One of the best perks of publishing Sacramento Bride and Groom is getting to visit the lovely wedding venues in our magazine. It’s quite obvious that these venues are in most cases much more than just a business to their owners and operators – they are just as much a labor of love. Whether it’s a modest garden venue, a grand mansion or an immaculate country club, the dedicated people who keep them in tip-top shape do so because they want their venue to be the place you fall in love with when you come to visit. They take it personally because they love it too. The condition of their facilities, the amenities they offer and the attention to detail typically on display are a reflection of how much they care about their special place.
The Monte Verde Inn in Forest Hill is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Sure, it’s kind of remote, but it would have to be, wouldn’t it? I mean, they don’t build places like this in the middle of Carmichael (no offense meant to you Carmichaelites or Carmichaelians or whatever you call yourselves). It may take you an hour to get there, but there is an upside to that – once you get there, you’re in your own little world. The property is yours and your guests’ to wander around and discover lovely spots for relaxing, visiting and taking photos with family and friends who you may not see often enough.
My photos demonstrate the value of a pro photographer – the contrast is inconsistent, photos in bright light have blown out highlights, and I shot a ton just to get a handful of useful photos. My camera is a pretty good one, not pro quality by any means, but I won’t try to tell you that it is what’s limiting photo quality!
You might miss this place entirely if you failed to notice this sign at the entrance!
Hidden away at the end of the tree-lined driveway is the beautiful Monte Verde Inn.
The Inn makes a wonderful backdrop for our photographer, Wendy Hithe. It’s a good thing her camera handles the bright sun better than mine!
Photo shoot coordinator Kayla Swift arranges Breanna’s dress. Quite a collection of clips pulling the gown tight!
Wouldn’t you know it? Just when we get everything just so, a truck driver decides to park at the end of the driveway and take a lunch break!
Soon, we venture around back to find other photo locations and stumble across the Monte Verde Inn’s tiny vineyard.
Here’s a nice shady spot to shoot. Getting out of the sun makes life easier for everyone, especially our models.
A day out in the country has everyone relaxing and enjoying themselves. As the day goes on, the light loses some of its harshness. Fortunately, our experienced photographer Wendy had the know-how to be able to get good shots all day!
The final location of the day, and the light is soft and the shadows are fading. There are great shots to be taken now, but the window closes fast! In a few minutes, there won’t be anything to do but start packing up. Another successful fashion shoot is in the bag!
