The theme for their wedding is La Vie en Rose, so Emily wanted to incorporate flowers into their engagement session. The Elizabeth Gamble Garden has a lovely rose garden, plus lots of other great options as well. One of my favorite spots in Palo Alto.

They also wanted to hit the Cantor Arts Center on Stanford’s campus. This gave them a more cosmopolitan feel. Emily changed into a special outfit for the occasion. She is wearing the dress she wore when James proposed.

So love this photo. They are dancing and I caught this mid-twirl. Sweet!

Such a fun couple! You should definitely check out their slideshow for more from Emily and James engagement session.

Suzanne had been visiting her family at the time, but was living in Southern California. A friend took her to this neighborhood bar for a drink. A friend of Andy’s happened to bring him to the same bar. It’s the kind of bar that really is meant for the locals and probably sees a lot of the same faces. Not the kind of place you would expect to meet your future spouse, or even someone new. Neither Suzanne nor Andy went to the bar to fall in love, but love is what they found.

Fast forward to this summer. Suzanne and Andy are busily preparing for their wedding at Stone Tree Golf Club. We took a few hours to enjoy the city they have spent so much time in and create engagement photos for them. San Francisco gave us all its blustering cold dripping wet fog (yes it was gruesome) and Suzanne and Andy gave us smiles and warmth. It was a perfect night.

We started off in North Beach (for those touristy types, that’s the Italian district in SF) and wandered along the streets. Both Suzanne and Andy had lived in the neighborhood at various points in their lives so had strong ties to the area.

Meandered over to Washington Square Park for a little greenery.

Loving this shot. So San Francisco- you’ve got the MUNI lines criss-crossing over the street and the TransAmerica building in the background.

Enjoying the architecture.

A little Monet-esque as they are walking. Take a moment and enjoy the yellow sweater Suzanne is wearing. Love bright colors on a gray day.

Of course, we had to head over to the scene of the crime. So we hopped in their car and drove to Russian Hill where that neighborhood bar, The Buccaneer, is located. Could this be how it all started?

They hadn’t been back since their first anniversary, which made it even more fun to relive their story. As it turns out, the same bartender was serving up drinks the night they met and the night of our shoot. I think all the memories brought out even a bit more romance.

We had so much fun and now we can’t wait for their wedding in just a few short weeks. This was just a smattering of all the amazing photos we were able to get of this awesome couple. I would definitely recommend checking out their slideshow for more from Suzanne and Andy’s SF e-session.

This might just be my favorite image from the day. It is very simple and direct, and I love the reflection of the sky behind them.

Judy and Burgess had lots of guests coming up and congratulating them. Judy looks so happy to receive the warm wishes.

Judy’s maid of honor shared a first look at Judy’s new name.

The speeches were hilarious. Perhaps Burgess doesn’t think so at this moment.

Everyone wanted to get involved.

Burgess and his groomsmen serenaded Judy.

Enjoying their first dance as husband and wife.

Later, Judy changed into her qipao. The games played during the reception are some of the most fun moments at a Chinese wedding. Judy and Burgess actually got their guests involved in the fun. What the guests did, Judy and Burgess did.

I had to share just one more image from the night. Clearly everyone was having an amazing time. But no one would have expected this fantastic hug attack. Too funny!

If you would like to see more from Judy and Burgess’ wedding, definitely check out their PicFlick.

Judy got ready at Blackhawk Country Club, where they would also be celebrating their wedding ceremony and reception.

The boys arrived early enough to take a few portraits. Looks like they had a good time! Love that each one has a different expression- totally get a sense of their personalities.

The clouds were playing with the light, letting bits in here and there. The hills look luminous in this photo. Can you believe this amazing view from the ceremony site?

While waiting for the ceremony to begin, we always enjoy taking photos of the guests.

Then the fun began. Everyone was pretty excited to see Judy as she walked down the aisle.

Watching during the ceremony.

Judy listening to Burgess’ vows.

Putting the ring on. Sometimes this can present challenges.

No problems with the kiss, however.

Celebrating!!!!

The ring in question….

I just have to close with a couple of their portraits. So sweet together!

Lots more from the day and their details still to come, but if you need more right now, check out their engagement session story and PicFlick.

