Sung + Peter: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Baker Beach, Alamo Square + Hayes Valley

Bowerbird Photography June 12, 2014

Sung + Peter grew up together in Oregon, but it wasn't until more recently that they realized that they were more than just friends :) Next month they are getting married near Portland, but first they wanted to celebrate their engagement, with a photo session in San Francisco.

We met them on a classic SF summer day -- foggy, sunny, windy -- perfect weather for a romantic day in The City. We started at Baker Beach, for a deep breath of salty ocean air, before heading over to Alamo Square, for some classic city vista shots. As our photo adventure continued, Sung + Peter decided it was time for a tasty treat, so we headed to Smitten Ice Cream, for a few scoops of made-to-order ice cream and ended our afternoon together at La Boulange Bakery, for coffee and croissants.

Sung + Peter are such sweethearts and we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful couple to hang out with :) Congratulations on your engagement Sung + Peter!!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Baker Beach, Alamo Square + Hayes Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Liz + Will: Engagement Photo Session at Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto

Bowerbird Photography June 6, 2014

Will asked Liz out on a date last summer, to hike the trails of Arastradero Preserve, Liz's fave nature spot in Palo Alto. They packed a picnic and Will brought along a bottle of bubbly. Will had thoroughly convinced Liz that this was just another normal date. Little did Liz know, the ring was not at the jeweler's shop like she thought; it was on the hike with them.

After rambling through the golden grasses to a gorgeous outlook shaded by a gigantic oak tree, Will took advantage of the perfect moment, and to Liz's surprise, he popped the question! "Oh my God," Liz kept repeating excitedly -- and once she caught her breath -- "Yes!"

How totally magical that we got to to retrace their steps to their special spot for their engagement photos session last weekend :) We feel honored to be able to celebrate the wonderful memory of their proposal with them. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather or for a more sweet and caring couple to spend the afternoon with to commemorate their engagement!

Congratulations Liz + Will!! We are so happy for you, love birds!

Engagement Photo Session at Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto, © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Engagement Photo Session at Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto, © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Ana + Brett: Sausalito Engagement Photo Session on a Sailboat

Bowerbird Photography May 15, 2014

Ana + Brett chartered a sailboat for the perfect weekend getaway. Blue skies painted the water a glimmering turquoise. The sun just begged for the couple to stretch out over the deck of the boat, soak in the rays, and listen to the waves lap at the hull. There was lots to celebrate; bottles of champagne were packed with ice in the cabin below, and everyone was in a jubilant mood. Not only were we commemorating their engagement with a special photo session, it was also Ana's birthday!

The weather was perfect and Ana + Brett couldn't stop beaming at each other as they snuggled together behind the wheel. We sailed out across the Bay toward the Golden Gate Bridge and admired the view. When the swells began to rise, the photo session turned into a little gymnastic session. Everyone held onto ropes and wires, and onto each other (Ana + Brett nuzzled even closer together; Ariel strongly grasped Sam's belt loop to keep him steady). The sway of the boat helped us capture in photos a sense of the adventurous spirit and joy of these two sailors on the water.

After we were back at the dock, we joined Ana + Brett and his wonderful family for lunch on the boat. We all squeezed into the cabin and got cozy for a delicious lunch prepared by Brett's mom, Theresa. Enjoying the warmth and conversation around the table, we immediately felt at home. We can't wait to see everyone again, and meet more of their friends and family at their wedding in August. It was so incredible to spend the day with Ana + Brett. These two shine brilliantly with the love they have for each other, and are so kind and warmhearted. One can't help but adore them!

Congratulations Ana + Brett on your beautiful engagement!

Sausalito Engagement Photo Session on a sailboat. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

Sausalito Engagement Photo Session on a sailboat with the Golden Gate Bridge. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Susie + Jon: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Glen Canyon Park

Bowerbird Photography May 8, 2014

With their wedding about a month away, Susie and Jon are relaxed and even giddy with anticipation! Last Sunday, we rambled the orange poppy lined trails of Glen Canyon Park together taking photographs for their engagement session. It felt like we were documenting the perfect date watching these two walking hand-in-hand through the woods, goofing-around in a sour grass eating competition, and kissing among the tall spring grasses. To top off the afternoon, Susie and Jon graciously shared a bounty of chocolate croissants and gala apples and we all sat on the grass laughing and soaking in the afternoon sun.

With only a few weeks left for Susie + Jon to introduce each other at a party as "my fiancé(e)" -- these moments document a special time in their romance before they tie the knot! Enjoy some of our fave photographs of this gorgeous couple!

S.F. Engagement Session at Glen Canyon by Wedding Photographers, Bowerbird Photography © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

These two hiking buddies run and play softball in their free time, and are in such great shape they don't really need to take rest breaks - but a kiss under the trees makes such a stop irresistible!

These love birds survey the scene after climbing a stony knoll, comprised of "banded chert," according to expert, Susie!

Sitting on a grassy hill, Jon plucks a white morning glory and puts it behind Susie's ear.

Chasing your love through a hillside of tall grasses? One word - DREAMY!!!

"Oh!!!! These taste so goooooood!!!" Susie exclaims as Jon hams it up. Sour grass sweetens the breath for a kiss.

Missing model escapes from an Anthropologie catalogue and is FOUND!

These two know how to enjoy themselves. As Jon said, one of the best parts after a hike are the treats. Thanks Susie + Jon for sharing your delish picnic with us!

Susie places her foot on the imaginary starting line, and when Jon says "Go," she springs into his arms!!!! So adorable!

That's what we call a Picture-Perfect Finish to the Race!!!

We had such a wonderful time with these two. Kind, brilliant, and fun-loving -- these two are amazing for each other. We are soooo excited for their upcoming wedding! But until then, congratulation on your engagement!!!!

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel

Zhanara + Vitaliy: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at the Palace of Fine Arts

Bowerbird Photography May 7, 2014

After our engagement photo session with Zhanara + Vitaliy at the Palace of Fine Arts last weekend, department store clerks might prepare for a run on the mall in search a beautiful tulle skirt. How gorgeous does Zhanara look in her spring ensemble, featuring a beachy bleached denim shirt on top of a flirty white tulle skirt?!

Zhanara + Vitaliy are such sweeties. Not only are they sweeties, but with a bit of a sweet tooth too they revealed a box of French macaroons, perfect for an impromptu picnic in the park. These two love birds alighted on the grass, fed each other treats and relaxed in the sunshine, with one of the most iconic spots in San Francisco as their backdrop.

Enjoy this peek from Zhanara + Vitaliy's fabulous afternoon celebrating their engagement and love for each other!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at the Palace of Fine Arts. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at the Palace of Fine Arts. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

Congratulations love birds!!!!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam