Michele & Joaquin's Wedding. San Mateo

Ceremony at St. Gregory's and reception at the Peninsula Italian American Social Club, both in San Mateo.

Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding on this past Saturday.

Michele prepared for the big day in an awesome two-story suite at the San Mateo Marriott. As directed by the coordinator, we arrived at St. Gregory's just before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. The church, by the way, is gorgeous featuring large bronze-toned doors, a dual-arched entry, stained glass, ceiling accents, and ornate lighting. You'll see them in the pictures! Afterwards the wedding party piled into the huge Hummer limo and went to an *undisclosed* nearby location for some relaxed group shots before finally heading over the PIASC.

Many of Joaquin's family members made the trip from El Salvador so it was appropriate for the yummy dinner to be catered by a Salvadoran taqueria. The Latin music had guests of all ages on the dancefloor for much of the night. Cool!

Is anyone out there watching Ace of Cakes on the Food Network? Ever since catching a few episodes, I have had a fascination with wedding cakes. This beautiful cake is by the Cakery in Burlingame. Flowers are by Dana's Flower Basket in San Mateo.

Joan & Kerry's Wedding. San Francisco

Ceremony and reception at the Trocadero Inn in Stern Grove, San Francisco.

Joan first called me August of last year. We were introduced by Raquel, who is getting married later this year and another Karl Ko Photography client. Time just flew by as Joan and Kerry were married this past Saturday. The ceremony was held outdoors under tall Eucalyptus and pine trees. Afterwards, guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the large porch of the Trocadero Inn and at the bar inside. Dinner was served in the Trocadero's main room. The Inn was built in the 1890's and still retains many original details like the etched glass and Victorian accents.

Branch Out Florals and Event Design provided the bouquets and arrangements placed on tables and hung from chairs. The dinner by Left Coast Catering was delicious - thanks Marianne! You should also check out the cake's detail and piping work by Lelenitas Cakes which tasted as great as it looked.

At the end of the night a full-sized tour bus picked up the revelers taking them back to their hotels. What a great idea!

For those that don't know, the park is very distinctive occupying roughly 60 wooded acres in the Outer Sunset District. Stern Grove is best known for its free summer outdoor concert series (the Stern Grove Festival) with performances by popular jazz and pop acts as well as the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, and San Francisco Ballet. The Concert Meadow was recently converted from a large grassy hill to a beautifully terraced seating area.