the journal

welcome to

There’s something quietly magical about Healdsburg. Tucked into the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country, it offers rolling vineyards, golden light, charming town streets, and a sense of calm that invites you to slow down — and truly be present with one another. If you’re dreaming of an intimate, meaningful way to recommit to your […]

February 21, 2026

How to Plan a Beautiful Vow Renewal in Healdsburg, California

By Alicia Parks Photography | Vow Renewals | California Destination Photography There is something quietly sacred about the decision to renew your vows. It is not a do-over, it is a deepening. A conscious, intentional choice to look at the person standing beside you and say I choose you still. I choose you again. If […]

February 21, 2026

Why California Should Be Your Vow Renewal Destination (And How to Capture It Forever)

If you are looking for California Valley wedding, be sure to consider Park Winters in Yolo Valley to make your farm chic dreams come true.

December 2, 2025

Park Winters Wedding in Yolo Valley

California Valley wedding at Park Winters in Yolo Valley. Couple portraits.

If you are looking for a Sonoma wedding venue, Montage Healdsburg should be high on your list. It has everything for couples and guests!

December 2, 2025

Gorgoeus Montage Healdsburg Wedding in October

If you are looking for a Sonoma wedding venue, Montage Healdsburg should be high on your list. It has everything for couples and guests!

One couple’s glamorous Vine Hill Wedding in Sonoma, complete with a classic car, bright colors, and expansive florals.

September 23, 2025

Vine Hill House in Sonoma

How to have a Vine Hill House wedding in Sonoma. Damo and Sorcha on a car framed by the vineyard vines.

Couples are concerned about hosting a wedding in a recession. We have completed a list of creative ways to celebrate intimately.

May 30, 2025

Weddings in a Recession

Wedding in a recession, Northern California micro wedding.

Alicia Parks Photography is honored to be a top three finalist for California Wedding Day’s best photographer in northern California.

April 8, 2025

I’ve been named Top Northern California Wedding Photographer of the Year by California Wedding Day!

Alicia Parks Photography. Nominated for California Wedding Day's Best of 2025

A Napa Valley photographer’s list of favorite things to do in Napa Valley during your wedding weekend for you and your cherished guests.

April 6, 2025

Favorite Things to do in Napa Valley

Favorite things to do in Napa Valley

How to choose a wedding venue with services like Distinct Locations, how to know what to look for, and why private estates are soaring.

December 22, 2024

How to Choose a Wedding Venue

The beauty of a San Francisco Bay area wedding is being able to capture an incredibly special ceremony and then having the beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge for your reception. For all our Bay Area wedding couples, I have put together the ultimate guide for how to plan a Tiburon wedding from start […]

September 29, 2024

Plan a Tiburon/Marin Wedding