DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
We are destination wedding photographers!
While our home in wine country serves as a popular wedding destination for many couples, there’s a world (literally) of other options out there when creating your dream wedding day. While it may be more difficult to organize a destination wedding from afar, partnering up with a good wedding planner can alleviate much of the stress involved. As wedding destination photographers, any time we get the chance to work in a fun new place, we get very excited as we love to travel and we thrive when outside our comfort zone. From the landscapes to the cityscapes to the sights and sounds and smells and the way the light is always different when you travel somewhere new…we feed off of everything each new destination has to offer us and channel our inspiration into your collection of wedding images. Over the years, we have been fortunate to work in some pretty incredible locations around the world with our destination wedding clients, here are some of our favorites:
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
New Zealand (South and North Islands),
Viti Levu, Fiji
Rincón, Puerto Rico
Barbados
Aruba
Clearwater, Florida
Newport, Rhode Island
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa - Tabernash, Colorado
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park
Flora Farms, Los Cabos, Mexico
Banyan Tree Mayakoba - Riviera Maya, Mexico
Wilmington, Vermont
New York City
Poughkeepsie, New York
Blackberry Farm - Walland, Tennessee
About Viera Photographics
Viera Photographics is a husband and wife wedding photography team located in Sonoma, California. They specialize in telling stories through their style of wedding photojournalism and candid documentary wedding photography. In business since 2005 they are considered to be one of the top high-end wedding photographers. Their unique wedding photographic style emphasizes stylish storytelling with raw emotion. They bring impeccable and unmatched customer service on every level.
Jaime, Dennis and their team are available worldwide with no travel fees. They travel often photographing weddings all over the world. Some of their top destinations are: Napa, San Francisco, Tahoe, Big Sur, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, New York, Newport, Rhode Island, Vermont, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Viera Photographics
[email protected]
San Francisco, CA
(707) 934-4007
Featured Destination weddings
Nicole and Andy’s unique Flora Farms wedding took place in Cabo del Sur, Mexico; seemingly a world away from the beachside ceviche peddlers and celebrity tequila bars of Cabo San Lucas just down the coast the peninsula’s tip. Flora Farms is an organic working farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, and is a tranquil oasis amidst cactus-studded hillsides and gravelly arroyos. As the mango grove was being prepared for the wedding ceremony, culinary staff continued tending plants, gathering vegetables and herbs for the evening’s meal. Once supplying fine dining establishments in the area with their impeccable produce and humanely raised animal products, these days the demand right there on the farm itself is so great that all of what they produce remains on-site to supply food for guests and as teaching materials for their numerous culinary classes. The One and Only Palmilla provides every and any aspect of a luxurious destination wedding that you could dream of and was a great space to begin Nicole and Andy’s day. At the girls villa, Nicole put in her finishing touches, antique earrings passed down from her grandmother as blue as the Sea of Cortez. At the boys place, Andy grabbed one last taco with the boys and we prepared to rendezvous for their first look. As Andy and Nicole finished their preparations at the One & Only Palmilla, the expansive transformation back at Flora Farms was nearing completion, with lounge areas and built in food stations cropping up around the farm. We arrived and Nicole hid away as Andy escorted his mother down the aisle to her seat. Nicole and her father made their way down the aisle and Andy stepped out from under the chuppah, adorned in roses of every shade of pastel, and… Continue Reading
When you tell friends and family you’re getting married at Convict Lake, it may not immediately conjure up romantic images of a high Sierra wedding, but Suzanne and Christopher’s eastern Sierra wedding could not have been more stunning. Set high in the Sierra’s at nearly 8000 feet above sea level, the pristine glacial lake with its turquoise waters and towering twisted granite peaks provided a surreal backdrop to the couples’ summer mountain wedding. The lake got its name when an escaped band of gold-rush-era criminals met up with a local posse in 1871 leading to a shootout and subsequent deaths of both the local sheriff and native American deputy (for whom the two towering peaks to the west were named in dedication). Suzanne and Christopher’s wedding ceremony itself was identified to us by the couple using global