Weddings


from the moment that steals your breath to the one that sets the room on fire

 

A wedding day holds everything at once.

Love, tears, ecstasy...

the grief of those no longer with us

and the joy of those who are.

I've always been fascinated by that layering.

The way a single hour can contain a lifetime of feeling.


And perhaps even a photo, if I'm doing my job right that is.

 

Black and white first look as the bride descends the staircase at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple silhouetted at sunset over the cove at a Harbor House Inn wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride seated in soft window light at a Spring Ranch luxury wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and her veil framed by an arched window at a Spring Ranch wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white bridal portrait in window light at a MacCallum House wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial black and white portrait of the groom and groomsmen at a cinematic luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple at a sunlit table during a MacCallum House luxury wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Moody cinematic detail of the bride's heels in dramatic light at a luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing in candlelight among draped decor at The Lodge at Deer Meadows wedding in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial black and white of groomsmen by a city window at a New York luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white embrace with the bride's ring on the groom's back at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cinematic black and white of the couple hidden behind decorative fans at a luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride walking through draped reception decor at The Red Earth Venue in Moab, Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cinematic architectural portrait of the groom during a first look in a glass-walled venue, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial solo portrait of the bride beneath her veil at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Reception under glowing chandeliers and florals at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Hanging floral installation by the windows at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing by the lake at sunset during a cinematic Lake Tahoe luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white still life of a heart-shaped wedding detail at a luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride in an off-shoulder gown in editorial light at The Lodge at Deer Meadows wedding in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Moody detail of calla lilies and candles at a New York luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Emotional black and white of a guest by the window at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and groom in a green suit walking through a Whitney Peak Hotel wedding in Reno, Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride at a mountain overlook at sunset with her groom at a cinematic Lake Tahoe wedding in Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white first look on the staircase at a Red Butte Garden wedding in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Fine art cinematic portrait of the couple framed by the Mendocino fog and coastline, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cliffside ceremony above the ocean fog at Harbor House Inn in Elk, Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Tender black and white moment at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple by candlelight and draped windows at The Lodge at Deer Meadows wedding in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial portrait of the bride and groom at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Soft black and white of the bride beneath her veil at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom kissing the bride's forehead at a Whitney Peak Hotel wedding in Reno, Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Guest in an emerald floral gown toasting amid florals at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Guests seated for a coastal bluff ceremony in fog at a Harbor House Inn wedding in Mendocino, CA, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride embracing her bridesmaids in a getting-ready moment at a New York wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Emotional black and white of a father and son at an Aspen, Colorado luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Adventurous couple embracing outside the glass A-frame at The Red Earth Venue in Moab, Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Guests laughing during the reception at a Spring Ranch wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple dancing close at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of guests at cocktail hour at a Harbor House Inn wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing by the lake amid lush florals at a Lake Tahoe wedding at sunset, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Emotional first look between a father and the bride at Nakoma Resort in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Documentary moment of the mother resting at a Spring Ranch wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Candid guests enjoying a reception at a Glenbrook wedding on Lake Tahoe, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groomsmen toasting beers while getting ready at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Outdoor ceremony with mountain views at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Romantic portrait of the bride beneath her veil at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple kissing as guests cheer at a Glenbrook reception on Lake Tahoe, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Emotional first look between a father and the bride at a Lake Tahoe wedding in California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Artful disco ball detail in greenery at an Aspen, Colorado wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groomsmen getting ready at a Mission Ranch luxury wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of the couple laughing beneath the veil at a Switzer Farm Mendocino cliffs wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white candid of a guest with a cocktail at a luxury wedding reception, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Newlyweds with guests and wedding cake at Nakoma Resort in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and groom cutting their cake with autumn florals at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and groom relaxing with champagne in a stylish hotel suite at a luxury wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Guests dancing on the floor at a Whitney Peak Hotel reception in Reno, Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Maid of honor in tears during the speeches at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial solo portrait of the bride applying perfume at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing at sunset at a Glenbrook wedding on Lake Tahoe, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and groom in soft glowing light at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of the mother in tears during a Glenbrook ceremony on Lake Tahoe, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride with a long veil on the Mendocino cliffs during a coastal first look, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride dancing with champagne after an outfit change at a Glenbrook wedding on Lake Tahoe, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride dancing with her bouquet at a Nakoma Resort wedding in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride with her flower girls in gold dresses at a Whitney Peak Hotel wedding in Reno, Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride and groom feeding each other cake at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple holding hands across a floral table at a Nakoma Resort wedding in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom emotional as the bride lifts her veil at a Mission Ranch ceremony in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom dancing joyfully at the reception at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white motion blur of dancing at a Nakoma Resort wedding in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Detail of the DJ's turntables during the party at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride getting ready beside her gown at a Spring Ranch wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Newlyweds and flower girl during a recessional at a MacCallum House wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom touching the bride's face by the ocean during a Mendocino cliffs first look, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Best friend watching the bride dance at a Glenbrook wedding on Lake Tahoe, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride reflected in the bridal suite mirror at Nakoma Resort in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Artful black and white of a child during a Glenbrook ceremony on Lake Tahoe, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of a father and bride before the aisle at Nakoma Resort in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Parents in tears during the ceremony at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride getting ready as her photographer captures the moment at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, CA, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of the just-married couple walking a field at a MacCallum House Mendocino wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple on the Mendocino cliffs at a romantic coastal sunset wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Editorial black and white of the couple by the water at a Franciscan Lakeside Lodge Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Guests dancing under colorful lights at a Whitney Peak Hotel reception in Reno, Nevada, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride passing the groom in a doorway during a first look at a Whitney Peak Hotel wedding in Reno, NV, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bridal party laughing with bright bouquets at a Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride laughing in the coastal fog at a Cuffey's Cove wedding in Elk, Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bridesmaids in a group embrace at a Nakoma Resort wedding in Clio, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride walking the aisle over scattered petals at a Franciscan Lakeside Lodge Lake Tahoe wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Candid detail of a guest signing the guest book at a Mission Ranch wedding in Carmel, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white portrait of the flower girl at a Hartwood wedding in Mendocino, California, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Story-driven black and white of the couple by the barn at a Switzer Farm Mendocino cliffs wedding, by Sammy Aucella Photography

