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!
Posts Tagged ‘sf city hall wedding photography’
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!
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!
Oliver + Heidi | San Francisco City Hall Wedding
February 10, 2011As soon as I arrived at City Hall to document Oliver and Heidi’s wedding, I knew the day would be special. Although it was January, SF was at the start of a several week-long heat wave. The weather couldn’t have been better. I met the couple inside the building, and as we waited for the administrative formalities, they couldn’t take their eyes off each other. Every glance, every touch was imbued with meaning. The judge pointed out that they should meet him at the Rotunda, but, seeing the beautiful afternoon light filtering through the big windows, I suggested that we conduct the ceremony on the fourth floor instead. As we ascended in the elevator, the judge lifted his binder and began, “We are gathered here…” That cracked everyone up. The real ceremony was moving and beautiful, and I was able to capture some tender moments between Heidi and Oliver. They had come from far away to get married in San Francisco, and it was perfect.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Sarah + Phil
January 5, 2011Serious style and a grandé guestlist – that’s a good way to describe this Rockabilly wedding. Officially, the SF City Hall website says that no more than six guests are allowed to attend the ceremony, but Sarah and Phil don’t live by the rules! Sarah arrived draped in fur, and Phil sported a terrific top hat. When they exited City Hall, a salute of bubbles and a Rolls Royce were there to greet them! Congratulations, Sarah and Phil!
San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Candice + Cleve
November 9, 2010Candice and Cleve decided to come all the way from Richmond, VA, in order to have their wedding at SF City Hall. Even though the skies stayed mostly grey, the day was quite warm, and their bold sense of style spiced things up. After taking some spontaneous portraits in and around City Hall, we ventured out towards Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge for some very ‘San Francisco’ shots. Congratulations, guys! Hope you had a great time in SF.
