As much as Steve and I love and adore Boise, we can’t help but admit, it is always a pleasure to be hired to photograph a wedding outside our normal stomping grounds. We were thrilled when Eric Gross and Ellen Cope asked us to photograph their wedding in Malibu, California.
The celebration was held at Saddlerock Ranch, a thousand-acre, privately owned estate (part of the Malibu Family Wines) nestled deep in the Santa Monica Mountains.
As we drove into the property, we found it to be a veritable cornucopia of visual delights, with fruit and avocado orchards, acres of vineyards snaking up the hills, and an abundance of pasture-land, all framed by pristine white fencing.
A view of Saddlerock
This working ranch hosts a menagerie of animals ranging from horses, cattle and llamas to more exotic species such as zebra, camels, ostrich, peacocks and parrots.
The natural beauty and secluded rustic charm of this venue provided a beautiful backdrop for Eric and Ellen’s wedding celebration.
As we turned into the driveway, canopied by stately trees, we saw the pristine setting for the ceremony. Bamboo chairs had been set up on an expanse of green lawn facing a huge old graceful willow tree. In front of the willow stood a log and grapevine altar.
Steve and I made our way to the Cabana, where Ellen and her bridesmaids were getting ready.
We found Ellen in the bathroom where make-up artist, Amber Kerns was busy working her magic on the lovely bride.
As Ellen and her bridesmaids beautified themselves, Steve and I took the opportunity to photograph the bride’s stunning custom-made Caroline Herrara gown and Jimmy Choo shoes (flown in from Italy for the occasion).
The gentlemen, not needing quite as much time to get ready, arrived a bit later.
They also changed in the Cabana, but were directed by the ladies to do so up in the loft.
Numerous attempts were made to get Eric’s tie tied just right.
First Angle Attempt. "I think this will work if I pretend I'm tying the tie on me."
The first try was not successful, so a second attempt was made trying a different angle, much to the groom’s parent’s humor. The efforts continued on until they finally got it.
Once the gentlemen were dressed, Steve took them outside for a series of fun shots.
As the ladies put on their finishing touches, Eric took advantage of the moment to rehearse his vows.
Shortly thereafter, we did the “reveal”. At our request, Eric turned his back to us as we had Ellen step into place.
When Eric turned around and saw his bride, he was truly blown away. Ellen had never looked more beautiful. His facial expressions in the next two photos are pretty telling.
I think it would be fair to say that this man is smitten by this woman, (with good reason!)
Steve took some beautiful pictures of the couple alone, together, and with their wedding party.
Then we photographed various combinations of family members.
As guests began to arrive, the wedding party sequestered themselves in the Cabana. There, they signed the Ketubah; the Jewish wedding contract.
Once everyone was seated the procession began. The music was provided by the Ambrosia String Quartet.
Officiants, Rabbi Martin Solomon and Reverend George Rushe
Ellen’s father, Larry escorted her mother, Julie down the aisle. Eric followed, escorted by his parents Paul & Judy .
Once at the alter, Eric patiently awaited his bride.
The wedding party made their entrance.
The children and Sadie (the bride & groom’s dog) required a little coaxing .
At last, it was Ellen’s turn to walk down the aisle on the arm of her proud father.
At the altar, Larry kissed his daughter, and hugged his soon-to-be son-in-law.
And the ceremony began.
Eric and Ellen recited touching vows that they had written themselves. Each was an incredibly beautiful expression of the love they hold for one another. Eric was so excited to be marrying Ellen, he was almost giddy. Ellen was a bit more reserved, but nonetheless delightfully happy to be entering into this union.
The two of them exchanged rings.
The final blessing was given.
And the two were pronounced husband and wife. Eric kissed his beautiful bride.
Then, in the Jewish tradition, he stomped on a cloth-wrapped glass to seal the deal.
The happy newlyweds led the wedding party back down the aisle.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Singer Piper Alvarez, backed up by a band put together by the legendary Clarence Johnston (on drums) provided music for everyone’s listening pleasure.
As the sun went down, twinkle lights suspended from the giant sycamore trees gave the area a magical ambiance.
Following dinner, toasts were presented.
Then Eric and Ellen took to the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife. Their movements started out slow and romantically.
But then they picked up the pace.
Ellen danced with her father
and Eric danced with his mother.
And then the rest of the guests were invited onto the dance floor.
Eric and Ellen cut their cake and delicately fed one another.
Wedding traditions continued with Ellen tossing her bouquet,
Eric tossing the garter,
and the Hora dance, where guests sat the bride and groom in chairs, and then hoisted them into the air as the crowd sang and danced to Hava Nagila.
It was a fabulous celebration from start to finish. Steve and I were honored and grateful to have been a part of it. We wish Eric and Ellen a life filled with love, joy and adventure.
To view all the pictures from this wedding, click here:
Or if you’d like to view a slideshow of some of our favorite images from the event, click here:
All photographs copyright Steve Smith Weddings.
