San Francisco Engagement Photography Session: Natasia + Shawn

     Shawn proposed to Natasia on the beach at Kirby Cove, so it was a perfect choice to return to the sand and surf to take their engagement photos. Kirby Cove is a beautiful spot, just below the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, with lush ferns, pine trees, and a stellar view of the bridge and the Bay. Natasia + Shawn had a wonderful time reliving their proposal and playing in the waves.  

       On our way back to San Francisco, we stopped at the Palace of Fine Arts, and after a quick costume change, the couple emerged in formal attire, for a romantic, glamorous, "wow" look. We took photographs of them under the many columns and arches of SF's iconic landmark for a series of images suitable for a spread in Vogue.

Natasia's beautiful engagement ring. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

Playing in the ocean, just below the Golden Gate Bridge. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

A serious kiss, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at Kirby Cove, Marin.

Very glam! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

Looking gorgeous. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

True love. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.

       Congratulations Natasia + Shawn! We are so happy for you both :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Monday: Finding Focus

       Carpe diem.

      That is our focus this Monday. Last week was a roller coaster. There was so much to celebrate, but also so many tears.

       On Thursday our darling aunt Candie passed away after a three year battle with cancer. She was such an inspirational, warm and loving person. Her laugh was full of heart and very contagious. We were able to spend Wednesday with her and our cousins. We surrounded her with love and could tell that she felt our loving presence. We love you Candie.

     On Saturday Sam turned 32. We went to Ocean Beach with a beautiful group of friends for a picnic and kite flying. The sun was warm, we all wore sunglasses and ate peach and blueberry pie. We watched the sunset dip below the horizon and then headed home, for a huge Indian dinner (Sam's fave cuisine), cooked by my parents. Auntie Yam joined the feast and we sweated our way through homemade dals, curries and chutney. It was a perfect birthday.

      It is Monday and my dear friend Marika is flying home from Massachusetts. Her dad passed on Friday and we are all waiting for her with open arms. I want to give her the biggest, warmest hug.

       A week can bring so many joys and so many tears. Remember to tell your friends and family every day that you love them.

xoxo,

Ariel and Sam

Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding: Natalie + Tyler, Part 2

    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.

Wedding money dance! © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Marin Art and Garden Center Wedding, Ross, CA.

And then the dance party got going on the dance floor! © 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.

Love this! Peace! © 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

San Francisco Headshots: Erica Ota Events

       We've become good friends with Erica, of Erica Ota Events, a highly respected wedding planner in the Bay Area who plans the most amazing weddings.  She's well-known among her peers as well, fostering the vitality of our wedding vendor community by organizing professional mixers every other month. These events are a great opportunity for wedding vendors to hang out and swap tips, since we have so little time to do so at weddings. With an impeccable eye for detail, Erica does such an excellent job designing events, ensuring that everyone has a blast!

     It was great to take some professional headshots for Erica and her associate Jessica last week in the Mission district. 

Erica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Jessica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Erica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Jessica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Erica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

Jessica of Erica Ota Events. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; San Francisco Headshot Photography.

       Headshots, whether they are for actors, corporate or for small business owners, are an important way for individuals to show their personalities and we love how these headshots show off Erica and Jessica's friendly, warm and professional vibe :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Monday: Finding Focus

A quote from Coco Chanel. Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma, CA. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

    We find that our life is the perfect balance of work and love. This weekend we did an engagement photo session up in the wine country with the wonderful Julia + Ian. The mustard flowers were in full bloom, which made a stunning backdrop for their engagement photos. We took photos of them pedaling on their cruiser bikes, making out in the vineyards, and even got a few photos of Ian's adorable parent's, who joined us for the photo adventure. As we made our home to San Francisco, we decided to  stop for some wine tasting and talk about the session. Like most of our days, it was a perfect balance of work and love.

Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma, CA. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

Loving the late afternoon sunshine! Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma, CA. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

Sleeveless shirt weather in February -- yes please! Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma, CA. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

Driving home over the Golden Gate Bridge after a wonderful day in the wine country. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

     We hope this inspires you to have a Monday full of wonderful work and love!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam