Wedding at Rancho Soquel

Working with Kate and Brody during their engagement session in Santa Cruz gave us some insight into how fun it would be to work with them on their wedding at Rancho Soquel. These guys were wonderfully laid back and made sure that having fun with their friends and family stayed at the top of their list all day long. Their enthusiasm was contagious as it was hard to find a candid of a wedding guest without a smile on their faces. The beautiful, open and sunny backdrop contributed to the jubilant mood as Katie and Brody were married in front of a simple elegant arch and enjoyed dinner with their families against the backdrop of a really cool old rustic barn. 

We started the day by shooting some getting ready photos and captured some details prior to the ceremony. We loved the layout of the property and we were excited to get the event going so we could begin shooting all the handsome guests around the venue. Not only did we get to capture the cool ranch style architecture but we also captured the playful details that Kate and Brody used as decor-included a very delicious donut display.  The ceremony was short and sweet and fit in nicely with the easy flow of the day. Even the weather felt easygoing on this day-we loved the sunshine that graciously lit up but didn’t overpower the couple as they shared their first kiss. Dinner was delicious and we loved the speeches; so much fun! You could tell just how likeable this couple is by the way their friends and family gushed about them.

Light treated us very nicely as the day made it's way into evening and we were able to shoot some nice portraits of our couple. Lastly some getting down and funky on the outdoor patio dance floor before we bid the couple farewell.

Their photographer bailed last minute. We saved the day.

We have said it in the past, and well, I guess there is nothing stopping us from saying it until we are blue in the face, but we really love weddings at San Francisco City Hall.  Maybe it's the expedited time frame and the real spontaneity of the images, the awesome architecture, or the intimacy of a civil ceremony but really it's probably the coming together of all of these aspects. Here are a handful of images captured recently for a couple who reached out in somewhat of a panic. The photographer they had hired bailed on them at the last minute (who are these people?!) and after a quick search they came upon our work. We're so happy we were available and could help them out.

Cheers,

Chris and Christian

Wedding at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville

This was our first wedding of the year and our first wedding at Dawn Ranch. We couldn’t ask for a better way to start our season than with a wedding at one of Guernville’s best wedding venues. Dawn Ranch is located in a small town on the banks of the Russian River just before you hit the California coast. It's not far from the Bay Area, maybe a 1 to 1.5 hour drive. Even though the drive isn’t too long, this venue feels intimate and secluded. A perfect place for couples who want to feel like they have escaped the city without having to schlep out too far. The venue property is 15 beautiful acres of redwoods, apple trees, and grassy meadows with cute cabins to boot.  Andrew, Rebecca and even some of their wedding guests were able to make use of those cute cabins by spending the prior night surrounded by peaceful nature. Choosing an outdoorsy venue with lodging onsite not only provides an avenue for couples to get rid of the pre wedding jitters with a group of their close friends but also conveniently ensures that everyone in the wedding party will arrive to the ceremony on time! 

We met Andrew and Rebecca at their cabin to shoot some last minute getting ready details. The natural light filled the space so nicely that it was hard to not keep shooting. After a quick first look and some family portraits, Andrew and Rebecca exchanged vows surrounded by their friends and family. It was all fun and laughter from there on out.  The couple enjoyed their meal from a long family style table which lent itself to the communal atmosphere. The entire setup was elegant, simple and beautiful which was accentuated in Rebecca’s white and bright bouquet and the coordinating table schemes. After dinner and drinks, the party moved over to the pool area for deserts and dancing. You really can’t go wrong with dancing poolside under the moonlight in your own private wooded oasis. 

We loved this one, the venue, the light, our clients, and all of the good vibes.

Our favorite place to shoot in San Francisco

We love shooting weddings at San Francisco City Hall in part because of the intimacy, the relatively small size of the guest count, and really feeling like you are part of something special. All of the experiences that Chris and I have had over the years shooting at city hall have been so great. Many times we have been the only other people to witness the couples vows. Other times, its been us and an entourage of friends and family. It's always good. When its time for the ceremony, we always get exited. These ceremonies happen in the blink of an eye and lend themselves to some real candid moments. There is no time to give much thought to what's going on so looking staged is not an option. Oh, and the light and the amazing architecture, don't get me started! More city hall weddings for e&b photography?  Yes please!!

For more information about wedding photography at San Francisco City Hall, please fill out our contact form.

Cheers,

Chris and Christian

Honeymoon portraits in San Francisco

This was the first ever session to take place on Christmas day!  Break out the champagne or just get mildly excited.  I had been communicating with Julia about her and her husband coming to the Bay Area from South Korea around the holidays. They wanted to catch some quick portraits at a few spots in San Francisco. We had originally planned on getting together in the morning on the 24th but crummy weather derailed us. Bonk!  So what did we do? Crossed our collective fingers and rescheduled for Christmas morning. Rain or shine we were going to shoot! Beautiful blue skies was what we got and it made for a sweet little session. We were able to hit all the spots that Julia wanted and sent the couple on their way to road trip down south for more of their honeymoon along the California coast. Bon voyage you too and all the best in your future together! It was a blast being part of your Bay Area experience!

Cheers,

Chris and Christian