to share in this amazing day of yours.  I wish you all the best, and can’t wait to show you the images that will help you cherish your day for years to come.

October 20, 2010

When Time Stood Still: True Joy in Pure Love {Fallbrook Wedding Portraits}

Last month I had the amazing opportunity to capture memories of Shaun & Alissa‘s gorgeous Wedding Day.  From working with a great photography team to loving the light at a beautiful location (Los Willows) to cherishing time with friends and family, it was a day to remember!

Thank so much Kimberly Loya and Karlee Meyer, my second shooters for the day – I couldn’t have done it without you two and felt so much better knowing the physical limitations I had because of my pregnancy would not hinder the photographing of this extra special day!

Now, on to the images and some extra-special parts of the wedding.

Lush, vibrant details from the day… Alissa did such a beautiful job picking out colors!

Images by Andrea

The breathtaking bride:


Images by Andrea

The handsome groom:

Image by Kim

The bride enjoying time with her parents:

Images by Kim

The groom with his parents, and of course you’re never too old to tease your sister ;)

Image by Kim

Images by Kim

A very confused flower girl’s escort as the ceremony began… “I don’t think she was supposed to dump all the petals in one spot like that… Is it my job to fix it?”  [stands there awkwardly for the next 20 seconds] … Shaun then came down the aisle very graciously to relieve him of his petal-spreading duties :) .

Images by Andrea

Eyes lock in admiration as Daddy comes to “give” his daughter:

Images by Kim

Vows never to be forsaken:

Image by Andrea

A stolen kiss in a quiet moment:

Image by Andrea

Image by Andrea

Always peace in each other’s arms:

Image by Karlee

Friends and family who’ve vowed to encourage your love:

Image by Kim

Reception details:

Images by Karlee

To behave or not to behave?

Image by Karlee

Romance by the fireplace:

Image by Karlee

Shaun and Alissa, what a privilege it was to be part of your special day!!  I am so glad the Lord brought you together and pray all the best for you as you meld your lives together more and more through the coming years.

Image by Andrea

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 20, 2010

Beautiful E-Love {San Joaquin Valley Wedding Photographer}

Filed under: Uncategorized,Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 12:16 am
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E-Love… It started out for Josh & Amanda as E-lectronic (thanks E-Harmony!), but blossomed into Everlasting wedded bliss!  Here is the long-awaited sneak peek of their beautiful orchard wedding in Central California…

It has been such a blessing getting to know this special Bride & Groom over the last few months.  When I met with them in February for our Consultation in Fresno, I could tell from the start that they had something special – the way they laughed together, the way they glanced the other’s direction before answering questions and sharing stories, I could just tell they were head-over-heels in love!  This would be a wedding full of their love.

 

Isn’t she an absolutely gorgeous bride?!

I love bringing other photographers along with me to help document even more moments.  My second shooters, Jeff and Jennifer Brannan, did an awesome job capturing the fun and beauty of the day.  Here’s a collage of the handsome Josh with his men from J&J’s work:

The ceremony was held outdoors with the sun kissing each participant through beautiful trees.

When it came time for dancing, a set of the B&G’s grandparents came up to the dance floor.  They were so sweet to one another, holding each other so tenderly.  As the newly married couple danced next to the couple with years and stories to show for their lives together, I just couldn’t help but well up with emotion, thanking God for His gifts of love and companionship.

And don’t forget the fun!!  (image below care of J&J)

It was a perfect day.

Mr. and Mrs. E :) , thank you so very much for the privilege of sharing in your day with you and the friends and family who love you.  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your images.  May your life together be blessed and a blessing for years and years to come!

October 15, 2009

All Things Bright and Beautiful…

Filed under: Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 11:42 am
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Almost one month ago, I had the privilege of shooting Rich and Renee’s breathtaking Wedding in Michigan.  A couple of weeks later, Cynthia, Rich’s sister, married the love of her life Alex here in Southern California, and I was honored to capture their amazing day as well.  Every couple is so unique – I love to capture the essence of each as they begin their lifelong journey together.

Alex and Cynthia’s Wedding Day truly was gorgeous – and it wasn’t just because of the careful attention to detail, elegant locations, and bright jewel tones.   Josh and I have been so blessed to share in weddings so full of the love of God.   This type of love truly overflows the heart and settles into the depths of the soul.

The details of the wedding were bright and beautiful, just like the bride.

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And here is the spread for the next issue of Modern Bride Magazine…

Web - 20091003_Davies-Durbin Wedding - Bride Storyboard

Just kidding.  But she is stunning, isn’t she?  :)

My second shooter, Ethan Sisson, captured Alex and his groomsmen preparing, along with other great moments throughout the day.  Thanks, Ethan!

Web - 20091003_Davies-Durbin Wedding - Ethan's Storyboard

Glimpses of the joyous ceremony at Hemet First Baptist Church

Web - 20091003_Davies-Durbin Wedding - Ceremony Storyboard

The reception was at The Lodge at Four Seasons – it was lovely.

Web - 20091003_Davies-Durbin Wedding - Reception Storyboard

And finally, a moment that had me all teary-eyed: Cynthia dancing with her Dad.  Okay, I have to admit, this moment gets me at every wedding – it’s so symbolic of  all the years of love and sacrifice a parent gives, and the fact that they all build to this moment, to “give” your child (all grown up) to another’s loving care.

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Alex and Cynthia, thank you for the honor of capturing your day – I look forward to sharing the rest of your images in your Web Gallery!

September 29, 2009

The Perfect Setting for Perfect Love…

What an incredible honor to have been a part of Richard and Renee’s gorgeous Michigan wedding. Not only was the ceremony at the Kellogg Manor House on Gull Lake breathtaking – the bride and groom stole my heart with their sheer joy. These dear friends of ours share such a sweetness, such a heart for people and for the Lord. You can see their love so clearly… Here are just a few glimpses of the beauty of their day:

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She looked angelic.

She looked angelic.

 

Just before the reveal...

Just before the reveal...

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Husband and Wife!

Husband and Wife!

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R&R, thank you so much for giving me the privilege of capturing the beauty of your special day, and may God intertwine your hearts more and more as each day passes in your life as one.  Lots of love to you two!

April 29, 2009

The Beauty of Love: Michael & Shannon

Filed under: Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 1:24 pm
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Isn’t she a gorgeous bride?  :)

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On Saturday, April 18th, I had the privilege of second shooting Michael & Shannon’s very special day.  Their time was rich with love for the Lord, family, friends, and traditions full of purpose.  Thank you two for allowing me the honor of sharing in the beginning of your lives together!

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More and more brides and grooms are coming to appreciate the importance of capturing as many angles and perspectives as possible during their wedding weekend.  I worked with photographer Josh Taber, of Monument, CO (http://www.joshtaber.com/) to shoot Michael and Shannon’s wedding.  It’s a joy to collaborate with others who have the same passion for photography and love for people!

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Thanks again, Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, and Congratulations!!!!

October 28, 2008

Such joy in love…

Filed under: Blessings — Andrea Bernard @ 5:24 pm
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20081004_Cass-Hillis Wedding_128, originally uploaded by When Time Stood Still: Photography by A. Bernard.

I’ve been so blessed to share in the laughter and joy of my latest brides and grooms…

It really is true that you can see love in a person’s eyes, so capturing it on digital “film” is such a privilege. And it’s so much fun when love expresses itself in overflowing joy!!

Thanks again, Paul and Carolyn, for allowing me to share in your precious day!!

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