Jennie + Andres: San Francisco Engagement Photos Session at Stow Lake

       Everything about this couple shouts that they are meant for each other. These two San Francisco natives first met in high school, and a few years after graduating, they found each other again, and fell in love. And then, just a handful of weeks ago, Andres proposed, and Jennie said "Yes!"

       We couldn't have asked for a more lovely couple and a gorgeous day to take photos. Our afternoon together, wandering around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, and by the waterfall, made a beautiful setting for Jennie + Andres' engagement photos.   

        These two are completely smitten with each other. During the photo session, they'd catch each others' eye, and totally forget we were there. The way they talked to each other so playfully, and so tenderly, was wonderful to witness and document. The beauty of love! 

      Jennie + Andres are perfect for one another and we are so excited for them as they start a new chapter in their lives together -- soon to be married  :)

Too cute :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

What a great looking pair. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

So romantic! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

By the waterfall. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Sharing some bubbly :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

A toast to love! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

The bling! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Jennie - you are so gorgeous! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

In the pagoda. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

So glam! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

By Stow Lake. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Sneaking a kiss :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

By the waterfall, hand in hand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Perfection. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, San Francisco Engagement Photo at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

       Congratulations Jennie + Andres!! 

xoxo, 

Ariel + Sam

Marika + Jess: Anniversary Couple's Photo Session at Longwood Gardens

       A few weeks ago we left foggy San Francisco and landed in the hot summer, of green Pennsylvania for a wedding in the Brandywine Valley, and also had a chance to do a photo session with our dear friends Marika + Jess, to celebrate their anniversary.

        The day after the wedding, we visited Longwood Gardens, a spectacular garden with Italian-inspired fountains, evoking the opulence of the Old World in the natural wooded splendor of the East Coast. Marika + Jess, who we fondly nicknamed M.J., are the most sweet and compassionate couple. We are pretty much crazy about these two and were so happy to be able to take their photos, to commemorate their love -- so much love!

So cute! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

In love! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Making out in the willow tree. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Smooooch. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos,  LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Total babe! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Cuties by the Italian fountains. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Walking hand in hand. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Adorable. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos,  LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Beautiful smiles. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

So dapper! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Love this one. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, anniversary photos, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Fashion models ♥ © Bowerbird Photography 2013, LGBTQ couples photo session in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

       You are the best darling, M.J.! 

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Angelica + Avneesh's Wedding (Part III): at the Winery SF

       Some things are best done in twos. On their beautiful wedding day, Jelly + Avneesh celebrated two traditions, starting the day by getting dressed in colorful silk fabrics, gold, and jewelry, and heading to Treasure Island, for an ecstatic baraat entrance, and a sacred Hindu ceremony full of ancient wedding rituals, which you can see here and here.

     While their guests enjoyed a chai break, Avneesh jumped into a handsome suit and Jelly's mom helped zip her into a beautiful white beaded dress. For this third post, we want to highlight their elegant Western wedding ceremony and then some take a peek at their way-too-fun reception, which was filled with tear-jerking speeches, fantastic dance moves, and fish-kisses. 

      We are so honored to have been able to document their epic love celebration (two weddings in one day) and are beyond happy for the newlyweds!

The groom prepares for the ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica putting on her dress, with her mom's help.  © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica's mom zipping up the bride's wedding dress. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride's beautiful Badgley Mischka wedding shoes. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The colorful wedding flowers. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom looking very dapper! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride putting on her earrings. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica's beautiful henna and her pretty bling. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Cutie Nolan getting excited for the wedding ceremony :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom's mom admiring the beautiful bride in her wedding dress! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The ceremony begins :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So many sweet moments! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Honoring their parents. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

All together now! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

THE KISS! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Married!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Bridal party partying with the bride + groom! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Surrounded by love. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Las chicas bonitas! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bros. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The beautiful bride and her handsome groom :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Now, that is sexy. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Kiss! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Arm in arm. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

In the Datsun. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So adorable. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Time to PAR-TAY! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The first dance. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Love this move :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Twirl!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

That. Dip. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The party from above. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Mom is hoping for a grand-baby in "two" years ;) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Beautiful toasts! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So many laughs! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Time to cut the cake. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Dancing with dad! So cute! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

This is adorable! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Dance party! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Celebrate! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Best times! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So much fun! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Love this! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride and groom get their groove on! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

       So much love to you both, Jelly + Avneesh! We are so happy for you! 

