Caroline + Dana: Lifestyle Engagement Photo Session in San Rafael

Bowerbird Photography September 23, 2014

Caroline + Dana live in a gorgeous Eichler home in San Rafael, that they have thoughtfully remodeled and filled with a museum of collected treasures. It's seriously a home straight out of DWELL magazine! Since they have put so much love into their living space, they decided it was the best location to take their engagement photos, the ideal backdrop to their perfectly styled love story :) There were cuddles on the couch, an impromptu signature cocktail making session in their sunny kitchen, and time spent relaxing in their wonderful garden, under the shade of several fruit trees. It was an extremely fun afternoon, which ended with us all around their kitchen table, munching on homemade kale salad and talking excitedly about their wedding, which is in just a few weeks!

Congratulations C + D! You two are the best and we are thrilled that you are getting married!

Lifestyle Engagement Photo Session in San Rafael. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Renae + Mason: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography September 22, 2014

In a romantic saga stretching through the years, taking place across the country, from the Midwest to DC, and ending here in the Bay, Renae + Mason's love story proves when two people are just meant for each other! Shakespeare might call this Providence, the Stars, or Fate. This segues us to the happy act where the couple gets married: guests made their way under the golden archway of the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park, and past rows of flowers, sitting under an expanse of green lawn speckled with gold, as the sun went down behind the mossy trees. The bride and groom stood before the gathering, speaking their vows with such tenderness and humor, that one of our lens cloths was quickly re-purposed as a hanky to dry these eyes. These two love birds could not have looked more thrilled to be married, and we for them. Taking each others' hands, they leaned in and sealed the proceedings with a splendid kiss.

We hope you enjoy this peak into their wedding preparations and ceremony. Check back soon for more photographs from their reception at the Dogpatch WineWorks in a few days :)

Congratulations R+M!!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Shakespeare Garden

Reception Venue: Dogpatch WineWorks

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Floral: Karen, Julie and Renae

Makeup: Karen (bride's mother)

Hair: Madusalon

Wedding Dress: Oleg Cassini

Suit: Black by Vera Wang

DJ: Don Rizzi

Caterer: El Buen Comer with La Cocina

Ana + Brett: Meritage Resort & Spa Wedding Photography in Napa, Part 2

Bowerbird Photography September 4, 2014

Part two of Ana + Brett's wedding day resumes at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, as they leave their ceremony in their vintage Volvo getaway car. (If you missed Part one, check out their photos here.) They took a little pit stop along the way to relax under the boughs of a giant oak tree (and make-out!). After the cocktail hour, they joined guests for the reception in the Meritage Resort's Estate Cave. A sumptious dinner, delightful toasts, a romantic first dance, and cake cutting commenced -- along with a lot of crazy fun dancing. Perhaps one of the most hilarious and wonderful moments of the evening was when Brett removed Ana's garter with his teeth, and her dad rushed the floor and interrupted the performance, covering his face in feigned distress. Everyone erupted with laughter and cheer.

We are so happy for Ana + Brett. Each moment of their day was filled with absolute joy and beauty. Just seeing how they look at each other with such love, melts our hearts. Congratulations! We know that your journey together as a married couple will be nothing less than awesome! Enjoy these photos of their gorgeous wedding reception at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley.

The bride and groom kiss in their getaway vintage Volvo. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride and groom kiss in their getaway vintage Volvo. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

After the wedding ceremony, the couple spends some time together under a gorgeous oak tree. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — After the wedding ceremony, the couple spends some time together under a gorgeous oak tree. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wedding at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding photos © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage Resort and Spa wedding photos © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Kissing under the oak tree after their wedding ceremony on the Meritage vineyard in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Kissing under the oak tree after their wedding ceremony on the Meritage vineyard in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Enjoying a little pit stop after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Enjoying a little pit stop after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

A playful family photo at the Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — A playful family photo at the Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom at cocktail hour. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride and groom at cocktail hour. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage Resort and Spa wedding cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. The couple relaxes with guests during cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. The couple relaxes with guests during cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The wedding reception looks beautiful in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The wedding reception looks beautiful in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The wedding reception in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The wedding reception in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding cake. The Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wedding cake. The Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding guests greet the newlweds at the Meritage wine cave during the reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wedding guests greet the newlweds at the Meritage wine cave during the reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage wine cave during the wedding reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage wine cave during the wedding reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Toasts.  Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Toasts. Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding reception in the tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage Resort and Spa wedding reception in the tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

