Mieke and Davide -A San Francisco Wedding Italian Style

Mieke met Davide while she was living in Italy where she lived two years. When she returned to Virginia to complete her PHD program, Davide came with her. Together they planned their San Francisco wedding from Virginia. Just a few weeks ago they moved back to Mieke's hometown of San Francisco. With their traveling of traveling, it was fitting that we travel around San Francisco on the day of their wedding to take photos in a few of their favorite locations. Their wedding was filled with unique touches, from the interfaith ceremony to the killer red Ferrari. But the coolest thing about Mieke and Davide's wedding was Mieke and Davide. Their honest love and open hearts were poured out for each other and touched everyone around them. It was amazing hearing their friends and family talk about these two and the influences that they have had on others lives and it reminded me that I have a awesome job! We started off the day at the Palace of Fine Arts, one of my favorite places in all of California. After a while we traveled to Alamo Square to take advantage of the views and classic San Francisco style. Davide, who happens to be the most personable guy I know, made friends with everyone along the way and dragged many of them in front of the camera with him. Upon sighting these officers, Davide approached them and asked if we could all take a shot together. Thanks again officers! The next stop on our agenda was the Civic Center. Following in Italian tradition, their guests greeted Mieke and Davide with cheers as they arrived to the Fort Mason Chapel in a Ferrari. After the ceremony everyone walked down to the Golden Gate Room for the reception. Mieke brought a selection of her favorite wines from Virginia with her for the wedding. DJ Wayne Noel of Golden State Productions mixed all night long for us. I've had the pleasure of working with him many times before and I know it will always be a rocking party with him! The toasts were honest celebrations of the love between Mieke and Davide given by longtime friends and family member from Italy bring both cheers and tears. Did I mention they had a Ferrari?

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Rebecca and Aaron - Part Two - The Crazybooth

As much fun as their wedding was, Rebecca and Aaron's wedding reception was a bit crazy! Instead of the "boring-no-fun-at-all" table shots, we brought along the Crazybooth for their wedding giving their guests a real chance to express themselves in one of a kind photos. Everyone had a blast as the crazybooth took on a life of its own throughout the night. It was the perfect touch for the wedding. I love this shot of Rebecca and her grandparents! So much love! Every wedding needs a piñata! Through talking with him, we descovered next year he's going to attend our Alma Mater, Westmont College. I think I might have to contact some old friends and get this photo on his student ID. Great food cooked up by Sierra Smokehouse! These guys couldn't be stopped from enjoying the corn to take a photo! So much love!

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Rebecca and Aaron - Part One - The Wedding

Last Saturday, Rebecca and Aaron took their friends and family up to Tenaya Lake in Yosemite for their wedding ceremony. Beautiful does not begin to describe the surroundings -- high country Yosemite with perfect weather. It's a bit surreal to be at 8000 feet and beachside. But it was the absolute perfect place for Rebecca and Aaron to marry. Rebecca and Aaron felt no need to tie themselves to the supposed traditions of marriage. Instead of a flowing white dress, she wore an amazingly beautiful blue dress that look awesome on her. Instead of chairs and pews, their guests simply gathered around them for an intimate beach wedding. Instead of the fluff surrounds the wedding, they had each other -- and it was all they needed. Rebecca and Aaron did one of the coolest things I've seen at a wedding. At the reception, they had each of the guests write down a bit of wedding wisdom and various cards numbered 1-50 and seal them in a envelope. For each anniversary they are going to open an envelope and read a card. What a great way to stop and remember one of the greatest days of your life! Tenaya Lake doesn't offer 5 star accomdations. Becca hid behind a small building to prepare for the wedding It was short hike to the ceremony spot. Yes, it really was this beautiful! I love the color the sky takes at this elevation! One of my favorite shots from the wedding by Katie! Weddings hardly go as planned, but having a car die on you while you're an hour from the reception, not good. Even a broken down car couldn't stop their joy! A bit late beacause of the car, but we made it back for a great backyard reception. Check back tomorrow for Part 2 - the Crazybooth!

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