rockefeller lodge
san pablo, california

If I were to use a word or two to sum up Hillary & Keith’s wedding, it would the ones that they used: house party. Everything they did was because they wanted everyone to have a good time. One of my favorite things they chose to incorporate into their wedding was serving one of their favorite ice creams to all the guests – this was a moment of service to them – a way to give back to all the people who came to support. That is definitely one of the things I just loved about their wedding – how intentional they made everything! I feel like infusing personal intention throughout your wedding is such a powerful way to let others peep into your lives and who you guys are. At the same time, I feel like it makes the images that much stronger too, because everything means something to the couple. <3

point reyes, california

I love shooting in Point Reyes.  The hills, the trees, the air, the ocean, everything about the area coalesces into a beautiful landscape that captures the imagination and takes you back to eons gone by.  Growing up in Northern California, I sadly wasn’t a regular to this area, but my significant other loves taking me here to reminisce the adventures he had here and swoon over the curiosity of youth spent galavanting on the trails.  When Nayomi and Alan asked to shoot here, I jumped at the chance to once again visit this beautiful area, and I look forward to spending even more time here as the years go by.  I hope it has become a place where they can go back to after decades of marriage, relive their engagement and remember the love they wished to embody by capturing the start of their commitment together here.

I rarely get my act together at the end of the year to do a post like this, so it was a real treat for me to pull some of my favorite images from 2016. There is something pretty satisfying in seeing work that you’ve created in the past year all in one place!

Looking back as well, I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I had, and the people I got the work with. On top of all the beautiful couples, weddings, families and bloggers, it was most exciting to work with companies like Chipotle & Whole Foods (and all the people I met working with them)! Those were amazing opportunities, and I hope for more in the future!

So with that, a cheers to the coming year. I can’t wait to share what it looks like!

The holidays are upon us, which means gatherings galore! We are having Thanksgiving at our place for the first time ever, and I am so very excited, because I simply love hosting. Zach and I have lots of wonderful things in store, and the emphasis is going to be something low-key, yet meaningful, and lovingly put together. Since he also has a lot of food allergies, we’re focusing on making a menu that is “Zach-friendly” (as we call it), while at the same time, putting together an atmosphere that is warm, cozy and inviting.

While planning for our Thanksgiving, I can’t help but recall the gatherings that I have been a part of this year. This year has definitely been the year of Friendsgivings, and I don’t blame anyone – who wouldn’t want to put on a beautiful gathering and bring people together for a shared meal? One of my favorites this year was definitely the one put on by Lonny Magazine x Shelter Co, which I was invited to by my friend Alicia. I’ve been following Lonny since they began and obsessing over Shelter Co’s tents, so it a huge treat for me to see this all in person. It was such a magical day that I’ve been keeping the feel of this event on the back of my mind, while we plan our own little Thanksgiving get-together. We have some fun projects in the works that will result from our little gathering too, which we’re very excited to share. In the meantime, we can just soak in the loveliness from this day. <3

The twinkling lights, tents and long table set up outside in the wild made for such a magical affair.

Some of my favorite elements for the table were their pomegranate decor, enamelware plates and bowls, and menu designs!

A craft tent was also put up, where we all made fun feather hangings to take home.

Salt Point provided the delicious meats (I still think about that yummy turkey chili)

And of course, one had to end the night with some cast iron apple pie, and a bonfire.

Other inspiration:
- Lonny’s post about this event
- Alicia’s write up from this day
- Some Friendsgiving tips from Hither & Thither  (I became a fan of honeycomb that day!)

Here’s to hoping your holiday gatherings this year are inspired and wonderful!

Sacramento, California

The dreaminess. The pure dreaminess though.

These two celebrated their one year anniversary this week, so I thought it would apropo to share images from a post-wedding session we did together. I whipped up a flower crown & a bouquet, and we froliced in nature while taking photos all the while. :)

I still love doing post wedding sessions (several years ago, it was a “thing” to do what was called “trash the dress” sessions. Dresses weren’t really trashed, if anything, they actually came out cleaner, especially if they went into the water!), because it’s a really fun way to get unique & fun photos without the constraints of the wedding timeline (which can often be super tight and/or stressful). We can have more of a leisurely time getting some creative images in your wedding attire, and I mean, who doesn’t want to get dressed up again for fun? I know I totally would!

folsom lake, sacramento, california

One of the struggles I see people in trying to find a photographer, is trying to find someone who fits just right. I deeply believe in aligned values when working with someone as closely as you do with a photographer, so when Lyndie reached out about doing a shoot for her (at the time) upcoming blog, Be The Platform, and we had a virtual meeting, I knew that we would be a great fit together, and be able to create the images that she wanted! I actually love what she wrote on her blog:

“I had been searching for a photographer and hadn’t had any luck finding one with the specific style I wanted that would also be interested in working with us for the blog. I happened to find Susan Yee & En Pointe Photography while exploring on Instagram one weekend.  As I stalked through all of her other photographs, blog and website.. yes I know this sounds creepy but I was on a hunt..I just fell in love with her style and the way her photos expressed personality, adventure and depth.  When Susan agreed to take our photos I was so excited!  The whole process was wonderful from her suggestions for a unique location to her instruction during the session.  I could not be happier with our photos and I will treasure them forever!”

We chose Folsom Lake for its somewhat desert-y vibe, and with her husband and pup in tow, had ourselves a mini adventure!