Costa Rica

The photos are in from our recent trip to Costa Rica. We had a blast! It had been years since the last time I was there, and it was Alexis first time. We started out in Monteverde, to see the cloud forest. We had a great time doing the canopy tour (huge zip lines through the jungle) and doing some jungle walks. Next, we went down to Esterillos Oeste to meet up with our friends, Daniel and Chloe Murdoch. We stayed with them at Casa Exotica from Pura Vida Casas. It was stunning. If you are going to Cost Rica with a group, you should stay there no questions asked! We were inspired and encouraged by the Murdochs and their heart to serve the people in Costa Rica. They are preparing to move down there to do ministry in August. It really renewed our passion to be serving here in San Francisco. It’s really easy to get caught up  pursuing the normal things we all want, while neglecting the deep needs in our own back yard. Anyway, we loved getting to spend time with them and their son Malachi. Not only did we get to go to some of their favorite spots, like Villa Caletas Resort, but we also got to help do some work with them fixing up things at an elementary school in Esterillos Oeste. The last time I was in Costa Rica, I was with a group from my church in Santa Barbara, and we  helped build the play structure that you see us fixing up at the end of the post. Things rust really fast down there by the beach, so It was good to do some maintenance and get the play structure back to good working order. We also helped repair and paint the desks and chairs for the school with a church group from Colorado. We had the best time in Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful country- filled with great food and nice people and stunning beaches. If you get a chance to go, I’d recommend going.

Beach day at Villa Caletas Resort, Costa Rica

A huge thank you to Kelly Oshiro for featuring some of these photos on her beautiful blog, SB Chic. It’s quickly become my favorite Santa Barbara wedding and lifestyle blog- you should check it out. Also, if you know anyone who is looking for a Costa Rica wedding photographer, Chloe Murdoch is amazing and they will be living down there by the end of the summer. If you notice a slightly different look to these photos, it’s because they were shot on Fuji Pro 400H film with my Canon 1V and processed at Richard Photo Lab.

Cable Car Engagement Photos

San Francisco is a small city. You always bump into people you know when you’re out and about. Chris and Katie work in buildings across the street from each other in the financial district. Did they meet at a food truck in-between their buildings? No. They met through friends, and only later found out that they worked so close to each other. I thought that was fun :)

Chris suggested that we take their engagement photos via his daily commute. I am a huge fan of everyday life, so I thought it was a good idea… Turns out his commute is on the iconic San Francisco cable cars. How cool is that? And here I thought tourists were the only people who rode those things ;) We had a blast taking their engagement photos on the cable car, and I got a small taste of what their everyday life is like. Not bad, right?

As the cable car is about to go down from the top of Nob Hill and into the Financial District, you have this great view of the bay, framed by buildings, and the bay bridge. San Francisco is an amazing city. I can’t believe that I live here. Thank you Katie and Chris for the reminder :)

Diana G - May 9, 2012 - 1:39 AM

Those are such cool shots! Good idea to use the cable car.

SB Historical Museum Wedding

I am pleased to be finally sharing Riley and Antonella’s amazing wedding at the SB Historical Museum with you all. The old adobe buildings, Manzanita branches, blue decor, a beautiful sunny day… It was Santa Barbara wedding perfection.

sb historical museum weddingWedding reception at the Santa Barbara Historical Museummanzanita branch and hydrangea wedding centerpiecesblue hydrangea wedding flowersBlue wedding decor Santa barbaracute ring bearer in a tuxSanta Barbara Historical Museum wedding ceremonySBB Gourmet Catering at a SB Historical Museum Wedding

Wedding Location: SB Historical Museum | Catering: SBB Gourmet Catering | Coordinator: Lori Couto | DJ: Michael Ober Music | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Bride’s Hair: Walter Claudio Salon |

Chloe Murdoch - May 15, 2012 - 11:25 PM

Beautiful work Josh. I love shooting at the SB Historical Museum as it is just dripping with style, SB class. Sophie shot my maternity shoot there. Great work as always. :)

Ice Cream Bar Engagement Shoot

Even on a cold, rainy day in San Francisco, ice cream is one of the best things on Earth. It’s just partially why Jenn and Daniel wanted to have their engagement photos at The Ice Cream Bar in Cole Valley. The main reason is because it’s a really really cute spot! Styled like an old fashioned soda fountain and ice cream shop, it feels like it’s from another era. I expected the kids from Sandlot (remember that movie?) to come running in for a cone :) Jenn and Daniel are not only super fun but they are also really creative. Like how their outfits happen to match the color scheme for their wedding, or how Daniel drew their wedding invites (which are amazing). Jenn film my brother and sister-in law’s wedding. I guess I’m saying this because I love getting to work with couples like Jenn and Daniel, and I am stoked to be photographing their wedding in June!

Ice Cream Bar SF engagement PhotosIce Cream Bar engagement PhotosRainy day engagement photos in san francisco

Daniel - April 26, 2012 - 12:32 AM

These are terrific Josh. Thanks for being such a naturally fun person to work with, you made the unnatural feel comfortable. Jenn looks amazing, thank god I am marrying her.
If anyone wants to see those Invitations you can check them out here:
http://danielheard.squarespace.com/blog/2012/4/2/my-wedding-invitations.html

kit - April 26, 2012 - 12:59 AM

<3<3

Jenn - April 26, 2012 - 4:29 AM

Josh,
You are so talented, creative, and kind – an enviable eye for gorgeous portraits of love. We are deliriously grateful to know you and your gift of capturing happiness.
Jenn

Josh Gruetzmacher - April 26, 2012 - 4:35 AM

Awww, thanks guys :)

mary - April 26, 2012 - 5:31 AM

I love these pics and it is such a fun venue. Good job Josh!

Mama - April 26, 2012 - 4:04 PM

My Darlings, you look so HAPPY! Love the photos, Josh, good job. Of course I am sitting here crying like a baby cause my baby is getting married…and marrying the best woman ever! Love you both.
~Nancy

kristen - May 7, 2012 - 8:04 PM

Excellent work and I love them all but the one that got the sobs is the window shot from behind Daniel with a smiling Jenn.

~Le sigh~