Foreign Cinema Modernism West Wedding » San Francisco, California

Thu and David knew they didn’t want a huge and flashy wedding but still wanted to celebrate in some way with their closest loved ones. They ultimately decided to host a dinner reception at Foreign Cinema's Modernism West Gallery in San Francisco to perfectly encapsulate their desire for a unique and memorable experience while treating their guests to an award winning meal. Prior to the dinner, I met up with them and their sweet dog Rosy and their sun conure, Samin for portraits around Nob Hill and Chinatown. The couple wore matching outfits lovingly sewn by Thu’s mother. We wrapped up our shoot together with some fabulous rooftop views at their apartment. As the evening set in, Thu and David headed over to Foreign Cinema to finish setting up place cards, homemade treats and board games for post dinner activities. Against the backdrop of the restaurant's modern ambiance and gallery walls, surrounded by close friends and family, Thu and David celebrated with a heartfelt and joyous evening of good conversation, delicious dishes and lots of laughter.

San Francisco City Hall + Penny Roma Restaurant Wedding » San Francisco, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

With family members in Indonesia and Wisconsin, John and Mira decided on a intimate wedding in San Francisco as they were planning to travel later in the year for celebrations closer to their families. Having been together for two years, the couple decided on a City Hall civic ceremony in May to mark the beginning of their lifelong journey together. The choice of San Francisco held special significance for them, as it was the city where they first met and live.

The short and sweet ceremony on the fourth floor balcony was a heartfelt moment, with the couple surrounded by the city's stunning architecture and the memories of their time spent there. John’s parents and Mira’s sister both flew out to San Francisco to help celebrate the nupitals while Mira’s parents were able to video chat in via cellphone so they were a part of the City Hall ceremony.

Following the ceremony, John and Mira took some time for portraits around City Hall before heading over to the Mission District for more portraits around the neighborhood, including some photos in their camper van which they love taking around the country for outdoor adventures. The couple then joined their guests for cocktails and dinner at Penny Roma, a charming venue that added a touch of sophistication and intimacy to their celebration.

Point Reyes National Seashore Elopement » Marin, California

Rebecca and Mike love the outdoors so choosing Point Reyes National Seashore for their intimate wedding made perfect sense. The day began with a heartwarming first look under the enchanting Cypress Tree Tunnel, setting the tone for the day's festivities. As the couple shared this intimate moment, their anticipation and excitement were palpable, a testament to the love they share.

We headed over towards Chimney Rock where the rest of their family was already setting up for their ceremony. Despite the sunny April weather, strong coastal winds added an element of unpredictability to the setup. Rebecca and Mike honored tradition by signing their ketubah and partaking in the time-honored Jewish custom of breaking a plate. It was a poignant moment, and it beautifully represented the merging of two families. With the Pacific Ocean behind them, the couple stood before their closest family members and exchanged heartfelt vows. The pristine surroundings and the sound of crashing waves provided a naturally romantic backdrop as they made their promises to one another. The love and devotion shared between Rebecca and Mike were evident in every word spoken and every glance exchanged. Following the ceremony, Rebecca and Mike shared tender goodbyes with their families, knowing they would reunite later for a celebratory dinner. Their decision to keep the wedding small allowed for a truly intimate experience, where their love was at the forefront, unobstructed by the fuss and frills of a larger celebration.

Rebecca and Mike ventured over to Chimney Rock for post-ceremony portraits. The rugged cliffs, the salty sea breeze, and the endless ocean views provided an ideal backdrop for capturing the raw beauty of their love and the enchantment of their special day. Before the afternoon wrapped up, Rebecca and Mike headed over to the Lighthouse where they did a quick outfit change, opting for bicycling attire. With a nod to their shared passion for cycling, the couple embarked on a unique adventure, symbolizing their journey as a newlywed couple. They celebrated their nuptials with an exhilarating ride, bringing an extra dose of joy and excitement to their special day. Rebecca and Mike's wedding day was a testament to love, tradition, and the beauty of simplicity. With the ocean as their witness, they embarked on their journey as a married couple, ready to embrace the adventures of life together.

San Francisco City Hall + Stow Lake + Marshall's Beach Elopement » San Francisco, California

Licco and Serhiy both have families miles away in different countries so when they decided to get married, they chose San Francisco City Hall to keep it simple yet elegant. Licco wore a small locket that held photos of her family who weren’t able to fly in from Taiwan. It was a beautiful way to keep her family close to her heart on this special day. Serhiy, hailing from Ukraine, sported blue and yellow pocket squares, a subtle nod to his Ukrainian heritage. These small details symbolized the merging of two distinct cultures and families, making the day even more meaningful.

