Check out these images from the Villa del Sol d’Oro*. I love this place! The name means “House of the Golden Sun,” and having worked here a number of times, I’ve got to tell you the name is appropriate. This is an incredible place for a wedding photographer from Pasadena to have a gig, especially when you have a wonderful couple like Katy and Joe.
Katy, being one of the brides who have no interest in doing ready shots, arrived ready to go.
Neither of these two typically enjoy having their pictures taken and are both quite camera shy, which being a former member of that club, I can relate those feelings of awkwardness anytime someone points a camera at you. I have found that by being upbeat, patient and giving direction when needed and also willing to burn some images to get to the fun…we usually do (get to the fun, that is).
Who says portraits have to be dull and static…and speaking of portraits, we can do as little or as much as you like. I recommend at least a minimum of 15 minutes with the bride and groom. If you want more, I’ll be happy to do that for you. And as you can see, I do it well.
And this is the way I like to end the night…
DeRemus Photography…real wedding photography for real people!!
To view photography of the reception room set ups, please visit “wedding reception room shots.”
F.Y.I. I am also one of the photographers that is recommended by Villa del Sol d’Oro, on their website . Go to: sagardens.com, select Villa del Sol d’Oro/see pictures. Thank you for viewing my blog.
(All images are copyright David DeRemus Photography and may not be used without prior express written consent.)
*History of Villa del Sol d’Oro
Villa del Sol o’Oro is a replica of the Villa Collazzi located on the outskirts of Florence Italy. Villa Collazzi has been occupied for several centuries by the Bombicci — Fomi family, and legend has it that the Villa is the only one ever designed by the immortal Michelangelo. The Villa del Sol d’Oro is one-quarter scale to the original.
This beautiful and well thought out villa is nestled at the foot of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains in the picturesque City of Sierra Madre, the Villa was built in the “pure” Italian Renaissance Style in 1922 by the famous Pasadena architect Wallace Neff and was completed by 1928. The estate was built by Dr. Jarvis Barlow for his wife, who had visited the Villa Collazzi and wanted a house just like it. This design was a radical departure from the Mediterranean style that that Neff perfected in his other homes. He used entrance rotunda and iron work in several of his later homes.
Originally built on thirteen acres of trees and flowers overlooking the entire San Gabriel Valley, the Villa had five master bedrooms, four bathrooms, and ample help quarters, one of the first electric elevators in the area, porches on three sides, and spacious patios. On the grounds were garages, stables, caretaker’s home, swimming pool, bath house, and tennis courts.
The building is comprised of two stories and a tower. It is said that the walls are made of two rows of hollow tile to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The lower story houses the reception rooms, dining room, drawing room, and library. The upper floor includes the living quarters and a spacious ballroom. The tower was built to obtain a better view of the valley.
Dr. Barlow himself supervised the planting of the trees which included: orchids, tulip, Japanese Magnolia, strawberry tree, flaming eucalyptus, monkey tree, camphor, sapoitas, English Yew, coral, and carob. To frame the southern façade, a sunken garden was added, lined on either side by Italian cypress.
The Villa is now part of Alverno High School, a private Catholic girl’s school, which has been educating young women since 1960.
The Villa del Sol d’Oro is located at: 675 West Highland Avenue, Sierra Madre, California 91024
Tags: DeRemus Photography, fine art, Pasadena CA, photojournalism, portraits, Sierra Madre, Villa del Sol d'Oro, wedding photographer, wedding photography
