Rae & Bradly

Rae & Bradly's love for each other and their friends and family is highly contagious. They make us want to smile and greet everyone with a big hug and kiss! Getting to know with them has been a real treat—truly two of the most genuinely sweet people we've met, with equally wonderful families. Their wedding took place in the Santa Cruz mountains at the amazing Nestldown. The setting and venue is simply fantastic. Josh Bootz was in the house for this shoot—always an added bonus. Rae & Bradly are a creative duo. From their pink invitations, ice cream sandwich dessert, Bradly's band Big Light playing at the reception, incredibly thoughtful vows and toasts, herb centerpieces, Homeless Garden flower creations, to the cute custom button party favors, this wedding was original and clever. We loved it and we love them! Thanks you two for having us. It's been an absolute pleasure.

Click here for the full size version of their slideshow.

James & Gaea in Sunny South Lake Tahoe

We hit the road for Tahoe for the second time this month. This trip we headed to the South Shore for James and Gaea's wedding festivities. We met Gaea a couple years ago while photographing her sister's wedding. It was really fun to see a number of people from that wedding again. We love when we have the opportunity to catch up with past clients. It's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and hear about life a few years down their wedded road.

We had an amazing time watching the very much in love Gaea & James say their "I dos". The setting was gorgeous and simple on the beach of Lake Tahoe. The weather was perfect, and the couple completely adorable. All of the makings for a beautiful day and lovely pictures. Gaea and James are two of the most likable people—huge smiles and so kind. Their intimate ceremony took place at the private Lake Tahoe Spa and Resort, followed by a reception at Harvey's Casino. Thanks Gaea and James for including us in your celebration!


Click here to view full size slideshow

Meet Elliot Owen Smith

Elliot Owen Smith was born to our good friends Brad & Karen this morning (8.20.2009) at 5:12 a.m. Weighing in at 10 lbs. 7 oz., 21 inches, he is an adorable chunk of a little guy. This evening Jana & I headed over the hill to meet Elliot at the hospital. I'm happy to say everyone is doing great. Congratulations Brad & Karen!

Click here to view a slideshow of more pictures.

Midnight Special

8.11.09, originally uploaded by peterthomsen.

The 365 Days self portrait project is now in the middle of month 8—time flies when your making pictures. This image is me—vintage VW and up late.

I've owned a vintage VW of some sort for the past 20 years. Our current 1963 ragtop bug has stuck around the longest. I purchased it on Cinco de Mayo, 1995 as a better commuter than the 1969 Westfalia I was driving at the time. You see, I was spending a fair amount of time on the road between Davis and Sonoma State to visit a certain Jana Lu VanPykeren. The rest is history.

If you are interested in checking out my portrait project, the link is below. Thanks for looking.
365 Days

Annie & Scott's Tahoe Celebration

You know when the bride & groom's parents, and family kick off the reception with a dance routine to "My Humps," it's bound to be a good party. Annie & Scott's wedding celebration at Northstar-at-Tahoe was just that. They are an adorable couple with a huge group of great family and friends. I got to know Scott through Mount Hermon—he is truly a good guy, with a heart as big as their guest list. Annie is absolutely lovely. I couldn't be happier for this sweet couple.

Summer in Tahoe is amazing—if you haven't been you need to. This unique mountain wedding was the perfect fit for couple saying their "I do's." The ceremony and reception took place mid-mountain at Northstar-at-Tahoe . The ceremony got rolling with the Annie, her dad, and the bridesmaids riding the chairlift down the mountain. I can now say I've taken wedding photos while riding a chairlift—too fun. The whole day was spent outside under the canopy of the summer sierra skies, slight thunder showers and all. Kelly from Northstar did a wonderful job with the meal. The DJ kept the dance floor packed all night, even after Scott & Annie made their getaway. I won't soon forget this fun filled weekend.

Annie & Scott—Jana, Josh and I had a fantastic time photographing you. Thanks you two for including us in your celebration. It was a blast being your shadow for the day. Blessings to you as you start your life together.

Enjoy this slideshow of the fun (click here for full size version):



Prints from the slideshow may be order here: Annie & Scott Slideshow Photos Full photo galleries to follow.

Gaea, James & Roxy

I met Gaea a few years ago when we photographed her sister's wedding. I was touched when Gaea contacted us, and said, "You did a fantastic job with Joanne and Neal's wedding...we can't imagine anyone else doing ours." To get things started,Gaea & James joined us with their dog Roxy for a fun engagement portrait session down by the lighthouse in Santa Cruz. We all laughed lots and made some sweet images together. Take a look at their slideshow and smile too.

Love Handles

In honor of National Donut Day tomorrow, I've designed a poster. Support your local donut establishment today.