I am going to start with one truly awesome engagement session to kick off the season of sharing. Judy and Burgess are a ton of fun. Dave met up with them just a bit before their wedding to make sure they had a chance to do their engagement session and get a little practice in front of the camera. As it turns out, they needed no practice whatsoever. These two were totally at ease and looked great from every possible angle.

San Francisco‘s Golden Gate Park offers a plethora of backdrops and opportunities. One of our faves is the tower in the de Young Museum- a super cool space with great views of the city and the bay.

Of course the landscape surrounding the museum isn’t bad either.

Playful rockstar look. They totally have this down.

And a few more romantic images.

I love how playful they are together.

If you want to see more of Judy and Burgess, check out their engagement PicFlick and stay tuned for photos from their wedding at Blackhawk Country Club.

Tyler chose Amber’s engagement ring with help from Amber’s mom, who also happens to be a jeweler. When they were ready to select their wedding bands, her mom was happy to help the couple find a perfect match.

Amber’s complete look- from head to toe- in style. Earrings, veil, hair, wedding dress, bouquet and rings… Beautiful.

A closer look at her birdcage veil, styled with jewels and feathers, and her teardrop diamond earrings.

After the ceremony, the veil was removed, but the feathered and jeweled comb for her hair stayed to add a sense of whimsy. Also check out Tyler’s distinguised black-tie tux with the singular white rose boutonniere.

The sounds that filled the air that evening can only be attributed to Keith Johnson and the AM Radio. They kept the dancing going and the guests entertained.

Actually Tyler also helped with the entertainment. He sang one special song just for Amber.

Though he knew the song, he wasn’t taking any chances.

I can’t think of anything more romantic. He even had a single red rose for his new wife. She rewarded him with a sweet kiss.

With the nerves set aside, it was time to party. Dancing to the great band was no problem for our groom!

And that completes the details from Amber and Tyler’s stunning wedding. If you would like to see the more from their wedding, I would recommend checking out their slideshow.

The pros involved in this wedding were amazing. Another round of thanks to:
Ceremony Venue: Borgia Room at The Westin St. Francis
Reception Venue: Alexandra’s at The Westin St. Francis
Hair: Antonio Cabral
Make-up: Aida Morano from Aida’s Custom Cosmetics
Gown Designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Siri
Groom’s tux: Canali
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Selix Rentals
Cake: Shinmin from I Dream of Cake
Floral Design: Jeffrey from J Floral Art
Band: Keith Johnson and AM Radio
Ceremony Musician: Amber’s stepfather, Carl Weimer
Invitations: William Arthur

For her own bouquet, held here by her bridesmaid during the ceremony, she chose white orchids with yellow centers.

Her bridesmaids’ bouquets were also a single flower type and color- all merlot calla lillies. They just feel like an flower for an evening event.

Together the ladies looked great- white on white for the bride and deep red with chocolate brown for the bridesmaids.

Corsages for the moms continued the look- deep red orchids.

To add to the elegance of the ceremony in the Borgia Room, white candles of varying heights and types were places on the mantle over the fireplace. They were surrounded by garnet roses and greenery.

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For the reception table decor in Alexandra’s, multiple containers were used on each table. Each had a different single flower type in complimentary colors; all the containers were varing sizes. The monochromatic look came together in a sophisticated way.

Up close…

From a distance…

One of my favorite touches was this monogram. The bride and groom’s formal initials laid on a bed of flowers- roses, dahlias, lilies, orchids- with lights around the edges.

Congrats to Jeffrey from J Floral Art for creating such a stunning look for Amber and Tyler.

The ceremony took place in this fabulous space, the Borgia Room. I am enchanted by the wood panelling and the gorgeous ceiling. The chandeliers are not too shabby either.

I love the fireplace as the central focus point for the space and the wedding.

Even the hallways are magnificent at the St. Francis Hotel. They made for an excellent portrait location on a day when going outdoors just wasn’t possible.

As the guests made their way to the reception in Alexandra’s, they were treated to more elegant touches. The seat assignments were listed on this scroll.

Each place setting had a special gift awaiting the guest.

A Surf and Turf dinner soon arrived- quality to match any restaurant in San Francisco. And if you have tasted the food in San Francisco, you know that is truly high praise.

Champagne toasts followed the meal.

