Learn the hearts and journeys of the love stories captured, traveling tales and candid advice in each blog entry. We welcome you to get inspired.
I'm Iann and I'm so happy you're here. This journal is about love stories, travels, advice, and style. Stay a while and say hello!
2. Montalvo Arts Center – Based in Saratoga, Montalvo Arts Center is a non-profit center for the arts. The landscape and architecture is what sets this venue apart. The Spanish Mediterranean Revival mansion is set facing a great lawn. From there you have your pick of a Spanish courtyard, oval garden, or a love temple […]
Wedding planning can be a roller coaster ride, from choosing the perfect venue and meal selection to creating the guest list and ensuring everything is picture-perfect. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of making your big day memorable. As tempting as it may be to have a friend or loved one capture those […]
One of the top destinations for a romantic wedding abroad has to be the South of France. Gorgeous countryside, amazing culinary delights, and an unforgettable weekend at a château. It was our pleasure to photograph this stunning couple in a dreamed up celebration of fairytale nuptials. From Paris Gare De Lyon station you can take […]
Lush grapevines, dreamy sunsets, and gorgeous grounds – all hallmarks of a stunning venue in Napa. Carneros Resort and Spa is in a picturesque countryside this is relaxed and luxurious for a top choice intimate wedding venue in California. The day started in the cozy private cottages with tons of natural light and a private […]
One of the most beautiful locations in San Francisco to get married at is in City Hall. An architectural marvel, its beauty is known worldwide and even Marilyn Monroe was married here to Joe Dimaggio. I have the honor of photographing not just local couples, but those traveling to bay area as well. I was […]
When working in the wedding industry, you meet a lot of people. From clients to vendors and media, the relationships formed are crucial to building a strong foundation for your business. How do you stand out against the rest? The Secret When it comes to building relationships, nothing stands out more in the digital age […]
So you are starting your wedding planning journey and need inspiration? Look no further. As a professional wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience, we’ve done our fair share of digging to see what is on the horizon year after year. Here is a roundup of some go-to resources we love that can help you […]
Villa Montalvo is a Bay Area favorite when it comes to elegant outdoor venues. This intimate wedding story was inspired by delicate French inspired details. From powder blues to soft pinks, the colors remind me of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette movie aesthetic. The bride’s first look is a flowy Monique Lhuillier gown with pink florals […]
Sea Ranch Lodge is one of the most unique venues I’ve been to in California. Sea Ranch is a developed community started in the 1960s by architect and developer, Al Boeke. The structures are modern style that work in harmony with the natural surroundings. In 2018 the Lodge was purchased by new owners to restore […]
This editorial was recently featured on the front page of Utah Valley Bride. On one of our recent travels to Utah, we knew we wanted to put together something special to highlight the beauty and talent of this region. The Bonneville Salt Flats are known for its sparkling powder white salt against the blue hues […]
When it comes to capturing weddings, the details come together to set the stage for your special day. Below are my recommendations on what to bring to create the best shots : ACCESSORIES: For the Bride – There are so many little details to consider so having all of these items in a designated corner […]
Step into an idyllic oasis of peaceful grounds and modern art. MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa is an award winning luxury destination in Sonoma, California. This wine country retreat was founded over a century ago as a vineyard and working ranch. The 5 acre property has lush surroundings and elevated dining experiences. The handsome couple […]
Pre-Wedding Shoots are hot, hot, hot. This session was no different in over 90 degree weather. My lovely couple will be celebrating their wedding later this year so we decided to come to another beautiful location in the bay area to capture some romantic portraits for their love story. Pre-Wedding shoots are an upscale version […]
This is Part Two of this dreamy Amalfi Coast wedding where we explore different cities and staples! The week was filled with incredible landscapes, good food, loving company, and of course the best fashion looks. We journeyed from Ravello to Positano to Capri for a truly epic wedding week of fun! The Palazzo Avino is […]
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is one of the most magical places on Earth to have a destination wedding. I had the honor of capturing Jenny and G’s love story surrounded by their loved ones from around the world. There was so much love, joy and beauty experienced during their week that this journal entry […]
On a sunny morning amidst the dew coated flora, I met up with sweet Charissa and Joshua at Gamble Gardens. This historic property includes rose and herb gardens, a beautiful white gazebo and fountain that is perfect for special occasions such as maternity shoots. Spring Maternity Sessions in Palo Alto are some of my favorite […]
Although captured in July 2021, we still can’t get over how beautiful this day was despite the overcast weather. Unlike most people, I love a foggy day because it lends a serene and even light over the day. Romina and Daniel celebrated the day with a classic tux and vintage ballgown with a romantic cascading […]
