Lisa and Doug's Wedding

Empire Mine State Park, with its immaculate grounds, large fountains, reflection pools, and historic buildings, is one of the most awe inspiring locations in the Sierra foothills to have a wedding, and that is where Lisa and Doug were wed on Friday, June 19th on a gorgeous summer day. It was a relatively small but beautiful wedding of close friends and family and the reception was held, just a short limo ride away, at the outdoor patio of the Gold Miners Inn in Grass Valley, CA. Lisa Stine provided the wonderful harp music for the wedding ceremony and Grant Peterson of GP Productions took good care of everyone at the reception with his DJ skills. Fantastic food, lively dancing, moving toasts, and yummy wedding cake all made for a great celebration of this wonderful couples special day. It was a privledge to be their chosen photographer!

Nevada City Classic bike race

On Sunday I took a half day break from work to see our local bike race, the 49th annual Nevada City Classic. I've been wanting to go for the last several years to take a few photos but never made it happen. This year Lance Armstrong and Astana teamates Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner decided to race, .. that, I wanted to see. I feel a bit of kinship with Lance as he's from Austin, TX, about 65 miles from Lampasas, where I grew up. It had been 20 years since Armstrong raced here and he finished 2nd then. The Nevada City Classic is the 2nd oldest bike race in the nation and one of the most challenging with 110 feet of vertical climb and drop over a 1.1 mile, 7 turn circuit, 35 laps total. Nevada City's population of about 4,000 increased by 30,000 enthusiastic bike fans who came to watch the race. They weren't disappointed as Lance poured it on the last few laps and beat 2nd place finisher Ben Jacques-Maynes by 20 seconds and won his first victory since his 3 1/2 year absence from the sport. His Astani teamate, and winner of the Tour of California the last 2 years, Levi Leipheimer finished third. Wow, those guys could really pour on the coals! Very exciting to watch the top cyclist in the world in person! Lots of camera were out that afternoon and I got a few shots of them, too. Here are a sampling of the photos I took.

101 cyclists in the pack on the first climb up the hill

Lots of photographers.

Levi with Lance drafing behind.

Congratulatory pat on his victory!

Kierstyn and Kyle's Wedding

On Saturday, June 13, Kierstyn and Kyle were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Slocum House in Fair Oaks, CA. amidst the many colorful free roaming chickens that frequent the grounds. My first time there, everyone was so friendly and helpful! Many friends and family witnessed the vows and toasted the new bride and groom. The music for the reception was provided by Tom at Fretty's Limo and DJ Services http://www.frettys.com/. What a funny guy, loved working with him. Thanks again to my assistant and 2nd shooter, Sorena, some of whose photos are included in this blog.
It was a pleasure to shoot Kierstyn and Kyle's wedding and I wish them all the very best as a happily married couple!
A few selected photos are posted below and all the photos will be available for viewing through my website, or Pictage.com, in about a week to 10 days.