THE SEMINARY IN STRAWBERRY: Showcase of a Secret Venue

We are honored to have been a sponsor of this fabulous event, along with so many amazing vendors!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Event Sponsors

All Seasons Catering www.allseasonscatering.com

Chelsea Events & Floral Design www.chelseaeventsandfloraldesign.com

Bowerbird Photography www.bowerbirdphotography.com

Bryn Howlett www.brynhowlett.com

Mill Valley Flowers www.millvalleyflowers.com

The Delicate Daisy-House of Flowers www.sf-houseofflowers.com

Peacock & Co. www.the-petal-pusher.com

Floreal www.florealsanfrancisco.com

Verducci Event Productions www.verduccies.com

Oyé Productions www.oyeproductions.com

Quartet -- Clio Tilton www.cliotilton.com/quiver-and-chord

The Cakemaker www.cakemaker.net

Napa Valley Linens www.nvlinens.com

SNB Party Rentals www.snbpartyrentals.com

SnapFiesta & VintageFiesta www.vintagefiesta.com

Nataliya Tyaglo www.WeddingLivePainting.com

Velocity Arts & Entertainment www.velocityartssf.com

Traci Tucker www.sfbridalmakeup.com

Paper Caper www.papercaper.net

Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodka www.hansonofsonoma.com

Moylan's Brewery www.moylans.com

Baked Blooms www.bakedblooms.com

Circosphere Entertainment www.circosphere.com

Rye of the Road www.ryeontheroad.com

Travelin' Joe Espresso https://www.lattesandwaffles.com

Clear Memories, Inc. www.clearmemories.com

Balloons by Design www.balloons-bydesign.com

A Midnight Kitchen www.amidnightkitchen.com

Piedmont Community Hall Wedding Photography // Clio + Evan

Clio + Evan. You are married!!! As we write these words, we are still giddy from the excitement of your wedding day. We savored every moment, steeped as they were in the sacred meanings of love, companionship, commitment, compassionate listening and expression, and family. What a love buzz! Watching you both read love letters was so sweet. We were weeping behind our cameras... and we couldn't even hear what you were saying to one another! But no matter, you can read everything about their day in their expressions - the care in which they look at each other, the radiance of their eyes, the way they hold each others' hands like they are in a dance.

You both know how much we adore you and we are insanely happy that you are now married! Congratulations darling friends. We love you!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Piedmont Community Hall

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Makeup + Hair: Hair- Shelley Crowley at Glama-Rama Salon

Wedding Dress: Juniper Tree Vintage, alterations by Alameda Sewing Cottage

Suit: Indochino

Caterer: Jasmine Catering

San Francisco Swedenborgian Church & Olympic Club Wedding Photography // Nadia + Matt

Weddings around the holidays are some of our favorites! The weather is an excuse to snuggle up and get cozy (so romantic!), everything is decorated with extra sparkle, and family is so happy to be together. Nadia + Matt had a beautiful December wedding in San Francisco, saying "I do" at the Swedenborgian Church in Pacific Heights, one of the most beautiful and unique historical churches in the city. The church was decked out in red poinsettias and candles were lit throughout. Nadia + Matt's ceremony was sweet and heartfelt, and afterwards we headed to the courtyard for some dreamy couple's photos, capturing the last glimmers of winter light.

Next, we all cruised downtown to the Olympic Club, a classic San Francisco landmark and a perfect location for their wedding reception, for an evening packed full of dancing, cake and even an impromptu piano concert by the groom and his buddy, belting out the classics!

Congratulations on your wedding Nadia + Matt! 

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendor

Church: Swedenborgian Church

Reception: Olympic Club

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Chelsea Events and Floral Design

Indian Wedding at the JW Marriott Union Square in San Francisco

So many of the brides we talk to at the end of their wedding night say they had such a great time that they wish they could experience their party all over again. What's great about South Asian weddings is that these celebrations usually last several days and may even span the world. At this recent Indian wedding reception we photographed at the JW Marriott in San Francisco, the couple, S + K, were able to have their cake and eat it too, and then eat it again, and again, and again! This party was the grand finale, the last in a string of celebrations honoring their love.

