Karla & Nico

I had the pleasure of photographing Karla and Nico's wedding at the end of June and am so excited to share some shots from their beautiful day! They were able to celebrate their marriage with family and friends in France (where Nico is from) and in California. And for their stateside ceremony, they picked a venue with one of the most San Franciscan locations (and climates) in the city: The General's Residence.

The good old summer fog rolled in and out of this Presidio spot over the course of the day, making for some dramatic conditions and beautifully diffused natural light (yay!). Guests traveled from near and far and there were lovely little touches referencing their French connection- like their champagne gift, bunches of lavender along the ceremony aisle and on the tables, and toasts translated into French and English by a talented best man. It was clear how much this couple meant to each other and how much it meant to them to be around so many of their favorite people. Such a joy to be part of their wedding and to record all of the love! 

Wedding Venue: The General's Residence / Coordinator and Florist: Conscioustyle / Caterer: Small Potatoes Catering and Events / DJ: Richard of All Ears DJ 

Kate & Garrett

Photographing a wedding is part whirlwind and part meditation- for 8 hours, I'm thinking about nothing else besides the place I'm in, the people in front of me, and shooting them as well as possible. But Kate and Garrett's recent celebration went so far beyond that- it felt like being in another world. Just 15 minutes from the coast, their venue, with its verdant groves, winding paths and abundance of twinkle lights, was a magical hideaway and a perfect place to gather all of their people for a wedding weekend. 

As I looked through their photos, I realized how the vibrant color palette of the day- these deep greens, reds, and blues- totally reflected the spirit of the couple. Kate and Garrett are sweet, bright, energetic- I feel like they're full of smiles every time I see them. Their adventurous nature was reflected in many of their details- from the table signage highlighting the many trips they've taken together to the notecards asking guests to share their favorite destinations. And shooting them in California with their family and friends was given extra significance by the fact that they're moving to Germany together this summer! They are clearly so loved by the people in their lives and so in love with each other and it was such a joy to be part of the day!

Wedding Venue: The Holly Farm / Caterer: La Creme / Florist: Big Sur Flowers / Hair and Makeup Artists: Kim Larson / DJ: DJ Antonio of California Soundshine / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller

Eric & Matt

Weddings are delightful but they can also be stressful- so many moving parts, high expectations, months of planning wrapped up into a single day experience. Sometimes this can be seen on the fringes of peoples' expressions and behavior. And sometimes, like at Eric & Matt's wedding, it's absolutely nowhere to be found. From the moment we walked in the door to greet the grooms, their families and wedding party, they were all smiles and cheer. They immediately welcomed us into the fold of their calm but excited pre-wedding bustle and I knew right away that it was going to be a fantastic shoot.

Eric and Matt organized and executed a beautiful day, reflective of their thoughtful natures and great taste. The adjoining spaces of Clos La Chance's property meant that people were treated to one beautiful area after another (vineyard views to an olive grove to the bistro-lit patio...completely lovely). Against these backdrops, guests shed happy tears, shared big group hugs, raised glasses of wine to heartfelt toasts and danced their hearts out. You could tell how excited Eric and Matt's families were to have these new sons and brothers-in-law and how thrilled everyone was to celebrate the union of these two men who they clearly loved so much. 

Wedding Venue: Clos La Chance Winery / Coordinator: Kristin Murphy / Grooms' Suits: Suit Supply / Grooms' Rings: Joe Escobar Diamonds / Caterer: Cellar Door Catering / Cake: Sugar Butter Flour / Florist: Dig Gardens / Bouquets and boutineers: The Flower Cottage of Morgan Hill / DJ: Andy Acker of Sound in Motion / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

Allegra & Jonathan

Have you ever been invited to a family's home for a wedding? It's incredibly special. You can see the family's history all over- in the childhood bedroom where the bride gets ready, the back porch where they waited to walk down the aisle, the hillside where guests camped that night. You realize that they've interacted with this property in so many ways, and this day will join a surely long list of lovely memories in that place.

Allegra and Jonathan are an infectiously sweet couple who live in San Francisco and decided to be married across the country in Vermont. As I make this trip often to visit my own family, I was delighted to be able to shoot a "local" wedding in the Northeast. Their joy and comfort in each other was apparent throughout the day- they were all smiles and laughter- and it made my work a true delight. You could tell that they're the kind of people who always better the lives of those around them.

And as friends and family cheered their run down the aisle after being married, toasted to their future and danced beside them into the late hours, I kept thinking what an amazing thing it is to be able to bring all of the people you love most into your life and your home. And how lucky I am to get to document such an occasion.

Day-of Coordinator: Catherine Saunders / Venue: Private residence in Norwich, VT / Hair and Makeup: The Woodstock Inn / Flowers and Brownies: Ardelia Farm / DJ: Scott Sica / Rentals: Celebrate in Vermont / Catering: Carolyn & Chris Sailer of The Moonshine Inn / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

Masha & Thomas

You know how there are certain people who light up a room? They are magnetic. Their interest in others is palpable, their smiles are genuine, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Masha and Thomas are two of those kind of people. Which means that as a couple, they are truly impressive. And it's clear when you're with them (and especially photographing them!) how happy they make each other. 

Throughout their beautiful wedding day, I was touched by stories of how quickly they knew they had found their match and their eagerness to work for their relationship. Friends and family spoke of the ways that they enhanced each other and the people around them. And you could feel the love from their guests- from tears during the ceremony to huge laughs during toasts to a truly epic dance party. It was a fabulous celebration of a heartfelt union that I feel very lucky to have shared in and documented. (And on top of all that goodness it all looked A-MAZING! You'll see below...)

Wedding Planner: Spreading Lovely / Venue: Private Residence / Beauty: Aille Beauty / Catering: Weir Catering / Florals: Bell and Trunk / Band: Hip Service / Videography: Patrick Ang / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

Jen & Mark

One of the amazing things about photographing weddings is that for one day, you're wholeheartedly invited into a couple and family's lives. You're there to see and record the big emotions and small gestures. You're there to help people remember a standout day. It's touching and if you're lucky, also really fun. And this wedding was a blast.

This past weekend, I happily stayed put in my city for the 4th of July holiday to shoot Jen and Mark's Presidio wedding. They are kind, hilarious people and the parents of three sweet children (seriously, after a whole day of being photographed and asked to come in and out of shots, these kids were still all smiles. They were the best.) The ceremony was humorous and heartfelt and as a recent newlywed, I found myself wanting to take notes on the gems of advice and reflection provided by their officiant. It was a day focused on love, commitment, blending families, enjoying the people in one's life, and delicious Mexican food. A great day to document.

Getting Ready Location: Inn at the Presidio / Wedding Location: Arguello / Wedding Coordinator: Sheila Dizon of Event Solutions / Hair & Makeup: Lynn Lee / Band: Golden Gate Jazz Trio / Photobooth: Photomatica / Cake: Susie Cakes

Corazon & Mark

Those of us who are lucky enough to work in Northern California are spoiled by a wealth of beautiful sites. Cora & Mark's wedding took us (shoutout to Noah's superb 2nd shooting!) to a town on the coast in which I always wish I could spend more time- Monterey. The ultimate breath of fresh air. 

Against the iconic views and sweet downtown streets, Cora & Mark had an elegant, heartfelt, joyful wedding at The InterContinental-The Clement Monterey. The bride tried her hardest to hold back happy tears, but her bright smile shined through all day and made it abundantly clear how happy these two are together. Surrounded by cheers-ing friends and loving family, I feel like we had the chance to document a truly special day.

Crystal & Katie

These brides. These brides are the kind of people, with the kind of huge smiles and magnetic chemistry, who you want to be around on an average Saturday. So you can imagine just how much fun and love-filled their wedding day was.

There may have been some rain, and it may have affected the layout and flow of their event, but honestly I think that little detail will fade into the background with time (and that's largely due to the kick-ass planners and staff who turned the room like pros). What will surely last is the thought and effort put into their handmade details, the big laughter and happy tears from friends and family and the pure joy that ran through the day. It was an honor to witness and record it.

Below is a little preview from the many shots taken from the day. I was lucky to have my right-hand man (and soon-to-be husband!) shooting with and supporting me, so there are a few thousand to edit through. Whew!

Wedding Planners: Ah Ha Events / Wedding Venue: Benicia Historical Museum / Getting Ready Location: Shorelight Inn / DJ: Matt Haze / Second Photographer: Noah Christman
 

All photographs © Kara Brodgesell