Alissa + Brent: Anniversary Photo Session at Stanford University in Palo Alto

Bowerbird Photography July 30, 2015

We met Alissa + Brent last year at Liz + Will's wedding, and these love birds made quite the impression: they were some of the most memorable guests on the dance floor! They had some totally amazing moves and we got some awesome photos of them in action.

We were so happy to connect with them again when Alissa contacted us about setting up an anniversary photo session at Stanford University in Palo Alto. After having such a great time with them strolling through campus, sharing laughs, cooling off in the shade, and stretching out on the green lawn under the sun, it was clear that they are the perfect partners for each other, both on and off the dance floor. :)

Hats off to you both! Congratulations on your anniversary!

Anniversary Photo Session at Stanford University in Palo Alto. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Lauren + Steve: San Francisco Engagement Photography at Baker Beach and the Legion of Honor

Bowerbird Photography July 27, 2015

Lauren + Steve got engaged on the beach, with Steve setting up a treasure hunt for Lauren that ended with an actual treasure chest, holding a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. So it seemed utterly perfect to have their engagement photo session at another beach; this time, San Francisco's Baker Beach. It was a classic, romantic foggy summer afternoon, and these two love birds took the opportunity to get cozy in each other's arms. We could not have asked for a more wonderful duo to photograph. Not only do they look like super models (Lauren's outfits were stunning and so colorful!) but they are also incredibly playful. We were all laughing like goofballs and cracking jokes. By the time we arrived at the Legion of Honor, Lauren + Steve were having so much fun, they took the occasion to sprint, hand in hand, through the colonnades.

We're so excited to Lauren + Steve's wedding this fall! Congratulations sweeties!!

San Francisco Engagement Photography at Baker Beach and the Legion of Honor. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Hilary + Ryan: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Crissy Field

Bowerbird Photography December 4, 2014

Hilary + Ryan have the most romantic love story. They met in high school and came together again at their reunion a few years ago. Now they are getting married! How sweet can these two get?! They also have a wonderful pup, named DJ, who joined us for their dreamy winter engagement photo session at San Francisco's Crissy Field.

It rained cats + dogs all morning, but with love comes good luck, and the clouds lightened up just in time for our beach stroll. We had a fantastic time with H + R, chatting about our favorite movies, San Francisco restaurants and workout routines, and stopped at every beautiful spot possible, taking photos of these two sweethearts.

We are sooo excited for H + R's wedding next year! Congratulations on your engagement H + R!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Crissy Field. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Merritt + Brian: Lake Tahoe Engagement Photo Session

Bowerbird Photography October 28, 2014

When our friends, Brian and Merritt, discussed their dream for their engagement session, Brian (the naturalist) saw a scene in nature, and Merritt (the romantic) pictured plenty of PDA. Their combined, binocular vision materialized in 3D up in the mountains of Tahoe for a playful photo shoot with bushels of smooches in the most gorgeous of alpine locations, along a trail featuring trees that were not only just tall and beautiful, but, according to Brian, could be identified by cone, bark, or leaf as Ponderosa Pines, Douglass Firs, or Pacific Dogwoods. Not only did we learn plenty of tree names, but also came to recognize the Juncos, Steller's Jays, and other birds that occupied them.

The photo session started in the morning with an impromptu jam session at the cabin, with Brian strumming his banjo and Merritt banging on a Peruvian jawbone. Meanwhile, our friends, Maya + Liam prepared breakfast, the bouquet of smoky bacon wafting out of the kitchen and creating smoke tails in the window's morning light. With filled bellies, we headed out on a hike to a high sierra alpine lake, getting a little lost on the way, but finding beautiful fall leaves for a perfect yellow and orange photo backdrop. After jumping some train tracks, we finally reached the lake, glacier cold and burnished a rippling blue by the sun and wind. Merritt + Brian were adorable, cuddling along the banks and practicing their rock-skipping skills. Back at the cabin, they threw together a gourmet pizza dinner (including a heart-shaped pizza pie!) and we all gathered around the kitchen table, relaxed and refreshed after our day soaking up nature.

We adore Merritt + Brian and they complement each other so wonderfully -- Merritt is always quick with her wit and full of laughter, and Brian is such a sweetheart, full of wood lore, and completely head-over-heels for his lovely lady. We are elated that Merritt + Brian are getting married and we are so happy to be able to document their engagement with these photos, that show all the ways the have fun and celebrate life together.

Congratulations M + B!!!! Lots of love.

Lake Tahoe Engagement Photo Session. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Caroline + Dana: Lifestyle Engagement Photo Session in San Rafael

Bowerbird Photography September 23, 2014

Caroline + Dana live in a gorgeous Eichler home in San Rafael, that they have thoughtfully remodeled and filled with a museum of collected treasures. It's seriously a home straight out of DWELL magazine! Since they have put so much love into their living space, they decided it was the best location to take their engagement photos, the ideal backdrop to their perfectly styled love story :) There were cuddles on the couch, an impromptu signature cocktail making session in their sunny kitchen, and time spent relaxing in their wonderful garden, under the shade of several fruit trees. It was an extremely fun afternoon, which ended with us all around their kitchen table, munching on homemade kale salad and talking excitedly about their wedding, which is in just a few weeks!

Congratulations C + D! You two are the best and we are thrilled that you are getting married!

Lifestyle Engagement Photo Session in San Rafael. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam