Cristin & Michael | Diablo Ranch | San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photography

There are a lot of things that float through your head on move-in day your freshman year in college. What are you going to major in? Who will your friends be? Is your roommate crazy? It might not occur to you to think, “Will I meet the love of my life today?” But of course that’s exactly what would end up happening for Cristin and Michael. She was the girl next door (in the next dorm room!), and yes, they met on that very first day. They didn’t start dating until junior year, but a few years after that, they would tie their lives together forever in this breathtaking wedding. It was an incredible day with the loveliest couple. Love, love, love.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

The girls got ready in a bustle of hair and makeup.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Holding back tears! Early and often. This was definitely a beautifully emotional day.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Meanwhile, the groomsmen sip on some libations and tackle some of their DIY tasks like the awesome photobooth Cristin and Michael designed.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Michael gets ready to see his bride!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Elizabeth Mae, the cutest niece in the world, contributes her tiny 7-month-old thumbprint to the guest book.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

The favors were cute little heart-shaped seed bombs.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Then came the most touching ceremony.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

The bride and her mother walked down the aisle together, because her father was already up front as the officiant!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Tears and laughter. A happy combination.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & MichaelDiablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael
Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

I just love all the genuine moments we were able to capture. There was just such pure joy after the ceremony!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

A lovely cocktail hour!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

The flower girl and ringbearer add their marks to the guestbook.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Between the magical light and the menagerie of animals, I think Diablo Ranch ranks up there in my favorite California venues! Here we go with feeding Chase the bull a carrot and saying hello to this chestnut brown horse.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

And we can’t leave out the emu!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Before the reception, I grabbed Cristin and Michael for a few more portraits… and wow, was it worth it!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

So cinematic, this natural light!

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

And of course, the epic sunset portraits overlooking the hills.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

There was no cake, but instead, an assortment of pies! And there was no actual cake cutting, but this was an impromptu little moment as Cristin pretended to feed Michael, but landed that bite in her own mouth instead.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

They had the most adorable first dance too, choreographed and everything.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

And some very sweet dances with their parents as well.

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Diablo Ranch Wedding Photography | Cristin & Michael

Congratulations, Cristin & Michael! This was but a fraction of the beautiful moments from an amazing day. What a privilege to be a part of it all!

Wedding Vendors:

Photographer: Anna Wu & Rosa Guerra, assisted by Jasmine Curtis; Anna Wu Photography
Venue: Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek, CA
Hair: Samantha Vale, Festoon Salon
Makeup: DIY
Florist: DIY
Catering: Angela Ginsburg, A Fork Full of Earth
Dress: Hayley Paige by Jim Hjelm
DJ: Denon & Doyle
Wedding Pies: Rozlyn Steele, Little Ladybug Bakery
Transportation: First Student Charter Bus

Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco. She creates beautiful, soft, and timeless imagery while capturing the most fleeting of moments. View her work at annawu.com or contact her to book your own session today.