Erika and Ed's Wedding. San Francisco

Ceremony at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park and reception at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco.

Erika and Ed have been together for about 12 years and decided this was the year they were going to tie the knot. They moved away from the San Francisco area many years ago but it has remained one of their favorite places. So much so that they returned to get married!

They worked in reverse and hosted an intimate dinner the night before the ceremony. Close friends and family were invited to celebrate with them. Erika and Ed met with me a little before the dinner to photograph around the unique Mission District restaurant. It was getting dark but we managed to squeeze in a few good frames. This particular area of San Francisco really amazes me because of its juxtaposition of old with new and discount with luxury. It's definitely a neat part of town to wander around in.

Erika and Ed chose to have their ceremony on the Monday following the reception because it was a special date - her grandparent's anniversary. That morning they got ready at the Hyatt Embarcadero. Ed wore a blue pin stripe suit and Erika wore a custom made dress with a large blue bow. Golden Gate Park was very pleasant that morning with the sun beaming down as they exchanged vows at the pagoda near the Strawberry Hill waterfall. The simple ceremony was very personal as most of the audience had contributed small facts about the couple to the officiant. Afterwards, it was all smiles, hugs and cupcakes! A friend and pastry chef made the treats you see in the tower. They looked pretty tasty! Afterwards, friends and family left for Dim Sum giving us some private time to photograph the new married couple.

Hilda and Nicholas's Wedding. Palo Alto

I can't believe it's been over a week since they were married! I got a little behind.

Ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Palo Alto and reception at the Decathlon Club in Santa Clara.

Hilda was getting ready in San Carlos. Her sister kept a very neat house which provided a great backdrop for the dress, shoes, rings, and veil. (Note to future brides, if you want great images of yourself getting ready, cleaning the rooms up a bit and concealing the clutter will help your photographer out a lot.) There was a great backyard and large paned windows that I enjoyed taking advantage of. Hilda looked great and her highlights photographed well.

Off to the church to meet the guys. It was yet another pleasant day in the Bay Area; we took the opportunity to photograph outside. Across from the church was a well-maintained neighborhood park - a perfect setting for the groomsmen. With 9 guys, I needed lots of space! A few quick shots and it was time to get married. The church was built in 1901 and featured some beautiful stained glass!

When we arrived at the Decathlon Club for the reception, the mariachi band was already playing. I haven't photographed a wedding with a mariachi band in a while - I love mariachi bands! I like the silver details on their pants and skirts, their coordinated clothing, and the great music of course. The group serenaded guests during dinner. It was a great celebration and ended with one of my wedding favorites - a fine cuban cigar. Yes, hecho en Havana. My humidor of Cubans are beckoning me too... Maybe after the last wedding of the season I'll celebrate a year of great clients, weddings, and new found friends.

Thank you Joaquin and Michele for thinking of me when you heard Hilda and Nicholas were getting married!