Mariah Smith Photography

Hazel is 3 Months!!

Mariah — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:36:48 +0000

And, as beautiful as ever!! This little girl is so wonderful to be around. Just like her brother, she always finds my camera and stares right through it. The eyes on these two are piercing and I always feel like they know more than I do…they probably do!! As always, this family portrait session was such a joy

Enjoy!!

She literally woke up smiling and laughing! It was so wonderful!!

Is Sam not the hippest big brother ever??

There’s always time for some smooshy face games!!

Debbie & Vince – bringing the Miami heat to Napa!

Mariah — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:57:49 +0000

This season’s wedding opener was hot hot hot!! Debbie, Vince and their loved ones traveled to the gorgeous Meritage Resort in Napa for their destination wedding. These two couldn’t stop smiling…even when I tried to get a serious groomsmen shot, Vince was so excited that he couldn’t do it. There was no way to get that smile off his face so I just stopped trying…it was awesome! There was so little stress at this celebration and the entire group was just enjoying every part of it. I absolutely loved being a part of it, as well!

Especially when the dancing started! We were all blown away – these guys could move! They seriously brought the Miami heat to the dance floor! There were ladies flying and boys diving…so much joy in that room! What a wonderful night to start the rest of their life!

Congratulations, Debbie & Vince – you two are wonderful together and we were honored to be there!

Thank you to all the fabulous vendors that made this event gorgeous and stress-free:

Enjoy!!

You want me to throw my what??

Mariah — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:08:47 +0000

Ever notice how many things are thown at a wedding? From rice to bouquets to garters…where did these traditions actually come from?

Throwing garters is actually considered to be the oldest surviving wedding tradition!

The garter toss was a bit of a game. The bridal party would toss the garter at the groom’s nose and the person who successfully landed the garter on his nose would be the next to marry. The custom became rowdier and bawdier until the guests were actually “helping” the bride out of her wedding clothes (um, excuse me). The wedding guests would then try to grab the bride’s garter for good luck. So, in an effort to stop guests from undressing the bride, she would throw the garter to the mob.

In Northern England the custom was for male guests to rush the bride at the altar when the ceremony was finished and remove her garter from her leg. In the panic this usually meant the bride was knocked over and trampled on. Seriously? Gradually brides made garters easier to detach and finally to avoid threat of injury they tossed their garters away at the end of the ceremony.

Garters were thought to be infused with fertility and the bride’s garter signified consummation, fulfillment, and progeny and was always fiercely sought after. Once the lucky receiver got the garter, what he did with it varied. Sometimes the receiver would wear it proudly on his hat, before giving it to the girl of his choice for luck. In the early 19th century, the lucky guy would tie it around is true love’s knee as a guard agains unfaithfulness. Now, the winner gingerly holds it by a finger for a quick photo (or struts around very proudly and then I have no idea what they do with it!

Oddly, there seems to be a consistent theme of protecting the bride with these traditions. Apparently, the guests of yore were a bit more aggressive than the guests of today and had no problem tackling the bride to get a bit of her good luck in the form of a piece of her dress or flowers. Huh? It seems that the bride threw her bouquet to keep the mob from attacking her and as a distraction so she could get away. And I thought today’s bride’s had it tough with all their decisions – at least they get to keep their clothes!

As it’s always been thought, the lucky receiver of the bouquet is said to also receive the bride’s good fortune and will marry soon. But, what if there are no single women at your wedding or you don’t feel like embarrassing the two that are. A great spin on this tradition, is to break up the bouquet and offer out individual flowers to the guests of special importance.

And, last but not least – rice! Why do we pelt newly married couples with hard little bits of food? It’s a tradition from ancient Rome or Egypt (or even earlier) and intended for good luck. The items tossed represent fertility and abundance. Grains were popular as they represented abundance and a lot of children to work the land. Seeds were popular because they symbolize fertility.

Today, couples choose anything from confetti to bubbles to rose petals to have thrown (I should say, gently tossed – but we all know there’s at least 2 guests that chuck those petals right at em!). Most opt out of the rice because of the urban legend that it’ll make birds explode…did you know that that myth has been debunked? Whatever you decide, make sure to check with your venue on their rules….someone’s got to clean that mess up

Interesting? I think so Stay tuned for more traditions!

Traditions | Something Old, Something New….

Mariah — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:24:06 +0000

Ever wondered where all the wedding traditions come from? Leyla and I have…so we found out! And, I’m going to share their origins with you in my new blog series – Traditions. Fun, huh?

Up first ~ Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue…(and, a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe!).

“Something Old” symbolizes a link to the bride’s family and the past. A family heirloom, such as a piece of antique jewelry or a family member’s wedding dress can represent the old object. Or, a bride can sew lace or ribbon into the hem of her dress.

“Something New” represents good fortune and success in the bride’s new life. A bride may wear new jewelry, or use her wedding gown as the new item.

“Something Borrowed” symbolizes the love and support of family and friends in times of need. A borrowed object can be anything, from borrowed earrings to perfume.

