Behind the Moments

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A place to revisit the stories behind the photographs — from thoughtful family sessions and intimate engagements to reflections on light, place, and presence.

Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Why I Switched from Canon to Fujifilm (And Haven’t Looked Back)

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Best San Francisco Locations for Family Photos

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

A Summer Soirée at Spring Mountain Vineyard: A Stroll Through Time

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

A Mendocino Getaway from San Francisco: Coastal Drives, Redwoods & Small-Town Charm

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Florence — Art, Wine, and Golden Light

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

A Walkable Taste of Modena

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Milan: Art, Fashion, and Evenings at La Scala

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

The Dolomites - Stillness in the Sky

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Venice: Canals, Churches & Quiet Corners

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Bouquets to Art Returns to the Legion of Honor: A Centennial Celebration in Bloom

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

A Sweet First Mother’s Day at the Murphy Windmill

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Ayushi and Aakash — A December Wedding at the Legion of Honor, San Francisco

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.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

Washington DC: A Journey Through History, Food, and Hidden Corners

From mimosas at the Jefferson Hotel to standing on the “I Have a Dream” step at the Lincoln Memorial, our trip through Washington DC was filled with the kind of moments that quietly stay with you — a mix of deep history, vibrant food, and the everyday beauty of walking through a city with someone you love.

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Matthew Dea Matthew Dea

A Day in Fairfax: Good Food, Sweet Treats, and Local Art

Join us on a day trip to Fairfax, CA, where we enjoyed a cozy French lunch at Amélie, indulged in handmade ice cream at Fairfax Scoop, and explored the vibrant art and history at The Ranch. A perfect blend of food, community, and creativity.

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