After their busy wedding weekend, it’s a wonder that these guys had energy to get back into character and set off on a photographic journey around San Francisco. Our itinerary took us first to the financial district, where people are generally not used to seeing couples in full wedding regalia on a Monday afternoon. We meandered around the hectic streets, looking for light and color, while the windy day did all kinds of awesome things with Naomi’s hair and veil. (Karl’s hair was affected too, just in a less dramatic way). After we were satisfied that we had turned enough heads, we moved on to waypoint number two, the Golden Gate Bridge. Getting the jump on the incoming fog, we were able to take some beautiful shots from the vista. Then, off we went to the Palace of Fine Arts. There we were able to take full advantage of the late evening sunlight and the majestic architecture. All throughout this demanding San Francisco itinerary, Naomi and Karl’s energy never wavered, and their closeness just continued to grow.
Archive for June, 2011
Naomi + Karl | The Day After Shoot
June 29, 2011Westerbeke Ranch Wedding | Naomi + Karl
June 28, 2011On a rainy day like today, it’s a blessing to look at the memories of Naomi and Karl’s beautiful, sunny wedding at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma. With its leafy walkways, secluded cottages, and overall aura of complete tranquility, Westerbeke is one of those hidden gems in the wine country. After documenting so many weddings, I’ve come to realize that the venue tends to mirror the tastes and personalities of the couple. Naomi and Karl are no exception. Karl’s calm, even demeanor belies the great ambition and adventurousness that have taken him all around the world. Naomi’s lightness of spirit and radiant smile literally transform every space she finds herself in, including the compositions of my photographs. It’s no wonder that the two of them found their way to Westerbeke Ranch, which offered them and their guests a beautiful medley of tranquility and play. Their wedding weekend featured painting, yoga, hiking, jogging, biking and general zen. After relaxed, leisurely preparations, the guests took their places on the intimate terrace, and the wedding commenced. First, the emotional ceremony, then a golden cocktail hour, and finally a warm, delicious dinner, which was punctuated by equally warm toasts and gifts from their community. As the evening got chilly, we took advantage of the fading sunlight for some final portraits, and then retreated indoors for dancing and general merriment. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Naomi and Karl were just as committed to every detail of the day as they are to one another. One of the most creative seating charts ever was on display, and it reflected just how diverse their community is. As I drove home from the wedding, I felt tired but at peace. Westerbeke had worked its magic on me, too. Somewhere along the way back to San Francisco, I was hit by a sneaking suspicion that the cameras in my trunk must be glowing from capturing so many of Naomi’s beautiful smiles.
Next: Naomi and Karl change up the scenery. Check out the day-after shoot!
Hans Fahden Wedding | Anthony + Chelsea
June 24, 2011Hans Fahden is home to beautiful, leafy grounds, tranquil ponds and romantic walkways. But there’s something more intangible about the place that really makes it so spectacular. Hans Fahden Winery is just so…welcoming. After fighting through heavy wine country traffic, the bride, the guests, and the photographer were all ready for a respite. And by the time we arrived, Hans Fahden laden with wedding splendor and bursting with anticipation, welcomed us all into its open arms. The anticipation was not for nothing. The sheer amount of energy and happiness emanating from Chelsea, Tony and their guests could have easily lit up Calistoga for at least a couple of days. It helps that they are completely crazy about eachother. The ceremony was sunny, heartfelt. The reception, both inside the cave, and out on the dance floor, was sheer kinetic joy. Moreover, Calistoga rewarded us with a beautiful, warm summer day, and we took full photographic advantage of the summer hues and the sacred magic hour out in the vineyards. Luckily, I had already done an engagement shoot with these two, so I knew that the whole day would be fantastic. Thank you, Tony, Chelsea, and all of your guests! And thanks Hans Fahden. I look forward to visiting you again soon.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Kelly + Gabor
June 21, 2011The story of Kelly and Gabor’s wedding at SF City Hall is one of family, intimate moments and meaningful glances. It’s the story of a mistimed kiss. Ultimately, it’s the story of how two people who share a deep and obvious affection for one another wed at City Hall, circumscribed by the love and embraces of those closest to them. Gabor’s mother came all the way from Hungary to be there for her son’s wedding, and it was amazing to see her literally glowing with happiness for him. Perhaps the photo I snapped of her passing out Tic Tacs at the County Clerk’s office was a bit of foreshadowing. During the ceremony, Gabor went in for the kiss too soon. As I caught the moment, and the abashed moments after it, I thought to myself, “Sometimes, when you love someone that much, conventional boundaries and social cues just shouldn’t apply or matter.” I hope to have a long and prolific career documenting people’s nuptials, and I hope to see many, many more grooms like Gabor – who have such passion for their wife-to-be, that they can barely hold themselves back. Of course, there’s one more part to that day’s story, which is how much fun we all had during the photoshoot, especially Gabor. He must have seen on this very blog that sometime ago I intercepted a janitor on the 4th Floor of City Hall and borrowed some of his supplies for a photograph. As luck would have it, the very same janitor appeared during our shoot, and Gabor was ready to borrow anything he could get his hands on! And, when that was over, before I knew it, he was hamming it up on the balcony railing! Thank you, Kelly, Gabor and your families, for inviting me to share and document your day.
Bently Reserve Wedding | Ashika + Cesar
June 20, 2011The Bently Reserve was the centerpiece of Ashika and Cesar’s extravagant and complex wedding day. Planning a wedding is no easy task, but Ashika and Cesar put together an itinerary that took guests all over San Francisco, all the while ensuring that no detail was overlooked. The ladies departed from Ash and Cesar’s stylish condo in the SOMA, while the gentlemen prepared at Le Meridien in the financial district. A full Catholic mass ensued at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, and then we traveled to the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge for our wedding photoshoot. Finally we returned to downtown and entered the stunning Bently Reserve event center, which was awash in beautiful color and light provided by MEGA Event Production. Ash, Cesar and their talented team of planners from Jane Hammond Events truly did an incredible job. Several modes of transport, including a limo, a classic trolley, and a Rolls Royce, ferried the bride and groom and their guests from one location to the next. The details of the wedding were impressive – from the elegant programs, to the fabulous centerpieces and the table decor, to the towering wedding cake, to the hip Indian dance troupe – everything was perfect. My own photography and videography teams stayed at the top of their game throughout the day to ensure uninterrupted coverage as we transitioned from place to place. After the guests enjoyed the performances and a delicious meal, DJ Vadim, from DJ Jeremy Productions kept the Bently Reserve dance floor packed and rocking all night. Thank you, Ashika and Cesar for inviting me to document your wonderful wedding day! And of course, many thanks to my team and all of the terrific vendors that made this event possible. Video highlights just added!
Foggy San Francisco Summer Engagement | Stephanie + Neil
June 14, 2011Stephanie and Neil are adventure-seekers. What did we do during our engagement shoot? Climbed and descended a giant staircase (several times) near Grand View Park. Weaved through 19th Avenue traffic on motorcycles. Jumped over rocks and played in the precarious surf at Ocean Beach. Then, more climbing on sandy dunes and concrete walls. All the while, the San Francisco “summer” attacked us with unrelenting fog and wind chill. Despite the weather, the climate of our engagement session was full of energy, color and laughter. Thanks, guys! Looking forward to your wedding next April!!
