Back in April I had the pleasure of venturing up to J & J Ranch (Amelia’s parents’ home) in Sonoma to frolic on the farm with Amelia and Jonathan for their engagement shoot. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and romance was in full bloom. The country setting really left an impression on me. I took the warmth of that day back with me to foggy San Francisco, and ever since then I had been glancing expectantly at my calendar, impatiently awaiting the arrival of August 13, when I would have the opportunity to return. J & J Ranch is one of those places that’s not simply a place. Like Paris, like Burning Man, J & J is a feeling. It feels like summer. Like home. Like carefree, barefoot days. So as I walked through the gates the second time, I felt as if I was being enveloped in the most wonderful of hugs. No doubt that through the efforts of Amelia, Jonathan, their family and friends, all of the guests who showed up to celebrate that day felt the exact same thing. A margarita was artfully crafted during the ceremony, right before everyone’s very eyes. The kiss was long and sweet. There was a cornucopia of delicious food (oysters! freshly shucked on the spot!). There were hugs, kind words, tears, smiles. There was a walk through the vineyards. There was a beautiful sunset. The DJ lit up the dance floor, and Amelia, Jonathan and their guests, displaying their ‘Moves Like Jagger’ danced into the warm, country night.
