Vineyard Hunting + Lunch at Slow in Berkeley
I’m sure some of you are wondering what the heck vineyard hunting means.
Right after Brandon proposed, I knew I wanted to get engagement photos taken here in California. I have been rushing to organize things over the past few weeks so that we could have them done in October since it’s one of the best months for weather and scenery in this area.
So we spent a little bit of time this weekend ‘hunting’ for a perfect spot in the vineyards to have our pictures taken and we found a few great options that had a Tuscany-like feel to them.
I am beyond excited mixed with a side of nervous.
We’ve never had professional pictures taken so I’m worried about everything that could possibly go wrong…like my eyes being closed in every.single.one. I’m sure it will work out fine though.
Most of the vineyards are dog friendly so we took Coco with us while we were looking around.
It worked out good because she was able to keep Brandon occupied so I didn’t have to worry about him…
On a separate and food related note, I didn’t get a chance to mention this last weekend because of the big news, but we had lunch at an awesome little café in Berkeley last Saturday named Slow.
I know it doesn’t look like much from the front but they have a beautiful rose garden in the back for you to sit and enjoy your meal.
I had the heirloom tomato caprese sandwich on a fresh croissant:
That croissant…I die. It was unbelievable.
Brandon had the roasted portobello sandwich with heirloom tomato and gruyere cheese which was also delicious.
I was really impressed with the food and the scenery and highly recommend it if you are ever in Berkeley.
Alright gang, I’m off to make dinner and call it a night before work tomorrow. I hope you had a good weekend!
Do you get nervous before professional photos?
Eating in a rose garden kind of sounds like the most romantic experience ever…and only improved by the presence of a croissant :-p I love the idea of taking engagement photos in a vineyard, I’m sure they’ll turn out gorgeous!
Love those vineyard pictures! An October vineyard engagement shoot sounds absolutely perfect, and I’m sure the pictures will be gorgeous! What a great idea. I’m excited for you! :)
Vineyards are so gorgeous during October! Makes me want to go wine tasting! We got engagement photos done and have had many family photos done since. I get a little crazy about outfits, hair, make-up etc. before hand. No matter what though our photographer always captures those perfect moments :-) Good luck!
Thank Giselle! I’m trying to have faith that the photographer will make some magic happen. :)
I was so nervous before our engagement photos but they turned out great, and it was a great opportunity to get used to being in front of the camera.
That restaurant looks delicious!
Aw, fun! We were just in California visiting (from Virginia) and we went to a couple vineyards. SO beautiful!
You didn’t get senior pictures or anything? Professional photographers are usually pretty good about getting pictures with your eyes open. It’s like it’s the most important part of their job or something ;-)
Nope. This is the first time. I’m such a worry wart. I just need to relax! :)
October pictures are the best! I’m excited to see how yours turn out! I got more nervous for my cousin’s wedding pictures (I was a bridesmaid) than my senior pictures, but I love professional photographs. They’re so much fun!
You guys make a seriously hot couple, so I’m sure your engagement pictures will be just as gorgeous (even if you DO have your eyes closed in every single one).
And I can’t even talk about that croissant. I’m dying. No, I’m dead. Omg.
I LOVE your idea for your engagement shoot! These photos are awesome, your enagagment photos will be so beautiful!
The vineyards look gorgeous! I’m sure your pictures will turn out great. :) The rose garden looks beautiful. What a wonderful way to enjoy lunch.
California is so gorgeous…it’s unreal. I would killll to see some of that bright blue sky here in Pittsburgh. We have horrendous weather and it really does make the difference for my mood. I’ve always wanted to live out West…hopefully someday!
That venue looks absolutely perfect. I’m sure the pics will be great.
Aw, I hope it clears up soon Angela! We only have a few weeks left of beautiful weather here before it starts to rain. That’s why I was rushing to get these pictures done!
That vineyard looks like Turnbull in Napa….any chance?!
No, it’s actually Livermore which is south of Napa. I would love to do the pics in Napa but it’s a little too far for a weekday.
I’ve never had professional photos taken but based on the fact that I am the least photogenic person my expectations are seriously low! Next time you need a Vinyard scouting buddy I’m happy to fly out…
Those vineyards are gorgeous! I also definitely want that croissant sandwich, that sounds like my kind of meal! I can’t wait to see your pics!
Wow, those photos are stunning! The vineyards are so pretty! I’m sure your engagement photos will turn out great – I was nervous for mine but once we started it was fun : )
AWESOME idea Sarah. Harvest season is the BEST time of the year in the vineyards with all of the big beautiful bunches of purple grapes everywhere! I’m interested to see what vineyard you choose!
Vineyard pictures are an AWESOME idea and I am not just saying this when I say I can’t wait to see the pictures! You guys are a beautiful couple and I’m sure it’ll turn out great.
I took professional pictures once and I am not the most photogenic person. Granted, they were free so I can’t complain but only maybe 15 out of 200 turned out good. Ha! It’s hard not to be stiff and shy but you just have to go for it. Just remember all the money you’re shelling out for it!
xx
I’ve never had professional photos taken in my life except for 1 corporate photo for work. My 1 request to them was don’t take the shot and give me a double chin, so they of course took it from the worst angle and did just that.
You are going to look absolutely beautiful in your shots though and have nothing to worry about. Professional photographers know exactly how to get the best angles and take so many shots that you can pick the best ones out anyway :)
That café sounded delicious by the way!
Your photos at the winery will look incredibly gorgeous!! How exciting!