Merritt + Brian: Lake Tahoe Engagement Photo Session

Bowerbird Photography October 28, 2014

When our friends, Brian and Merritt, discussed their dream for their engagement session, Brian (the naturalist) saw a scene in nature, and Merritt (the romantic) pictured plenty of PDA. Their combined, binocular vision materialized in 3D up in the mountains of Tahoe for a playful photo shoot with bushels of smooches in the most gorgeous of alpine locations, along a trail featuring trees that were not only just tall and beautiful, but, according to Brian, could be identified by cone, bark, or leaf as Ponderosa Pines, Douglass Firs, or Pacific Dogwoods. Not only did we learn plenty of tree names, but also came to recognize the Juncos, Steller's Jays, and other birds that occupied them.

The photo session started in the morning with an impromptu jam session at the cabin, with Brian strumming his banjo and Merritt banging on a Peruvian jawbone. Meanwhile, our friends, Maya + Liam prepared breakfast, the bouquet of smoky bacon wafting out of the kitchen and creating smoke tails in the window's morning light. With filled bellies, we headed out on a hike to a high sierra alpine lake, getting a little lost on the way, but finding beautiful fall leaves for a perfect yellow and orange photo backdrop. After jumping some train tracks, we finally reached the lake, glacier cold and burnished a rippling blue by the sun and wind. Merritt + Brian were adorable, cuddling along the banks and practicing their rock-skipping skills. Back at the cabin, they threw together a gourmet pizza dinner (including a heart-shaped pizza pie!) and we all gathered around the kitchen table, relaxed and refreshed after our day soaking up nature.

We adore Merritt + Brian and they complement each other so wonderfully -- Merritt is always quick with her wit and full of laughter, and Brian is such a sweetheart, full of wood lore, and completely head-over-heels for his lovely lady. We are elated that Merritt + Brian are getting married and we are so happy to be able to document their engagement with these photos, that show all the ways the have fun and celebrate life together.

Congratulations M + B!!!! Lots of love.

Lake Tahoe Engagement Photo Session. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Becky + Glenn: San Francisco Baby Bump Photo Session on Ocean Beach

Bowerbird Photography October 27, 2014

One of the best parts about being wedding photographers is that photographing our client's family history continues far past the night of their wedding. We've formed so many lifelong friendships and love watching families evolve and grow :)

Becky + Glenn got married last summer in San Francisco, at a wedding that went down in history for the epic dance party that ensued -- it was awesome! We were so excited when we heard that these two love birds were expecting a little baby bird early next year and also loved the excuse to be able to hang out with them both again. We had the most gorgeous October sunset on Ocean Beach last week and got to celebrate their baby-on-the-way with these sweet baby bump photos.

We are THRILLED for you two, B + G! You are going to be fantastic parents and we know that your little one is not only going to be adorable, but also a rock star on the dance floor! Congratulations!

San Francisco Baby Bump Photo Session on Ocean Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — San Francisco Baby Bump Photo Session on Ocean Beach. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Caroline + Dana: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the JW Marriott, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography October 24, 2014

It was time to pop some bubbly in the limo and Caroline + Dana headed down to their wedding reception at the JW Marriott in downtown San Francisco. All their guests and families were elated when Caroline + Dana made their grand entrance into the grand ballroom, beyond thrilled for the newly married couple. Sweet toasts got the evening started, followed by cake and great dance moves with the help of a stellar live band. A perfect celebration of true love!

Best wishes C + D!!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at the JW Marriott. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Site: St. Vincent de Paul Church

Reception: JW Marriott

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Violetta Flowers

Cake: Bala at the Cakemaker

Makeup + Hair: Joseph Cozza Salon + Spa

Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall

Suit: Vera Wang

Band: Lucky Devils

Catering: JW Marriott

Caroline + Dana: San Francisco Wedding Photography at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography October 22, 2014

It was a gorgeous fall day for a wedding in San Francisco. The sun streaked through the stain glass windows at St. Vincent de Paul Church, and the bride walked down the aisle with her dad, accompanied by a boy's choir singing from the church's loft. The priest was a bit of a jokester, mimicking the phone calls he imagined Caroline and Dana making to each other, bringing levity to his homily. Caroline + Dana shared many laughs and gave one another hand squeezes throughout the whole wedding ceremony.

After Caroline + Dana were pronounced husband and wife, we took couple's photos around the church and they got a moment together to celebrate being officially married :)

Check back soon for more photos from their fun wedding reception at the JW Marriott. Congratulations Caroline + Dana! We are so happy for you!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at St. Vincent de Paul Church. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 — San Francisco Wedding Photography at St. Vincent de Paul Church. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Site: St. Vincent de Paul Church

Reception: JW Marriott

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Violetta Flowers

Cake: Bala at the Cakemaker

Makeup + Hair: Joseph Cozza Salon + Spa

Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall

Suit: Vera Wang

Band: Lucky Devils

Catering: JW Marriott

Liz + Will: Healdsburg Country Gardens Wedding Photography, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography October 15, 2014

After Liz + Will announced to the world their love and commitment and tied the knot, it was time for their festive wedding reception to get started! (Click here to see photos from earlier in the day.) The evening was filled with tear-jerking toasts (especially when Liz's mom read a letter from Liz's brother, who could not attend the wedding -- everyone was bawling!), a delicious dessert table with every kind of confection imaginable (and yes, Liz + Will cut their wedding cake with an ancient family sword, used throughout the generations by Will's family for the sweetest of purposes. So cool!) and of course, the first dance between the newly married couple to a song with the most fitting lyrics, "... I am strong even on my own, but from him I never want to part, he's been there since the very start..." (Gabriel, by Lamb).

All day long we felt heady with joy for these two. They are clearly meant for each other - kind, intelligent, and giving - the strength of their friendship and love for one another is undeniable, and inspiring. Perhaps their relationship is best summed up in a sign, posted at the entrance to their wedding reception: "You are my forever. Loved you then... love you still. Always have... always WILL." MELT!!

We love you Liz + Will!! Happiness forever to you both!