coordinates, 37°35’20.8″N 118°51’17.4″W (although they could’ve just told us Shale Beach) which reveals a lot about their personalities; Suzanne is a freshwater ecologist who focuses on Pacific salmon ecology and evolution and Christopher is a mechanical engineer who works on electric vehicle technology. They’re thorough and absolutely love the outdoors. Although this by most every definition would be classified as a mountain destination wedding, it didn’t seem like one for these two. Living a few hours to the north of the area, they love spending any free time together with their Subaru exploring the mountains, hiking and camping and exploring the outdoors together. The lakefront site was a short walk or shuttle ride from the convict lake resort where the rest of the day’s events took place. Due to its remote location, the entire wedding party stayed at the resort which made it such a fun day because everyone got to spend time with each other in a beautiful setting and enjoy the weekend together… Continue Reading
Vines are laden with the season’s harvest and the smell of fermenting fruit juice fills the air across the valley as the warmth of the afternoons give way to the chill of the evening. It’s a perfect time to be in wine country for a Jacuzzi Family Winery wedding. We arrived and the warm afternoon sunlight was filtering through the window as Christine was putting on her finishing touches in the bridal suite. Nerves were just starting to set in while downstairs, Doug greeted his family with quiet confidence and an infectious smile. With support from her best friend, Christine was just able to hold back the tears…and then she approached the aisle and saw Doug for the first time. At that point, everyone shared tears of joy. Although we only had limited conversations with Doug and Christine leading up to their wedding day, we are both perceptive and empathetic people, so we can figure a lot of things out very quickly. It was quite clear to us as Doug and Christine – holding each other’s hands tightly – and looking deeply and into each other’s eyes, have the kind of relationship that will stand the test of time. As the sunlight faded and the sky turned a rosy amber, guests were passed wine and hors d’oeuvres as the couple went for walk amongst the vines. The dinner was served in Jacuzzi’s open air courtyard and guests laughed and made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and enjoyed dinner served with a great selection of wines from the family estate. The evening finished off in the barrel room with an incredibly high participation dance party, as the two families cemented their union with some solid rump-shakin’. A perfect day. Continue Reading
If I had only one word to describe Sam and Heather’s Stonepine Estate elopement in Big Sur, it would be: Quiet. Everything about the day was so tranquil and as I recount the events, I struggle to recall any sound. Chateau Noel, a manor-style estate, stood stoic and silent nestled among Italian Stone Pine and Olive trees as I approached the main piazza where I saw Sam standing. Sharply dressed and looking like Humphrey Bogart ready for a night out at the Pump Room, Sam couldn’t have looked any cooler standing there in his black tuxedo. Inside the Chateau, Heather was nearly ready with only minor nerves. I have to believe it would be easier when you have friends or siblings there to pronounce that you’re “ready to do this” but when you’re on your own, it’s on you to feel absolutely ready and to take that leap and leave the room. Just outside in their private garden courtyard, Sam was alone with his thoughts, awaiting the arrival of this woman who’d first captured his heart when they met in grade school so many years back in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Back then, they were just kids figuring out life and new emotions like Kevin and Winnie. Ten years pass and Heather and Sam, now adults reconnect and picked right back up from where they’d left off; Is this not the embodiment of true love? Heather is ready and has left the room and is remembering to breathe as she approaches Sam who is waiting around the corner. They look at each other with giddy smiles, then hold each other as if for the first time in their lives, and they don’t ever seem to want to let go. I drove with Sam and Heather to meet our officiant Ken Robbins at a point along the Pacific Coast Highway north of Big Sur for the ceremony. We found a spot that… Continue Reading