Licco and Serhiy exchanged rings in front of a small group of close friends and some of their family. Despite those that couldn't be there in person, the love and support of those that were there filled the room.

After the ceremony, the couple, along with everyone else, headed to Stow Lake near the Chinese Pavilion to celebrate. There, they enjoyed a delightful spread of cake and champagne, toasting to their love and the bright future that lay ahead of them. The serene surroundings of Stow Lake and the iconic Chinese Pavilion added a touch of magic to this special gathering.

Just before sunset, Licco and Serhiy ventured to Marshall's Beach, a place that held a special place in their hearts. This secluded beach offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is known for its dramatic coastline. The couple, dressed in their wedding attire, posed for photos against the backdrop of the iconic bridge as the sun dipped below the horizon. Truly a love letter to San Francisco.

San Francisco City Hall + Specs’ 12 Adler Museum Cafe in North Beach Elopement » San Francisco, California

With its stunning architecture and grandeur, Michele and Erik chose San Francisco City Hall for their intimate wedding celebration on a late February afternoon. The historic building, adorned with marble columns and an exquisite rotunda, served as the perfect backdrop for their vows on the fourth floor balcony. The couple kept things small with me as their only witness to the ceremony. Afterwards, we wander around the building for some portraits before heading downstairs to join their friends who were waiting on the sidewalk with Michele and Erik’s sweet pup, Cliff. As the couple emerged from City Hall as newlyweds, they were met with cheers and applause from their friends, who were waiting outside with bottles of champagne and wine. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy and excitement. Cliff wagged his tail in approval, adding an extra layer of warmth and love to the occasion. With glasses raised high, Michele and Erik shared a heartfelt toast with their friends. It was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie to get the evening started. We jumped in a cab and headed over to North Beach, one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods. Nestled in the heart of the city, this neighborhood is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Their destination was happy hour with friends at Specs' 12 Adler Museum Cafe, a legendary bar steeped in the history of the Beat Generation poets. As the group settled into the cozy atmosphere of Specs', they raised their glasses once again, this time in a toast to the future. It was a celebration of love, friendship, and the enduring spirit of San Francisco.

Charles Schulz Art Studio on Coffee Lane Elopement » Sebastopol, California

Brenda and Micah changed their plans several times before discovering the historic Charles Schulz Art Studio in Sebastopol was available for their tiny family only elopement. With the help of Dana from Floro and Fauna who not only did the florals but also served as their wedding planner, they transformed this stunning property into the perfect spot for late autumn ceremony and lunch reception. Brenda and Micah got ready in the studio turned bedroom and spent a moment before the ceremony reading letters they had written to one another. Micah’s father officiated the ceremony down on the studio’s lawn where the couple exchanged vows and rings. Afterwards, we wandered around for portraits, finding all the hidden Snoopys, Woodstocks and other Peanuts characters hidden on the multi-acre property. Preferred Sonoma Caterers provided a delicious meal and appetizer spread while the couple took a moment for their first dances. It was the perfect afternoon and teasers for their larger celebration the following spring.

San Francisco City Hall + Baker Beach Elopement » San Francisco, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Kristi and Erhlich were married with a short and sweet ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. Afterwards, they headed to Baker Beach for some coastal portraits with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop on a typical grey cloudy Northern California day.

Intimate Family Focused San Francisco City Hall + Wayfare Tavern Restaurant Elopement » San Francisco, California

Veronica and Chris first met while in college at UC Berkeley and their study breaks together slowly grew to a relationship. When it came time to get married they knew that throwing a large party wasn’t part of their vision. Veronica always loved San Francisco City Hall because of how grand it is. (It's definitely not what people normally think about when you say "city hall".) During COVID, City Hall was closed, and originally planned to get married at MacArthur Place in Napa. When City Hall announced their re-opening that summer, they jumped at the idea to pivot plans. It just felt more right to them to keep it simple and let the beauty of the architecture speak for itself. San Francisco is also home for them - Veronica is from the Bay Area, they met in Berkeley and had many dates in the city, and spent the last 5 years living in SF, so it means a lot to get married there. We started the day with some portraits at Crissy Beach before heading over to City Hall where Veronica’s sister officiated the ceremony on the fourth floor. Afterwards, we explored the building for some portraits. COVID restrictions meant that City Hall was much more quiet which allowed us to use the grand staircase for some beautiful photos. Veronica and Chris headed back to their hotel to change for their dinner reception at Wayfare Tavern. Cocktails and sweet and funny toasts kicked off the evening celebration.

Ceremony Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Reception Venue: Wayfare Tavern // Wedding Planner: Stephanie of Lally Events // Floral Design: Wild Club // Hair & Make-Up: Grace Lin // Veronica’s Outfit: Sarah Seven & Jimmy Choo // Chris’s Outfit: Franco Masoma & Santoni // Gift Boxes: Lauren Redman

Intimate Marin Headlands + Foreign Cinema Dinner Party Elopement » San Francisco, California

K + R wanted to keep it small and simple for their wedding plans having just moved to the Bay Area. After falling in love with the Marin Headlands, they knew those cliffside views were exactly where they wanted to share their vows in front of their families. I met up with K + R on an overcast spring day and after a sweet first look by the ocean, K + R headed down the trail a bit to where a small gathering of their families were waiting for them. They exchanged vows, rings and a kiss in front of their loved ones before everyone celebrated with hugs and champagne. R’s brother share a few words before the families headed back into the city to prepare for their dinner. K + R hung back with me for some portraits along the water as we explored Battery Alexander and Rodeo Cove. We met up again in the evening at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco for their private dinner on the mezzanine level. The crystal chandelier cast surprise rainbows on their dinner as everyone settled in for drinks before a few speeches kicked off their meal. All in all, a simple but elegant wedding celebration showcasing some unique Bay Area spots.

Intimate Muir Woods National Monument + Del Popolo Elopement » Mill Valley + San Francisco, California

Stephanie and Kirk love spending time outdoors so Muir Woods National Monument felt like the perfect fit for their tiny wedding celebration. I met up with them in the early afternoon and we hiked out to a small secluded spot along the Bootjack Trail for some portraits. (You can usually find clusters of ladybugs in this particular spot along Redwood Creek!) Afterwards, we met up with their families and headed over to the ceremony spot, tucked away at the base of an ancient sequoia. Stephanie’s sister officiated and they exchanged sweet vows and rings. After hugs and a few tears, we all headed into San Francisco where they celebrated with a delicious meal in the back patio at Del Popolo. As a thank you, Stephanie and Kirk wrote personalized letters for each of their family members as place cards.

SF City Hall + Starbelly Destination Elopement » San Francisco, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Annie and Montassar live in Tunisia and when their international wedding plans fell through in 2020, they began to look for other options. Originally from Stockton and an alumni of USF, Annie always wanted to get married at San Francisco City Hall so it was the natural choice when they decided to have a more intimate celebration. Annie wore a traditional Tunisian wedding gown and got ready with her mother the morning of the wedding at Petite Auberge, a charming bed and breakfast in Nob Hill. After a quick first look with Montassar in the backyard of the inn, the couple headed over to San Francisco City Hall for their private intimate ceremony on the fourth floor balcony. After portraits around City Hall and the Castro neighborhood, Annie and Montassar celebrated with their close group of friends and family with a brunch reception at Starbelly.

Greyhound Rock County Park Elopement » Davenport, California

After scheduling and rescheduling and postponing multiple times over in 2020 and 2021, Devon and Rico finally landed on an intimate wedding plan that perfectly fit their personalities and vision. While I was no longer available for their larger wedding party plans, they wanted to kick off their wedding week with a family only ceremony at the beach. During one of their many drives along Highway 1, Rico and Devon came across Greyhound Rock County Park and were enchanted by the gorgeous cliffs and rocky beach down below. We met up on a warm summer afternoon where Rico and his family first arrived at the parking lot. I followed Rico down to the ocean where he collected some sea water for their ceremony. The family then made the small hike down to the cliffside while Devon and her mom and sister arrived and prepped themselves. Rico’s father officiated their cliffside nuptials while they exchanged personal vows to one another. Rico’s niece and nephew presented them their rings while his brother-in-law brought the sea water for their water ceremony. Afterwards, the families celebrated with some well wishes and hugs before heading off to their taco dinner down the road. Devon and Rico hung back with their family pup and we headed down to the beach for some dreamy sunset portraits. Despite all the changes to their plans, their minimony celebration came together more beautifully than they could have imagined.