Wedding Collections

A+P | Cannon Beach_ A Minimony

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I’ve always believed that given the right attitude, beauty can come from adversity. The minimony and microwedding as they are called now, are here as a result of these bizarre pandemic times. Smaller and more intimate weddings have always been a big part of my wedding photography business, and they are absolutely wonderful. Fewer people offers advantages of less stress, more location options, a little less formality, and a wonderful sense of intimacy.

When the pandemic crashed their wedding plans, there was only one thing to do, get creative and keep the party going, safely. The original wedding was slated to take place in Napa Valley with a guest list over one hundred. After some discussion, the couple chose to move the ceremony to Cannon Beach, Oregon; a vast stunning coastal location the bride had visited every summer growing up.

True to their nature, the couple kept the Northern California vendors they had originally booked for the Napa event. They managed to pare down their guest list to six family members, masks needed to be worn, and accommodations needed to be sanitized. With all of these new parameters in place, the wedding still needed to feel like a celebration.

Upon arrival at Cannon Beach, it was immediately evident that the wedding was going to be unique and wonderful. The guests were jubilant, they had all gotten Covid tests to alleviate any medical concern. I adhered to a set of safety protocols developed by OSHA specifically for the photo industry. And, as it turned out, those procedures didn’t hinder capturing the photographs in the slightest. I already miss Cannon Beach. It is truly a special place and it provided a spectacular backdrop for the perfect minimony. Sign me up for more weddings like these!

Thank you and congratulations, A + P.

Photography: Emily Merrill Weddings

Flowers: Laurel and Vine

Dress: Sophia Tolli

Desserts: Monday Bakery

Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon

I+D I Hakone Gardens

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The magical Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, CA set the stage for the wedding of I +D. When guests arrived they were encouraged to explore the tranquility of the enchanted grounds before settling in to watch the couple exchange their vows. A ceremony that acknowledged the past as the path that led to the present, just a stop on the way to the future for I +D. Family, tradition, and honor were the three pillars that marked the auspicious day. As the ceremony carried on, the couple joyfully acknowledged their parents over and over. The newlywed’s travel obsession was uniquely acknowledged, each dinner table represented a country they had visited. Guests ate cupcakes and mochi for dessert as the new husband and wife made a grand entrance to the dance floor. Their first dance, well practiced in previous days and just before they entered the dance floor came together flawlessly. All is all, it was an intimate and breathtaking day! Congratulations!

Photography: Emily Merrill Weddings

Coordinator: City Lights Event Company

Venue: Hakone Gardens

Catering/Rentals: Fogcutter

DJ+Lighting: Elite Entertainment

Videography: Final Frame

Florals: De Young Flowers

Hair and Makeup: A-List Makeup . Leslie Song

Cocktail Hour Music: Amethyst Trio

M+B | The Outdoor Art Club

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It is always a delight to see how a couple expresses their personality in the gorgeous environs of the Outdoor Art Club. Having photographed weddings at this venue multiple times, I’ve had the privilege to see an abundance of inspiring ideas. The wedding of M+B was among the most unique. A sophisticated take on the fantasy and sci-fi reverie among the majestic redwood trees. The couple’s passion for Disney, Star Wars, and Super Heroes was exhibited in a creatively refined way that seamlessly enhanced the reverence of the occasion. A Joie de Vivre for other worlds flawlessly integrated into the here and now of Mill Valley. Congratulations!!!!

Venue: The Outdoor Art Club

Flowers: Mill Valley Flowers

Catering: Cater Marin

Wedding Cake: Branching Out Cakes

Sutro Heights Park Wedding

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I must begin by proclaiming, that there is something wonderfully whimsical about floral bridal crowns.  I wish I could flaunt one on my head everyday!
V+C exhibited their stylish taste in every detail. Each bridesmaid's dress was a different shade of green that looked to be inspired by the colors of the forest near San Francisco's Lands End where the bride and groom were photographed. The floral arch where the vows were exchanged was both regal and mystical against the grand backdrop of the Pacific ocean at Sutro Heights Park. Persimmons, to represent transformation and good fortune, awaited wedding guests as they sat at their reception tables in the SF Film Centre in the Presidio. The whole event was a fairytale with an elegant edge that so flawlessly intermingled with its beautiful surroundings. It could have been a Midsummer's dream.

Ceremony Venue:  Sutro Heights Park, San Franciso, CA

Reception Venue: SF Film Centre

Event Coordination: Bowties & Bubbly Events

Floral Design:  Hannah Rose Muller form Full Belly Farm

Catering:  Full Belly Farm

 

HeartStone Ranch

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There's a hand painted sign tucked off the side of a path at the HeartStone Ranch in Santa Barbara that reads "We're so glad you're here." A proclamation that perfectly reflected the familial nature of both bride and groom. Even as the preparations for the wedding progressed at a brisk pace, the atmosphere was relaxed and embracing. Much like Santa Barbara itself, which is why I love to shoot here at every opportunity.