Before reading any further, grab your favorite cup of tea and settle in because Shivani and Saurabh’s Indian Pebble Beach wedding was one of epic proportions. My personal choice would be Chai Masala – black tea slowly infused with fresh ginger, cardamom pods, whole cinnamon, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns – sweetened to taste. An Indian Hindu wedding unfolds over time – typically several days to a week – this post won’t be quite that long… Shivani and Saurabh’s relationship began with a long conversation on his terrace one March night several years ago. It was Saurabh’s birthday and Shivani was there as a guest of his cousin whom she attended UCLA with. Her only expectation was that of a “dorky fobby cousin” so she was taken aback at how “handsome, fun, and awesome” he was upon their introduction. The fact that they both have the same last name probably served as a perfectly awkward ice-breaker as well. Despite the immediate chemistry on their first meeting, it would be a few years (2 years and 6 parties later to be exact) before the two would formally reconnect. Time, however, did nothing to dilute those original feelings and when they finally did have their first date, it evolved quickly into a year of adventures. Saurabh is a well traveled, adventure-seeker and Shivani was all-in as his willing accomplice. Their first year together, they travelled the globe and had so much fun – it was only a matter of time now before they took things to the next level. That following spring – on April fool’s day to be exact – Saurabh asked the most important question of his life and despite his wit, she knew this was no joke. And of course… she said yes! Indian weddings are revered celebrations, where friends and family come together to frolic and celebrate… Continue Reading
Dianne and Ryan’s Parker Palm Springs wedding was fully of style, fun and love. I have to say, from the moment we arrived at the Parker Palm Springs, we were flooded with inspiration. As you began our descent into the Coachella valley from highway 74, you slowly start to acclimate to the different world that is Palm Springs. While at can be argued as ridiculous – this lush oasis in the middle of one of the driest parts of the state – it’s undeniable cool and uniqueness keep us eager to go back. Ryan and Dianne’s colorful wedding day included a BBQ dinner (each guest was given a BBQ kit with crayons, bibs and wet wipes), Games (Bocce, Badminton, and Croquet), an old typewriter to write notes to the Bride and Groom on, and to top it off… they beat the crap out of a donkey Piñata filled with vintage novelty gifts like candy dots (remember those?) and kazoos! The desert head did not hamper anyones spirits and as the sun set behind the San Jacinto mountains and the cool settled in over the dance floor, energy reserves were tapped into and the dancfloor came to life. From beginning to end, Dianne and Ryan’s day was fun, inspired, and a day we’ll never forget. All Continue Reading
When we initially spoke with Michael to find out more about their Glen Manor House wedding, I knew in the first minute we wanted to be their wedding photographers. The way Michael spoke lovingly about his fiancé Marissa was endearing to say the least and he wanted to secure the absolute best team for his future wife’s perfect Glen Manor house wedding. Luckily, he felt we were that perfect fit photographer-wise and were once again, booking tickets, bound for Dennis’ hometown of Newport, Rhode Island, and the land of chowda the the Sox! To call Marissa and Michael’s wedding DIY would be a bit like saying your pal was going to be performing a few songs at your wedding…and that your pal’s name was Ed Sheeran. As a visual design manager for Nordstrom, every wedding day detail was overseen by Marissa and carefully crafted as a stylish reflection of their taste and style. It’s probably best to simply list Marissa’s contributions: Refurbished the Drink Cart Made the Drink Stirrers Made the Fans for the Ceremony Made the Escort Cards Made Thank You Notes at the Table Brought in Curated Antiques to Style Around the Mansion Made Flower Girl Crowns Provided Unique Props for Cake (such as the crowns) The near-century old Glen Manor house, inspired by the château style of homes of Northern France, was just the venue to transport guests to another place and another time. The wedding day weather was absolutely perfect – as late spring days often are in this corner of the world – which allowed the ceremony, speeches, and first dance all to take place under open skies and in the presence of the local bird community chirping in their support for the couple. As Michael grew up in Rhode Island, it wasn’t a complete… Continue Reading
Joy and Corey’s Big Sur wedding day was unlike any other day we had experienced on that particular stretch of central California coast. We firmly believe that it was karma rewarding the sweet couple for their steadfast belief in having exactly the day they had envisioned nearly a year prior, regardless of the hurdles (see below for a bit about why they had to postpone their wedding for nearly a year). Preparing in separate suites down the road at the newly renovated Ventana Big Sur, Joy and Corey’s wedding day had the relaxed vibe of a spa day, I mean we met Joy in her jammies! Being surrounded by an incredible crew of friends and family amidst Ventana’s elysian atmosphere, we knew all the elements were in place from the moment we arrived. Before arriving at Corey and Joy’s private Big Sur wedding venue, we made the most of the incredible weather (warmest day of the month of June and not a breath of wind!) With videographer Jason Magbanua and his crew in caravan being