Inn at Perry Cabin Surprise Proposal

This was a super special day because I love surprises and what’s better than a double surprise!!! It all started like this, the groom-to-be contacted me and let me know that he was planning to propose on a private romantic boat ride while vacationing at The Inn at Perry Cabin. This obviously sounded super romantic and sweet but the real kicker to the whole proposal was that. He had invited both of their immediate families and closest friends to fly into the DC area and meet them at the pier to celebrate with them once the boat docked. Here are some of my favorite images from the evening!

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photographer

April 1st, 2016 was a beautiful day for Juliana and Mohamed to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. They are such a fun, awesome, and thoughtful couple, with the best sense of humor and the sweetest family.  I was so honored that they entrusted me to photograph their special day in beautiful California. Their love and the love they share of family is inspiring, both families were extremely welcoming and we all had so much fun! 

Their thoughtfulness can be summed up in this one of many examples… The morning of the wedding I was pleasantly surprised with a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries and a note written on the plate with chocolate syrup that read "Happy Birthday Paola".  To be honest, I had completely forgotten it was my birthday until that moment. I started crying and laughing a little bit, well because, that's what I do. Simply put, I was just so incredibly touched. My couples are always the best.  I don't know how to stress this enough, I LOVE MY JOB! Here are some of my favorite images from that day.

Accommodations: Belmond El Encanto

Ceremony Location:  Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room

Reception: San Ysidro Ranch

Hair and Makeup: Gloss Makeup and Beauty Studio

Flowers: Hogue & Co

 

UNCA Botanical Gardens Engagement Session by Paola Nazati Photography

While Lydia and Mark were in town doing some wedding planning, we decided to meet up over at the UNCA Botanical Gardens and do an engagement session. We got lucky with the weather, it was a beautiful day! Here are some of my favorites from our hangout.

Inle Lake Travel Photography, Part 3

After Bagan, Stephen and I flew to Inle Lake in Shan State. While staying on the lake we were able to see more ancient temples, along with floating villages, gardens, and beautiful sunsets. By the way, the food is amazing! I loved the flavors so much that I decided to take a cooking class to learn how to create some of the local dishes. It was a wonderful ending to an unforgettable trip!  

Myanmar Travel Photography, Part 1

Part 1

A small break from east coast winter? Yes, please! Last month I had the opportunity to join my husband, Stephen, in Myanmar during the last leg of his work trip. We started out in the capital city of Yangon, and then traveled up country to Bagan and Southern Shan State to Inle Lake. While he worked, I was able to take time to myself and explore the countryside. I took a cooking class and learned traditional paper making and pottery. Although my visit was brief, the warmth and hospitality of the Myanmar people, and the rich and diverse culture will stay with me for a long time to come.

The Capital City, Yangon

Asheville Backyard Wedding by Paola Nazati Photography

This backyard wedding is very special to me. The bride is one of my very first clients from back in 2010 when I officially launched my photography business in Asheville. We have both kept up with each other throughout the years and when she approached me about her small wedding taking place in her backyard I was all smiles. I am always so honored and grateful that clients enjoy my work and personality and choose me to be their photographer during important moments in their life.

The day had started out very rainy but as soon as it got close to their ceremony time the clouds began to part, the rain turned to a small drizzle and soon the sun started peaking through the trees. Here are some of my favorite images from the day.

Flowers by Cynthia Gillooly

Officiant Milly Morrow