HeartStone Ranch is a private estate designed specifically for weddings, an important note because there's no need to think about shoe-horning a wedding into a pastoral setting. You just come and unfold your matrimonial vision and effortlessly experience the special day. As I watched the wedding party engage in lawn games under the shade of ancient oak trees, with goats and horses looking on, I couldn't help thinking that the ranch is just a little magical. There is a flawless balance between the rustic and the elegant that is surrounded by ocean and mountain views. Together it all culminates in an environment that is remarkably unique.

Mercifully, HeartStone Ranch was spared the recent fire and mudslide calamities. I'm thankful because HeartStone is a wonderful place that always feels exactly as their unassuming sign declares; "We're so glad you're here."

Wedding Coordinator:  Kerry Lee Doehr

Venue: HeartStone Ranch

Catering:  Omni Catering

Hamlin Mansion Wedding

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They traveled from their home overseas to start their marriage among family and in the familiar surroundings of the brides youth. The color palette of the floral arrangements, rich oranges, yellows, and pinks, struck a striking contrast against the classic dark wood architecture of the Hamlin Mansion.  As the newly married couple walked down the aisle, ribbons descended upon them from the second floor symbolizing a new chapter of life. A tradition that the bride experienced back when she was girl attending grammar school in the same building.The sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge reminded all in attendance that this was a quintessential San Francisco wedding that combined the traditional past with the bright future for both Alexandra and Stuart.  Congratulations!

Wedding Coordinator:  Moira Gubbins Venue:  Hamlin Mansion   Flowers:  Green Bouquet   DJ:  Von Woo  Catering: Elaine Bell Catering

The Meadow Club

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Wedding guests beamed at the sweet couple from under the shade of parasols. An outsider might guess that they were looking at a traditional Southern ceremony, because it was an astonishing 105 degrees outside, but this was a classic California wedding at the Meadow Club in Fairfax.

It started just over the bridge, in San Francisco, at the Loews hotel which provided the stunning backdrop of the iconic Transamerica pyramid for the all important first look. Then, to continue with the theme of landmark backdrops, the bridal party piled into a bus for stops at The Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The bus tour concluded at the Meadow Club, an auspicious venue because the bride’s parents had been married there.

As a magician entertained guests during the cocktail hour, the sun began to drop along with the temperature allowing for breathtaking photos around the grounds where even the deer came out to strike a pose for my camera.  All in all, it was a wedding photographer's dream.  Congratulations, Lindsay and Tim!  

Outdoor Art Club

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Many times, over the last few years, I have found myself nodding in agreement with my fellow photographers that it can never be a bad day at work when you have a camera in your hand. It is one of the wonderful benefits of being a wedding photographer. But then there are those days that are even better than the good ones.

Down the road from my home, is the Outdoor Art Club. Unique, exquisite, and fun. One of my favorite venues to shoot. When it's filled with a wedding party that is flat out fabulous, the atmosphere becomes inspiring.  I could feel it in my eye as I looked through the viewfinder, down to my feet that scurried to keep up with the action. The candids, the portraits, and everything in between felt just right. When it was all over, I had a set of pictures that truly exhibited my style of wedding photography. What a beautiful day with lovely people!
 

Pizza Love

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Take the pizza parlor, Forge, in Oakland's Jack London Square. Sprinkle it with beaming family and friends formally dressed. Top it off with a beautiful couple to exchanging vows on the opposite coast from where they grew up, and you end up with a perfect ceremony of complimentary contrasts.This wasn't a wedding as much as it was journey to a place where the past and future came together for a celebration amid the comforting smells of baking pizza dough.  

Congratulations, Andy and Anna!!!  Smile on forever!!!!

Venue:  Forge Pizza, Oakland, CA

Floral Design:  Gorgeous and Green

Elegance At Hamlin Mansion

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Elegance accented by love filled Hamlin Mansion. Draped white lights cast a soft glow on the woodwork of the classical architecture, and orange accents of the floral arrangements. In the background a pianist played to the delight of all in attendance. The stage was set for the marriage of Rob and Darin. The toasts were so thoughtful and heartfelt that even one blossomed unexpectedly into a beautiful rendition of a Whitney Houston song. After dinner, each of the grooms danced with their mothers until the guests took to the floor to create a major dance party.  What a wonderful celebration to document and remember.  