us, we stopped along the highway to take in the scenery and make some portraits at a few breathtaking portrait locations high above the Pacific before arriving at the venue. The clifftop setting was adorned with market lighting, hanging foliage of all color and texture, and an elegant selection of cocktail lounge furniture for guests to fully enjoy the views out over the cobalt blue expanse. Joy and Corey were married under a large canopy of cypress trees by a close friend and were gifted wisdom and marital inspiration from several married couples who gave speeches throughout the ceremony. After the ceremony, an extended cocktail hour served up fresh local cuisine and brightly colored beverages under brilliant skies and the warmest weather we can ever… Continue Reading
Alex and Brian’s Tre Posti wedding in the heart of Napa Valley was a picture postcard wine country wedding. The couple got ready separately on the property, surrounded by their supportive wedding party and family, ready to help with any task. They opted for a first look, in Tre Posti’s lush garden area and as Alex emerged from the Villa, neither could hold back the tears as they held on to each other and let the enormity of the day sink in. Their ceremony was framed in the shadow of the majestic Mayacamas mountains and surrounded by lush green vineyards. And though the couple had already seen each other, Brian could not hold back his tears as he saw his bride come down the aisle with her father by her side. The couple chose to keep the ceremony brief and after they emerged as husband and wife, they took a moment by themselves to read their private vows to each other. And if the official ceremony wasn’t emotional enough, seeing these two share such an intimate moment together was truly touching. Now husband and wife, the couple, hand in hand, with smiles on their faces, strolled into Tre Posti’s garden area to share and celebrate with their friends and family for cocktail hour. A fitting compliment to their black tie theme, surrounded by guests, the couple led a toast by joining hands and pouring champagne into a cascading tower of flutes. The reception took place in the Italian-inspired terrazza while the guests enjoyed The Girl and the Figs delicious Napa cuisine. The speeches ran the full spectrum from tear jerking to hilarious and the feeling of love in the room was palatable. The party moved to Tre Posti’s harvest room for late evening dancing and festivities while the live band keep… Continue Reading
Jessica and Anthony’s wedding day celebration at the Chanler hotel was a gorgeous Newport wedding with seamlessly woven elements of casual elegance, color, and high fashion. The Chanler’s meticulously appointed and spacious rooms provided the perfect atmosphere for the girls to get ready, sip champagne and reminisce over old times. After their emotional first look (we’ve rarely seen a groom so excited), we made our way to Rosecliff mansion for photos with the bride and groom before returning to the Chanler’s west lawn for their ceremony. As the couple exchanged their vows in the stillness of the afternoon, with the sound of gentle waves lapping the nearby shores of Easton’s beach, it was easily understood that the 19th century Mansion has been called the most romantic hotel in America. Growing up just a mile from the property, it was deeply nostalgic returning to this special part of the world and we couldn’t have been matched up with a more perfect couple to share in each others enthusiasm. The cocktail hour featured classic cocktails and east coast delicacies while guests played lawn games and explored the hidden garden nooks around the property. Dinner featured toasts from the bride and groom’s siblings and was followed by dancing on the Chanler’s oceanside piazza. There, the couple danced their first dance together and were soon joined by parents, then the entire wedding party as the dance floor erupted into the Hora. The dance party continued late into the night and guests either moved inside or cooled off on the veranda in the misty salt air as Jessica re-joined the party in a cute white cocktail dress while Anthony promptly responded to requests to “show me how you Dougie”. About the Couple How they met Anthony and Jessica met in law school when she got a summer… Continue Reading
Planning their San Francisco Asian Art Museum wedding day from New England wasn’t the easiest logistical feat, and involved several trips out west to make sure everything was in order. But from the beginning they partnered up with those who are the best at what they do. The ceremony was at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco’s Washington Square and (fun fact), the front steps were where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio posed for their wedding photos after their civil ceremony in 1954. The reception was held at the Asian Art museum — Helping to realize Carah’s dream of a grand and formal, yet inviting and vibrant wedding, her wedding coordinator Cassandra O’Gara straight knocked it out of the park. From the cavernous nave of Church, to