“Something Blue” is an object that symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty. Brides commonly choose a blue garter or a ribbon sewed into their dress

“A Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe,” is a blessing for wealth. Since sixpences are difficult to find, any silver coin makes an appropriate substitute. A lot of brides are using pennies as a symbol of good luck…but, apparently, none of mine because I couldn’t find an image to share with you

Next up – Why do we throw things?

Thank you, Spare the Details!

Mariah — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:29:28 +0000

I absolutely love weddings!! I love all the special details that go into making a wonderful celebration – the flowers, the decorations, the shoes But, what I love most are the people involved. I get pretty close to my couples and being a part of all the fabulous emotions that weddings bring out is just awesome!! The day is full of touching moments that remind me of what life is all about. The joy is infectious and I always leave walking on a little cloud of happy!

That’s why I’m so excited to be chosen as a Featured Photographer by Spare the Details. They showcase emotive images that tell the story of the couple and their loved ones. Since I’m always trying to conveying emotion with my images, I’m extremely honored to be featured.

Thank you very much, Spare the Details!

Enjoy the post - this wedding (and family) is very dear to me and I hope you get a little taste of how much joy was there that day!

Petaluma Wedding Photography

Featured on Borrowed & Blue!

Mariah — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:12:41 +0000

Thank you so much to the fabulous blog, Borrowed & Blue!! This was a truly special wedding and I’m honored to have it featured. Click below to check out the entire wedding and cruise the rest of their wonderful blog full of gorgeous weddings!!

Petaluma Wedding Photography

Image of the Day on Spare the Details!!

Mariah — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:19:26 +0000

Wow – Image of the Day! How cool is that?? I’m extremely flattered to be chosen by Spare the Details wedding blog! I love the focus of their images (people and moments) and am super excited to be featured. Thank you, Spare the Details!

Petaluma Wedding Photography

Inspired by the Redwoods

Mariah — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:09:57 +0000

I’m so fortunate to live in an area where nature excels! From the coastline to the vineyards to the redwoods – Sonoma County has an unbelievable amount of natural beauty!

This gorgeous wedding was nestled in the redwood grove at Griffith Woods and was inspired by this beautiful quote:

“The trees in the storm don’t try to stand up straight and tall and erect. They allow themselves to bend and be blown with the wind. They understand the power of letting go… Those trees and those branches that try too hard to stand up strong and straight are the ones that break. Now is not the time for you to be strong… or you, too, will break. Learn the power of the trees. Let it flow. Let it go. That is the way you are going to make it through this storm. And that is the way to make it through the storms of life.” - Julia Hill

Every detail of Taylor and Lauren’s celebration was thought out. So much so, that I recommended they open up a coordination service – it was that good! The best part was that it was centered around the guests having a great time. The guests were treated with local oysters, a champagne bar with fresh berries, mint and flavored syrups, a smore’s fire pit and more. And, if food wasn’t their thing, the life size jenga and super funny bride & groom “shoe game” kept them entertained. Not to mention the speeches that included a 4 person rap…yes, I said rap. It was awesome!!

Congratulations, Taylor & Lauren!

Enjoy!

The First Year with Lucas!

Mariah — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:18:32 +0000

Oh, how I love making these books for my clients! The first year with your baby is like no other. Especially, if it’s your first baby. Everyday is full of change and watching your baby grow is one of the most amazing things ever! When my daughter was born, I remember someone telling me that time with a new baby was “the longest days, the quickest months”. And, that was so true. The days can seem endless – you’re usually exhausted, overwhelmed and completely confused. But, all of sudden, a month has passed and you’re less exhausted, less overwhelmed but probably still as confused You have no idea where that month went and remembering how tiny his hands were is nearly impossible.

I created these books to give that time back to the parents but even more, to give that time back to the kids. Babies spend their first years surrounded by love, adoration and devotion. Those memories will stay somewhere inside them but they can’t access them. I’m hoping these books will help. How awesome would it be to have a book that told you the story of your life when you were a baby. To see what your parents looked like, how they held you, what your days were like. I would LOVE it! And, I absolutely love giving them to my clients.

I was fortunate enough to photograph this Mom & Dad on their wedding day – the start of it all! I was so excited when they told me they were having a little one. They’re such a wonderful couple and I couldn’t wait to see them as parents – I knew they were going to rock it! And, they absolutely have! Lucas has such a sweet little life and I was honored to spend a little time in it every few months. His smile is infectious and his little spirit is so special. I love this kid!!

I’m so excited to share this book with you!! Enjoy

Meet Hazel!

Mariah — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:15:00 +0000

She’s absolutely perfect!! And, almost as cool as her big bro…you all know him from his many appearances here. I was so excited when Hazel’s mom and dad let me know that there was a new little one on the way. I always looked so forward to my sessions with them and now they get to keep on going!!

I feel so fortunate to be asked to create family portraits – there’s nothing better than family and the relationships I get to watch & document are always inspiring and touching. This session was no exception!

Watching Hazel with her mommy was the most calming thing in the world.

As I was helping her fall asleep, it was all I could do to not curl up with and sleep with her. She was just so snuggly and warm!

And, then just like that – big brother brought in the fun!

And, Daddy brought on the smiles!

And more fun and more snuggles…perfect

Thank you, little Miss Hazel for arriving – you are an absolute joy!!