Fausel Ranch

It’s that time of the year when families and their extended families get together and make sure to get their annual photographs of the whole crew and their growing families. I met up recently with the Hinds’ extended family at the Fausel Ranch– Deanna and David Fausel are old friends of Susan and David and their kids all grew up on the Ranch together- a second home if you will. A little of this, a little of that- it’s like a Thanksgiving feast in photos. Many thanks to Deanna for always keeping it real and above all- lively and fun.…

Who doesn’t love a wedding reception that spontaneously erupts into a conga line? Add in some wedding favors of stick-on mustaches and royalty hats- oh, yes, please- sign me up. Apparently, this is also Van Erden Thanksgiving tradition and the energy was celebratory and perfect – just the kind of impulsive fun I believe Erik and Ashlie were looking for to seal the deal. They were also looking for a beautiful location with a relaxed vibe to be married in. They wanted a place where their family and friends could celebrate alongside of them and a place where they could…

Rylee graduates from Casa Roble High School this spring of 2023. I got to meet her and her mom, Kimberlee out at the beautiful Fausel Ranch in Placerville on a bit of a drizzly, winter day.  While the rain held out for us, we were able to make use of the bridal suite for some lovely window light shots, while staying warm and dry too. Thanks to Deanna for always being so accommodating. Rylee has cheered for four years on Varsity at Casa Robles and she looks forward to returning to Florida for the National High School Cheer Championships to…

Maureen and Curt got married at a barn burner surrounded by the love of family and friends and the most delicious food(yay! paella) AND at one of my favorite venues, Fausel Ranch. A pretty stellar evening. This was in June of 2018. After buying a new home in Alameda and a honeymoon in New Zealand, they got to work on a few projects including some home renovations and baby construction. Little Odin arrived in September and I met up with their new expanded family at Fausel to capture them all, including Lucy, their rescue dog who enjoyed the wide open…

Everyone knows the Fausel family. Whether it’s their delicious peaches or cherries you await every year(and my mouths watering just thinking about them), or the Placerville Hardware store located on Main Street in a structure dating back to 1850, before the city of Placerville existed, or if you celebrated your wedding day on their gorgeous ranch, if you are local, you’ve likely met someone related to the Fausel family.

My summer weddings have been exceptional so far and it’s all about the lovely people I get to experience. I’ve had the honor to work with some of the sweetest, most laid back and connected couples. Maureen and Curt were no exception. Last year, when they contacted me they were very clear that they wanted wedding photography that told the story of their day elegantly and realistically without a lot of “cheesy” poses…and Maureen may have even said that. Fortunately Deanna from one of my absolute favorite venues Fausel Ranch, knew this about my work, that I prefer emotion and…

One year ago, two of my longtime clients brought a beautiful baby girl into the world.  How lucky was I to get to document her first birthday!  I love photographing celebrations, and there have been many of them in her family’s life.  It all started with an engagement session for Mom (Michelle) and Dad (Tim), followed by a fun and easy going wedding at Fausel Ranch, then the maternity, newborn and six month sessions for sweet baby Madelyn. Time flies and I am so grateful to have been part of these major milestones!  I am always gratified and humbled when I…

It’s hard to believe 4 years have flown by since I photographed Michelle and Tim’s wedding at the beautiful Fausel Ranch.   Theirs was such a fun wedding. One of my key memories was getting them to jump on Tim’s motorcycle after they walked down the aisle and while I photographed them from the back seat of a quad driven by Deanna Fausel herself.  I remember almost falling off the bouncing vehicle but kept shooting while my assistant, Anna, held on to me for dear life. The things we do for a great photo! And now Michelle is pregnant with…

Gorgeous light! Gorgeous Danielle! What a wonderful way to celebrate the starting of another generation. Maternity sessions are often some of my favorite sessions for so many reasons. Danielle and William were expecting their first child when I took these photographs several weeks ago at Fausel Ranch, but I’ve been so busy lately that baby Aubree was already born and photographed before I got to get this session out to you all. My friend Deanna (owner of Fausel Ranch, William’s mom and Aubree’s proud grandma) was around the ranch that day. She is also a creative soul who loves photography.…