Christophe Genty Photography BlogWedding Photography at The Hills Estate in the Napa Valley, CA {Andrea + Andrew}

Wedding Photography at The Hills Estate in the Napa Valley, CA {Andrea + Andrew}

02/06/16 3:36 PM

Christophe Genty is a wedding photographer based in Napa Valley who works throughout The San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond. He recently received the prestigious “Best of the Knot 2017” by the well-known print and online magazine, The Knot.com.

Part 1 : The meeting

The process for this beautiful wedding began months before their September wedding date. I first met Andrea and Andrew in April, when they came to me to take their engagement photos. Working together over the course of several months created a relaxed, familiar, and comfortable atmosphere within which we were all able to work. It also gave us the time needed to develop a wedding day schedule of events, so that I was sure to capture what was dear to Andrea and Andrew during their special celebration.

Part 2 : The engagement photo session

During Andrew and Andrea’s engagement photo session, we began building our rapport. This comfort, I believe, feeds right into the wedding day. We talked about the big day, time line, events, and guests, so that I would have an idea of who will be there and what Andrea and Andrew would feel were the no-to-miss photo ops. It is like a rehearsal of sorts.

We took lovely photos at the engagement session. Andrea and Andrew used one on their save-the-date cards. It was nice to know that I was playing a role in and contributing to their wedding right from the start. The engagement phase, really, is all about creating a comfortable relationship. Let’s face it, not many people are used to having all eyes on them, capturing every move on the biggest day of their lives. I feel that creating a relaxed environment is key, which is why I work so hard to make sure the couples with whom I work know how their wedding photo shoot will go before the big day.

Part 3 : The wedding

Andrea and Andrew were great to work with, and it was obvious how much they love and care for each other. That warmth is clearly visible in the photos. On that beautiful September day in the vineyards and winery, our planning paid off and everything went very smoothly. We had a great time taking pictures with Andrea’s father’s impeccably maintained classic 1962 Chevy Corvette. We were able to highlight all the details that were so important to the couple. They took a lot of time to plan this wedding, and it showed. The seating charts were written with beautiful precision on the winery’s French doors. There were lawn games out back, which served as an icebreaker among guests. Dinner was served outside, overlooking the vineyards; truly, the venue was a vision.

Since we met prior to wedding day, we were able to plan where we would all be during each time of the day. We knew exactly what to do to perfectly capture each aspect of the wedding. We couldn’t plan everything, however. There was an incredible rainbow that emerged part way through the reception, but we were there and ready to take a series of amazing pictures with the rainbow framing Andrea, Andrew, and the Napa Valley. Sometimes, the Valley works its magic unexpectedly, and you have to be prepared to really capture the moment.

Thank you, Andrea and Andrew, for allowing me to be a part of your engagement and wedding.