Green Room at the War Memorial Wedding » San Francisco by Vivian Chen

When two childhood friends, both equally talented cello players that perform internationally, get married, you can bet they'll do it in style. Gold accents and grand king's tables fit perfectly in the Green Room at the War Memorial Opera House, providing the couple with the perfect backdrop for their Downton Abbey inspired nuptials. 

Hotel: Loews Regency San Francisco // Venue: The Green Room at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center  // Wedding Planner: Hayley Bramble of Chambray Event Design  // Floral Design: Farmgirl Flowers // Lighting: Got Light? // Caterer: Melons Catering  // Cake: Studio Cake // DJ: DJ Cams  // Photobooth: Glasscoat Photobooth  // Hair & Make-up: Christina Chen of Makeup by Quis  // Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander // Bridesmaid Dresses: Erin Fetherston // Groom's Suit: Politix // Invitation Designer: Leigh Anne Kobe // Rings: Bill Hicks JewelleryBrian Gavin Signature Diamonds 

TRICIA & DENNIS » Catalyst Wedding Magazine by Vivian Chen

If you haven't already heard, there's a new wedding publication on the news stands! Catalyst Wedding Co is a feminist wedding magazine that shares thoughtful stories and beautiful and diverse celebrations from around the world. Volume Three is currently available for purchase and I am so excited to have Tricia and Dennis' wedding featured in this issue! Pick up a copy today!

Outdoorsy DIY Camp-Themed Tenaya Lake Wedding » Yosemite National Park by Vivian Chen

Anna and Erik are one of the most outdoorsy couples I know. In fact, they met while hiking the John Muir Trail. Anna was hiking with her friends Lily and Aaron and when Lily unfortunately had to leave the trail early. Anna and Aaron continued on towards Mount Whitney when they reached Forester Pass. That's when Anna noticed another another hiker, Erik coming up behind the wearing Crocs (a result of sore feet and a waning spirit from the night before). That detail stuck out to Anna as she tried to keep pace with Erik on the trail. He eventually passed them and made it to Forester Pass first where he stuck around chatting with other hikers. Often on a long through hike like the JMT people congregate on the high passes to celebrate the latest achievements a long the trail. When Anna and Aaron arrived, her ears perked when she heard Erik say he was from Cupertino. She immediately thought, "Yes! Close enough to my neighborhood that I might realistically see this guy again without too much trouble!" From that chance meeting, they struck up a friendship and Erik joined Anna and Aaron for the rest of the JMT.

As their friendship turned into a relationship and a marriage proposal, it was a no brainer that their intimate wedding take place in where it all began, the Sierra Mountains. They invited close friends and family to spend the weekend at Double Eagle Resort in June Lakes on the Eastern Sierras and held their wedding on the shores of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park. After a hand fasting ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated with a picnic lunch under the warm summer sun. Erik's best man passed around a pair of white Crocs for everyone to sign and gifted it to him during the toasts. Afterwards, we headed over to Toulumne Meadows for a few portraits before wrapping up a perfect Yosemite wedding day.

Wedding Location: Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park // Lodging: Double Eagle Resort // Florals: Katharina Stuart // Anna's Gown: Claire Pettibone // Hair & Make-Up: Nicki Holstrom // Catering: Brenda Ostrom of Mountain Meadow Farms // Cake: Souffle Girls // Rings: Pave Fine Jewelry

HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS at Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park by Vivian Chen

It's that time of year again! With the holidays around the corner, my holiday mini sessions are a convenient way to capture family portraits to share with your loved ones!

This year, I'm offering four dates in October with four 25 minute time slots at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland. Mini portrait sessions are offered at my discounted rate of $350 (normally $500 for an hour.) Click below to learn more!