foreign cinema

Foreign Cinema Modernism West Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

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.

Intimate Marin Headlands + Foreign Cinema Dinner Party Elopement » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

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.

Dogpatch + Foreign Cinema Restaurant Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Lara and Brad’s relationship began and blossomed in San Francisco. When they decided to get married, they chose Foreign Cinema as the perfect San Francisco venue (and the amazing food also helped make it an easy decision.) When I first met with the couple, they emphasized their desire to have a low-key wedding that felt more like a dinner party. They didn’t plan to have any wedding party or any of the other wedding traditions. When I showed up at their home on their wedding day, Lara and Brad were getting ready together. The vibe was peaceful and calm as it was just them and Lara’s hair and make-up artist. Once they were dressed and ready, we met up with their families for a few group portraits around the neighborhood. Afterwards, Lara and Brad took me on a small tour of San Francisco for their portraits: their current neighborhood in the Dogpatch, my favorite San Francisco skyline view in Potrero Hill and then Lara’s old neighborhood in the Mission. We jokingly talked about how all of the locations were where they made out. We arrived at Foreign Cinema before dinner time and the couple hide in the projection room upstairs, spying on their guests as they trickled in down below. For their ceremony, Lara’s old roommate (the one who was responsible for the couple meeting) officiated while their good friends shared some blessings. Afterwards, the couple ducked away upstairs to sign the marriage license before joining the rest of the party for cocktails in the gallery. Once dinner began, they projected Young Frankenstein on the large concrete wall above their guests. The evening wrapped up with two hilarious toasts where Brad’s old roommate and Lara’s sister shared stories about how they met before everyone headed to the gallery to dance the night away.

Wedding Venue: Foreign Cinema // Wedding Planner: Kelly Dawson of Marché51 Events // Floral Design: Wallflower Floral Design // Hair & Make-Up: Chris McDonald Makeup // DJ: Tommy Fulllove