Bowerbird Photography on the new Global Fund for Women website!

Bowerbird Photography October 14, 2015

Last year we spent a month in the Middle East with the Global Fund for Women, photographing their grantees across the region. Today GFW launched a new website and we're thrilled that so many of our images from the trip are featured! Be sure to check it out and the work of this incredible organization. https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Lauren + Steve: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Westin St. Francis, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography October 2, 2015

After saying "I do," Lauren + Steve were so excited to get their party started! They whipped and nae nea'd their way into their wedding reception as Mrs. & Mr. Murcia in the elegant setting of Victor's Place on the 32nd, or Imperial Floor, of the historic Westin St. Francis. Touching and hilarious toasts shortly followed. Then a taste of cake... and DANCING!!!

A highlight of the evening was when Lauren + Steve suddenly reappeared on the dance floor, Lauren sporting a super sexy salsa dress and heels instead of her wedding dress. The newlyweds surprised their guests with a dazzling salsa routine to Enrique Iglesias smash hit "Bailando." Everyone gathered around them in a circle and went crazy with excitement! They were incredible!

So happy for you both, Lauren + Steve! To a lifetime of happiness, adventures and perfect salsa moves together!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Westin St. Francis. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue and Catering: Westin St. Francis

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Lauren Schardt

Flowers: Violetta Flowers

Cake: The Cakemaker

Makeup: Beauty by Melanie

Hair: Jade

Wedding Dress: Stella York

Suit: Vera Wang

DJ: Gatsby Entertainment

Brides Shoes: Oscar de la Renta

Wedding Rings: Derco Diamonds

Lauren + Steve: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Westin St. Francis, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography September 30, 2015

Last week we posted a sneak peek from Lauren + Steve's elegant wedding at the Westin St. Francis near Union Square in San Francisco. Lauren's mom, Rosa, wrote the cutest comment under the photo: "Love the pic... what a beautiful couple... Ken & Barbie... lol." Their wedding was totally out of a fairytale and a perfect romance - not to mention these two have the perfect bods - so the comparison to Ken & Barbie really does fit.

The wedding day dazzled with the most beautiful details, from Lauren's stunning wedding dress to custom flasks for the boys. After sharing a bottle of bubbly with her mom and bridal party, Lauren put on her dress and then went to meet her hubby-to-be for their first look. We spent some time in Union Square taking portraits of this dreamboat duo, where security tried to kick us out, convinced that we were doing a fashion shoot because these two looked so smoking. Luckily we were able to convince them that, YES, Lauren + Steve were about to get married, for reals! They just happen to look like super models :)

Their wedding ceremony was on the top floor of the Westin St. Francis in Victor's Palace, with sweeping views of San Francisco. Many laughs and a few tears made for a heartfelt wedding ceremony.

Up next will be photos of their reception and an oh-so-fabulous surprise salsa dance from the bride and groom that was seriously HAWT!

Congratulations Lauren + Steve on your beautiful wedding!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue and Catering: Westin St. Francis

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Lauren Schardt

Flowers: Violetta Flowers

Cake: The Cakemaker

Makeup: Beauty by Melanie

Hair: Jade

Wedding Dress: Stella York

Suit: Vera Wang

DJ: Gatsby Entertainment

Brides Shoes: Oscar de la Renta

Wedding Rings: Derco Diamonds

Baby Kit: San Francisco Newborn Photography Session

Bowerbird Photography September 28, 2015

Sweet baby Kit! Welcome to the world!

We were so excited to finally meet this perfect bundle last week, just before she celebrated her third week earth-side. Mama Leenie + Papa Jed could not be more captivated by their darling baby girl. Congratulations beautiful family!

San Francisco Newborn Photography Session. © Bowerbird Photography 2015 — San Francisco Newborn Photography Session. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Merritt + Brian: Outdoor Art Club Wedding in Mill Valley, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography September 23, 2015

Bells and streamers in hand, Merritt + Brian's wedding guests cheered the newlyweds on after their ceremony at the Community Church of Mill Valley. A Balkan/Klezmer band took up the beat with tuba, clarinet, drum, and accordion, and led the procession through the middle of the no-longer-sleepy downtown, lit up by the sight and sound of the merry parade, to their reception at the Outdoor Art Club.

Not wanting to miss the fun of cocktail hour, the bride started it off with some bonding with her younger brother, sharing a round of shots and finishing with a tart lime wedge. Entering the historic Outdoor Art Club (designed by Bernard Maybeck) one of the first details guests noticed were the table centerpieces hand illustrated by the groom - framed depictions of local birds with a fun fact too! Brian will make birders of us all yet!

The couple got the evening rolling with a first dance both sweet and sexy (Brian whipped his jacket off to more howls than Channing Tatum might get before a throng of teens). After a delicious dinner and toasts equally heartwarming and wine-out-the-nose hilarious, guests charged the stage to shake what they got, with a degree of gusto rarely observed at the many weddings we've photographed over the years. Knees rose so high, feet scarcely touched the ground, so jubilant was the dancing.

A perfect celebration and send-off for these two lovebirds -- a type of bird we don't need Brian's expertise to spot!