September was a great month. I did a lot of traveling and soaked up sunshine wherever I could find it, returning to SF to enjoy the days of Indian Summer. Another highlight from last month was a visit to Hans Fahden. This warm, intimate winery always evokes a fun, casual atmosphere among the guests, but Scott and Natalie truly made it their own. Beautiful decorations graced the patio, as the stylish guests mingled and enjoyed rosemary champagne. Each table in the cave was dedicated to a U2 album – the couple’s favorite band and an important connection in their relationship. You may remember Scott and Natalie’s engagement session at the Legion of Honor and Chez Spencer. Well, Scott and Natalie looked even more stunning together, and the comfort and trust we built during that session really led to some super fun moments during the wedding. The ceremony was beautifully officiated by Reverend Peadar Dalton. Things got exceptionally silly during the formal photos, and I was grateful that the couple’s families and friends were so relaxed around the camera! It was a hot day in Calistoga, and as the evening approached and things cooled down, we ventured out into the vineyards. The evening was still pleasantly warm, the light was perfect, and Scott and Natalie looked as if they were walking on air. We returned just in time for the first dance. The dance floor was aglow in orange and purple, and packed all night – especially during the U2 covers!
Posts Tagged ‘hans fahden wedding pictures’
Hans Fahden Wedding | Natalie + Scott
October 4, 2011Hans Fahden Wedding | Anthony + Chelsea
June 24, 2011Hans Fahden is home to beautiful, leafy grounds, tranquil ponds and romantic walkways. But there’s something more intangible about the place that really makes it so spectacular. Hans Fahden Winery is just so…welcoming. After fighting through heavy wine country traffic, the bride, the guests, and the photographer were all ready for a respite. And by the time we arrived, Hans Fahden laden with wedding splendor and bursting with anticipation, welcomed us all into its open arms. The anticipation was not for nothing. The sheer amount of energy and happiness emanating from Chelsea, Tony and their guests could have easily lit up Calistoga for at least a couple of days. It helps that they are completely crazy about eachother. The ceremony was sunny, heartfelt. The reception, both inside the cave, and out on the dance floor, was sheer kinetic joy. Moreover, Calistoga rewarded us with a beautiful, warm summer day, and we took full photographic advantage of the summer hues and the sacred magic hour out in the vineyards. Luckily, I had already done an engagement shoot with these two, so I knew that the whole day would be fantastic. Thank you, Tony, Chelsea, and all of your guests! And thanks Hans Fahden. I look forward to visiting you again soon.
Protected: Wedding at Hans Fahden Winery
October 12, 2009Hans Fahden Vineyards Wedding
February 1, 2009History
Located on a ridge overlooking Calistoga, and with a view of Mt. St. Helena, Hans Fahden Vineyards is named after the founder of the place – a German immigrant, who along with his wife farmed the land to lay a foundation for the vineyards in the early 1900’s. Hindered by prohibition in the 20’s, the vineyard wouldn’t see action until its gradual restoration throughout the 1980’s.
Planning Your Hans Fahden Vineyards Wedding
The Fahdens who restored the vineyards also crafted a beautiful, tranquil and multi-faceted property that makes for wedding perfection. A Hans Fahden wedding in Calistoga means that you and your guests will have an opportunity to discover the many beautiful experiences the property has to offer.
Your day will start with preparations in the cozy bride’s room (the groom has a similar, slightly more ‘guy-like’ room on the other side of the house…yes…there’s a TV in there). The courtyard directly in front of the main house is perfect for mingling and enjoying pre- and post- ceremony drinks. The ceremony itself can be held in the beautiful tea house, or for larger groups, in an intimate setting nestled near the pond. Dining takes place in the intimate yet spacious cave room, and the main room is perfect for dancing and other festivities.
The expansive grounds are a journey in themselves, and make Hans Fahden wedding photos truly distinctive. Your portrait session can meander from the covered bridge, around the sprawling pond, to the bushes and vines and seemingly endless trails.
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- The beautiful tea house.
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- Bride posing on the garden path.
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- Ceremony space by the pond.
Photography Tips
It’s always helpful to know what you can expect from your wedding photography when selecting a venue. A wedding at Hans Fahden Vineyards means that your expectations should be high. These tips will help you get the most of your wedding photography.
Find the Light
One of the biggest advantages to tying the knot outdoors is the abundance and quality of natural light. Depending on the time of year, I like to schedule the portrait session to stake out the best light. The good news is that because Hans Fahden is so self-contained, there’s plenty of time to romp around the grounds and create beautiful photographs – and you don’t have to stray very far at all from the main event.
Use the Entire Space
Hans Fahden has surprises around every corner. Be prepared to explore the entire property – both inside and out, in search of the best photo opportunities. The more time you can devote to playing and discovering and taking photos, the more diverse and memorable your Hans Fahden wedding pictures will be. The tea house is quite beautiful, seen both from the outside and within. The Chinese lanterns that adorn the ceiling light up in the evening, casting a warm glow over you and your guests.
Formal & Family Photographs
There are ample locations to arrange family pictures, but my favorite would have to be the opening of the tea house that looks out onto the property. The dark wooden beams and the surrounding foliage provide a perfect frame for a small- to medium-sized group of people. Alternatively, the green (or, depending on the time of year, yellow) bushes and grasses all around the property provide beautiful backdrops for formals.
The Cave
When dining in the cave, the warm glow of candles and sconces provides the perfect ambiance. Since I am experienced with Hans Fahden wedding photography, I work carefully with low-light lenses and strategic lighting in order to preserve the warmth and tone of the space.
Helpful Links
Check out Hans Fahden Vineyards Yelp reviews, or the official Hans Fahden Vineyards website for more information.