Traci + Jon-Thomas’s wedding at The Barns at Cooper Molera brought together everything they loved about their venue: the rustic setting, the beautiful outdoor spaces, and a location that held a personal connection to Jon’s childhood.
Their story started in December 2020 when they met on Bumble. Their first date was at Harry’s Bar in San Francisco, where they immediately connected over good conversation, plenty of laughs, and—according to them—a near-death experience involving calamari. Thankfully, they both survived the first date, because their story was only getting started.
From San Francisco to Angel Island
A few years later, Jon proposed at the top of Angel Island. During the hike, Traci casually mentioned that it would be a beautiful place to get proposed to—without realizing Jon was already planning to do exactly that.
At the top, he surprised her with the proposal. There were tears, shock, and apparently quite a bit of crying from Jon, too.
It was a fitting next chapter for a couple who loves going out together, trying great food, seeing comedy shows, spending time with friends, and making memories wherever they go. One of their favorites was a night in Boston spent hopping between bars and restaurants, eating amazing food, talking for hours, and eventually dancing in front of a live band.
Their Wedding at The Barns at Cooper Molera
For their wedding, Traci + Jon chose The Barns at Cooper Molera, a venue that felt meaningful as well as beautiful. They loved its rustic character, the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, and its connection to Jon’s childhood.
The historic barn and surrounding grounds created such a warm, relaxed backdrop for the day. It felt completely at home with the kind of celebration Traci + Jon wanted—one centered around being together, having fun, and celebrating with the people closest to them.
And that’s always what I love most about photographing a wedding: not just creating beautiful portraits, but documenting all the little pieces happening around them. The laughter, reactions, hugs, movement, and in-between moments are what make the finished gallery feel like their wedding rather than simply a collection of pretty photographs.
Traci + Jon-Thomas
From meeting on Bumble to their first date in San Francisco, an unforgettable proposal on Angel Island, and finally their wedding day at The Barns at Cooper Molera, these two have built a story with plenty of laughter along the way.
Traci + Jon, thank you for trusting us to document this chapter of it. We loved getting to be there and capture the people, moments, and memories that made your wedding day yours.
Planning a wedding in Monterey or Northern California? I photograph weddings, elopements, and engagements throughout Northern California, with photography + video collections available for couples who want their day documented together. Get in touch to tell me what you’re planning!