the expansive card catalog room of the Asian Art Museum, they had grand and formal both covered. For all the mini-events happening throughout the day, however, there was a more inviting, family-style feel; from the bubble sendoff, to touring on a trolley car around San Francisco with their wedding party, to Mike’s surprise “groom’s cake”, to a packed, multigenerational dance floor rocking the evening away to the sounds of Pop Fiction, to wrapping up the night eating In N’ Out burgers, it was an epic day for everyone involved. Michael and Carah’s wedding day happened to be one of the windiest days of the summer in San Francisco, and the weather made for some unexpected mishaps, such as her veil (with its heirloom diamond headpiece) being blown off her head and taking a life of its own, whooshing rapidly across the sky under the domes and columns of the Palace of Fine Arts. This could’ve turned many a couple towards the dark side, but their positivity and lovely spirit saved the day. In Carah’s words: The engrained memory of our shocked and concerned family and bridal party banding together… Continue Reading
There’s something magical about the little bend in Sonoma Valley sometimes affectionately called Valley of the Moon – that’s hard to put into words but easy to understand when you’re there. Located just 20 minutes north of Angie’s hometown of Novato, Charlie and Angie were drawn to Kunde Family Estate and Boot Hill for its beautiful scenery, cerulean skies, fresh local fare, and of course…the wine. And in no department did their day disappoint. Angie and Charlie first met over a decade ago during their freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. They became instant best friends, bonding over a shared, silly sense of humor and a deep love for music. Amid a weekend packed with barbecue, bluegrass, and brunch, friends and family were at the heart of it all. Their day featured elements of both Jewish and Chinese culture and the ceremony was extra special too as Charlie’s uncle David officiated. The pure bliss across their faces as they walked back down the aisle – freshly pronounced “husband and wife” – it seemed as if that their “first” kiss might actually have been their first kiss. Angie and Charlie supported the area they love so much by serving exclusively local food and wines. The cocktail hour featured Pt. Reyes oysters, artisan cheeses, local beers, Kunde wines and even a mimosa bar serving Gloria Ferrer bubbles. As Oakland based trio Transit of Venus wrapped up their incredible cocktail hour set, guests were seated for the entrance of the bride and groom. Angie and Charlie danced their way into the reception as their band, the KJ Allstars didn’t miss a beat in kicking things into gear. Dinner and speeches followed but it wasn’t long before everyone found themselves back up on the dance floor and Angie and Charlie found themselves above the dance floor for an extremely entertaining hora (check the facial expressions – those chairs were not light!). Just before leaving, the… Continue Reading
Arriving in Geyserville for Jenna and Kyle’s Robert Young Estate wedding, we immediately fell in love with the place. Tucked up against the hills of Alexander Valley, the The Robert Young Estate stretches over a picturesque 500 acres, with 317 of those acres planted in wine grapes. Greeting us as we entered the property were their two, free-ranging Llamas (who’s names I can’t recall) which was different and cool, and made us feel right at home! While the estate hosts private events throughout the year, up to this point there had never been a wedding up on the hill, so we were over the moon being able to experience this “first” with such a lovely couple. When Jenna and Kyle arrived, we knew straight-away that these were two genuinely great people and we were going to really enjoy our day. I’d considered Kyle’s father Keith, a friend about midway through our very first conversation. He spoke with such affection about his son and future daughter-in-law and wanted to make sure he did everything he could to give them a perfect wedding…while also keeping the day relaxed and fun. Busy finishing up their medical degrees on the east coast, Jenna and Kyle had to rely upon family and their planning team (the always awesome, Quintana Events) to keep things on track for their summertime wine-country wedding. We typically enjoy speaking with a couple first so we can get a feel for each other and make sure it’s the right for everyone, but after several calls with Keith, I knew the “kids” were gonna’ be alright. In our initial questionnaire we send out when someone inquires with us, we ask for three words that best describe them as a couple, to which they replied: Interdependent. Disregarding the fact that that’s only one word and five syllables, the response was classic and perfectly summed up their connectedness. They were always by each other’s side, always smiling,… Continue Reading