The reception space was gorgeous. I especially loved this mural behind the band, so beautifully lit.

And for a greater sense of the room, from our bride and groom’s perspective.

Through a doorway.

From the band’s perspective.

And the wedding dinner wouldn’t have been complete without a few tasty treats to cap off the day.

First a platter of desserts.

And then this stunning cake- wrapped in white chocolate sheets and decorated with dark chocolate swirls and roses. Amazingly elegant.

To add a sense of whimsy to the day, an adorable super hero cat groom’s cake.

More details and inspiration from Amber and Tyler’s wedding to follow soon. If you would like to see more from their day now, check out their story and their slideshow.

The pros:
Ceremony Venue: Borgia Room at The Westin St. Francis
Reception Venue: Alexandra’s at The Westin St. Francis
Hair: Antonio Cabral
Make-up: Aida Morano from Aida’s Custom Cosmetics
Gown Designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Siri
Groom’s tux: Canali
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Selix Rentals
Cake: Shinmin from I Dream of Cake
Floral Design: Jeffrey from J Floral Art
Band: Keith Johnson and AM Radio
Ceremony Musician: Amber’s stepfather, Carl Weimer
Invitations: William Arthur

Some things, like the get-away car, they could chose from a distance. The elected to hire Bow Tie Limousines for a vintage auto, completing the classic and romantic tone of their wedding.

Having chosen to have their wedding at Hans Fahden winery, Marla and Shawn were able to give their guests a taste of their fabulous wedding. A bottle of wine was the perfect remembrance.

And it wouldn’t be a fabulous california wedding without amazing food. What a treat for all of their guests!

As a playful farewell, they chose to exit amidst bubbles and found these adorable champagne bottle bubbles.

One of the most special elements was Marla’s something old. The spoon holding their wedding rings in the photo below, and attached to Marla’s bouquet in the next image, is a family heirloom. It was actually a wedding gift given to her great-grandmother over 100 years ago.

The flower girl dresses were especially cute. Check out the black embroidery at the bottom.

Similar style was brought to the design on the cake.

Another special treat, the guest sign-in book. The guests participated in making this book even more special for Marla and Shawn by including their well wishes for the bride and groom within its pages.

Marla selected black magic roses and wine calla lilies for her bouquet and Shawn’s boutonniere. The merlot color scheme fit perfectly with the setting. She also included pheasant feathers, a reminder of her hometown.

One final detail to celebrate… Marla’s veil. I love the delicacy of it, so very feminine.

Despite the long distance planning, Marla and Shawn were able to put their stamp on their wedding and include so many personal touches.

Special thanks go out to all of the professionals who helped them in their efforts:
Wedding venue: Hans Fahden Vineyards, Calistoga
Caterer and Wedding Cake: Knickerbockers, St. Helena
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, San Francisco
Florist: Claudia K Florist, St. Helena
Officiant: Harry Jackson
Limo: Bow Tie Limousine, Santa Rosa

Last May, we had the good fortune to photograph Sara and Mike’s gorgeous wedding at Kennolyn in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We adore Mike and Sara for lots of reasons, but one of the things I liked best about their wedding choices was their commitment to being super environmentally friendly. Sara worked really hard to select a florist who could enact her green vision, with local and seasonal floral arrangements. She chose Amanda from Laughin’ Gal Floral and then gave her free reign with choice of flowers and color, and the end result was amazing.

First up, take a look at Sara’s colorful and textured bouquet.

Next, you have got to love the variety and detail in the boutonnieres. Each was color coordinated to match a bridesmaid and her bouquet.

And the ladies’ bouquets, also coordinated with the ribbons they wore at their waists.

The flower girl carried an assortment of all of these flowers in her basket…

She then sprinkled them down the aisle.

Amanda continued her theme of vibrant colors and textures in the room decor. My personal favorite, sunflowers, decked the walls.

One of the table centerpieces…

A cocktail hour arrangment…

And finally the cake- I love when real flowers are used to decorate the cake. These are such a nice way to tie in the whole look.

These flowers totally blew me away. If you would like to see more photos from Sara and Mike’s special day, definitely check out their sneak peek, the scoop and their slideshow. And if you are interested in more Green Wedding Ideas, check out Being Green on the Way Out.