Wedding Photography Site Visit: Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin

       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

Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Wedding: Anastasia + Matt, Part 2

       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

Monday: Finding Focus

       We love getting snail mail. Few things rival the excitement of opening a letter from a friend. So you can imagine how excited we were when this adorable save-the-date magnet arrived in our mailbox from Julia + Ian, designed with images from our engagement photo session in Napa Valley with them. Pretty. Freakin'. Adorable!

       We're already so excited to photograph their wedding, and now, in the morning, when we sip our coffee at the table, we've been looking at their photos on our fridge and talking about what a great time it's going to be.

Julia + Ian's Save-The-Date magnet. ​© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

       Although so much of our lives are digital and web-tastic these days, it's still wonderful to receive an old-school letter via the US Postal Service. So this Monday, consider sending some snail mail to someone you love. They will be tickled, we're sure of it :)​

xoxo,​

Ariel + Sam

We are off to Austin!!

       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

Engagement Photography Site Visit: North Beach + Playing Tourist in San Francisco

       Playing a camera-wielding tourist in your own city is the best, especially when you live in such a beautiful city as San Francisco. Since most of our engagement sessions happen in SF, we get to visit all the classic and gorgeous spots in The City on a regular basis. We'll be taking engagement photos with a couple in a few weeks in North Beach and decided to go back to scout it out for unique shots (and also check in on the focaccia ladies near Washington Square). 

       Now that we've found all the most romantic spots in North Beach, the photos just need a pair of lovers to make the pictures complete. Check back at the end of the month when we share some of these engagement photos. We got the location, but what about the props, you say? Here's a hint: there's going to be chocolate croissants involved! Yummmmm......

Awesome retro building in the Fillmore. ​© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

North Beach. ​© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Famous Liguria Bakery pizza focaccia in North Beach. The best! ​© Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

​Sam on Grant Ave in North Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

​Ariel chilling on Grant Ave. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Super cool dried fruit paper in the window of a shop in North Beach on Grant Ave. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Classic San Francisco apartments. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Along Grant Ave in North Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

​The Transamerica Pyramid. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

The Transamerica Pyramid and City Light Books. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Aquatic Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Aquatic Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Wind vanes. © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

Portrait of darling Sam :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013; Engagement Photography Site Visit, San Francisco.

​xoxo,​

Ariel + Sam