Pauline and Ryan were married on a lovely autumn afternoon at Elliston Vineyards in Sunol. Personal touches were seen throughout the day, from their good friend officiating the ceremony to the dinosaurs and succulents decorating the reception tables. After dinner and wedding bundt cakes, DJ Rufio kept the music going through out the night for an epic dance party.
Sarah and Mike's relationship blossomed in San Francisco with a first date that had a rocky start due to a rude waiter but quickly and naturally unfolded to a five hour long evening full of laughter and beer at a local dive bar. When Mike decided to propose to Sarah, he surprised her during a trip home to Georgia. Enlisting the help of Sarah's nephew who brought in the ring, he popped the question in front of her family on the same weekend as her her parent's 45th wedding anniversary. Since she lives so far away from her family, it was extra special to have everyone be a part of that moment. For their engagement session, we chose start at the Wood Line in the Presidio as Sarah loves eucalyptus trees. Afterwards, we wrapped up the shoot at Baker Beach for some iconic Golden Gate Bridge photos.
Dear Gus Gus,
They were right. Just like that, our second month together has come and gone. In a blink of an eye, our tiny squishy newborn is now a sweet chunky monkey of a baby.
You’re becoming more aware of the world everyday. I watch in amazement as you drink in your surroundings, curious to each new sight and sound. Knowing that it’s just a matter of time before your eyes can truly see me makes my heart flutter.
But until then, I love talking with you, imitating your cute little squeaks, grunts and snorts. I love the way your tiny hands grip on to my clothes and chest. I love giving you baths and singing you silly made up songs. And of course, reading you books. You might not understand the words but I’d like to think you remember. That these little routines mean something. That you feel safe and cozy and at home.
Nothing else in the world can replicate the feeling of making you happy. Chasing your smiles is all I ever want to do and all that always I will do. ♥️
Renee and Matt got married at the Westlake Village Inn in Southern California. Renee grew up across the street from this beautiful resort hotel and so it was a natural choice to pick it as a venue for their wedding. Tabitha of Winston and Main provided bright colored florals that popped against the Tuscan inspired decor. After a hilarious ceremony under the gazebo, Renee and Matt headed over to the main hall for dinner and a lot of dancing as a live band kept the energy going through the evening.
Tammy and David got married at one of my favorite locations, UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley. The day started at a nearby Airbnb where everyone helped David try to figure out how to tie a bowtie. Afterwards, we headed over to the Mather Redwood Grove at the Botanical Garden where we snapped some group portraits before their sweet ceremony. Tears were shed as Tammy and David exchanged vows in front of their friends and family. They took a moment alone in the grove after the ceremony before heading over to Julia Morgan Hall for cocktail hour and dinner reception where the festivities continued on into the night.
Stacy and Emanuel love going to the beach and being near the water so choosing to do their engagement session at Lands End in San Francisco seemed like the perfect location. We spent a rare warm and sunny San Francisco afternoon wandering between the cypress trees and rocky cliffs before wrapping up the shoot on the iconic ruins.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. ♥️
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
