Jana Johnston
- Nov 3, 2021
- 6 min read

Ben and Brieanna’s North Star House Wedding

Updated: Nov 7, 2021

Wedding photography at North Star House

The North Star House is a 10,000 square-foot home designed in 1905 by the renowned architect Julia Morgan. It is located in Grass Valley, California, was the perfect venue for Brieana and Benjamin Thompson’s simple, relaxed wedding ceremony and reception. With its low ceilings, Arts & Crafts-style woodwork, and gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from nearly every window, this historic home provided the ideal setting for celebrating the couple’s love and beginning their life together as husband and wife. The home’s cozy ambiance continued into the outdoor areas, which were also used by the happy couple to take photos after the ceremony. The North Star House is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California State Historic Buildings Register. It is located on a 14-acre portion of the former North Star Mine, a site of spectacular Gold Country landscapes. A Fall wedding at the North Star House in Grass Valley

On September 26, Brieana and Benjamin Thompson said I do in an elegant outdoor ceremony at Northern California’s own historic North Star House. Jana Johnston and Braden or Jana Johnston Photography busy capturing all of their special moments before they walk down their favorite path— surrounded by ecstatic family and friends, excited to watch them exchange vows. A beaming bride stands against a bright window as she prepares for her big day. As sunlight falls onto her face, it catches attention as if to demonstrate that something grandiose is about to take place there shortly.

First Look Weddings are full of memorable moments, and one of them is when brides and grooms see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The moment before he sees her (usually) with all her wedding finery on is called a first look and can be an incredibly intimate and touching experience. At North Star House, Brieana had snuck up behind Benjamin Thompson, the held hands around the corner of the old rock foundation, then, I saw his eyes light up as he saw Brieana come around the corner for the first time, dressed in her spectacular wedding gown. It was then that I knew that we would get many amazing photos of these two throughout their special day and that we were in for quite a fun night! Braden and Jana have been photographing weddings together for nearly 12 years, and one thing has stayed constant: Jana and Braden's love for capturing beautiful memories through beautiful images.

Cocktail Hour When you’re getting ready for your big day, it’s easy to become so focused on decorating and creating an unforgettable ambiance that you forget to sit back and enjoy your special day. This is why Cocktail Hour is so important. Set aside time after guests arrive but before they’re seated to enjoy each other’s company without worrying about logistics. If you want, also include a time between dinner and dessert where families can mingle or take pictures on their own. In order to help yourself relax—and set a good example for your guests— remember to leave as much as possible up to your wedding party. You don’t have to do everything yourself! You hired them because they specialize in certain tasks; let them do those things so you can relax and be present on one of the most memorable days of your life. To see all of our wedding coverage please visit Jana Johnston Photography on Facebook

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North Star House in Grass Valley, California offers couples some of the most gorgeous wedding photography opportunities around.

https://thenorthstarhouse.org/

We cannot express how honored we feel to spend a day photographing a couple, surrounded by all of their family and friends, on one of the happiest days of their lives.

We love to travel to weddings around Northern California, from Fort Bragg to Lake Tahoe, Napa to Bodega Bay, but especially the Gold Country and Sierra Nevada Mountains. That said, there is nothing more breathtaking than a fall wedding in small town Grass Valley, CA. Jana and Braden are a husband and wife wedding photographer team based out of Northern California's Gold Country. For nearly two decades now we have found that there are special moments to be had everywhere—especially in rural areas far from bustling cities. We have learned how to capture those moments with or without a view from atop a tall hill or overlooking lush vineyards as if looking down from heaven above.

Engagement sessions are like an early preview of your wedding day. You get to see what kinds of shots you like, how you feel in front of the camera, and if there are any issues (such as uncomfortable clothing) that need to be addressed before your big day. Plus, it's a really fun way to get to know your photographer! Choosing first-look photos will give you enough time to create art that will look great printed on everything from note cards and Christmas ornaments to throw pillows and tablecloths. Don't forget about capturing those adorable expressions between siblings, parents, grandparents—even pets—that can help tell your love story for years to come.

Every couple has to decide what's most important to them on their wedding day, and cocktail hour is one of those decisions. For some, it's a way to kick off an evening filled with food and dancing; for others, it provides a welcome break from family and friends. Where do you stand? What part will you put first: food or fun? How would you describe your ideal cocktail hour experience? These are all questions worth considering before making a decision that could affect how your wedding day goes—and feels. North Star House in Grass Valley, California offers couples some of the most gorgeous wedding photography opportunities around.

Brieana and Benjamin’s fall wedding at Northern California’s most beautiful Arts & Crafts-style building, The North Star House. We are so happy Ben and Bri picked Jana Johnston Photography to photograph their wedding. Jana and Branden Johnston love to travel to weddings around Northern California, from Seattle to Tahoe, Napa to San Francisco. That said, there is nothing more breathtaking than a fall wedding in small town Grass Valley, CA. As a team of wedding photographers based out of Northern California's Gold Country, for nearly two decades now we have found that there are special moments to be had everywhere—even in rural areas far from bustling cities. We have learned how to capture those moments with or without a view from atop a tall hill or overlooking lush vineyards as if looking down from heaven above.

DJ: Jamal Walker was incredible to work with! Not only did he play music that perfectly fit the wedding style, but he was organized and helpful from the very beginning to the very end of the wedding planning process. Jamal helped us set up everything from introductions to cake cutting, which took a lot of stress off of of Ben and Brieana's big day. I would highly recommend Jamal Walker as your DJ – he helped to make their special day memorable. Jamal is both a professional singer and Live DJ Entertainer he can be reached at

530-263-1148

Wedding Officiant: Rev. Karen Stone

In the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom vow to love each other forever before their friends and family. When it comes to planning your dream wedding ceremony, you need a wedding celebrant who can help you customize every detail from the guest list to the readings to the vows themselves. Rev. Karen the kind of person who makes you feel like you are very special when she greets you. She performs wedding and commitment ceremonies, welcoming and blessing ceremonies services professionally and personally created for you.

You can reach her at www.revkarenstone.org freesparrow@sbcglobal.net or by calling

530-559-5772

Because every wedding is unique, Contact Jana to tell her more about yourselves and your upcoming celebration. www.janajohnstonphotography.com or 209-304-9235 janajohnstonphotography@gmail.com

If you would love to see more of Ben and Brieana's wedding, be sure to check out their slideshow: