"They are my favorite photographers," my wedding coordinator friend said as she recommended them to me, and now I know why. You just have to love Robyn and Randy, the husband and wife photographer team. With smiling faces they invited me into their cozy studio in downtown Pleasanton. Its walls showcase wedding and engagement pictures, and family portraits. The expressions on their clients' faces reflect their joy in working with the Cazinhas.

Randy fell in love with photography many years ago when he took a picture of Robin, a former actress, and her large television group. Afterwards he told her that he wanted to change jobs. Robin knew he was serious when he sold his showcase 1956 Chevy to start the new venture.

Commercial photography came first; followed by fashion photography which taught him the importance of light and color and how they reflect on skin tones and different materials. In sports photography Randy learned to react quickly and literally keep his eye (lens) on the ball. He didn't know at that time how perfect this training would later cater to his beloved wedding work, helping him to anticipate and capture emotions.

When Randy began shooting weddings, Robyn came on board and added her experience of being on a movie set. Now, after many years working together, they are so well rehearsed that when Robyn sees Randy using the wide angle lens, she will grab the close-up lens or vice versa. "We just know what the other one is up to, and that will speed up the process," Robin told me. "And, we plan our shots with the album in mind," Randy added.

When one of them captures an exceptional photo, they share it with the other in passing. Once Randy showed the saxophone player a phenomenal picture he had just taken of him. The musician was so impressed that he played a trill and lost the tune.

Both Randy and Robyn have received awards and prizes for their work. Randy shared with me his Peoples Choice Award of the Northern California Professional Photographers. The black & white photograph shows a couple in a bar, looking at the ring, while all other patrons are dancing or moving around the couple. Due to insufficient lighting, all guests are out of focus while the couple is very sharp.

Robyn's creative side comes out in the album creation. Albums are beautifully designed and tell the story of the day. When you reach the last page, you take a deep breath as you realize the wedding is over.