Monday: Finding Focus

    Spring is here. Well, at least in the Bay Area. The weather has been truly wonderful, calling for weekend camping trips and outdoor picnics. We just returned from a few days in the mountains at some luxurious hot springs with a group of dear friends. The weekend included long soaks, playing in the sun and gigantic, homemade gourmet dinners in the evening. 

       And like every year, the true symbol of spring has arrived. The plum tree in our backyard is in full bloom, leaving a scattering of light pink petals every-which-way. Totally gorgeous!

The plum tree in bloom in our backyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013.

       Have a lovely Monday darlings!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Sam's Beach Blanket Birthday

       Last weekend we celebrated Sam's 32nd birthday, with a picnic on the beach. It was a gorgeous day, filled with peach pie, kite flying and beautiful friends. We hope you enjoy these photos from our sunny day.

Birthday pie with carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica adding "flames" to the carrot stick candles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Matt + Sam on the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Picnic time. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Darling Kimberly. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Big hug! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Sunisa and Matt. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Flying kites. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Alex helping with the kite. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

The whole posse. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Liam loving his sandwich! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Daniela chilling on the sand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Maya enjoying lunch. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

Jessica heading up the steps of the beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Sam's birthday picnic at Ocean Beach.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

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