What did you do for Cinco de Mayo? I usually never do anything memorable on May 5th but that all changed last weekend when I went to DJ Fantasy Camp at KZSC, the college radio station at UCSC.

Like many photographers, I spend countless hours working on my computer and listening to music. Some years ago I started listening to college radio stations because they play a wide variety of music and  a lot of music you don’t hear on most stations. KZSC is definitely one of my favorite stations so when they offered DJ Fantasy Camp in exchange for a donation, I had to jump at the chance!  I finally visited “the little radio station in the redwoods”! I was a guest on one of my favorite shows, Muzical Jewz which airs Saturdays 4-6pm on 88.1 FM. I’m happy to say that the experience was much more fun than I expected!

Muzical Jewz is equal parts silly and interesting. A mixture of comedy, music and cultural tidbits from Jewish entertainers. Pictured above is the host, DJ Oy-Dog. You never know what he’ll play next, Hebrew rap, Gilda Radner, Neil Diamond or something cool I’ve never heard before. I’ve been listening to his show for at least 3 years so it was really nice to meet him.

As soon as I got there Oy-Dog crowned me and named me an Honorary Yiddish American Princess aka DJ H-YAP. He also let me pick my favorite Bowie songs from their monstrous record collection and read a few Public Service Announcements. I also learned 7 words to never say on the air and what to do if you accidentally say one of them.

Since it was Cinco de Mayo, I brought Horchata and we ended up having an on-air toast to MCA, aka Adam Yauch, my favorite Beastie Boy who had died of cancer the day before. Oy-Dog played a bunch of Beastie Boys songs and we shared some stories. He then played me a wild song entitled, Rebecca Came Back from Mecca, which pretty much was the highlight of my day:)

DJ Oy-Dog taking care of business.

I’d like to thank Dylan and Michael for showing me such a good time and loading me up with all that cool swag! Best Cinco de Mayo I’ve had! I’d also like to thank my assistant Val for coming with me to photograph my big debut, lol. If you would like more information on DJ Fantasy Camp or if you would like to make a donation to KZSC email Michael mbryant@ucsc.edu   ~Shalom:)

Yuma Wedding

Last month I photographed my first wedding in my hometown of Yuma, Arizona. The ceremony was held at St. Francis, my old school and the church my family attended. Lots of green plaid memories:)

It was a 90 degree day so we made a quick detour downtown for a portrait walk and a cold drink before heading out to the reception at the Quechan Resort & Casino.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Rouff!!

Have you been wanting to update your headshot or business portrait?

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 11am-12:30pm, we schedule appointments for 15 minute portrait sessions at our downtown location at Cruzio. There are several backgrounds to choose from, an experienced stylist to help you look your best and me posing and lighting you so we find your best angle. 3 files emailed to you within 24 hours! Only $100. Email rebeccastarkphoto@gmail.com for more information or to schedule a session. 831-325-4183 Rebecca Stark Photography is located in the Suites @Cruzio at 877 Cedar St. # 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

It may have been raining on Saint Patrick’s Day but that didn’t dampen the spirits at this wedding at Chaminade!

Congratulations, David & Patti!!

I’ve never seen a bird of paradise bouquet quite like this! The flowers were from Barbara at Aloha Home & Garden. I like how the colors  pop with the bridesmaid dresses. Very Festive! Other vendors who helped make the wedding extra special include Raffi from Sound in Motion, Shannon from Chaminade and the Buttery. If you are planning a wedding at Chaminade, give me a call 831-325-4183 or email rebstark@me.com

www.rebeccastarkphotography.com

Calling all Brides, we’re hosting a free mixer this Sunday 1-3 PM. We want to hear all about your wedding. Reverend Donna Rose Gardner with Honey in the Heart Ceremonies will be on hand to answer your questions about writing your own vows, customizing your ceremony and obtaining a marriage license. Lezlie Johnson of Grand Design Floral has decades of floral expertise to share. Allyson Grande, event planner at Shadowbrook has lots of tips on coordination. When it comes to looking your best in front of the camera on your wedding day, I have tons of advice! DJ Brian Burns and Sonja will also be here and providing music. Stop by and say hello, have a glass of bubbly and some treats from Freedom Bakery. We’re here to answer your questions and share ideas. Contact me for more information 831-325-4183 rebeccastarkphoto@gmail.com

Seascape Wedding Faire

One of my favorite bridal shows is at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos, CA, just south of Santa Cruz.

The view at Seascape is one of the nicest and most comfortable places to have a beach wedding without being on the sand.

Every year they have a bridal show so couples can meet vendors from their preferred vendor list, taste the amazing food the banquet department offers and be inspired from the many decorated tables in the dining room.

I LOVE this cameo wedding cake with maple fondant by Just Cake.

Purple sequin table setting with glitter menu.

What a gorgeous orchid and rose arrangement from Laurie at Seascape Flowers. The fabric and chandelier are from Eventscapes.

This was one of my favorite table settings. Lavender and pink linens from La Tavola, flowers from Seascape Flowers. Check out the slideshow below for even more reception decor ideas.

My assistant has been busy making slideshows for me.

I think she did a great job with this slideshow from a Jewish ceremony on the beach at Pajaro Dunes. Watch it and let me know what you think.

Last week I journeyed south on an a long awaited road trip to Joshua Tree National Park. I drove down with a few other photographers and we had a great time photographing models during the day and the stars at night.

 We photographed the eerie demise of Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea, the breathtaking stars and  landscapes at Joshua Tree and an Australian model in a rusted out vintage railroad car in Pioneertown.

While in Joshua Tree, we kinda sorta did some camping which reminded me that I have not spent enough time sleeping under the stars! My biggest goal for this trip was to photograph the Milky Way and I’m happy to say that I’ll still be working on that this summer.

Click here to see more photos on my Facebook business page.

Bonnie and Shane travelled from Colorado to get married last spring at their aunt’s cliffside home in Santa Cruz.

The ceremony was in the backyard  over looking the Pacific Ocean.

They must be well liked in the neighborhood!! For the reception they took over the cul-de-sac with a dance floor, dj and  tables.

Other vendors on the scene were DJ Jack from Music Now,  the DIY wedding specialists at Alexis Party Rentals and Seascape Flowers.

Congratulations Bonnie & Shane! You were a pleasure to work with:) If you are planning a DIY type of wedding in Santa Cruz or the Monterey Bay area, give me a call 831-325-4183 or email me at rebeccastarkphoto@gmail.com

Santa Cruz Love Project, a love theme portrait fundraiser benefitting Second Harvest/Grindout Hunger

Have you been waiting to update your business headshot? Been wanting a flattering portrait of your self to post on your social networks? Maybe you and your sweetheart want a new portrait? Wait no longer! This Saturday Rebecca will be taking portraits, enhancing them and sending you your favorite file via email for a donation. There will be a couple of backdrops to choose from including a floral creation by Lezlie with Monterey Event Flowers.