The Salvestrin family celebrated their 93rd harvest at the historic Dr. Crane Estate in St. Helena with live music, barrel tastings, Italian comfort food, and a lively “Guess the Varietal” wine challenge.

We celebrated my wife’s birthday with an unforgettable five-course dinner at Sorrel, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco. From Hokkaido scallops and buckwheat gnudi to the final bite of s’mores and a surprise chocolate canelé, every dish was crafted with heart and precision — a perfect evening of flavor, warmth, and quiet joy.

This October, I photographed two beautiful mornings of fall mini sessions at Sutro Park in San Francisco. Surrounded by cypress trees and ocean views, these short and sweet sessions captured genuine family moments, laughter, and connection in the soft coastal light.

Our five-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara was the perfect blend of small-town charm, coastal beauty, and great food. From homemade cookies at a cozy inn in Cambria to wine tasting in Los Olivos and sunsets along Highway 154, every stop had its own magic. We explored historic sites, found hidden-gem eateries, and wandered through Christmas-decorated nurseries and seaside streets — a reminder that California’s Central Coast is just as much about the journey as the destination.

From sunrise açaí bowls by the water to hidden waterfalls and roadside baked goods, this 6-day Big Island itinerary blends luxury, local eats, and unforgettable landscapes. We stayed at oceanfront resorts, explored lush valleys, and tasted some of the best poke, ramen, and shave ice on the island. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Hawaiʻi or returning for a deeper experience, this travel guide covers our favorite places to stay, eat, and explore — all wrapped into one laid-back adventure.

After years as a loyal Canon shooter, a broken shutter button pushed me to rethink my gear. Switching to Fujifilm—and building a setup with the XT5 as my main body and XT4 as backup—reignited my love for photography with stunning colors, intuitive dials, and a system that feels built for creativity.

A romantic Waimea backyard wedding on the Big Island, captured in golden light with tropical blooms, heartfelt vows, and joyful celebrations — perfect inspiration for Hawaii wedding photography.

San Francisco is filled with stunning backdrops for family photos, but a few spots stand out for their charm and versatility. From the iconic Golden Gate views at Crissy Field to the hidden forest trails of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line, these five locations capture the beauty of the city while highlighting the joy and connection of your family.

Spring Mountain Vineyard’s Summer Soirée, “A Stroll Through Time,” was an unforgettable evening of wine, gardens, and community. Guests explored the newly revived botanical gardens, enjoyed rare library tastings, dined on farm-to-table cuisine, and played vintage lawn games — all set against the timeless charm of Napa Valley.

Escape the city and slow down the pace with this 4-day Mendocino itinerary from San Francisco. From winding coastal drives along Highway 1 to wine tasting in Anderson Valley, redwood hikes, and charming seaside towns, this getaway blends natural beauty with small-town magic. Follow along for our favorite stops, cozy stays, and can’t-miss local eats.

Four days in Florence gave us more than we expected — iconic art, spontaneous road trips, slow dinners under the stars, and warm conversations with locals. From the quiet charm of Chianti to the bold flavors of Florentine steak and the golden rooftops seen at sunset, our time in Tuscany was rich with beauty, connection, and unforgettable moments.

A one-day journey into the heart of Modena — where parmesan, balsamic, and buttery gnocco fritto led the way to one of the most extraordinary meals of our lives. From wandering local markets and stumbling into a chocolate festival to ending the night with Massimo Bottura’s iconic tasting menu, this was a day full of flavor, joy, and pure artistry.

Three days in Milan — from elegant evenings at La Scala to rooftop views at the Duomo and quiet discoveries tucked between luxury storefronts. This leg of our Italy trip brought a different kind of beauty: refined, fast-paced, and unexpectedly romantic.

From a boutique hotel in Como to dreamy boat rides and a Star Wars-famous villa, this Lake Como getaway gave us design, stillness, and slow adventure — all wrapped in deep blue water and cinematic charm.

A peaceful retreat in the Italian Alps — spa mornings, scenic drives, and slow dinners in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Our time in the Dolomites was about stillness, beauty, and letting the mountains set the pace.

Venice felt like stepping into a dream — where every canal tells a story, and every narrow alley leads to unexpected beauty. From quiet gondola rides through Dorsoduro to golden mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica, our time in the Floating City was filled with slow mornings, breathtaking architecture, and spontaneous discoveries. This blog shares the moments I captured along the way — the soft reflections on the water, the glow of old stone, and the feeling of being wonderfully lost in Venice.

As part of the Legion of Honor’s 100-year celebration, the Bouquets to Art exhibition returned to its historic halls for the first time in two decades. This annual event pairs imaginative floral arrangements with the artworks that inspire them—bringing fresh color, life, and interpretation into the museum’s timeless galleries.

A joyful 3rd birthday celebration in a sunny San Francisco backyard, filled with laughter, cake, and unforgettable moments. See why backyard parties make the perfect setting for beautiful, candid family photos.

On a peaceful Mother’s Day morning, I joined a sweet new family of three at the Murphy Windmill in Golden Gate Park. With their 10-week-old baby boy in their arms, Mom and Dad soaked in the quiet beauty of their first Mother’s Day — a morning filled with soft light, fresh blooms, and the kind of love that only grows deeper with each passing day.

After their heartfelt ceremony, this December wedding continued with a portrait session at the couple’s first date spot—Blue Bottle Coffee in the Fillmore District—followed by golden hour photos at Alta Vista Park. The celebration wrapped with an elegant reception at San Francisco’s iconic Legion of Honor, complete with cocktail hour in the galleries, dinner in the café, and an unforgettable night of dancing led by Desi Offbeats. A joyful, art-filled evening honoring love, heritage, and meaningful beginnings.