© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Lesbian carnival themed wedding in Bastrop, Texas.
Last week, we traveled to Bastrop, Texas to photograph Angela + Erica's stunning carnival-themed, same-sex wedding. Afterwards, we covered the SXSW 2013 music festival in Austin for the San Francisco Bay Guardian newspaper. We have so many photos we want to show you, but first, here's a sneak peak from the wedding of the beautiful brides.
xoxo,
Sam + Ariel
As wedding photographers, we understand the importance of preparation. We have only one shot at getting that great shot on the wedding day, and we make sure that we are ready and poised to capture all the beautiful details and events of the day. Being prepared is not only necessary, but equally important, is also fun. One of the perks of our job is getting to scout new, gorgeous locations and brainstorm together about our photographic strategy.
We recently visited Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, where we'll be shooting a wedding later this summer. We enjoyed exploring all its nooks and crannies, marveling at the rolling vineyards, testing all the lightscapes within and around the building, and also sitting down for a little picnic in the sun to collaborate on our artistic vision.
Entrance to the winery. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
A beautiful lamp outside. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
A gorgeous view of where the ceremony will happen. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
The ceremony site. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
Soaking up the sun! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
A little piece of Paris :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
Lemon tree. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
The vineyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
The view from the bridal suite. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
Such a cool space :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
Downstairs, where the groom and his men will get prepared. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
The reception area. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
Pretty flower arrangements in wine bottles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
The magnolia tree all in bloom. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, Wedding Site Visit.
These photos show the venue in a state of stillness and repose. The next time we post photos from Clos LaChance winery, they will show great contrast as the venue will be bursting with celebration and laughter. We can't wait to share the wedding photos we take from Clos LaChance this summer (and reveal some of the secret spots we've scouted out for the bride and groom). It's going to be a wonderful celebration.
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam
This elegant wedding at the historic Intercontinental Mark Hopkins was the beautiful outcome of a simple meeting, brought together through a mutual friend. Major props go out to the best man, Jared, for inspiring this romance!
Anastasia and Matt are about the most down-to-earth, warmhearted people around. They also share many of the same interests - one of them being a love of the outdoors. Anastasia has an expert knowledge of all sorts of wild creatures, and every time we see her we learn something new about the world. For example, in the winter, she taught us about "king tides," showing us photos of herself dressed up as oceanic royalty. Not too long ago, we ran into Matt in our neighborhood. He was just returning from Point Reyes National Park -- on his bike! These two are the loveliest people, and are perfect for each other. We have the privilege, not only of being their wedding photographers, but also their friends.
Earlier, we posted a sneak peek from Anastasia + Matt's beautiful wedding, featuring beautiful details of the couple preparing at the Mark Hopkins. Now for the excitement: we want to share more wedding photos with you of their ceremony and reception.
Anastasia and Matt had a beautiful inter-faith ceremony with a rabbi and priest, under a birch tree chuppah and nestled in the gorgeous Room of the Dons. This large hall is crowned by a gorgeous, gold margin of murals painted in the art deco style, by famous artists, Maynard Dixon and Frank Van Sloun. Among other details, one got special notice. Anastasia and Matt's dog, Raffi, is an important part of their family, and he graciously carried their wedding bands down the aisle, attached to his collar, and then, fulfilling his duty, settled down and took a little nap. Of course, the highlight of the procession was seeing Anastasia in her classic, vintage wedding dress. Matt's joyful expression, and the guest's excited turn to watch the bride walk down the aisle with her dad, can't be beat.
Everybody loves Anastasia and Matt. And they couldn't wait to join their party, opting to skip traditional couple's photos so they could catch up with old friends; however, after all the dancing ended, and the couple said goodbye to their guests, they invited us to come up to their bridal suite where their best friends and family gathered. After dancing for hours, they were eager to kick off their shoes, and we got the sweetest photograph of a celebratory kiss, moments after Matt looked lovingly into Anastasia's eyes and realized, that they did it! They're married!
Congratulations, love birds!
Matt and his groomsmen. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
All the ladies :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Anastasia's cousins help pass out programs. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Matt, beaming down the aisle, with his proud parents. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Matt's expression as he watches his bride walk down the aisle for the first time, is priceless! San Francisco Mark Hopkins Wedding Photo.JPG
Dad escorts his daughter down the aisle in a lovely, and touching moment.
The wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
The bride looking so happy :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Puppy Raffi during the ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
So happy! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Smashing the glass. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
And seal it with a kiss! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
They are married :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
The couple wanted a classic photograph of the two of them, reminiscent of how their grandparents looked on their wedding day.
The bride greets her guests. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
The father - daughter dance. So happy!
Matt shows his mom his dance moves.
Anastasia + Matt share a first dance. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
KISS! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
The bride and groom, after the wedding, up in their bridal suite. Time to kick off the shoes! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
The bride and groom jumping on their bed after the wedding :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
Night night love birds! The bride and groom share a kiss after their wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel Wedding, San Francisco.
There was sooo much love and celebration at this wedding, and was a joy to document. Just look at these two --- so sweet!
xoxo,
Sam + Ariel
Photography: Bowerbird Photography
Venue: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel
Wedding Day Coordinator: Chrissy Wolfman
Flowers: Soulflower Floral Design
Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel
We are so excited for Erica + Angela, who are getting married this weekend outside of Austin! We met them last year in San Francisco, when we took photos of their surprise engagement in Golden Gate Park, over Pride weekend.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Lesbian Engagement Photo in Golden Gate Park.
We can't wait to share photos with you from their wedding! Plus, we'll be covering SXSW for the Guardian and shooting oh-so-many concerts photos as well :)
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam
Last week we posted part one of Natalie + Tyler's gorgeous wedding at St. Ignatius Church and we wanted to follow up with part two of their wedding reception at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Actually, it comes right in time, to help you get in the mood for Chinese New Year starting this Sunday. Guests arrived at the gardens for a surprise Chinese Lion Dance. The lion leaped around to the beat of drums, mischievously biting guests' hands, asking for a good scratch, and performing amazing acrobatics. It was a definite crowd pleaser. Afterwards, guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio with a live jazz band. Dinner was outside, under a beautiful canopy of trees, followed by delicious wedding cake and late night dancing. The whole day had such great energy and you could tell that everyone had a really great time!
The bride and groom, watching the lion dancers at their wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
A bridesmaid watches the lion dance. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Chinese lion dancers. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Wedding favors. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
A live jazz band performed during the cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
The jazz band at the wedding reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Lovely outdoor seating for the wedding dinner. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Pretty table settings. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Kids being too cute! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
The brides father giving a touching toast. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Cute owl cake toppers that the bride made herself :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
The bride and groom cutting their elegant wedding cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Guests dancing at the wedding reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Dancing the night away. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
The groom kisses his bride on the dance floor. Adorable! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.
Congratulations Natalie + Tyler!
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam