Garden Party Falkirk Cultural Center Wedding » San Rafael, California

Sean and Cameron's Falkirk Cultural Center wedding was exactly what they envisioned: a celebration that truly reflect their values. The nine acres of gardens fulfilled their love of nature while the intimate setting allowed their guest list of 80 closest friends and family to enjoy each other's company. And to top it all off, they made sure to break a few traditions thanks to the help of Sean's drag queen brother! Their ceremony, officiated by a friend of theirs, was one of the most heartfelt and emotional ones I've witness, true to their sweet and genuine personalities. (Definitely not a dry eye in the garden!) Afterwards, the party continued with lawn games, cocktails and a delicious vegetarian focused dinner complete with multiple funny toasts throughout the evening. And if that wasn't enough, Sean and Cameron wrapped up the evening with an epic dance party that had everyone happily sweating. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of their celebration!

Wedding Venue: Falkirk Cultural Center // Caterer: Oz Catering // Cakes: Comforts Cafe // Florals & Decor: DIY // AV Rentals: Corporate Media Systems // Balloons: Balloons by Design // Lapel Pins: Wild Fancy Design // Wedding Favors: Dryland Wilds

An Elegant Black Tie City Hall Wedding » San Francisco, California

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

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

Intimate Destination Bardessono Hotel + Spa Wedding » Yountville, California

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.

San Francisco Film Centre Presidio Wedding » San Francisco, California

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 

Joshua Tree National Park + Ace Hotel Wedding » Palm Springs, California

A and O absolutely love visiting Joshua Tree National Park. So when they had to quickly alter their wedding plans from a larger celebration in San Francisco, Palm Springs seemed like the perfect Plan B. Joined by their mothers and close friends, The Ace Hotel served as a stylish and inviting place for their small ceremony and reception. We started the day getting ready at the hotel before driving out to Joshua Tree to visit all of their favorite spots in the park. As the sun started to set, we returned to the Ace for a short and sweet ceremony before celebrating with fancy tacos and drinks from King's Highway. Every time I shoot a small wedding like this, I truly get a feel for the love between my couples and their families. I become more like a friend than just a photographer. A and O's was no different and I am so grateful to have been a part of it! 

Wedding Venue: Ace Hotel Palm Springs  // Floral Design: My Little Flower Shop // Cake: Over the Rainbow Desserts // Catering: King's Highway // Reception Lighting: Target // Invitations: Vintage Baby Doll // Wedding Dress: LOHO Bride // Shoes: No6 // Earrings: Melissa Joy Manning // Hair & Make-Up: DIY by the bride // Suit & Shoes: J. Crew // Wedding Bands: Satomi Kawakita // Officiant: Friend of the bride

San Jose Rose Garden Wedding » San Jose, California

Diane and James aren't fussy people so getting married at the San Jose Rose Garden on a lovely spring day was the perfect way to celebrate. Naomi of Santa Cruz Officiant created the sweetest ceremony for the both of them, including how the two met sprinkled with a lot of their inside jokes. Self-proclaimed nerds, they sealed the ceremony by pour two colorful liquids together creating a beautiful little chemical reaction. Afterwards, their friends and family were invited to a delicious dinner at Palacio in Los Gatos.

Saratoga Country Club Wedding » Saratoga, California

Grace and Joe's spring time wedding at the Saratoga Country Club was a simply elegant celebration. We took some time before the ceremony to capture portraits underneath a willow tree and even got to play with some smoke bombs during dinner. With warm weather, blue skies and florals provided by Juanita's Flowers they couldn't ask for a more lovely day!

A Purple City Hall + Redwood Regional Park Wedding » Oakland + San Francisco, California

Alanna and Vihang's wedding can be summed up into three words: purple, dragons and redwoods. After a sweet family focused Friday ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, Alanna and Vihang celebrated with their friends with a party in Oakland's Redwood Regional Park. For both days, everyone was encouraged to wear purple as it's Alanna's favorite color. On Saturday, Alanna's sister led a simple ceremony inviting friends to share a few words about the couple. The guests blew bubbles to kick off the reception and everyone was invited to a potluck picnic including Indian curries, rice, samosas and lots of delicious homemade sweets. And of course, drinks from Alanna and Vihang's purple dragon goblets!

Ceremony Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Portrait Location: Baker Beach // Reception Location: Redwood Regional Park // Hair: Amy Walkup of Manifesta Salon // Wedding Bands: Brilliant Earth // Goblets: Fellowship Foundry

Laotian-Jewish Backyard Wedding » Woodside, California

April and Jed were married in the backyard of their friend's gorgeous Woodside home. They hosted 80 of their closest friends and family for a combined Laotian/Jewish ceremony that honored traditions from both families. The day was filled with all the things they love - from the sailing themed invitations, pork bun passed apps, and sticky rice and BBQ'd chicken family style dinner. Even April's dog, Peter Pan got dressed in a tuxedo for the occasion! The evening rains didn't stop the celebration as everyone danced the night away under the tent by the pool.

How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day Wedding » Catalyst Wed Co

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love a good rainstorm. As I mention in my bio, nothing makes me happier than exploring the redwoods on a wet day. And this love for rainy days has translated into some of my favorite weddings I've shot in the past couple of years. Rainy day weddings aren't traditionally the most ideal but I've learned to embrace the adventure and hope that other couples will can learn to do the same. To learn more, I've shared some tips and insights on Catalyst Wed Co today! Check it out!

Hiking the Na Pali Coast Destination Wedding » Kauai, Hawaii

Severin and Robert are an adventurous couple who absolutely love traveling the world from India to Bali, Australia and beyond. When it was time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted to keep it small and do something out of the ordinary. With family living all over the country, they chose give their families a once in a lifetime vacation by having their wedding in Kauai. The plan was for a small Catholic ceremony and a simple dinner at a nice restaurant but had big plans for the rest of the day: portraits on the Na Pali Coast!

When Severin and Robert asked if I'd be up for hiking the Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Na Pali Coast as part of their wedding day, I immediately replied with an emphatic "YES!" Sure, it was a little wild and logistically ambitious but I was up for the challenge. For the past couple of years, I've wanted to combine my two photography loves: shooting weddings and gorgeous, epic landscapes and here was a chance to do both.

The magic of Kauai's lush landscape pushed us along even as flash rainstorms showered down on us and slick muddy trails slowed our progress. Five hours of hiking later, we were sore and soggy but so happy. I couldn't have picked a more epic way to wrap up my wedding season. Thank you Severin and Robert for having me along and I am forever grateful. 

Ceremony Venue: Saint Sylvester's // Portrait Location: Kalalau Trail // Reception Location: Westin Princeville // Floral Design: Mr. Flowers // Hair & Make-Up: Mia Moriguchi // Severin's Gown: Love Couture Bridal // Robert's Suit: Saks Fifth Avenue // Rings: Anna Sheffield