del popolo

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

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.

Intimate City Hall Wedding + Del Popolo Restaurant Reception » San Francisco, California by Vivian Chen

Stephanie and Matt planned a sweet and small wedding in San Francisco for their close family who were all arriving from out of town. They chose to get ready at the Palace Hotel because one of Stephanie’s favorite movies, The Game was shot there. So after meeting the couple for a first look in the famous Garden Court, we made sure to take a few photos around the hotel before heading over to San Francisco City Hall. Their ceremony took place on the fourth floor balcony and a good friend of theirs officiated. After we spent some time with their portraits, Stephanie and Matt met up with their families to toast the occasion with some champagne on the sidewalk. A few hours later, I met back up with them at Del Popolo where the families had gathered for the reception. After some cocktails and appetizers in the beautifully rustic private dining room, Stephanie and Matt shared a few words of gratitude before settling in for their delicious celebratory dinner.

Wedding Hotel: The Palace Hotel // Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Reception Venue: Del Popolo // Dessert: Two Chicks in the Mix // Wedding Florals: Ampersand SF // Hair & Make-Up: Fox and Doll // Stephanie’s Dress: Wild Bride // Matt’s Suit: Tailors’ Keep // Ceremony Music: Corelli Strings // Wedding Rings: Blanca Monros Gomez