Tammy + Mat: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Lands End

Bowerbird Photography April 30, 2014

San Francisco's temperate Mediterranean climate and breathtaking coast provides a combo one-two punch that inspires things like: a gourmet picnic culture, playing hooky from work, wild frolicking, uncorking champagne bottles at sunset, and of course, love.

Driving up the coast and visiting Land's End provided a jaw-dropping scenic destination and romantic memory for one of Tammy + Mat's earliest dates. When a match is so perfect, perk your ears for the sound of wedding bells ringing from a future horizon! Months later and madly in love, they return to our coast, now with sparkling bling on Tammy's finger, an exuberant puppy in tow, and two sweet friends providing a celebrity-style entourage and doggy-sitting service for their engagement photo session (Thanks Betsy + Cole!).

Not only were we able to take beautiful photographs of these two, but we all had tons of fun! Hiking into the wind-sculpted trees on the hill overlooking the Sutro Baths, Tammy + Mat found a bed of flowering ice plants to sit and enjoy the view of the Bay. From there, we made our way down the hill and onto the old ruins and reflective pools of the Sutro Baths. The sea churned white, and salty mists rose before the couple putting a spell of romance over the whole scene. They ducked into a cave for some excitingly playful photos, where they danced together in the blanket of dark.

We are so happy for you, Tammy + Mat. Thanks for letting us share these wonderful moments with you, and to commemorate this special time in your lives. Congratulations on your engagement! Enjoy some of our favorite photographs from that amazing day:

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Lands End and Sutro Baths. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at Lands End and Sutro Baths. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

Daisy couldn't wait to smell all the news carried to her by the sea breeze, and hurried her humans along with excitement that was barely restrained. With the help of her lovely dog sitters, she watched on the side as we took the following photograph of the beautiful couple.

Like Russian nestling dolls, we love how Tammy is cradled under Mat, and Mat is wrapped around by the tree above him.

Tammy and Mat scamper off from the main trail, and find a secluded spot away from the weekend tourists, perfect for a romantic smooch!

Now's the time for your close-up. With those eyes, it'd be hard to deny any request: "Sure -- I'll do the dishes!"

Congratulations Tammy + Mat on your beautiful engagement!

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel

Monday: Finding Focus

Bowerbird Photography April 28, 2014

Today is Ariel's mom's birthday. Hippo Birdies to Carol (a.k.a Snorkel Mom)!!! She is an extremely talented potter, and we wanted to share a few photos of her recent creations: the two bowls featured below. Aren't they gorgeous?! Although these bowls are more prized than a customary mathom, Carol is such a generous and kind person, that like the Hobbits, she is just as likely to give away presents as receive them on her birthday. We are so grateful and happy to celebrate her today. Now, let's fill these things up for the feast!

Love you Snorkel Mom!

Ceramics by Carol Soto. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — Ceramics by Carol Soto. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Jessica, Simon + Isaac: San Francisco Family Photo Session at the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park

Bowerbird Photography April 23, 2014

If baby Isaac ever wondered what his parents do when he is sleeping, years from now he will be able to look back at photo albums from our fun-filled photography session in Golden Gate Park's Botanical Gardens for proof. With Baby snug in his buggy, Mom and Dad scampered off for a kiss in a giant bush of purple flowers! So romantic. Yet, with the twittering of birds all around and the quack-quack of ducks (we all took turns at our best bird calls) Isaac slowly stirred awake. And what fun we had! Jessica entertained us by blowing bubbles by the lake, we chased Isaac chasing Canadian Geese by the lake's edge, we plopped down on the grass for a game of "1-2-3 Blast Off" where we threw fuzzy balls at each other, and then paused to greet a squirrel who came to join the party. We shared so many laughs that the nibble of cold from the S.F. fog rolling in was barely noticeable.

What a gorgeous, loving family! Enjoy a selection of our fave pics from their family photography session.

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session at the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

San Francisco Family Photo Session at the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — San Francisco Family Photo Session at the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Kira + Nick: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session on Nob Hill

Bowerbird Photography April 22, 2014

Nob Hill is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco, and served as the perfect backdrop for Kira + Nick's engagement photo session. They were dressed elegantly in black, and we were inspired to take photos that emphasized a high-contrast romantic style, while also capturing the color and joy that sparked from their playful interaction together.

We had a wonderful time with Kira + Nick and they are such a sweet pair :) Congrats love birds on your engagement!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session on Nob Hill. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session on Nob Hill. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

San Francisco Engagement Session on Nob Hill. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Citizen Jane Book Launch

Bowerbird Photography April 17, 2014

Jane Sloane is a very dear friend of ours and we could not have been more excited about her book launch this week for "Citizen Jane." Jane is a constant inspiration and role model to us. This book is a wonderful manual for anyone interested in working towards a world of equality, and for those committed to dancing through adversity with a soul-centered, compassionate, poetic approach. You can order your very own copy here!

Thanks Annie Wright for leading such a great conversation, and to the Global Fund for Women for hosting the wonderful event! Congratulations Jane!

Author Jane Sloane at her Citizen Jane book launch. San Francisco Public Library. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

Citizen Jane book launch. San Francisco Public Library. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014

Grateful for friends like you Jane, that stand for and respect the great potential of every being in this world. Thanks for sharing the beauty of your message.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam