Wine Country Childhood Home Wedding » Calistoga, California

Stephanie and Ryan grew up in Sonoma County and kept it local for their wine country celebration. With the help of their friends and family, they transformed Ryan's 50 year old childhood home into a beautiful wedding wonderland. The ceremony, officiated by one of their good friends, took place besides the big red wooden barn. Afterwards, the couple drove down the street to a nearby vineyard for sunset portraits in Ryan's father's vintage Toyota Land Cruiser before heading back for a dinner reception in the backyard under cafe lights. All the personal touches truly made this wedding a close family affair.

Wedding Venue: Ryan's Childhood Home // Catering: Elaine Bell Catering // Floral Design: Maria Philbin // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // DJ: Techtonic Events // Make-Up: Unveiling Design by Heather // Hairstylist: Katie of Unveiling Design by Heather // Invitation: Basic Invite // Stephanie's Dress: Starlet Bridal // Ryan's Suit: Men's Warehouse // Rings: ER Sawyer Jewelers

Early Winter Morning Joaquin Miller Park Redwood Grove Engagement Session

Meagan and Reuben met as undergraduate students at Columbia University during a pre-orientation backpacking trip in the Catskill mountains. They had both elected to join a moderately strenuous hiking group, and we're assigned to the same team where their struck up a friendship. After losing touch post-graduation, they reconnected and they found themselves developing a relationship as they traveled around Northern California and Southern Oregon, hiking through Lassen National Park, Crater Lake, and the Lost Coast. Meagan and Reuben only told their friends and family that they were dating upon returning to San Francisco. For their engagement session, they wanted to capture their love for the great outdoors, so my favorite redwood grove in the Oakland hills was the perfect backdrop.

Christmas-time City Hall Elopement » San Francisco, California

Emily and Cliff met at a speed dating event at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. While they were in each other's top picks and it took them a few days to connect. Once they did, they were inseparable. They dated for almost two years before getting engaged in Mendocino. Emily and Cliff opted for a simple San Francisco City Hall ceremony in December instead of a large wedding (especially since they had just purchased their first home and decided not plan a wedding AND move during the holidays.) Their immediate families celebrated with them as they tied the knot on the fourth floor balcony of city hall. 

Lighthouse Overlook Point Reyes National Seashore Engagement Session

Jessica and Brandon had just recently moved from Hawaii to the San Francisco Bay Area when they reached out to me for an engagement session. Not being super familiar with their new home, they weren't sure of a location. Jessica and Brandon knew they wanted to be in nature, somewhere near the ocean to remind them of Hawaii, where their relationship began. When she suggested Point Reyes National Seashore, I jumped at the chance to share with them one of my favorite parks in Northern California. We started at the Lighthouse Overlook for the epic views of Ten Mile Beach before heading over to Drakes Beach for some sunset surf shots. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wrapped up our session with the iconic cypress tree tunnel. 

Motherhood: Introducing August

As you may have noticed, things have been quiet over here. But I have a good reason! For the past month, our family (and my world) has been changed by the addition of a sweet little boy. Introducing our son, August Zhen-Yu Emma. Gus was born on March 29, 2018 (he was one week and five days early!) I kept the whole pregnancy and birth off of social media (save for a few posts on my Instagram feed) but now that he's here, I'd love to share my story with you all.

Mornings with Gus + Dad

When I was 29 weeks...

I always come back to this redwood grove, my favorite enchanted spot in forest. When I need inspiration, when I need solace, when I need peace. I've brought many friends to visit as well, to experience a part of my heart. But this particular morning was special. Not because the rain stopped at the perfect time or because the thick soupy fog lingered in the air. But because I brought him. He's been a little secret I've kept tucked away from the virtual world for the past couple of months. But as he grows, I change, physically and mentally. He's given me strength in ways I never thought possible. He's grounded me and reassured me. He’s made me comfortable in my own skin. He's helped me surrender to the wild unknown. I am forever grateful for this journey we've begun together and open myself to the journey that lies ahead. We’re ready to share the world with you, little one. ↟↟↟

To my dearest, most talented Diana Rothery: A million thank you's for capturing this extraordinary time in our life and for making me feel like a magical forest mama.

