This high and wild dinner was created by Outstanding in the Field, featuring Chef Ryan McIlwraith of the Absinthe Group. Way up above the coast in the Jenner Headlands, partnered with Markegard Family, Ryan drew his inspiration from Bellota, a Spanish restaurant in SoMa where he is the Executive Chef. The meal included paella, honey and cheese, spiced raisins and greens and quite literally some of the most beautiful passed appetizers I've ever seen. Pour over the photos below, and then make a reservation for dinner at Bellota.

I'm a California documentary wedding photographer, first and foremost, but the food culture of California is a passion of mine. I love photographing thoughtful and sustainable dinners and events, and especially love when clients combine their love of food, of gathering friends and family over a meal and fold this focus into their wedding day.

Use this dinner as inspiration for your wedding (and then call me!).

Outstanding in the Field at Marin Headlands in Jenner, California with Chef Ryan McIlwraith.

venue: historic stinson estate planner: sasser events food: shalimar restaurant & on call staffing florals: arranged by sarah & friends, after a workshop with home sweet flowers hair: heroes & hairoines

Sarah & Alon's planner, Casey, reached out to me a couple months before their October wedding. For big, important reasons their budget was small and their planning last minute, but they were hosting an intimate celebration in one of my favorite towns on earth - one of my soul's homes, really - and for that reason and a few others I felt strongly that I should be there. I left honored and blessed to have shared the day with them.

They had a beautiful ceremony with some of my favorite Jewish traditions - seven blessings were personalized and read by family, their chuppah also made by family of branches and wild flora from the woods across the street from the estate. They read earnest vows, held hands tightly and tenderly.

After the cocktail hour, the three of us made our way to the beach to catch the golden light of sunset. I remember my first time driving from Fairfax to Bolinas to Stinson Beach - that afternoon I felt a sense of home that I had yet to feel since moving to California. That was six years ago, at least, and every time I head that way I feel it all over again. It was amazing to share that place with Sarah & Alon, so sweetly in love. We took portraits and watched the sunset, the rest of our lives stretched out in front of us.