Rustic Sonoma wedding | Michelle & Jens, the full film

The heart has its reasons, that reason ignores completely - Blaise Pascal via Marianna Esposto

Believe it or not, I've spent years waiting for Michelle to get married so I could be the one to shoot her wedding video. Ever since I created the tribute film for her mother, Maly, back in 2007, I have had it in the back of my mind that this was not my last film project for the Depres family.

Michelle's sister, Marianne, kept me posted in subsequent months on Michelle's relational status.  When Marianne would contact me regarding her latest ideas for developing a cooking show (Trained at the Cordon Bleu, Marianne once operated L'Atelier catering - now she has an Empanada truck), she would remark that Michelle's relational status was still cooking.

In the years that followed, Michelle recommended me to create wedding videos for many of her friends, but I was never able to serve any of them. Besides, I kept pining away for Michelle...to get married that is, so that I could return the to Bay Area (preferably during our summer) to get to work with her amazing family, and, ironically enough, to get to meet her legendary mother, the subject of the tribute film I created so many years before.

I had almost given up hope, but then earlier this year, I heard it through the wine-country grape vine that the time had come.

Why rush a good thing?  As Marianne presents in her matron of honor toast - Michelle "is a romantic, but she takes her time.  She is methodical in everything she does."

The timing was right for Jens as well.  After conducting a thorough "international search," he finally found his lady.

Michelle and Jens, thanks for flying me out to Sonoma to be your wedding videographer.  

Sonoma California Vineyard Wedding - Michelle + Jens

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29684852[/vimeo]

Recently, I had the pleasure of flying into San Francisco and driving up to Sonoma to create the wedding video of Michelle and Jens.

If you recognize Michelle from past work, you are quite observant. Along with her sister Marianne, Michelle produced this tribute film for their mother's birthday party in 2007.  That was my first trip to the Bay Area, and I've longed for their summers ever since.

Michelle and Jens' Sonoma wedding was held at their family home in wine country, and you couldn't have asked for prettier surroundings and more perfect weather to celebrate with family and friends.  Michelle's bridesmaids carried tropical pink parasols that matched their wedding bouquets as they posed for poolside pictures, and to our great surprise, all of the guests had their own pink umbrella during the outdoor wedding ceremony.  It made for such a breathtaking moment as they all stood with their parasols when Michelle walked down the aisle with her proud "father of the bride."

Guests came from as far away as Germany, England, France, Peru, and all parts throughout the United States.  The reception food, wine, and music was eclectic to say the least.  In Bavaria, it is a wedding tradition to give a fruit tree as a gift to a couple to represent hope for a life of fruitfulness in children, health and wealth.  Jens' father sweetly gifted a tree to Michelle and Jens at their wedding reception. 

Michelle and Jens', thanks for choosing me as your Sonoma wedding videographer, inviting me in once again to document the spirit and richness of your family experience.

jones