Becoming a mother...

It’s as if my heart has unlocked another chamber and my capacity to love has increased exponentially. The love I feel for my son is the deepest, fiercest love I’ve ever felt. In those first few days, it hurt, brought me to tears to feel so much. I wasn’t used to the overwhelming weight of it all. This love is immeasurable through time and space. A chemical reaction that began nine months ago at conception. Whose undying fate was sealed the moment his head passed through to the outside world. We are forever bound together by an invisible thread. I know it’s something magical because even in my darkest moments, when I’m frustrated, when I’m exhausted, when he’s frustrated, when he’s exhausted—this love protects us both. A force field, a never-ending spring where gentle, kindness flows. “Love is patient.” I’ve heard that phrase utter during countless wedding ceremonies but only now do I understand its meaning. Thank you, August, for opening my heart and showing me how beautiful the world can be.

One month with Gus

Savor these moments they say. It all goes by so fast. I’ve heard it called “the longest shortest time.” And it’s true. Time bends and stretches with a newborn. Reminiscing about the past and dreaming about the future are luxuries from another lifetime. Days melt together into countless sunrises as the sky shifts from black to blue to white observed from my sleep deprived cocoon. Another morning, another chance to reset and start over. I have good days and bad days. Days where I feel not so much triumphant but almost normal (which doesn’t make sense as I have a new normal, a new identity to become acquainted with), and days where I feel like a complete failure, tears running down my face, dripping onto my milk stained shirt. Weeks feel like months yet this first month has come and gone. Now I measure time between feedings, counting dirty diapers, loads of laundry and watching his little face change day by day. Fuller, rounder, his eyes increasingly open and alert. Being present is all that matters now because nothing has taught me how to live in the moment more than becoming a mother. ♥️

Outdoor DIY Camp-Themed Leonard Lake Wedding » Redwood Valley, California

Hidden down a nine mile dirt road is Leonard Lake Reserve, a lovely little campground with cabins tucked in the hills of Redwood Valley. Elke and Eric have spent several summer weekends there with their friends and fell in love with the close communal feel of the place. When it was time to plan their wedding, Leonard Lake immediately came to mind. It allowed their wedding celebration to feel casual and intimate while letting the magic of the location to speak for itself. It was a DIY effort as everyone pitched in to make the decor, cook appetizers and get the venue ready for the big day. Their ceremony took place lakeside under a grove of oak trees with a handmade floral garland draped across the branches. Afterwards, Elke and Eric ducked away for a canoe ride on the lake while their guests serenaded them to a rousing rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" played by a family friend on acoustic guitar. The dinner reception continued under the stars with a delicious home cooked meal and pie for dessert before dancing the evening away.

Wedding Venue: Leonard Lake Reserve // Floral Design: DIY from Bluma Flower Farm // Catering: Bruxo Food Truck // Elke's Dress: BCBG // Eric's Suit: Hugo Boss // Hair & Make-Up: DIY // Decorations: DIY // Music: DIY 

War Memorial Green Room + Golden Gate Park Elopement » San Francisco, California

Lilly, originally from Los Angeles and Warris, originally from London met and fell in love in San Francisco over four years ago. They lived near Golden Gate Park during those years and grew to view the city as their home. So naturally even after they moved to the South Bay, Lilly and Warris wanted to get married in San Francisco. The couple originally decided on San Francisco City Hall for their intimate celebration but due to the sudden and unfortunate passing of Mayor Ed Lee, wedding plans quickly changed. Luckily, the War Memorial Opera House's Green Room was able to accommodate Lilly and Warris's last minute plans and the ceremony was equally as beautiful. The SF City Hall event planner even allowed us to stop by the building for a few portraits before we headed to Golden Gate Park to meet up with their beloved deaf rescue dog, Boone. Boone is a big part of their family (a little felt version of him was tucked next to Warris' pocket square), especially since Golden Gate Park was his main backyard before they moved. We spent the rest of the afternoon, exploring some of their favorite spots (including a quick stop in front of their old apartment) before the couple headed up to Sonoma for the rest of their weekend celebration.

