There is something about the getting ready photos that makes them some of my favorites from the day. The excitement, the anticipation of course – but I also love that it’s my first glimpse into the rest of the day, a happy hint at what the next 8 or 9 hours may bring. Upon stepping into Jenny’s room, I was greeted firstly by her ethereal dress hanging softly in the corner, her fantastic shoes glittering by the bed. By the prettiest light (can all hotel rooms be this suite at The Standard??) By bridesmaids laughing & practicing a dance number to come during the reception, or helping with some last minute plans. And of course by a sweet and radiant bride, who hugged me with the biggest brightest smile, who was head over heels to jump into the rest of the day.

And just as this initial peek suggested, the rest of this wedding unfolded into moments that were just as perfect – a tearful first look, THE cutest doggy ringbearer (seriously please take a look at that guy, it will make your entire week), some of the most eloquent and touching toasts I’ve heard, and dancing under golden lanterns and city lights. Cafe Pinot, as always, was the perfect backdrop for their day – I seriously never get tired of shooting there! – and this whole wedding was just a dream to photograph…

Oh, the internet is an interesting thing. It is of course the way many couples find me, but I’ve found recently that it’s played a big part in the way our relationship unfolds after as well. There is of course email, but like in the case of Susan and Ken, we’re facebook friends and follow each other’s photo adventures on Instagram as well. And throughout the months between our initial meeting and their wedding day, I got to follow their love for food, their playdates with their two amazing beagles, their awesome bachelor/bachelorette parties (think New York and Hawaii!), their wedding planning, their memories together.

Because as much as I wish I could grab coffee and hang out with my couples all the time, getting to know them this way – through updates on events, snippets of daily life, comments of encouragement – is maybe the next best thing. And by the time their wedding day rolled around, I really felt I had gotten to know Susan and Ken. That we had learned that much more about each other. That perhaps I could appreciate the details they thoughtfully incorporated into their day that much more. That when they saw each other for the first time, or said their tearful vows, or watched their slideshow, I found myself in tears along with them – that in two amazing, kind, and fun-loving people like this, I had found not clients, but friends.

Susan & Ken – I can’t express how much your support and trust in my work means to me, and how much I appreciate you letting me capture this day. It was perfect :)

I do my best to blog most of what I shoot, but I sadly find there are busy times when it’s impossible to post everything, especially since my priority is always to deliver the images to my clients on time :) This is one of those such cases – a most beautiful wedding that somehow never saw the blog-light of day. I happened across these images the other day and seriously couldn’t believe I had never shared them! A vintage-inspired wedding set perfectly against the backdrop of the historical Oviatt Penthouse & Cicada Restaurant in downtown, adorned with art deco accents. A fabulously stylish couple. Sweet personal touches like a brisk swing dance in place of a more traditional first dance, and a painting (see the final photo!) created by the bride’s sister that was displayed at the reception and adorned their programs.

The portraits we did on the rooftop of the building are perhaps some of my most favorite portraits to this day. Thank you for taking a peek into this wedding that I’ve been wanting to share from the moment I photographed it :)

(I believe this was also the first wedding I worked with Shana and Kelly Zhang, both amazing girls & wedding professionals I’ve since formed friendships with and had the opportunity to work with lots :) )