Haley & John Henry

There is little that I love more than the glamour of a fancy city wedding, and Haley and John Henry’s wedding went above and beyond! After the past year and half where the city has felt nearly dormant, it was amazing to be part of a wedding that celebrated being in San Francisco. The wedding party got ready at the Omni, we took photos on the city streets downtown, the ceremony took place at the unrivaled Saints Peter and Paul Church, and the reception was held at the timeless Julia Morgan Ballroom.

And within those stunning venues, Haley and John Henry’s SF wedding radiated happy energy. From the beginning of our shooting time, with their bridesmaids and groomsmen getting ready right alongside them at the hotel, all the way to the most epic dance party I’ve seen at a reception in a loooong time, it was clear that their family and friends were so excited to celebrate and be there for these two. And with so many fun details throughout the day, from a vintage Rolls Royce ride to the church and a once-in-a-lifetime police escort to get to the reception, to custom drink cubes and signs, a candy bar, late-night In & Out, and a stunning bridal reception outfit change, this wedding was a delight to capture. I’m so happy we were able to be a part of this amazing couple’s big day, and to help them remember all of the special moments!

Marisa & Trevor

It is such a pleasure to shoot a San Francisco wedding at an utterly San Francisco venue. Marisa & Trevor's celebration at the historic General's Residence in Fort Mason was set against some one of the most scenic backdrops you can find in this corner of California. However, it being May in this fickle, wonderful city, you never know what kind of weather you're going to get. And while the clear blue sky provided stunning panorama views from the East Bay to Marin and everything in between, it also came with the fiercest wind I've ever experienced on a wedding shoot.

While the intensity of the conditions may have rattled some couples (bridal looks and chuppahs are not exactly designed to withstand relentless horizontal gusts!), Marisa and Trevor took it all in stride and were full of smiles throughout the day. And after their touching ceremony (officiated by Trevor's sister!), some guests even lingered outside to take advantage of the cocktail hour lawn games. What a joy to witness and document so many generations of family and close friends come together to celebrate this sweet, loving couple in their city. 

Wedding Venue: The General's Residence / Wedding Planner: Lily Spruce / Caterer: Fogcutter / Florist: Tango & Foxtrot / DJ: Love in the Mix / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

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 

Ximena & Isaac

City Hall weddings are such a unique part of shooting in San Francisco. The gorgeous Beaux-Arts style building inevitably wows out-of-town family members and is a source of pride for its city's residents. And when you have a less scripted type of wedding celebration in an equal-opportunity building, people's personalities shine through in their attire choices. I've seen huge ball gowns and tuxes, monotone ensembles, sleek tailored looks and on this amazing couple- a white jumpsuit and triple-patterned suit!!! The best.

Ximena and Isaac really upped the daytime wedding game with a morning shoot with their sweet pup at Corona Heights Park. One of my favorite parks for its neighborhoody vibe and expansive views, it started the day on such a glorious and relaxed note. It was a joy to pop into this couple's life for a few hours and to see the ways that they supported and complemented each other. With visiting family beside them to witness such a happy occasion, it was clearly a celebration of love and partnership. (And it made me really look forward to photographing their larger party in a few months!)

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