First dance! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride shows off her moves during the first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Sharing a tender moment during the first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dip! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Dip! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom enjoy their first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Father-daughter dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Father-daughter dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Mother-son dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Mother-son dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride and groom cut their wedding cake. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride's mom and dad look on. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride's mom and dad look on. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bouquet toss. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Bouquet toss. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom's sister catches the bouquet and Mom is ecstatic!  Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom's sister catches the bouquet and Mom is ecstatic! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom prepares to get the bride's garter! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride's father can't believe she's showing off her legs!  Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride's father can't believe she's showing off her legs! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom takes off the bride's garter using his teeth! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dancing. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom dance together. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom embraces his wife on the dance floor. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom embraces his wife on the dance floor. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

What a perfect, wonderful night! We send you all our best wishes and congratulations!

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Meritage Resort and Spa

Wedding Planner: Amy Bridges and Kaitlyn Finley

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Floral: Catherine Scott

Cake: Sweet Pies

Hair: Jenny Huse from Bungalow

Make-up: Eva Claiborn

Wedding Dress: David's Bridal

Suit: Men's Warehouse

DJ: AMS

Catering: Meritage Resort and Spa

Linen: Meriage Resort and Spa

Ana + Brett: Meritage Resort & Spa Wedding Photography in Napa, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography September 2, 2014

Ana + Brett are one of the most relaxed, joyful couples we've photographed, and we had the best time taking their engagement photos on a sailboat in the Bay earlier this summer. When we met up with them on their wedding day at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, they had just returned from a refreshing swim at the pool, and a nice lounge in the sunshine. It was a perfect day for a wedding. In fact, this was their second: an American encore performance after getting married a few weeks earlier in Brazil. These two were having the most fun ever on their International, Rock Star TOUR OF LOVE!

After getting dressed, Brett took a little spin in their vintage wedding Volvo (aficionados: feel free to ID the year of the car in the comments section below). With a hesitant ignition, the groomsmen helped get the car rolling with a bit of a push, and even more hearty laughs. Then Brett waited for his bride to arrive in the Meritage courtyard, for the "first look." Ana came walking down, twirling Brett around, and gave him a big kiss, the bridesmaids cheering behind them.

The wedding ceremony site at the Meritage vineyard is tucked behind the crest of a hill and surrounded by grapes and giant oak trees. Ana's dad drove her up to the ceremony in the Volvo, and escorted her down the aisle. As Ana took Brett's hand under the Romanesque stone pergola, the sun shone behind them brilliantly.

With an exchange of vows, rings, and a sand pouring ceremony, they were married!!!! Everyone stood to applaud as the couple kissed and raised their arms in celebration. Then they drove off to their reception, and as they turned to drive down the hill, the words, "Just Married," were declared above the bumper.

Congratulations Ana + Brett!!!! Here are some selected photos from their perfect wedding day to celebrate a perfect couple! Tune in soon, when we post more photos of their cocktail hour, reception, and lively dancing.

The bride prepares for her big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride prepares for her big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Her wedding dress hangs ready to wear. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bridesmaids get ready. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bridesmaids get ready. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Everybody wants a photo with the bride. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Everybody wants a photo with the bride. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride puts on her shoes. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride puts on her shoes. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Everyone lends a hand to help the bride put on her wedding dress in her bridal suite at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Everyone lends a hand to help the bride put on her wedding dress in her bridal suite at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride looks beautiful! Meritage Resort & Spa wedding photography. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride looks beautiful! Meritage Resort & Spa wedding photography. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride peeks from behind her veil. Wedding photos at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bridesmaids look wonderful in different shades of blush. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Stunning bride. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom prepares in his room at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom prepares in his room at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Photo of groom at meritage resort & spa wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom grooms. Meritage Resort wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom grooms. Meritage Resort wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Don't worry, he's not even sweating it. Meritage hotel wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Don't worry, he's not even sweating it. Meritage hotel wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groomsmen leave the hotel room. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groomsmen leave the hotel room. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

