Christophe Genty is a photographer specializing in weddings in the Napa Valley, The San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond. He recently received the prestigious “Best of the Knot 2015” once again by the well-known print and online magazine, The Knot.com.

Courtney and David’s wedding ceremony and reception took place at the always beautiful gardens of Brix Restaurant in the Napa Valley. I photograph often at Brix; from the incredible food and gorgeous grounds to the great team of people, this location never disappoints. This day was no exception! It was a beautiful warm day for a beautiful wedding.

The moment I met this couple, I knew their wedding was going to be special. From our very first conversations and throughout our journey together, they were so relaxed and playful with one another; the love they had for each other was so obvious. Shortly after our first meeting at my Napa studio, we met in Yountville for their engagement session. It was so fun to capture them dancing in the vineyards and laugh along with them as they enjoyed celebrating their engagement. These sessions are such a great way to get to know the couple and for them to see how I work, making the wedding day photography that much more seamless.

By the time the wedding day came, we had already spent many hours talking about all the little details they wanted to preserve in pictures and I had a great idea of who Courtney and David were – separately and together as a couple.

We began the day with the bride, bridesmaids, and family. The ladies were delightful, as we captured many candid photos of finishing their hair and make-up and everyone getting dressed. Using mirrors and reflection in creative ways, I am able to capture candid and beautiful photos without being noticed. Capturing tender moments when the mother-of-the bride helped Courtney with her jewelry and finishing touches was truly touching. A particularly special piece was a beautiful hand-made garter  that Courtney’s aunt had made with material from the mother-of-the-bride’s wedding dress over 20 years ago. It’s the little details such as this that make every wedding so unique and special.

Before the ceremony, Courtney and David met for the “First Look,” where I captured the very first time David saw Courtney in her wedding dress. I took these pictures from afar with a long lens as to not intrude on this intimate and special moment between the soon-to-be husband and wife.

David looked on eagerly as Courtney’s father and step-father walked her down the aisle together.  Truly a family affair, all three of the bride’s brothers had a part in the ceremony – one was the officiating minister, one sang a song and one shared a special reading.  After the kiss (one for the record books!), the wedding guests then gathered around beautiful tables amid lush green vineyards for the wedding reception dinner.

As sunset approached, the newly married couple and I explored the property for some romantic shots and then headed back to the dance floor, where the celebration was in full-swing. Some unique highlights of the day included the hand-rolled cigars made especially for wedding guests and the sparklers on the dance floor at sunset.

From beginning to end, it was a beautiful day to photograph!  Thank you for the pleasure of working with you, Courtney and David, and for allowing me to be a part of your love story.  I wish you both all the best in life and in love!

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