Adventure Sessions & Elopements


Where the art is earned

 

Some days are meant to be witnessed by mountains.


You probably have a phone full of photos of you two in the backcountry.


Not like this.

 

Black and white bride with a flowing veil on the Bonneville Salt Flats near Salt Lake City, Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Lesbian couple back to back in a golden field at a Utah adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple walking through a mountain field in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple in cream robes embracing in the Utah desert, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride twirling her gown on the Bonneville Salt Flats with mountains beyond, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride reclining among lavish florals at an editorial adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cowboy groom and bride at a Moab cliff edge in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white groom lifting the laughing bride at an adventure elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cowboy groom and bride silhouetted at a Moab sunset in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride on a Moab red rock formation with her groom in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple dancing closely at an adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing in a golden field at sunset in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple sharing a candid moment in tall golden reeds, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple kissing at an adventure elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Two women laughing together in golden light at an adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom lifting the bride in silhouette at a desert sunset, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple holding hands at a desert sunset in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom spraying champagne at a Moab rock formation in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing in a golden Utah field, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple at the base of a Moab butte in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple dancing in a green mountain field in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cowboy groom and bride on the prairie at golden hour, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple kissing on a rustic wooden fence in a Utah field, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple touching foreheads at an adventure elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white figure walking the salt flats into the sun, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white detail of the couple's tattooed hands, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Emotional portrait of the couple at golden hour, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Intimate portrait of the couple in warm golden light, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride wading barefoot in a mountain creek, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple in dramatic low light at an adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Playful adventure session with tutus and parasols, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple beside a rustic desert cabin in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple silhouetted at sunset as the groom touches her face, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple embracing in a golden aspen forest, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple beneath a string-lit walkway at an adventure session, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride in a blush gown from behind in an open field, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple embracing on a cliff edge at Dead Horse Point in Moab, Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple by a mountain creek among golden autumn trees, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple on a Moab cliff at sunset in Utah, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Cowboy groom and bride silhouetted at a desert sunset, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Intimate couple at sunset beside the water, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom and bride sharing a moment in tall grass, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride walking into a golden aspen forest, by Sammy Aucella Photography

San Francisco City Hall


San Francisco, on your terms

 

City Hall Weddings all start to look the same.


Yours won't.

 

San Francisco City Hall grand staircase and balcony at an elegant elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride beside an arched window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Romantic veil portrait of the bride at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride on the grand staircase at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride with a flowing veil beneath the dome at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple by a sunlit stone window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Detail of the bride's hand and ring at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white fur stole and gown detail at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple's hands reaching by a window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white motion-blur veil portrait at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Grand arched windows of San Francisco City Hall at an elegant elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride seated on the floor in her gown at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple descending the grand marble staircase at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Groom seated on the marble stairs at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple's silhouettes and shadows in dramatic light at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white bride at an arched window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride beneath her veil in a romantic portrait at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple in an arched window nook at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Joyful recessional with guests cheering at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple on the floor of a grand hallway in dramatic light at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Candid moment with the groom and a guest at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Intimate portrait of the couple under the veil at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple kissing by a window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple kissing by a patterned window at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white view of the grand marble staircase at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Ring bearer in a suit at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple celebrating at the City Hall entrance at a San Francisco elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white couple detail at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white processional at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white embrace in a window nook at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride beside a marble column at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Father walking the bride down the aisle at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Bride leaning back in an off-shoulder gown at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple with bouquet at the City Hall entrance at a San Francisco elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Couple holding hands on the grand staircase at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of the bride on the grand staircase at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Black and white of the couple by the elevator at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography
Wedding party on the rotunda balcony at a San Francisco City Hall elopement, by Sammy Aucella Photography