If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain…then you should consider a Florida destination wedding. No, seriously! Although we didn’t get caught in any rain on our trip to Clearwater, we did find it pretty easy to track down a Piña Colada; and when it’s sunny, 95 degrees, and you have a few hours of free time…that’s a no-brainer. This was our first wedding in Florida and my first time to the Gulf Coast since I was a kid, so we were even more excited than usual to be shooting somewhere completely new to us. Especially so because we were catching back up with two incredible people whom we couldn’t wait to photograph. Our clients are a lot smarter than I am but fortunately, most are quite camera reticent so it helps level the playing field a bit. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Cornell University is not an easy school to get into; it’s discerning of the intelligence and the character of its student body. Fortunately, Whitney and Terry made the cut, because during their time there, through intersecting paths and mutual friends, the spark had ignited. Although the two weren’t exactly “friends” during their time at Cornell, Whitney left an impression that Terry couldn’t put in the rear-view. So…when Terry caught word from a mutual friend that Whitney was moving to the (New York) city, he asked her out before she even had a chance to unpack her boxes. She delayed for a while – wanting to be a single woman in the city – but a few months later, they had their first date and…well now we’re all in Florida to celebrate their big day! Whitney describes the time leading up to their wedding day as “such an easy, breezy relationship filled with so much laughter and goofing off. Were really… Continue Reading
While out with his friends at brunch, Nick saw Molly across the room and felt compelled to talk to her. Feeling compelled, and actually doing something about it are two different things with very different outcomes. We’re pleased to announce that Nick did do something about it when he approached Molly. Her response what not the one you prepare yourself for, but rather the one you’re hoping for; they arranged a date right then and there…and the rest is history! The stormy winter of 2014/15 was historic in all the worst ways for many parts of this country. New York City had a particularly rough time of it, with one of the worst snowstorms in history, the coldest February for nearly 80 years, and a spring that was more gloomy than bloomy. Needless to say, Molly and Nick were long overdue for a bit of sunshine and some natural climate control in their lives. Breaking from their respective careers in fashion and finance, Molly and Nick headed to Napa Valley to meet up with friends and family for their spring wedding in wine country. In planning the big day, Molly found inspiration in Tuscany, which to them “epitomizes spending time with those you love while enjoying great food and wine amidst a beautiful background”. The Pavillion at the Vintage Estate was a great fit for Nick and Molly’s vision. With it’s elegant landscaping, proximity to town, Mediterranean feel, and incredible food and wines, Vintage Inn provides an elegant Napa Valley experience at every level. A marked contrast to the cold, gray palette of NYC in the winter, Molly put the winter solidly behind her and welcomed spring in her gorgeous, shimmering Zuhair Murad wedding gown. It literally took one’s breathe away and in it, Molly radiated light. Nick didn’t look to shabby either and, after a quick YouTube refresher tying a bowtie by a french man with… Continue Reading
The story of V&F’s Meadowood Napa wedding begins many years ago at math camp when V, from Alabama and F, from Texas, sat down to crunch some numbers. Somewhere between 9x-7i > 3(3x-7u) = …and lunch, a connection formed. Ok, so maybe it didn’t happen exactly that way, but I’d like to think it did. They say that you find true love when you’re least looking for it, and I’m certain that was the case this time. 🙂 Fast forward to the present day and this love has only grown… these two simply adore each other. F calls V his star and is besotted with her, as is she with him. Leaving behind the cold, damp spring weather in New York City, the couple arrived to azure blue spring skies, green hills, and blooming Dogwood trees. From the ceremony at the Holy Family Mission in Napa and back to the Vinter’s Glen at Meadowood, the hot afternoon transitioned into a warm, spring evening. While we were enjoying ourselves as Napa wedding photographers, guests enjoyed craft cocktails, made new friends, and wrote personal messages in their fine art sign in book. Daylights’ departure signaled the beginning of the starlit dinner service. Joined by family and friends from their alma maters – Stanford and Harvard – they were luminous, full of joy, and completely in the moment, enjoying every bit of their beautiful day. As speeches led to dancing, and dancing led where it always leads…an appetite for cake, V & F gave an appreciation speech acknowledging the love and support of all who had travelled to be there. Again, a day full of love that seemed to be over too soon! ** The answer to the problem above is i <3 u (i love you) Continue Reading