There's no chance these guys will let the groom sip his drink in peace. So much excitement on the big day. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — There's no chance these guys will let the groom sip his drink in peace. So much excitement on the big day. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

This vintage Volvo takes a little push to get going. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — This vintage Volvo takes a little push to get going. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Now he's cruising. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Now he's cruising. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride shares a laugh with her parents. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride shares a laugh with her parents. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Brett waits for the "first look," as the bride approaches in the distance. Wedding photos from the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Brett waits for the "first look," as the bride approaches in the distance. Wedding photos from the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bridesmaids look on as the bride greets her groom. One of our favorite wedding photos from their big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bridesmaids look on as the bride greets her groom. One of our favorite wedding photos from their big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Their adorable expressions as they see each other all dressed up for the first time. Meritage wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Their adorable expressions as they see each other all dressed up for the first time. Meritage wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom look woooonderful!!! Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride and groom look woooonderful!!! Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Couple's wedding photos at the Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Couple's wedding photos at the Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom carts his bride away.  Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom carts his bride away. Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom admires his bride. Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom admires his bride. Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

So cute! Napa Valley Wedding at the Meritage Hotel.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — So cute! Napa Valley Wedding at the Meritage Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

That's what the veil is for!  The bride and groom share a moment before the ceremony. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — That's what the veil is for! The bride and groom share a moment before the ceremony. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding photos. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wedding photos. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Taking a break by the beautiful fountain at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Taking a break by the beautiful fountain at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride looks incredible in her backless wedding dress. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride looks incredible in her backless wedding dress. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding ceremony site at Meritage Resort & Spa.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Wedding ceremony site at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom waits for his bride to appear. Wedding ceremony at Meritage Resort & Spa.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The groom waits for his bride to appear. Wedding ceremony at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dad drives his daughter to the wedding ceremony site among the vineyard at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Dad drives his daughter to the wedding ceremony site among the vineyard at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride gets out of the car, to walk to the ceremony. Meritage vineyards. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The bride gets out of the car, to walk to the ceremony. Meritage vineyards. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

A beautiful day to get married! Meritage wedding.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — A beautiful day to get married! Meritage wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Vows and wows. Meritage wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Vows and wows. Meritage wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Their beautiful wedding ceremony site at the Meritage in Napa, features a Romanesque marble pergola with the vineyards in the background.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Their beautiful wedding ceremony site at the Meritage in Napa, features a Romanesque marble pergola with the vineyards in the background. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Mixing together the sands of time, life, and love.  Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Mixing together the sands of time, life, and love. Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage wedding ceremony.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — Meritage wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The kiss!!!  Meritage wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The kiss!!! Meritage wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

They are married! Love this photo showing their triumphant walk down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at the Meritage Resort and Spa.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — They are married! Love this photo showing their triumphant walk down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at the Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

They whisk away in a vintage car after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa.  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — They whisk away in a vintage car after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The guests cheer!  © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — The guests cheer! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

It says it all!!! © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — It says it all!!! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Congratulations Ana + Brett! Check back soon for Part Dois, featuring their joyous reception.

xoxo,

Sam + Ariel

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Meritage Resort and Spa

Wedding Planner: Amy Bridges and Kaitlyn Finley

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Floral: Catherine Scott

Cake: Sweet Pies

Hair: Jenny Huse from Bungalow

Make-up: Eva Claiborn

Wedding Dress: David's Bridal

Suit: Men's Warehouse

DJ: AMS

Catering: Meritage Resort and Spa

Linen: Meriage Resort and Spa

Tricia + Olivier: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park

Bowerbird Photography August 29, 2014

Tricia + Olivier were just back from a vacation in the tropics when we took their engagement photos in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and they were both literally glowing from their time in the sunshine. And who would have thought that our very own City by the Bay could have such a tropical vibe itself?! Some of these photos could have been taken in Hawaii!

We had a wonderful time with Tricia + Olivier, romping through the lush green grasses near the Conservatory of Flowers, sipping on a bottle of red wine and sharing a picnic. It was a totally romantic afternoon, with a game of hide and seek, a few dance moves under the branches of the trees and some steamy kisses by the fountain.

Congratulations on your engagement T + O!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park at the Conservatory of Flowers. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park at the Conservatory of Flowers. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam