Our San Francisco Ceremony
The forecasts declared a 100% chance of rain, but just as we arrived in Golden Gate Park for our first look, the rain departed, and it didn’t come back until after our little ceremony in the redwoods. Such was the theme of life both being unpredictable and also going as smoothly as we could have planned.
We chose to be wed amidst the redwoods, because these iconic trees of the West Coast have figured greatly in our road trips all over California, from Big Sur to Yosemite to the northernmost corner of the state at Redwood National Park, and many places in between. In particular, we chose the redwood grove within the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a place where I’ve photographed plenty of of other sessions, and where Alex has spent many an hour walking around during those sessions. Standing amidst the giants, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a city (until the sirens blast by, in the middle of Jeri’s welcome speech). Afterwards, we hosted our dinner reception at Nari, a Thai restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Pim Techamuanvivit. We had first visited the restaurant in 2019 and returned two years and a pandemic later, and it was just as wonderful the second time as the first.
The entire day was so lovely, and I am forever grateful for each of our loved ones who made it possible.
Below are some of my favorite images of the day. Thank you to Courtney and Jackson of Photoflood Studio for these wonderful wedding photographs. It was quite the fun experience to be in front of their camera, watching their antics as a husband-wife duo. It is truly a gift to have such close friends you can trust so fully with these moments.
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Arriving at the Botanical Garden, I had my whole entourage of friends who had been conscripted into working my wedding. Michael and Cassie drove me and my mom; Josh and Do-Hee were on setup duty; Dan was on umbrella and cart duty, and on and on. A million thanks to each of you for everything!
The first look!
Beautiful flowers by another friend, Amanda Vidmar.
Custom suit flair!
I figured a winter wedding called for a cape! Hair & makeup by my friend Becky.
One of the funniest moments, when Amanda just emerged from the forest with her giant flowers. Thank you magical flower fairy!
Family!
Rocking some rain boots I just bought that week.
We weren’t sure if my cousin Theresa would be able to play cello for us, given the rain. But it held off and we were all serenaded by her lovely melodies in the woods. Thank you also to Jeri for being our officiant. Such a perfect, beautiful job.
Our little gathering in the grove.
Emerging from the woods, and walking in together!
We began with a mini tea ceremony.
And then we exchanged some vows.
Married!
We even got a tiny peek of golden sun before departing for the reception!
Love this photo of our dining room at Nari, with the perfectly framed cake too!
I created little half-circle acrylic ornaments for each of our guests. On theme with the December wedding without being too Christmasy.
Dan and Jeri, husband and wife team, helping us to make it official!
Saying some thank-yous to all of our guests.
And enjoying the feast!
A million thanks again to everyone who made this day possible. Looking forward to part two, coming up soon!
Vendors:
Photographer: Photoflood Studio
Ceremony Venue: SF Botanical Garden
Reception Venue: Nari
Hair & Makeup: Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
Flowers: Amanda Vidmar Design
Dress: BHLDN, Ivy City Co.
Custom Suit: Suitsupply
Engagement Ring: No. 3
Alex’s Wedding Band: Misa Jewelry
Alex’s Watch: Shinola
Cake: Butter&
Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco. She compulsively documents and blogs all of her daily adventures. Follow her on instagram and view more of her professional work at annawu.com.
