I love City Hall. It’s grand, cavernous, beautiful. But it presents a challenge for the photographer. How do you stay inspired? How do you continue to produce exciting and varied imagery, in a place that looks the same every day, and within the highly structured civil ceremony process? I believe I have the answer, and it’s two-fold. First, I draw inspiration from couples like Clarinda and Wryan, who are willing to play, experiment, and give 100% of their energy to being partners in the creative process. The other part of the equation is my own constant experimentation. I’m always looking for undiscovered nooks and crannies, new sources of light, and challenging myself and my clients to pursue both motion and stillness in new forms. Clarinda and Wryan were amazing to work with. There was no denying how physically charged their connection was, and the photos reflect it. Thank you guys! I’m really excited to have created these images for you!
Archive for July, 2011
Anthony and Magaly booked me months in advance for their City Hall wedding and adventure in San Francisco. They currently reside in London, and because of the ample lead time, I was able to help them plan their wedding day here in SF. Their whole families arrived to be with them on their day, and they wanted to make sure that everything went according to plan. For such a large group, they reserved the Mayor’s Balcony, which allowed them to have an hour of uninterrupted time to hug, toast and be together after the ceremony. Several weeks before the wedding day, I had already sent my proposed itinerary for a Cable Car ride around the City. The Cable Car picked us up at City Hall, and we drove to the Golden Gate bridge and Fort Point, by way of the Presidio. After that, we made a stop at the Legion of Honor for some elegant photos amidst the columns. Finally, wrapped in blankets (in true SF summer fashion) Anthony, Magaly and their families headed to the Cliff House for a delicious and well-deserved lunch. It’s never easy to have long travel- and photo-sessions with large groups, but (a) their families were just awesome and full of energy and (b) everyone was excited and invigorated by the sights and the chilly weather. Anthony and Magaly – you guys pulled it off!! Hopefully you’re on a beach somewhere right now and getting over the SF climate in true honeymoon style!
San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Nicholas + Angie
July 18, 2011When I met Nicholas, Angie, and their girls, Oceana and Kieran, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This beautiful family was dressed to the nines, everyone perfectly buttoned up and color-coordinated. Black, white, silver, and then the striking red lipstick worn by Angie made it a very elegant affair, and a joy to photograph. It’s such a pleasure for me to document weddings at San Francisco City Hall, especially because just like Nicholas and Angie, the brides and grooms I work with put so much care and effort into the details. The other thing that completely blew me away was how patient and well-behaved the girls were, and how much energy they had as we walked around the building taking pictures. The unique style and amazing connection of this beautiful family definitely made this an incredible San Francisco City Hall wedding. Congrats, Nicholas, Angie and girls! All the best to your new family.
SF City Hall Wedding | Kelly + Mark
July 15, 2011Kelly and Mark came all the way from Kansas to have their wedding at SF City Hall, and they were not disappointed. They were excited about being here, excited about finding one another, and excited to have found me to document it all for them. The day started with some beautiful photography around City Hall, and then, the ceremony. Readers of this blog may recall Gabor’s early kiss attempt. Well, Mark and Kelly’s ceremony experienced a similar moment, when joy and nerves overcame convention, and Mark slipped the ring on the wrong hand! Since we were in the privacy of the fourth floor, only the commissioner, the couple and I witnessed it. What I’ve learned from the many weddings I’ve documented, is how rare it is for everything to go according to plan. I’ve also learned that if two people are head over heels in love, it doesn’t really matter. Congrats, Kelly and Mark!
Scott and Natalie’s engagement shoot took us from the stately Legion of Honor in the western part of San Francisco, all the way across town to Chez Spencer, where they actually got engaged. From the moment they met me at the Legion of Honor, I could sense their energy and intense connection with one another. Luckily for us, SF provided an afternoon flooded with equally intense sunlight, which really set the mood for the session. As Natalie and Scott danced and connected, I watched and captured the light dancing between and around them. There was something undeniably elegant and stoic about them as a couple, and I didn’t hesitate to break some rules by throwing them in the path of hard, direct light. Towards evening, as things got more mellow, we took the opportunity to get some iconic shots around the restaurant where Scott proposed. Overall, it was a great afternoon, and afterwards, we shared delicious smoky martinis at Chez. I can’t wait to document Scott and Natalie’s wedding at Hans Fahden in September!
Orinda Country Club Wedding | Jessica + Fred
July 5, 2011Jessica and Fred’s wedding day itinerary took us from one gorgeous location to the next. The day started at Jessica and Fred’s beautiful home, where I met the groom and his guys. The bride got ready at the magnificent Park Lafayette Hotel. The ceremony took place at the stunning Santa Maria Church in Orinda, where the intricate architecture, plush carpeting, sweeping stained glass windows and majestic courtyard all made for a gorgeous backdrop to the nuptials. The Orinda Country Club reception was as warm and welcoming as the summer evening, and the guests certainly knew how to throw down. Fred and Jessica’s relationship began in high school, and it was truly an honor to document their wedding and to see the strong community they have built around themselves. I inspired by Jessica and Fred’s affection for one another, and proud to catch beautiful moments throughout the day. Thank you Jessica and Fred! All the best to you in your home and your new life together!
