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Welcome!

Hi, my name is Mike Danen, and thanks for visiting my online journal. I'm a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Monterey and San Francisco bay areas of Northern California. My work has taken me to many beautiful destinations, and allowed me to be a part of fantastic weddings and parties. It's exciting!

I'll post new images here, discuss photography, and share ideas that could make your wedding planning process easier. So please stay a while, bookmark my site, and leave a comment. I love hearing from you, and hope that you enjoy what you see!

Chateau Julien Carmel Valley wedding film

Parker and Kelly’s destination wedding had so much “Wow”! Golf at the Cypress Point Club at Pebble Beach, dinner at Piatti in Carmel, and an absolutely gorgeous wedding day at the beautiful Chateau Julien. Kelly was so gorgeous, and Parker’s not too shabby himself. I’m not sure it’s legal to have some many good looking friends. It was a joy to work with them, Kelly’s mom Kerri, and their families.

You guys were such a treat to be around, thanks for having me : )


Best wedding vendors; Chic Wedding & Event Design

I want to give a shout out to Anthony Karabetyan, Darion Bonnet and all the professionals at Chic Wedding & Event Design in Monterey. We recently worked together at Parker & Kelly’s wedding at Chateau Julien. I have to say, you guys did a fabulous job with the design of their reception! It was off the hook! All the guests loved it! It was a pleasure working with you, as always. You are dedicated to outstanding service, luxurious event rentals, and complete design planning. Stop by their showroom in Monterey for assistance in choosing your linens, chairs, tables, and event lighting. Here’s a few images:

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WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award 2010

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Whoo hoo! I have been chosen to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, so thanks so much to my fantastic clients who spoke on my behalf and selected me to receive this honor!

Wedding Photography InterContinental Hotel The Clement Monterey

Vanessa and Kaleb had a stylish Indian destination wedding weekend in Monterey. The festivities began with a Mehendi Celebration at a private beachfront residence in Pajaro Dunes. A traditional wedding ceremony was held the following day at the new InterContinental Hotel in Monterey. The Baraat rolled right down Cannery Row! The weekend concluded with a California Beach Party on the sand at Adventures by the Sea. I wish you 2 all the best in life, and big thanks to Chelsea Allen at the InterContinental Hotel for all your help!

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Wedding Photography Monterey Plaza Hotel

Wow, Jamie and Josh really rocked their wedding! Much love, much emotion, and a reception that really rocked the beautiful Monterey Plaza Hotel. Two of the nicest people that you’ll ever meet. I loved working with these guys- I have the coolest clients! Jamie & Josh put together an All Star Team of great vendors: Patricia Darquea, the owner of A Perfect look, rocked the girl’s hair and makeup on location. Jamie looked gorgeous all day long. The oceanic cake by Pâtisserie Bechler, was perfect for a wedding right on Monterey Bay. The flowers by Swenson and Silacci were so beautiful. And the one and only Anthony Karabetyan of DNA Entertainment rocked the house, and was the ultimate Master of Ceremonies. Props to you Anthony for a great time!

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Wedding photography Cline Cellars Sonoma California

Michael and Angela put together a dream wedding at Cline Cellars in Sonoma. Cline Cellars is a gorgeous venue, and Jennifer Alvarez, Tanya Noujaim, and the entire staff are so professional. What a pleasure to work with such dedicated people. It’s a photographer’s dream, with so many great spots for shooting. Pat Gibbons did an amazing job with the flowers. The wedding cake, by Patisserie Angelica, was off the hook. Here are just a few pictures of their special day.

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WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award 2009

Mike Danen wedding photographer San Francisco award

I was recently honored to receive the 2009 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award for 2009. This prestigious award recognizes vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. The Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

Preston Castle fashion shoot

A big shout-out to Dan and Caroline of Tinywater Photography and Sam Hassas for inviting me and some of the finest photographers in Northern California to a fashion shoot at historic Preston Castle in Ione, California. I rode up with my friends Orbie Pullen, and Rebecca Stark, stopped in San Jose to pick up Sam, and had an awesome day.

Thanks so much to Raquelle Siders of Image Provocateur for arranging for the models, and the amazing dresses from Diamond Bridal Gallery, and AGAPE Designs. Check out the links below, and please enjoy these shots as much as I enjoyed making them:

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Raquelle Siders
Image Provocateur & VIP-CAT Makeup Academy
www.imageprov.com

Diamond Bridal Gallery
www.diamondbridalgallery.com

AGAPE Designs
Jeremiah
agape_lov77@yahoo.com
916-640-6760