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Venue for Preparations: San Francisco JW Marriott

Venue for Ceremony: Winery SF

Wedding Coordination: Dreams on a Dime

Wedding Design: Suit 27 (Zoe Munson)

Venue Coordination for Winery SF: SF Event Venues

Hair & Makeup: Susie Cee San Francisco

Wardrobe: Dolce Vita Beauty

Florist: Passion Flowers by Adriana

DJ: Ambiance Music

Transportation: JoyGo Transportation

Catering: New Delhi Restaurant

Hindu Officiant: Nilesh Pandya

Western Officiant: Sindy Wilkinson

Opera Singer: Litz Plummer

Cake and cookies: Baker & Banker

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Angelica + Avneesh's South Asian Wedding (Part II): at the Winery SF

        Every wedding ceremony should start with a dance party! Jelly + Avneesh's Hindu wedding ceremony began with the baraat, a giant, high-energy dance party, where the groom's entourage, the baraatis, danced their way to the bride's family, to join the two families together. Avneesh came in riding his dad's vintage Datsun car, honoring the memory of his father. It was a sweet ride and the sight of Avneesh standing through the sunroof of the car with his arms in the air had everyone dancing with joy.

        Check out Jelly + Avneesh's "first look" and moments from earlier in the day, on our previous blog post here. 

       Once the baraatis reached the entrance to the wedding venue, the Winery SF, the groom and his family were greeted by the bride's parents. They blessed and welcomed him in, with a beautiful cleansing ceremony involving a coconut, flowers, and a nut. Inside, both sides of the family formally met during the milni ceremony, taking part in sacred rituals led by their pandit. Afterwards, all eyes turned to Angelica, who looked stunning, and was accompanied down the aisle on each arm by her dad and brother. The Hindu ceremony was steeped in beautiful and meditative rituals, culminating with the bride and groom taking seven circuits around a holy fire to solemnize their vows to each other. Lifting their arms, all the couple's loved ones and friends gave their blessings to them, and then took their gold swizzle sticks and waved them around in the air in jubilation, celebrating their marriage!

       After the Hindu ceremony (and a quick outfit change into a smart suit and elegant dress!) the couple got married again in a Western ceremony! We'll post those photos next, plus the reception, so peek back in a few days for the rest of their amazing wedding day story! 

The baraat begins! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh's mom during the baraat. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So much fun! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Everyone was so happy and excited during the baraat! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh surrounded by friends and family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Such a happy groom! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Everyone had great dance moves :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The whole party making their way to the bride's family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Party time! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom = all smiles! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh is blessed by the brides family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Blessing the groom. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Such a beautiful celebration! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The Milni ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

A prayer before the bride enters. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica, looking stunning, walks in with her dad and brother. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh and his mom watching the beautiful bride come down the aisle. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica's brother helping her take off her sandals to enter the ceremony platform. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride + groom holding gorgeous flower garlands. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Up and up!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Flying high :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So many sweet moments during the ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The ceremonial fire or Havan. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Taking the seven steps for the Mangal Phere. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica leading Avneesh :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Climbing mountains together! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Blessing the bride. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Thanking their parents. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

A final blessing from their friends and family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Married!! Yay!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Yippy!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

       Jelly + Avneesh's ceremony was so full of tradition and love, and was the perfect way to celebrate their perfect union!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Venue for Preparations: San Francisco JW Marriott

Venue for Ceremony: Winery SF

Wedding Coordination: Dreams on a Dime

Wedding Design: Suit 27 (Zoe Munson)

Venue Coordination for Winery SF: SF Event Venues

Hair & Makeup: Susie Cee San Francisco

Wardrobe: Dolce Vita Beauty

Florist: Passion Flowers by Adriana

DJ: Ambiance Music

Transportation: JoyGo Transportation

Catering: New Delhi Restaurant

Hindu Officiant: Nilesh Pandya

Western Officiant: Sindy Wilkinson

Opera Singer: Litz Plummer

Cake and cookies: Baker & Banker

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

       Whether you are having a BBQ with friends in the backyard; a picnic at the beach with pints of fresh strawberries; a brainstorming session over politics and difference-making with your buddies; or a roof-top party to watch the fireworks rise from under the fog at night - whatever your plans are today: we wish you a Happy Fourth! 

A photo from last year's 4th of July picnic in our backyard. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Fourth of July Picnic

xoxo, 

Sam + Ariel