One of the best parts of being a destination photographer is scouting incredible locations and working with the loveliest of couples. Upon meeting Jasmine and Scott, I knew they had fun, vibrant personalities. We had so many laughs and it was so fun seeing them interact – naturally and with love. We met up in […]
Although the day was overcast from a morning of snow flurries, the warm hues of this bountiful intimate wedding brightened every moment with each detail. Pro Tip: Fruit is a great decoration addition to your tablescape that is cost conscious and perfect for incorporating a seasonal or regional element to your celebration. This unique venue […]
When it comes to planning your wedding, the schedule logistics is usually what stresses out most spouses. This is why many people opt for a wedding planner to take care of your special day without the stress so you can enjoy every element. I highly recommend the following planners who are all unique and have […]
Nestled on the central coast of California in San Luis Obispo is Villa Loriana, an Italian-inspired venue that is perfect for transforming your special occasion into a dreamy destination getaway. The venue inspired us to imagine a colorful and romantic elopement with bountiful blooms and luxurious fabrics for the ultimate I Dos. The details of […]
When destination photographer Iann Ivy isn’t traveling to a sapphire kissed coastline or a pine covered mountain for a photography session, here is where she creates and gets inspired for her next artistic endeavor. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, this home studio replaced a well-loved sewing room loft with a longarm quilting machine. […]
Even though it’s technically winter in California, I’m dreaming of gorgeous blooms and intimate weddings. Last year I had the pleasure of shooting at one of my mentor’s workshops at her dreamy Santa Barbara House. Every detail was in a word – poetic, with high attention to detail and an effortless curation of each moment. […]
When it comes to destination elopements, finding the ‘wow factor’ dress is essential. Without many of the traditional wedding decorations and venue features, all eyes are on the bride (or fabulous partner) in elopement photos. From my experience, having a dress with gorgeous movement will enhance your photos in your destination of choice. Below are […]
Being a diverse woman in the wedding industry, it’s been my joy to work with people that come from a variety of backgrounds. This month it’s an honor to highlight black-owned businesses and women that create stunning works of art and share immense talent in the wedding space. From planning out dreamy events to artistry […]
Weddings are intimate, elopements are even more intimate where the focus is just on the two of you. Your photographer is by your side the entire time, capturing the subtle details to remember your day by while sharing with loved ones. Use my checklist below to help you decide on the perfect pairing: –Find a […]
Elopements are more popular than ever (thanks pandemic!) but I truly love them. There is something so special about photographing an elopement and you know I am definitely down to travel! Here is a list of my top 10 elopement locations for 2022. 1) Washington State. The mountains, the water, the greenery, if you are […]
Every year I always book out my winter mini photography sessions because there’s always families, new and expanding that take their annual photos in the San Francisco Bay Area. For a few years now I’ve partnered with Basic Invite to give my clients the best deal to use their photos to create beautiful holiday cards […]
Finding a unique gift for loved ones can be a challenge with so many options out there. If you’re looking for something special for a local (in the SF Bay Area), a nature lover, a photography enthusiast or someone with an adventurous spirit, check out our curated list of thoughtful presents for someone special in […]
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is one of the most beautiful places on Earth I’ve travelled to and truly a bucket list destination. I had the privilege of capturing a client’s wedding here this summer and everyday was an adventure. Traveling during Covid times makes international travel to Europe a bit more stressful, so I […]
About an hour North-East of the San Francisco Bay is the incredibly scented lavender fields of Araceli Farms. This seasonal botanical oasis is perfect for not only some family fun but also some Provence inspired engagement photos. When it comes to shooting in hot weather, I’m turning into an expert because this session was around […]
Tucked between Santa Barbara and the little Danish-style town of Solvang is the beautiful Santa Ynez wine region on the central coast of California. Sunstone Winery was founded in 1990 as one of the first organic vineyard estates in Santa Barbara county. This inspired shoot was orchestrated by Lorie of H + L Lovely Creations, […]
Gone are the days when elopements were something NOT talked about with enthusiasm or in a positive light. Years ago, elopements were thought to be a rushed affair with little time to put something together and a courthouse time slot to seal the deal. You still might need a marriage civic ceremony appointment ( I […]
Since the pandemic many of us have made the switch over to video meetings and interviews. While there are certain comforts to working from home, ie: cute fuzzy slippers, there’s still that put-together look on the top half that we have to show while we are live streaming. Below are some tips and outfit suggestions […]