Zeina + Sam: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

Bowerbird Photography November 22, 2013

When we first met Zeina + Sam, we were immediately drawn to their warmth. These are two of the sweetest people we've ever met and their wedding was a celebration of that joy and love.

On a quintessential San Francisco autumn day (sunny!), Zeina + Sam started their wedding preparations by getting dressed at the historic Intercontinental Mark Hopkins hotel in their separate rooms. At the appointed time, Sam appeared just outside the hotel vestibule, and Zeina walked down the red carpet to see her husband-to-be for an adorable first look. When an S.F. cable car stopped up the street, the couple jumped aboard for a classic photo op, to the surprise and joy of the passengers. Afterwards, Zeina returned to the master suite for her family's traditional Lebanese reception full of tasty treats. Sam and the guys popped open a bottle of champagne and celebrated in a nearby park. Their wedding ceremony at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church took place under a mosaic, bedazzled dome. The priest placed gold crowns on Zeina + Sam's head, and they looked regal as husband and wife!

The dancing started with a belly dancer, an was soon joined by a group of the couple's friends who performed their own choreographed number. When the bride and groom finally made their grand entrance, guests rushed the dance floor in celebration. Zeina + Sam looked so happy the whole evening. A perfect wedding day for a perfect couple!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. © Bowerbird Photography. — San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. © Bowerbird Photography.

San Francisco Wedding Photography at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. © Bowerbird Photography. — San Francisco Wedding Photography at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. © Bowerbird Photography.

Congratulations darling Zeina + Sam! You two are awesome!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Site: St Nicholas in Diamond Heights

Reception Venue: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Event Planner: Stacey & Company

Catering: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins

Dessert: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins

Flowers: Fantasy Florals

Makeup: Sarah Hyde

Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel

Linens: Napa Valley Linens

DJ: Aykut

Pianist: Jing'er Xu

Belly Dancer: Maria Sokolova

Caricature: Zach Trenholm & Laura Gilmore

Baby Cate: Family Photo Session in Tilden Park

Bowerbird Photography November 20, 2013

Baby Cate -- you melt our heart! We had the best time with you and your wonderful parents, Lex + Grant, last week in Tilden Park. Seriously, can you get more adorable?! Such a cutie!

Baby and Family Photo Session in Tilden Park, Berkeley. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Melissa + Doug: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Stow Lake

Bowerbird Photography November 13, 2013

Melissa + Doug, both Bay Area natives, met way-back-when in high school and now they have set a date for their wedding next year :) Seriously adorable!

We had a fantastic time strolling around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, taking their engagement photos. These two are super playful together and we were able to capture that laughter when we came upon a pile of golden fall leaves. We suggested a silly leaf fight and they were totally down, especially Melissa, who yes, may have won ;)

Enjoy this peek into their sweet engagement photo session!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Stow Lake. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

Congratulations Melissa + Doug!!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

San Francisco Headshot Photography for California Environmental Associates

Bowerbird Photography November 11, 2013

We had a day in the park taking headshots for California Environmental Associates. We spent a lovely morning down by the Ferry Building, while staff trickled in and met us on a grassy knoll to have their headshot taken. What a great looking office :)

San Francisco Headshot Photography for California Environmental Associates. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Aliza + Edward: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House Wedding in San Francisco

Bowerbird Photography November 8, 2013

Fall in San Francisco is such a beautiful time of year and one of the most glorious times to have a wedding. Aliza + Edward got married last month on one of the sunniest and warmest mornings at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, with fabulous views of the entire Bay Area and designed by the luminary architect, Julia Morgan.

Aliza + Edward are an adorable couple and so sweet together. Their wedding was colorful and convivial, with friends and family traveling from around the country to celebrate their marriage. You could tell that everyone was having the most wonderful time, sipping on wine, snacking on tapas and telling great stories about memories they share with the bride and groom.

Enjoy these images from their wedding day :)