An Elegant Black Tie City Hall Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Rosie and Bret wanted to celebrate their wedding in style so they threw a black tie event at San Francisco City Hall. The first time the bride and groom saw each other was when Rosie accompanied by her parents descended the grand staircase to Bret who was waiting on the landing below. From the lush florals by Katharina Stuart to the golden detailing of the dinner plates, the entire day was as elegant as the city hall itself. Big thanks to Jessica Goldblatt of Dreams on a Dime for coordinating a flawless day!

Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Wedding Coordinator: Jessica Goldblatt of Dreams on a Dime // Floral Design: Katharina Stuart // Catering: Toast Catering // Rentals: Bright Event Rentals // DJ & Lighting: Gatsby Entertainment Group // String Quartet: Synchronicity String // Cake: Beaux Gateaux // Videography: Weddings on Film // Second Photographer: Nicole Cross // Hair & Makeup: Fresh Face Makeup // Hotel: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins 

Highland Dell Lodge Russian River Wedding » Monte Rio, California /  by Vivian Chen

Nestled between a redwood grove on the Russian River, the Highland Dell Lodge made for the perfect low-key getaway to celebrate Rebecca and Andrew's wedding. They held their ceremony across the river on Monte Rio Beach and afterwards we spent some time down by the river where a duck decided to crash the portrait session. Cocktails and dinner were served in the lodge's grand dining space where the evening wound down with an array of delicious desserts and dancing.

Wedding Venue: Highland Dell Lodge // Ceremony Location: Monte Rio Beach // Florist: Floral Designs by Heather // Caterer: Highland Dell Lodge // Desserts: Moustache Baked Goods // Rentals: Grapevine Party Rentals // Hair + Make-up: The Traveling Stylist // Wedding Dress: David's Bridal // Wedding Shoes: Tom's // Groom's Suit: Men's Wearhouse // Invitations: Matt Matteucci // Engagement Ring: Grand Bazaar in Istanbul // Wedding Band: Belonged to bride's grandparents  // DJ: Fox Sounds

Marin Headlands + Rodeo Beach Sunset Engagement Session /  by Vivian Chen

Fiona and James are fans of the great outdoors and wanted an epic golden hour backdrop for their engagement session. We chose the Marin Headlands which provided us with beautiful ocean views as the summer sun dipped beneath the horizon. We also stopped by Rodeo Beach for a few portraits before wrapping up the shoot with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Intimate Destination Bardessono Hotel + Spa Wedding » Yountville, California /  by Vivian Chen

Alix and Caleb flew down from Seattle for their intimate Napa Valley destination wedding at the stunning Bardessono Hotel & Spa in downtown Yountville. While wine country weddings usually conjure up images of vineyards and rustic barns, Bardessono's modern architecture made for a unique backdrop for the day's festivities. Surrounded by their 30 closest friends and family, they said their vows in the hotel's courtyard with Alix's father officiating. Afterwards, everyone was invited for cocktails and dinner outside of Lucy Restaurant before we wrapped up the evening with dessert and sparklers.

Golden Gate Park Stow Lake + Grandview Park Engagement Session » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Yulia and Jordan are getting married in Colorado but wanted to have their current home, San Francisco, as the backdrop for their engagement session. We spent a quiet afternoon wandering around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park before catching a gorgeous sunset at the top of Grandview Park.

Intimate Palm Springs Wedding at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club » Junebug Weddings /  by Vivian Chen

A + O's lovely Palm Springs destination wedding is featured on Junebug Weddings this week! From the stylish Ace Hotel ceremony and reception to the sunset portraits in Joshua Tree National Park, this is by far one of my favorite intimate weddings I've photographed. Absolutely loved these two! See more on the Junebug Wedding blog here!

Redwood Regional Park Engagement Session » Oakland, California /  by Vivian Chen

Tan and Suzanne love nature so we headed up to the little redwood grove in the Oakland hills for their engagement session. I suggested we go early as I love the soft morning light that filters through the trees. After the redwoods, we headed over to a eucalyptus field where the spring grass had grown tall and lush. This part of Oakland truly is a special little spot in the spring!

San Francisco Film Centre Presidio Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Polly and Greg were married on a warm spring day at the San Francisco Film Centre in the Presidio. Their ceremony, officiated by Greg's hilarious step-brother, was held in front of the iconic blue doors with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge behind them. Afterwards, their guests were treated to cocktails and lawn games before the multi-course dinner inside the historic centre's reception hall where toasts and dancing kept the party going!

Wedding Venue: San Francisco Film Centre // Florist: Farmgirl Flowers // Hair & Make-Up: A-List Makeup // Rentals: Abbey Party Rents SF // Lighting: Janette's Events // Baker: SusieCakes // DJ: Chris "The Rebel" Debol 

Springtime Wildflower Albany Bulb Maternity Session » Albany, California /  by Vivian Chen

The Albany Bulb is one of my favorite places in the Bay Area. In the spring, it becomes overgrown with wildflowers which made it the perfect location for Sasha and Miles' maternity session. I met Sasha on my She Explores redwood hike I hosted last August and it was a honor to photograph her and her husband before the next chapter of their lives. (Since the shoot, the couple has welcomed their adorable daughter, Brooklyn into the world!)