There was this incredible mist in the air that created a sparkly, starry glow around the couple
It was fun to play around with different lighting since all of their portraits were done after dark

As an adult, my birthday has never been a big deal to me. I’m not one of those people who dread the day either. Usually my birthday comes and goes without much excitement or celebration (at least on my part). My close friends and family have always made it a bigger deal than I feel like making it. However, this year somehow felt entirely different. This year was my Star Birthday or Golden Birthday and I turned 30 on the 30th. Somehow, turning 30 actually felt different. It’s almost weird to not be in my 20′s anymore. I’m not sad about it, but there is definitely a lingering feeling of oddity. Before this day, I was feeling excited to enter into my 30′s and didn’t expect to feel this strange feeling. Anyway, just thought I’d share Ultimately, I’m so happy to be here and where I’m at in my life!!! It’s going to be a magical year – that I’m sure of!

(one is missing in this photo from our group of 9)

When our moms were pregnant (with the first 5 of us), they formed a ‘mom’s group’. As kids, these were my bothers and sisters. We played every day together! Some of my best childhood memories are with this bunch and I’m lucky to still know them! Each and every one of them has become such an amazing person who I am proud to call a friend. We have to thank our moms and dads for keeping this group together for over 30 years! We were all born in California, but over the years, one by one, each family moved to a different city or state, yet each year, without fail, our parents have put together a ‘Playgroup Reunion’ and this has kept us united all through the years.

Kelley and Rohith got married at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens on July 10th. They are such a sweet couple and were so much fun to work with! Not only was their wedding GORGEOUS and so colorful, but it was amazing to witness their beautiful love! I’m so happy for them and feel honored to have been a part of their day! I saw these images on Kelley getting ready when I was editing their wedding and I wanted to put them all together to share Kelley looked absolutely stunning in her beautiful dress with Henna on her hands and Rohith was a handsom groom with his white and red traditional Indian attire. It was a very special day! Here is a link to the slideshow from their wedding day: http://willakveta.com/KelleyRohithWedding

You’d think she was a fashion model posing as a bride, but really she’s just one of my GORGEOUS brides from a recent wedding! Here is the link to their slideshow of more images from the their wedding: http://willakveta.com/SarahDanielWedding

It was such a pleasure working with these guys!!! Here is the awesome Wedding Trailer that they put together for Tom and Cindy’s 5-14-11 Wedding
CINDY + THOMAS – WEDDING TRAILER

The Zoo in Santa Barbara is one of my favorite wedding venues in all of Santa Barbara! I love it because it’s a beautiful backdrop for any wedding and everything takes place outdoors. Some couples love to incorporate the animals in their photos and other prefer not to, however regardless of the animals, the grounds are gorgeous and there are endless photo locations!