A San Francisco Wedding and Portrait Photography Blog

Carla and Rye tied the knot this past weekend, with a flashmob style wedding in Burlingame’s Washington Park, a quick jaunt over to a community center for an early dinner, before heading to Kingfish Restaurant for lots and lots of dancing!

The dancing part comes naturally, being that the new husband and wife are old hands at the American dance form known as the Lindy Hop. And having known them for many years in the swing dance scene, it was truly an honor — as well as great fun seeing old friends — to shoot their wedding.

There was lots of laughter, tears of joy and love all around.

Cheers to you both your journey in life together!

We met Amanda and Dennis when they were living in the Lower Haight. There is something special about this neighborhood and the people that it attracts. It calls to you. They have since moved to Seattle where they are doing AMAZING things, but occasionally come back. It was on one of these trips — and at Memphis Minnie’s that they told us the wonderful news — they were getting married!

Their wedding day was beautiful and they could not have picked a more magical place — Mission Ranch in Carmel. Dennis was dressed to perfection and Amanda was beautiful (as she always is). Her Mom and sister laughed and made the morning fly by. Dennis’s sister was his best person and had on a stunning outfit as well! Their friends and family shared a moment of sunshine (even the weather changed for their ceremony) and Mazel tov was heard loud and clear!!

It was an evening of fun dancing with a great live band, a heartfelt poem by Amanda’s Dad and powerful cigar moment shared with Dennis and his Dad.

It was an enchanting evening and we know that the laughter and love from the evening will echo for a lifetime!

hair and makeup by: Travis Smith with Bobbi Brown at Macy’s Monterey, florals by Kathryn Smith

It was a beautifully sunny day in Santa Clara County last weekend, which found us shooting Sandie & Colin’s Wedding. They were referred to us by Fran & Kevin, whose wedding we shot last year, so it was an added bonus to see them as well.

First, we arrived on scene at the San Jose Fairmont to get bridal prep shots before heading out to Mission Santa Clara for Sandie & Colin’s first viewing and then their beautiful ceremony inside the historic church.

Mission Santa Clara is a wonderful old church — it’s got that classic Spanish architecture, and makes one think of what it must have been like in the early days of California. (Seeing places like this is definitely one of the perks of our jobs).

After the ceremony it was a quick run through of family photos and cool, fun shots of the wedding party before heading back to the Fairmont for their reception.

There, the menu called for whole lot of dancing, eating, drinking and more dancing!

Susan and Michael wedded in San Francisco summer, which meant microclimates that cooled the farther towards the ocean one went. That, however, did nothing to abate the warmth they showed each other.

We had a beautiful City Hall ceremony, followed by a jaunt deep into the heart of Golden Gate Park, to both the Japanese Tea Garden and Stow Lake, where yes, it was cold! We ended the day at the Rose Garden before picking up again a few days later for their Chinese tea ceremonies — complete with entry games — and evening banquet at Tong Palace.

Both Susan and Michael have sizable extended families, who, along with old friends, were out in force to celebrate their wedding. It was great to see Michael, whom I’ve known for a lonnnng time, finally meet and marry the love of his life.

We wish them all the best in their life journey together!

Jessica and Darien could not have picked a more beautiful place to celebrate their day.

They got ready at the Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove (and yes, the image below of Darien is showing him using his iPad to learn how to fold a pocket square — ah, techology…

Their ceremony was held across the street at Lovers Point. Even the fog couldn’t cool down the warmth we felt from their friends and family (okay, Darien’s family is from Oregon, so they are used to an occasional chilly day — Go, Ducks!)

From there it was off to Tarpy’s Roadhouse in nearby Monterey.

We’ve shot at Tarpy’s before — and this time just confirmed again the close intimacy this venue provided.  It’s a place where Jessica and Darien were still able to be close to everyone for hugs, laughter and good conversation, but still allow anyone to hop onto the dance floor.  Jessica’s mom kept the dancing going into the night with a mixture of flamenco and modern music. It was a great combo!

The night flew by far too quickly and as we left, the air was filled with music and laughter, celebrating Jessica and Darien’s day!