Olympia’s Valley Estate Wedding in Petaluma | A Rainy Day Love Story

Jimmy and Lexi originally planned a warm Spring wedding at Olympia’s Valley Estate in Petaluma, California, set for 2024. But love (and life) had other plans.

One October afternoon in 2023, Lexi called me with a question every photographer loves to hear: “Is there any chance you’re available to photograph our wedding next month?” November was suddenly the new plan — and by pure luck, their date fell the day before I was leaving town for vacation. It was meant to be.

The reason for the change? Jimmy and Lexi had just found out they were expecting their first child, and their wedding day instantly became something even more meaningful. What was once a spring celebration transformed into an intimate, joy-filled late-fall wedding at Olympia’s Valley Estate — complete with a surprise gender reveal planned by Lexi’s sister.

As the day approached, the forecast hinted at clouds, then rain. But nothing could dim the excitement surrounding this moment. When the wedding day finally arrived, the afternoon greeted us with soft sunshine and partly cloudy skies — the kind of light Olympia’s Valley Estate does so beautifully. The rolling hills, rustic barn, and cozy cottages felt especially magical.

Then, just moments before the ceremony began, the rain arrived — right on cue.

There’s a photo you’ll see below of me holding an umbrella as Lexi and I ran from the cottage to the barn, laughing the entire way. And honestly? That moment perfectly set the tone for the rest of the day.

What followed was one of the most heartfelt, emotional winter celebrations I’ve ever had the honor of documenting. The ceremony was intimate and full of laughter, the rain adding to the romance rather than taking away from it. Olympia’s Valley Estate truly shines in moments like these — offering warmth, charm, and flexibility no matter the weather.

And then came the gender reveal.

I’ve photographed countless weddings, and while first dances often get me teary-eyed, this moment was something else entirely. Watching Jimmy and Lexi find out they were welcoming a baby boy, surrounded by their loved ones, was unforgettable. From that moment on, the night turned into a full-on celebration — toasting not just their marriage, but the family they were already becoming.

Because there wasn’t time to schedule an engagement session before the wedding, I later gifted Jimmy and Lexi a maternity photoshoot for 2024, and I truly couldn’t be more excited to continue telling their story.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels intentional, emotional, and deeply personal, Olympia’s Valley Estate is a venue that allows moments like these to unfold beautifully — rain or shine.