Lisa + Eugene: Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding Photography in San Francisco, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography August 25, 2014

The historic Westin St. Francis Hotel has a classic, San Francisco style, and up on the Imperial floor, the atmosphere turns gold, with Eastern Slavik details and design where the couple's wedding ceremony and reception took place. It was a venue perfectly styled to Eugene's Ukranian heritage and Lisa's beautiful style. The couple was breathtaking to behold amid the gilded chandeliers and 14 feet tall window panes, appearing like royalty: Lisa, in a silk, white, ruffled dress, and Eugene, in a crisp dark suit adorned with a pheasant feather boutonniere.

As perfect counterpoint to the elegance and gold, Lisa + Eugene were absolutely joyful and ebullient the whole day. "This is the best wedding ever!" the bride shouted time and time again, as if she could hardly believe it wasn't a dream. It was a gorgeous dream become real.

As Eugene got dressed with his groomsmen, they all took shots of vodka, with an enthusiastic nod to the Ukraine. Then up and up he went, 32 flights, to the Imperial floor of the St. Francis, for the "first look." The bride came soon after riding the glass elevator to find him! With giddy expectation, they turned toward each other, checked each other out with huge smiles, and celebrated with a warm embrace.

The wedding ceremony took place in Victor's room, awash in light from floor-to-ceiling windows, and all watched happily as the bride came down the aisle escorted by her dad, to take her groom's hand and enjoy that wonderful moment when they were pronounced married, and kiss they did!

Congratulations Lisa + Eugene! Below, are some selected photographs that capture the amazing love and joy of your day, from getting dressed through the wedding ceremony. Check back for Part II soon, for photos of your amazing party!

The Westin St. Francis has beautiful vistas of San Francisco's cityscape. We took this photo of the bride and groom on the Imperial Floor. The Golden Gate Bridge spans the length between them! © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The Westin St. Francis has beautiful vistas of San Francisco's cityscape. We took this photo of the bride and groom on the Imperial Floor. The Golden Gate Bridge spans the length between them! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

In the bridal suite at the Westin St. Francis.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — In the bridal suite at the Westin St. Francis. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride's shoes and bling! Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg

Wedding Rings Detail Shot. Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg

The bridal veil. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bridal veil. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride in her veil. Westin St. Francis © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bride's portrait. Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Westin St. Francis. The father of the bride sees his daughter in her wedding dress © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Westin St. Francis. The bride looking gorgeous in her wedding dress! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Westin St. Francis. The groom gets dressed.

Westin St. Francis. The groom gets his boutonniere. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Westin St. Francis. The Groom gets prepped. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Westin St. Francis. Portrait of groom. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom with his glass of vodka. Westin St. Francis wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride on her way to the "first look." Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The bride rides the escalator up to see her groom. Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The bride makes her way to see her groom for the "first look." Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography — The bride makes her way to see her groom for the "first look." Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

First Look. Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Bridesmaids. Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Groomsmen. Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

This bridal party is bringing it! Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography — This bridal party is bringing it! Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The groom watches for his bride walk down the aisle. Westin St. Francis Hotel SF Wedding © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The flower girls pave the way with flowers. Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The bride escorted by her dad. Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The bride walks down the aisle with her dad. Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg

Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor in Victor's room. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The Kiss! Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg — The Kiss! Westin St. Francis wedding ceremony on Imperial Floor. © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg

The bride with view of San Francisco cityscape behind her. Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

The bride and groom take a break on the window sill at Alexandra's, Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Couple's photos. Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography

Couple's photos. Westin St. Francis © 2014 Bowerbird Photography.jpg

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Westin St. Francis Hotel

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Videography: Joseph Alan Productions

Cake: Elegant Cheesecakes

DJ: Amos Productions

Makeup + Hair: Mia Bella Salon

Dress: Blossom's

Suit: David's Bridal

Photo Diary: Adventures in LALA Land

Bowerbird Photography August 18, 2014

A mini-trip to LA to see Marika + Jess :)

Downtown LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Downtown LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Downtown LA at The Last Bookstore. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Downtown LA at The Last Bookstore. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Olvera Street, LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Olvera Street, LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wurstkuche in downtown LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wurstkuche in downtown LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Alcove Cafe in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Alcove Cafe in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Pa-pa-pa-parazzi! Alcove Cafe in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Pa-pa-pa-parazzi! Alcove Cafe in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Brunch at Sqirl in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Brunch at Sqirl in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The Getty Museum in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The Getty Museum in LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Stop for Persian ice cream :) Saffron + almond! © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Stop for Persian ice cream :) Saffron + almond! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Snorkel Mom with Barbara + Charlie in Santa Monica. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Snorkel Mom with Barbara + Charlie in Santa Monica. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Santa Monica Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Santa Monica Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Sam swimming at Santa Monica Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Sam swimming at Santa Monica Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Koreatown, LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Koreatown, LA. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Christie + Andrew: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Wedding Photography in St. Helena, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography August 15, 2014

Dear Christie + Andrew,

Wohoo! You are officially hitched :) After you tied the knot, in the beautiful apple orchard at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, guests played cornhole (A's vs. Giants) and sipped on your signature SF Bay Breeze cocktail, until the mouthwatering aroma of BBQ grilled over wood fires enticed all to dinner. After hilarious and touching toasts, and your sweet first dance, everyone followed step to the dance floor, spinning some great Beyoncé moves as the band got everyone to boogie. Christie, we are so excited to showcase all the gorgeous DIY details you created, from apple escort cards to whimsical monogrammed flags, fluttering above your wedding reception. The dessert table looked more delectable than if Willy Wonk hired Martha Stewart to design it. Truly incredible details :)

We wish you both so much love and happiness! And congratulations on your wonderful wedding and marriage love birds!

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Wedding Photography in St. Helena.© Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Photo Diary: Nevin + Francesca

Bowerbird Photography August 14, 2014

Our friends Nevin + Francesca visited us from Switzerland and we took them on a tour of SF. When we got to Clarion Alley in the Mission district, we had to take a few cute couple's photos of this adorable duo :)

Photo session in Clarion Alley, San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Photo session in Clarion Alley, San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Christie + Andrew: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Wedding Photography in St. Helena, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography August 13, 2014

Dear Christie + Andrew,

We love that you are both the apple of each other's eye. We love the perfectly romantic setting you chose to get married in: a fragrant apple orchard at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. We love that you met in law school and found a cute study partner in each other. We love that you spent months crafting your own rustic yet elegant DIY wedding. We love your team of helpful bridesmaids in yellow, and cheerful groomsmen in matching yellow ties. Your flower girls in matching tulle yellow dresses were out of a storybook, and the fact that they cried the whole way down the aisle made them that much more adorable. We love all the caring family and friends that surrounded and supported you on your wedding. We love the laughter you share, for together you are in your element, at ease like two birds taking to the air. There is just so so much to love, for your wedding was a joyous expression of love manifest. And best of all to love, you are now married!!

Enjoy this peek into the first half of your stunning wedding day :) More coming soon!