Venue:  Hamlin Mansion   Event Coordinator:  Moira Gubbins   Floral Design: Green Bouquet Floral Design

A Beautiful Wedding At The Ritz Carlton

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Betty and David took courage and happiness from the rain that fell on their wedding day because we all know that rain brings a dose of luck and prosperity.  Giddy bridesmaids stood by while Betty presented her gorgeous Carolina Herrera dress.  Every detail down to the floral crowns worn by the flower girls was attended to with meticulousness and grace.  After the pronouncement that Betty and David were joined together, the sound of enthusiastic applause could be heard all throughout the Ritz Carlton.  Dinner was intimate, and the dance floor provided a stage for guests to show off their extraordinary dance moves.  It was the perfect night for a beautiful wedding.  Congratulations, Betty and David.  

Floral Design by PoppyPetalWorks

Simple And Sweet At San Francisco City Hall

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I love city hall weddings in San Francisco.  A small parade of beaming brides and grooms look at each other lovingly and say "I do," while the rest of the city buzzes about its day-to-day business.  It is a singular experience.

Kristina and Tyler exchanged their vows on a busier than average day.  After the ceremony, we sought some quiet areas to shoot portraits.  With my trusty Hasseblad and a couple rolls of black and white film, the couple and I produced a few of my favorites portraits this season.  Congratulations Kristina and Tyler! 

True Love Tugs At My Heart

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Each wedding that I get to photograph is beautiful. That said there are certain occasions that just tug at my heart. The tug occurs when I feel the radiant joy in a couple’s expression. The joy manifests throughout, from simplest of hugs to the care given to the details that are enjoyed by the family and friends that attend the ceremony.

Wayne and Anthony traveled from Atlanta, GA to get married at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. The ceremony was held in the Spanish Suite which was appointed with an array of DIY details which included romantic candlelight and an angelic harpist. The exquisite architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the portraits and the elegant setting provided an intimate ceremony followed by a cozy reception.

Thank you, Anthony and Wayne for sharing your ceremony and love that will forever tug at my heart.

Beautiful floral arrangements created by Flower Divas.   For more love news about this wedding, please click here.

Mill Valley Love

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Sharon and Jonathan said, "I-Do" on a gorgeous day in Mill Valley surrounded by their closest friends and family at one of my favorite Marin venues, The Outdoor Art Club.  I love that they blended traditions and shared their passion for California , especially with those that traveled abroad to celebrate with them.  Their smiles are infectious and they really know how to throw a good dance party.  What a fun day!!!  

The pretty flowers were created by the fabulous, Green Bouquet Floral Design. Event planning by the wonderful Moira Grubbins from Parties, Parties, Parties.  The yummy cake was designed by A Spoonful of Sugar.

 

North Beach Fabulousness

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Lindsay and Gareth said "I do" at Saints Peter and Paul Church, in North Beach for their charming ceremony.  San Francisco was looking pretty that day (as always) so their portraits included the beautiful city as a backdrop. The reception was held at The Firehouse where guests were treated to a variety of delicious small plates for an informal dinner.  I think I heard some of the most thoughtful and funny speeches at their wedding.  And I can't take my eyes off of Lindsay's dress and beautiful smile.

Event Coordination by Honey and Twine Weddings and Events.

Tomales Bay Church Wedding

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As promised from my previous post, I am sharing images from a few church weddings that I've photographed this season. Each church wedding has had it's unique charm this year.  

Celia and Janusz exchanges their vows at Tomales Presbyterian Church surrounded by close friends and family.  After a sweet ceremony, all the guests went to Toby's Feed Farm for the reception.  In addition to taking portraits at the church, we took advantage of the beautiful landscape that makes up Point Reyes and captured some photos before the party started.  What a fun and BEAUTIFUL day!  

The beautiful flowers and boutonnieres were created by the talented Marcia, from Main St. Floragardens.

Charming Church Weddings

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For the next couple of weeks I will be posting wedding photos of charming church weddings I've photographed this season.  Like most wedding photographers, I often compare wedding seasons to others and notice changes and similarities to previous years.  Quite often, my clients are getting married outside with beautiful scenic backdrops or having a fancy celebration at a hotel in San Francisco.  This season is turning out to be the year of the church wedding for me, which has been a nice change. 

Peggy and Jerome got married at The Chapel of our Lady in the Presidio.  The reception was held at the Presidio Cafe, conveniently located up the street from the chapel.  We took advantage of the Presidio's beautiful landscape just next to the reception for portraits.  The remainder of the evening was filled with lots of laughter, toasts, and dancing with their friends.  I love that they were able to blend tradition with their own sense of style.  Such a lovely and stunning couple!!

Btw...Peggy's amazing hair and make-up was done by the wonderful Shana from Fox and Doll and her fabulous headpiece is from Twigs and Honey.  Her close friend, Emily Tran created the spectacular bouquets and boutonnieres.  Superb!