Outdoor Art Club Destination Wedding » Mill Valley, California

Originally in the same class at Princeton, Devon and Brandon only started spending more time together when they both moved up to Boston right after college--Devon was working for a nonprofit and Brandon was getting his master's degree. After several months hanging out their friendship turned to romance and they started dating. 

In the winter of 2016, Brandon took Devon to an intimate candlelit dinner at a French restaurant in Reno where he had created a miniature winter wonderland with a tiny village and little figurines representing different aspects of their life together. After Brandon explained all of the different components of the display, they walked over to the dinner table, where he had left a handwritten note on Devon's place setting asking if she would marry him. She replied, "Of course!"

Even though they live in Washington DC, they decided to fly all the way to Mill Valley, California for their wedding. Devon and Brandon knew they wanted to get married in an outdoor garden space with plenty of natural beauty, but also wanted a refined, classy space for the reception. The Outdoor Art Club fit the bill perfectly. As a bonus, they were attracted to the Club's history and its mission: the proceeds from the wedding that did not directly go to maintaining the property are allocated to conservation efforts elsewhere. The rich autumn color palette and their ceremony under some redwood trees brought together relaxed yet elegant elements. As avid readers, their guests were gifted a choice of the couple's favorite novels as wedding favors. 

Wedding Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Wedding Planner: Lindsay Lauren Events // Floral Design: Sweet Roots Farm // Catering: Ann Walker Catering // Cake: Branching Out Cakes // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Rentals: JRB Events // Music/DJ: All Ears DJ // Make-Up: Make-Up by Adele // Hairstylist: Hair by Missy // Invitations: Kseniya Thomas of Thomas Printers // Calligraphy: Kim Nichols Design // Wedding Signs: Minted Style Co. // Devon's Dress: Nicole Miller // Dress Alterations: A Stitch in Time // Devon's Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Brandon's Suit: Ted Baker // Brandon's Shoes: Magnanni // Rings: Brilliant Earth & Royal Jewelers

Destination City Hall Elopement + North Beach Lunch Reception » San Francisco, California

Matt and Malika live in Southern California and while they knew they didn't want a large traditional wedding, they still wanted to get married in style. The classic and grand architecture of San Francisco City Hall made the perfect venue for their winter elopement plans. So they gathered their small families to explore San Francisco for a weekend getaway that kicked off with their city hall ceremony. After the vows, we caught ride to North Beach were took a nice little stroll through the historic neighborhood before ending up at Cotogna for their lunch reception. 

Community-Focused Mather Redwood Grove + UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California

Any wedding that takes place in a redwood grove makes my heart sing. Laura and Lark's UC Botanical Garden wedding not only was a reflection of the natural beauty of the Bay Area but focused the day around the community of people who love and support them. Those are my favorite kind of weddings. (You can read more about their celebration with their feature on the Catalyst Wed Co. blog!)

Wedding Venue: UC Botanical Garden // Wedding Coordinator: A Monique Affair // Caterer: Los Moles // Tabletop Decor: Glassybaby & DIY // Lark's Suit: Kipper Clothiers // Laura's Dress: Novella Bridal // Laura's Manicure: Melody at Fig & Clover // Dessert: Golden Gate Donuts // Rings: Brilliant Earth 

Foodie-Themed City Hall + 18 Reasons Wedding » San Francisco, California

Yang and Aram's first date was at 18 Reasons, a community cooking school in San Francisco's Mission District. It was only fitting that after their San Francisco City Hall ceremony, they decided to bring their international families together with their friends for a delicious reception dinner catered by the team at 18 Reasons. I loved photographing this simple yet meaningful wedding!

Cathedral Grove Saratoga Springs Wedding Reception » Saratoga, California

Jackie and Jerry got married at San Francisco City Hall but still wanted to celebrate in style with their friends and family. Tucked away in a lush part of Saratoga, they hosted a relaxed and fun gathering at Cathedral Grove in Saratoga Springs. After renewing their vows, guests were invited to drink and mingle before their dinner reception which wrapped up the evening with an epic dance party. It was the perfect mix of fancy and low-key fun!