The grand banquet hall looked absolutely stunning with laurels and fine fabrics draped over every surface, and roses - roses everywhere - heavy and plump like they had just fallen in a floral monsoon. Behind the sweetheart table and on the stage was a regal white couch for lounging and watching guests perform. And perform their guests did. Talent had been doled out generously among the crowd, as even the youngest belted out songs, the old standby, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to adoring relatives, while a family of three took on the modern MJ classic "Thriller." We love photographing Indian weddings because it's great to see the bride and groom relax and have plenty of time to see everyone. There were also opportunities for the newlyweds to sneak out for a short moment, while we took couples photos. What we learned is that there are so many great nooks and crannies at the SF JW Marriott for a pair of lovers to make-out in!  Whew! These two know how to crank up the romance!

Congratulations S+K! In addition to endless parties, we wish you endless days filled with happiness and love!!!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner: Denise Rice of d. Royal Engagements

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Venue: JW Marriott Union Square

Catering: New Delhi Restaurant

Rentals: Prime Party Rentals

Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop

DJ: Toofan Sounds

Hair & Makeup: Be Glammed

Menus & Signage: Creative DNA

Grace Cathedral Wedding and Julia Morgan Ballroom Reception // Mo + Ryan

       Mo and Ryan have traveled the world together, exploring the waters and reefs of Australia and hiking Japan's Mt. Fuji for an epic proposal. They're a perfect team of adventurers. On their wedding day, the world came to them. Their friends and family traveled to San Francisco, gathering together for a joyous weekend to celebrate their love. 

       On a sunny September day, the couple got ready in their respective rooms at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. Ryan was poised, on point, ready to go: with a tweak of his bowtie, he was dressed way before any of his six groomsmen. Mo relaxed in her silk bride's robe, lounging with the gals on the bed, swapping jokes and sipping champagne, before stepping into her gorgeous wedding gown.

Groom prep. Wedding photos at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, SF. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Groom prep featuring crisp monogrammed cuffs. Wedding photos at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, SF. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel groom wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

That dress! Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep bridal party photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mom helps the bride put on her stunning wedding dress. Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. All the pretty details. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mark Hopkins Hotel wedding prep photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The groom's team at Huntington Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

It's all about to start! Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Ready. Set. Go! Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and her entourage embark from the Mark to Grace. © Bowerbird Photography 2016.

       Entering the vaulted ceiling of Grace Cathedral, one can't help but feel lifted by the grand space. The light was subdued, and the stain glass windows softly glowed from above. The bride entered with her dad, walking directly across the cathedral's Chartres labyrinth, her aim straight and true for her groom down the aisle. 

Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. . © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Usher meets guests at Grace Cathedral.  © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Ushering with style. Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Vestments. Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The flower girls are adorable! Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. The bride's entrance. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Wedding photos at Grace Cathedral. The bride's entrance. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Grace Cathedral, SF. The groom sees his bride for the first time down the aisle. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Grace Cathedral, SF, for a majestic wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and groom at Grace Cathedral , SF. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

       After a beautiful ceremony, and a small detour to pick up more champagne for the thirsty bridal party, the limo parked at the SF Botanical Garden for couple's photos.  With its diverse plant collection and varied foliage, from maple leaves to palm fronds, the bride and groom looked as if they traveled the world in a few short steps. Beautiful backgrounds for a stunning couple!

