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.
The girls got ready in a bustle of hair and makeup.
Holding back tears! Early and often. This was definitely a beautifully emotional day.
Meanwhile, the groomsmen sip on some libations and tackle some of their DIY tasks like the awesome photobooth Cristin and Michael designed.
Michael gets ready to see his bride!
Elizabeth Mae, the cutest niece in the world, contributes her tiny 7-month-old thumbprint to the guest book.
The favors were cute little heart-shaped seed bombs.
Then came the most touching ceremony.
The bride and her mother walked down the aisle together, because her father was already up front as the officiant!
Tears and laughter. A happy combination.
I just love all the genuine moments we were able to capture. There was just such pure joy after the ceremony!
A lovely cocktail hour!
The flower girl and ringbearer add their marks to the guestbook.
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.
And we can’t leave out the emu!
Before the reception, I grabbed Cristin and Michael for a few more portraits… and wow, was it worth it!
So cinematic, this natural light!
And of course, the epic sunset portraits overlooking the hills.
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.
They had the most adorable first dance too, choreographed and everything.
And some very sweet dances with their parents as well.
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.