Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
A walk along the coast. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam
Oakland Maternity Photography Session: Ayana + Damani
We have done annual family photo sessions with Ayana for several years, but this year we got to document a very special new chapter in her life. She and her husband Damani are going to be having a baby (!!!!) so a maternity session was in order. We met with them on a chilly winter morning in Oakland, stopping at several lush locations to take photos. Ayana + Damani are thrilled about the baby and they are going to be truly wonderful parents! We can't wait to meet their baby boy later this year and take photos with their new tiny family member!
A kiss in the ferns. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography at Lake Temescal, Oakland.
Mama and belly looking lovely at Lake Temescal. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography at Lake Temescal, Oakland.
Ayana seriously glows! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
A quite moment with mom + dad on a park bench. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
All hands on the belly! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
Heart hands over baby belly bump! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Maternity Photography, Oakland.
Congratulations Ayana + Damani!!
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam
Mark Hopkins Wedding: Anastasia + Matt - Sneak Peek!
Last Saturday was a perfect January day. Clear, crisp and sunny -- a gorgeous morning to wake to knowing that you will soon be married to the one you love. Anastasia + Matt tied the knot at the elegant and historic Mark Hopkins Hotel in downtown San Francisco, surrounded by their family and friends. They are since off on their honeymoon in Mexico, but we got a message from them that they would love to see some photos. We can't wait to show them either, and, to also celebrate Anastasia's birthday today (Happy Birthday!!!!) we're posting a little sneak peak. Their beautiful wedding featured a rabbi and a priest, a grand banquet, a big band, and joyous dancing late into the night... there are so many beautiful moments from the wedding that we are eager to share, but for now, we've put together this little taste from early in the day as the bride and groom prepare for their ceremony.
The bride's wedding dress, called "High Society," hangs on a chandelier. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The bride, in her wedding pearls. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The groom looks dashing, with a custom bow-tie, succulent boutonniere with the smallest ferns, and silk handkerchief. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The bride smiles excitedly as she puts on her wedding dress. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The groom, outside the Mark Hopkins Hotel, moments before the wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The bride and groom's wedding bands. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The beautiful bride waits before her ceremony at the historic Mark Hopkins Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco.
The bride and groom share a quiet moment together to celebrate just getting married! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mark Hopkins Hotel, San
Anastasia and Matt are one of the happiest couples we have ever met, and we are honored to have been there with them to document their special day. Congratulations you love birds!!
xoxo,
Sam + Ariel
Vendors
Photography: Bowerbird Photography
Venue: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel
Wedding Day Coordinator: Chrissy Wolfman
Flowers: Soulflower Floral Design
Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel
Monday: Finding Focus
On our recent trip to Seattle, we played tourists and walked to Gasworks Park with our artist friend, Eliza, and hung out at the sundial, on the top of the hill, overlooking Lake Union and the Seattle Space Needle. What's cool about this sundial (pictured below) is that you have to stand in the middle of it and watch where your shadow falls, in order to tell what time it is. As we talked about how we structure our days as artists, the perfect symbol for our discussion was right under our feet.
I've been thinking about time a lot lately in relation to my New Year's resolutions. Mostly, these thought bubbles read something like this, "If only I had more time to journal, exercise, or [fill in the blank]! Can't I just put it off until tomorrow, when I'll be better rested, smarter, and stronger?" But, like the insistent whine of the tea kettle, the shrill tones such self-defeatist mind-chatter actually does well to motivate me to get off the couch... and pour a cup of hot tea. For me, sipping tea and finding insight go hand-in-hand. After a cup, my resolve is strengthened, my wisdom restored. Even if it seems like there are just not enough hours in the day, I take up the challenge of proving myself wrong. And, when I set out to do what I thought was impossible, suddenly, instead of less time, I find that I have more. Instead of reacting to my circumstances, I end up creating them.
As an artist, it's important for me to spend time doing things that enrich my soul, broaden my perspectives, and ultimately, make me happy; for, as I watch my shadow count the hours on the sundial, I want to be sure that my time doesn't end up sneaking way from me.
Seattle Space Needle seen from Gasworks Park sundial. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.
I love that they built this sundial in cloudy day Seattle. It's a friendly reminder that, yes, the sun will come out eventually :)
xoxo,
Sam + (Ariel)
Mill Valley Community Center Wedding: Eileen + Jed, Part 2
A few weeks ago, we posted part one of Eileen + Jed's wedding ceremony, at the Lark Theater. We wanted to show you a few more images from their beautiful and fun-filled wedding reception at the Mill Valley Community Center. It was the most perfect summer day and the cocktail hour was held outdoors on the patio. Afterwards, guests went into the sun-filled reception hall, for toasts, dinner and dancing. Eileen + Jed wanted an epic party to celebrate their marriage, and that's exactly what they got: an absolutely fabulous party, filled with all their friends and family!
The afternoon started with cocktails on the patio. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding.
Yummy bites. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The bridal party having fun in the sun. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
Wedding guests. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The inside of the Milly Valley Community Center. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The beautiful table settings. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
Wedding escort cards. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
Bunches of local lavender. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The wonderful flower centerpieces. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The bride and groom listening to toasts. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
Their first dance :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
A dip + kiss! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
And then the dance party started! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
This crowd knew how to have a great time! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
More dancing! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The bride and groom take a break to cut the wedding cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
And then back to more dancing! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
The bride and groom taking over the dance floor. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
And a kiss at the end of the most wonderful day! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Mill Valley Community Center Wedding, Mill Valley.
A big congrats to Eileen + Jed! We are so happy for you both!
xoxo,
Ariel + Sam