The couple kiss in front of San Francisco's iconic cable cars. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Champagne in the limo © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Champagne in the limo © Bowerbird Photography 2016

A portrait of the bride. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bridesmaids at the SF Botanical Garden © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The groomsmen at the SF Botanical Garden © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The crowd goes cray-zy with that kiss, SF Botanical Garden. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The SF Botanical Gardens serve as a beautiful backdrop for the couples photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

She got her guy! Wedding photos at the SF Botanical Garden. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

SF Botanical Garden wedding couple's photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

SF Botanical Garden wedding couple's photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. Here the bride and groom in a tropical paradise! © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Perfection! SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Romance under the trees. SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

An ideal couple in an idyllic spot. SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Genuine, unabashed joy! SF Botanical Garden wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

       The Julia Morgan Ballroom is a sumptuously elegant space for a wedding reception with its stone fireplaces, contoured ceilings, and hardwood paneled walls. After the cocktail hour, the bride and groom made a grand entrance transitioning to a beautiful first dance. Toasts and dinner followed. The mood was jubilant: the bride and groom's joy was contagious. Dancing was unrestrained and celebratory. Even Mo's grandmother was coaxed onto the dance floor to show off her moves. The guests were game for anything: the conga line, the Italian chicken dance, the electric slide.... bring it on! It was such a pleasure to see families and friends coming together and dancing. Everyone was moving with such enthusiasm and love in their hearts for the couple. Mo + Ryan, danced together, in the whirling center, pausing only to kiss.

The Julia Morgan Ballroom has a grand entrance, but the bride and groom definitely make it swoon-worthy! © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Julia Morgan Ballroom, detail of wedding cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Everything perfectly laid out at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Purple, Blue, and Red. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The table layout at the Julia Morgan Ballroom is beautiful! © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Julia Morgan Ballroom cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Julia Morgan Ballroom cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Julia Morgan Ballroom cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Julia Morgan Ballroom cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

First dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

First dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

First dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

First dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

First dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Mom's wedding toast!  Julia Morgan Ballroom, wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Dad's wedding toast!  Julia Morgan Ballroom, wedding reception photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

This is what a reception at the Julia Morgan Ballroom looks like. Dining to the nines! © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Photo with Grandma. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

These little girls were ready to dance. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Sister's toast. Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and groom enjoy their meal at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Groomsman's toast at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

At the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the bride and groom cut their wedding cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

At the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the bride and groom cut their wedding cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

These kids can't wait for their turn to try some wedding cake, at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and her dad dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The groom and his mom dance at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Everybody's excited that Grandma wants to dance with the bride! Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Everybody's shaking it on the dance floor. Julia Morgan Ballroom in SF. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and groom shake their groove thang at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Everyone wants to get a chance to drink to the couple!  © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Late night dancing at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

 Late night dancing at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Late night dancing at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The dancing don't stop!  © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Bouquet toss at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Bouquet toss at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Garter toss at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Garter toss at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

The bride and groom fuel up on the dance floor with some Veuve Clicquot at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Hi-jinks ensue with the bride and groom on the dance floor at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Dancing like there ain't no tomorrow, and letting it all shine out! At the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

When you love dancing and are dancing for love! At the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

Gotta kiss it to believe it! They are married!!!! Late night dancing at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. © Bowerbird Photography 2016

       Congratulations Mo + Ryan!!! You are both extraordinary: talented, hard-working, hard-playing, and clearly meant for one another. May your happiness and love continue to shine bright and inspire us all.

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel (Bowerbird Photography)

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner: Chelsea Events & Floral Design, Chelsea Bowman Wonnell

Reception Venue & Catering: Julia Morgan Ballroom

Ceremony Location: Grace Cathedral

Wedding Prep Location: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel

Florist: Floramor

Videography: Thomas Hughes Films, with Foster Chen

DJ/Sound: Verducci Event Productions

Cake/Dessert: Jasmine Rae Cakes

Photo Booth: Verducci Event Productions

Transportation: Best Way Limosines

Makeup + Hair: Belle By Marine, Taylor Monroe

Suit:  Spoon Tailor

Wedding Dress: Bridal Galleria