Intimate weekday wedding at the Swedenborgian and Hotel Vitale

I just love weekday weddings (I got married on a weekday myself). Small and intimate, Julie and Rajan’s wedding was perfectly coordinated by Amy Nichols of Amy Nichols Special Events and set in two lovely San Francisco locations. I’ve always wanted to shoot at the intimate and original Swedenborgian Church of North America — founded in 1817 at a religious convention based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg –and was not disappointed. Warm and intimate with a roaring fire, gorgeous window light and candles, the ceremony was simple and lovely. Then on to sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, Ferry Building and downtown San Francisco at one of the gorgeous terraces at the Hotel Vitale.

The early evening cocktail reception was fabulous and as twilight set and the city lights came on, it was simply magical. I loved the added Indian touches to honor Rajan’s heritage, too. They had an Indian swing — a beautiful hand-carved bench for guests to enjoy — and a talented Henna artist who applied henna for the guests. A few of the ladies, including the bride and Rajan’s daughter, even changed into Saris for later in the evening. Congratulations, Julie and Rajan!

Vendors involved in Julie and Rajan’s wedding included:

Ceremony location: Swedenborgian Church of North America

Reception location: Hotel Vitale

Coordinator: Amy Nichols Special Events

Flowers: Floramor Studios

Henna: Renda of Henna Garden

Cake pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes

Cupcakes: Kara’s Cupcakes

Posted on 10/10/11 in Church Weddings, Ethnic, Wedding | No Comments

Martha and Phillippe’s Piedmont Community Hall wedding

Such a pretty wedding reception! Martha and Phillippe’s wedding was very local to my business. I met them at my Berkeley church many years ago in a walking group (before they even started dating!) and Phillippe remembered I was a wedding photographer all these years! I was excited to shoot a wedding at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, which is my very wonderful church, and the reception at the Piedmont Community Hall, which is a lovely local venue. Martha has such good taste. Loved the place card table and those gorgeous flower urns on the tables! So pretty!

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Piemont Community Hall, church wedding

Vendors involved in Martha and Phillippe’s wedding included:

Ceremony location: First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley

Reception location: Piedmont Community Hall

Posted on 9/19/11 in Church Weddings, Wedding | No Comments

Featured: Ray and Lily’s wedding on A Paper Proposal

Ray and Lily’s wedding was beautiful, and one of the things that really stood out were the gorgeous paper products that Ray designed just for the event. Photos of the products — from their invitations to their favors and table numbers — were featured on A Paper Proposal!

Be sure to check out the feature on A Paper Proposal, and get photos of the entire wedding on my blog!

wedding, A Paper Proposal, The Church of the Nativity, Citizen Cake

Vendors involved in Ray and Lily’s wedding included:

Church: The Church of the Nativity
Chinese Banquet: Champagne and Seafood Restaurant
Cake: Citizen Cake
Flowers: Friend

Posted on 5/05/11 in Church Weddings, Press, Wedding | No Comments

Ray and Lily’s traditional and Chinese wedding

Ray and Lily wed twice,  celebrating first in a traditional American church service and again in Chinese  tea ceremony, complete with a banquet. The first took place at an adorable 100-plus year old church in the south of San Francisco — the second at a champagne and seafood restaurant. Both ceremonies, along with the weather, were beautiful!

Vendors involved in Ray and Lily’s wedding included:
Church: The Church of the Nativity
Chinese Banquet: Champagne and Seafood Restaurant
Cake: Citizen Cake
Flowers: Friend

Posted on 3/24/11 in Church Weddings, Vendors, Wedding | No Comments

St. Mary’s in Moraga – Christine and Bruce

Christine and Bruce contracted my services only for a few hours, so I didn’t shoot much (including my 5 minute bridal portrait session ten minutes before the ceremony!), but it was a lovely wedding set in the beautiful little St. Mary’s campus chapel.

Location: St. Mary’s, Moraga, CA

Florist: Granshaw’s Flowers

Baker: The French Bakery

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I loved the traditional dresses Christine changed into later in the evening!

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Posted on 8/12/10 in Church Weddings, Wedding | No Comments