Susan & Ralph at the Beltane Ranch

"Some people have asked me, is there any difference between getting married when you're 67, versus 27? And my answer is yes, less sex and more soup." Ralph's quote might have been the quote of the weekend. On the other hand, Susan's "Of course I'm relaxed. this isn't a Taliban wedding." was a very close second.

We had a blast shooting Susan & Ralph's wedding. An amazing couple, a gorgeous wedding under the Beltane's oaks & a wedding ceremony that was as heart felt as it was hysterical. We wish all the best to the new bride and groom.

Four Years & Counting

Today, Nathalie and I are celebrating our four-year anniversary. In honor of us, I shall regurgitate one of my favorite toasts from the late Herb Cain:

Here’s to the roses and lilies in bloom,

You in my arms and I in your room.

A door that is locked, a key that is lost,

A bird and a bottle, and a bed badly tossed,

And a night that is 50 years long.

Proud Parents Heading Back to Work

Still can't believe it's been three months since Charlie was born. Feeling very blessed to have been able to take all that time off to spend every moment with our new little creature, but having a hard time today going back to work...

The below pictures were taken in Yosemite National Park and, of course, our bed during nap time.

Rebecca & Daniel - Wedding coming Soon

We shot Rebecca & Daniel's engagement photos at and around the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Can't wait for the wedding...

Our Daughter - Charlotte Vaughan Allen

Nathalie & I have the great pleasure in announcing the birth of our first child, Charlotte Vaughan Allen. "Charlie" was born on March 10, 2011 at 8:36 a.m. She tipped the scales at 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. She's a Pisces, enjoys being swaddled, eating, pooping and sleeping very much.

Here's a video I put together to welcome her to this strange world. It's a montage of our closest friends and family that were all overjoyed with her arrival. Charlie is one lucky baby to have all these people in her life...

The Dunn's add a Molly

Ryan & Julie strike again. Already having one of the cutest boys around (Dylan), The Dunn's decided to even the playing field and add another girl to the family. That way, mom isn't out-numbered.

Introducing Molly Morgan Dunn. She was born on November 4th and has already pledged her allegiance to the San Francisco Giants.

Road to Natty Goes Through Our Watering Hole

The Oregon Duck has been known to make an appearance on any given Saturday at RBAR. That is a fact.

However, no one can tell you exactly why the Duck has chosen this magical place. Perhaps the bar falls square on his migratory path? Perhaps it is because of the host of Oregon faithful that grace the bar's stools? Or perhaps, the Duck just likes to drink beer? Whatever the case, the Duck & RBAR made the front page story in the Register Guard today. Check out the article HERE.

Go Ducks!

Merry F'in Christmas!

Wishing a merry holidays and a happy new year to all.

May the last week of 2010 treat you well and we hope you enjoy all the traditions and festivity that the season brings.

Much love,

Brooks & Nathalie

(and Hairy)

A Pacifica Beach Wedding

Tiffany & Randy were married on the beach across from the Pacifica Beach Resort. They couldn't have asked for a better day on the coast and I think most of us have the sun burns to prove it.

Morgan Allen Marries Brett Dewey

It really makes it easy to approve of my cousin getting married, when she ties the knot with one of my best friends. The result was a very unique wedding in the sense that I knew every single person in attendance. Couple that with the beauty of the wine country, the rich personalities of both the bride and groom and their great families and you got yourself a perfect wedding that people will be talking about for a long, long time.

Morgan and Brett got married at the Beltane Ranch in Glen Ellen, CA.

The Wait is Over

Growing up in San Francisco and being nursed on Giants baseball, this World Series victory tastes extra sweet to me.

I've been waiting a long time for this one, but there are plenty more San Franciscans out there that have been waiting longer than me.

It was fun to watch, fun to be a part of and hopefully we get to do this more often. I have never seen the city like it was on November 1, 2010. Thank you Giants for a memorable season and for the grand celebration and happiness you brought to us all.

Already looking forward to next season...

The Greenbergs make it official

In a continuing trend of our best friends getting married recently, Jeremy & Erin made it official in September. And to their credit, it was very obvious from the beginning that this is how things were going to end up.

Their wedding was a grand celebration and it was amazing to see how happy these two make each other.

Jeremy & Erin got married at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma County, CA.

Little Schnoebelen's

The day is always eventful when Jon-Jon Bailey & Livi "Big Pun" Schnoebelen come to the city. That said, it's always a pretty fun job to be tasked with taking photos of two of my favorite kids on the planet. Keeping up with them is the hard part.

Soon-to-be-Greenberg's

After making a new nest in Tiburon, Jeremy & Erin are getting married in September and we couldn't be happier for them. These shots are from an engagement shoot in Cole Valley.

Morgan Allen & Brett Dewey Engagement

They're kind of old news now that they've been engaged for nine months, but they're getting married in September and they're still kind of fun to hang out with, so I snapped a few more pictures of my cousin and cousin-to-be the other day.

Backdrops were one of my favorite SF murals and a Sunday afternoon cocktail outside Bix.

Brett was instructed to wear jeans to the next shoot...

Winter Wedding in Pittsburgh

After Dick Clark failed his ball drop count down, two things of national importance were happening in the beginning of 2010. James and Mara were getting married and the Ducks were set to play in the Rose Bowl. And, with perfect 20/20 foresight, we made the right choice.

In Pasedena, the Ducks never showed up and lost to Ohio State. In Pittsburgh, James and Mara tied the knot and a memorable celebration of love ensued... Congratulations you two!

Scott's Garden Wedding

On November 20th, Alison & Brett made it official at Scott's Garden in Walnut Creek. It was a beautiful venue and they were a beautiful couple, which made for a pretty good combo.

Nathalie and I had a blast shooting their wedding and we wish them the best down under in Australia.

Lara & Her Belly

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect model for my first prego portrait session. I didn't have to work very hard for some great looking pictures of Lara at six months and looking fantastic.

Looking forward to welcoming him/her into the world in a few months...

Erinne & Jim's Engagement

Congratulations to Erinne & Jim on their engagement, upcoming wedding and new home.

It's always great to see an old friend so happy and in love...

A Giant 33

Following the tradition of always trying to out-do eachother for our birthday, Nathalie once again set the bar high this year. For my 33rd, she had me convinced that we were headed out of town, but instead somehow landed 16 of the best seats in Pac Bell Park to watch Lincecum battle Zambrano and the Cubs for a chance at the post season. Well, the Giants lost and didn't make the playoffs, but I still got drunk with my wife and a group of my closests friends & family and managed to have a fantasic time. Thank you Nathalie...