Alex and Nicole are two of my closest friends in San Francisco, and it has been a joy to witness their love grow and blossom from the very beginning. I had the honor of working with Alex at Apple for the past year and seven months, and we shared in such a unique season in our lives, as he and I both got engaged during our program. If you know Alex and Nicole, their life and love is a reflection of compassion, servanthood and selflessness; they are always serving the people around them. And, their wedding day was no exception – it was an absolutely perfect illustration of their love.

After the couple’s wedding ceremony at the Oakland California Temple, we ventured to Alex’s parent’s estate in Fremont to celebrate. Alex and Nicole poured their time and energy into the family’s private estate to use as their reception venue in the weeks and months leading up to the wedding. They saw it as an opportunity to spend time together and with family, and as a way to pour their love into something that was bigger than themselves. And wow, was it gorgeous!

Every DIY element and thoughtful detail spoke to how much love these two share with the world. There were so many memorable details from homemade boutonnieres made by Nicole with party blowers to a cheese wheel wedding cake to using Photo Booth and props with a MacBook Pro. One of the most unique parts of their wedding celebration – which I had never photographed before – was a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. This tea ceremony was significant to both Alex’s family and culture and to Nicole, as she spent time doing her mission in China. In Chinese society, the younger generation shows their respect to the older generation by offering a cup of tea, in return Alex and Nicole’s guests gave them red envelopes containing monetary gifts for their wedding. And, how beautiful is Nicole’s traditional Chinese attire?

In defiance of the looming rain forecast leading up to the event, this East Bay dream wedding came true in the most magical of ways. There have been so many miracles throughout Alex and Nicole’s journey – and we had another miracle with the weather on their big day. Al and I witnessed a powerful fusion of two families, two cultures and two hearts with enough love to go around that I have yet to lose that Saturday’s smile. Enjoy this sneak peek at what was truly one of my favorite and most memorable shoots. Congratulations to our dear friends, Alex and Nicole! Al and I look forward to the way you two continue blessing the world and everyone around you.

 

Rebecca and Sean decided to do something completely different than most traditional couples on their special day – they gave their parents the exciting news that they would be getting married at the San Francisco City Hall – at a moment’s notice, just days before their big day! Other than seeing City Hall featured on a recent episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, this was my first visit to City Hall, and it was absolutely breathtaking – and so was this couple! Becca and Sean have an undeniably strong, playful, love for each other that is contagious to everyone around them. I loved the individuality and authenticity of their big day, Becca dressed in a gorgeous Greek goddess-esque wrap dress and Sean dressed in a stellar blue suit – both wearing simple, hammered gold wedding bands. This was the smallest, most intimate wedding that I’ve photographed, and reminded me of how beautiful simplicity can be. After spending time in the rotundas of City Hall for their ceremony, we went to the Palace of Fine Arts for a few portraits in the Marina, before the couple headed to Greens Restaurant for their celebratory lunch. Best of luck, you two! I cannot wait to see how your passion for life blossoms and touches others for years to come…