Anna Wu Photography » weddings

Sun & Elliot | San Francisco Engagement Photography

Anna — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:41:24 +0000

This is an engagement I’ve been looking forward to for a while now. You may remember my friends Sun and Elliot from their portrait session a year ago, before they were engaged, just as they were about to embark on a year of long distance across San Francisco and Vietnam. Well, they made it through to other side–with a ring on Sun’s finger no less– and they will be wed in Chicago this fall!

We drove up to the Marin Headlands for their engagement session.

Such rebels.

After a quick outfit change, Elliot surprised Sun with a birthday gift– a shark kite! She has a thing for sharks.

And outfit number three was an adorable ensemble for the streets of Sausalito.

Love the one of Sun on the left. It might be my favorite.

Congratulations, Sun & Elliot!

Erin & Thomas’ Elopement | Big Sur Wedding Photography

Anna — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:51:38 +0000

This elopement takes my breath away.

Erin is a painter; Thomas is a composer. They both knew they didn’t want a big, expensive wedding. It was difficult for their families to not be there for the ceremony, but they knew this was what fit them best. They flew from New York City to Big Sur, California, and they stripped the wedding down to its core. There were no frills– just two people in love committing to each other for the rest of their lives.

Soaring Starkey was such a wonderful officiant. She personalized the entire ceremony to fit Erin and Thomas, and she was such a pleasure to work with, ever considerate of my photography needs on top of creating the most amazing experience for the bride and groom.

I just love the sheer emotion that runs through this elopement.

In the middle of the ceremony, Soaring stepped aside to let Erin and Thomas speak directly to each other, just the two of them.

Erin’s BCBG dress was just stunning. It was so beautiful and fitting for the unique occasion.

Soaring also provided Erin and Thomas with a full script of the entire ceremony, including both of their stories about how they first knew that they were “the one” for each other.

Finally, after the ceremony we had time to roam Pfeiffer Beach for some beautiful portraits. It was such an incredible experience to be there in Big Sur, surrounded by the grandeur of the California Coast. This was one of those days I really just looked around in disbelief– I have the best job ever. This was a Monday afternoon, no less!

Number one favorite:

Congratulations, Erin & Thomas! Thank you so much for sharing your special day with me. It was an absolute honor.

Wedding Vendors:

Location: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
Officiant: Soaring Starkey
Dress: BCBG
Photographer: Anna Wu Photography

Erin & Jack | San Francisco Engagement Photography

Anna — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:33:19 +0000

A surprise engagement session! Erin and Jack were so great to work with. They were visiting San Francisco from Seattle, and Erin planned the whole shoot as a surprise to Jack for his birthday weekend. We started by the California Academy of Sciences and wandered through Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, and it was all sweetness along the way.

A little Jurassic Park moment:

Congratulations, Erin & Jack! I hope you’re enjoying these images from back in Seattle.

Christine & Scott | V. Sattui | Napa California Wedding Photography

Anna — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:35:47 +0000

They envisioned an outdoor wedding at a Napa Valley winery, V. Sattui. The courtyard would be strung with lights and guests would be seated in the cozy little square. But mother nature had other plans when the forecasts all turned to rain. Of course, Christine and Scott didn’t let it stop them for one second. All of the amazing vendors worked to seamlessly relocate the ceremony indoors to the barrel room. There was not one ounce of complaint over changed plans. It was beautiful, intimate, and filled with joy and celebration, and Christine and Scott had the perfect wedding in every way.

Christine got ready at the beautiful Avia Hotel in downtown Napa.

V. Sattui’s covered walkways surrounding the courtyard made for the perfect setting for Christine & Scott’s rainy day first look.

I absolutely loved working with everyone at V. Sattui. They made the entire day run so smoothly and were so helpful in accommodating us with all these gorgeous photography locations.

Christine and Scott opted to create two 20×30″ canvas prints of their engagement photos, as well as a custom guest book which I’m sure I’ll post about soon. I absolutely loved seeing all of their beautiful photos on display!

The details were classic and fit the rustic look of the barrel room perfectly.

Candid moments are always my favorites.

The room was transformed into the reception venue and a lounge seating area.

Macaroons! An entire dessert bar! And even an ice cream station.

Cheers!

Congratulations, Christine & Scott!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: V. Sattui Winery
Hair: Jennifer Smallwood, It’s A Date at the Powder Room
Makeup: Jennifer Smallwood, It’s A Date at the Powder Room
Florist: Paul Stokey, Tesoro Flowers
Catering: Tra Vigne
Dress: David’s Bridal
DJ: Tony Sparks, Close Cut Productions
Wedding Coordinator: Darlene Forbes
Wedding Cake: Jaimee, Fleur de Lisa
Officiant: James Forbes
Photography: Anna Wu Photography

Christine & Scott | San Francisco Engagement Photography

Anna — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:23:19 +0000

Christine has a cheerful demeanor, an easy smile that breaks across her face and leaves an endearing little dimple on her left cheek. Scott is sharp-witted, a quiet observer, but always willing to indulge and humor those around him. They’ve been inseparable for years, and it’s fun to watch how they support one another.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in San Francisco when we met at Golden Gate Park for Christine & Scott’s engagement session. Oscillating between silly humor and quiet intimacy, the photographs are packed with a bit of each of their personalities.

Cat & Dan | Santa Monica California Wedding Photography

Anna — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:21:03 +0000

She was a little bundle of nerves all morning. She just could not wait to marry the love of her life.

It was seven years ago that she had reached between the seats of a bus to tap him on the shoulder. They were on their way to a sorority/fraternity party, and she had wanted the wine that he was drinking. It was such an innocuous beginning to a relationship that would grow and span their distances from Chicago to Boston to Los Angeles to Buffalo, New York.

Now, finally, she was walking across the hotel to see him for the first time on their wedding day. It wasn’t until she approached him and tapped him on the shoulder– just as she had when they first met– that she felt her nerves settle. She smiled an easy smile, and off they went to be wed, together forever.

Cat and her mother chose her beautiful Romona Keveza wedding gown together. And of course, Cat added a bright pop of color with her Badgley Mischkas.

The handsome groom awaits the “first look” all the way at the opposite end of the hotel.

I loved the sheer delight on their faces as Cat and Dan saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Adorable cousin moment!

At the end of the ceremony, a beautiful rose ceremony joining the couple and honoring each of their parents.

The reception was decorated in a Spanish wine theme.

A great toast from Cat’s father.

And an unexpected serenade from Cat’s brother.

Grandma on the dance floor!

From the baby pig engagement session all the way to the aisle! Congratulations Cat & Dan!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue & Catering: Loew’s Santa Monica
Hair: Dylan
Makeup: Jessica DeBen
Florist: Gretchen Durgan, Flower Power L.A.
Dress: Romona Keveza
Band: Rock Candy, Art Deco Entertainment
Coordinator: Juliet Ryan
Videographer: Seaglass Cinema
Photographer: Anna Wu Photography

Karly & Mario | Kiss Wedding Albums

Anna — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:46:38 +0000

Wedding albums are my favorite way to showcase my couple’s weddings. These heirloom quality books are custom designed to tell the story of their day, and these are the beautiful books that will be passed down for generations to come. Below, I share with you just a few images of Karly & Mario’s wedding album featuring their fall wedding at Descanso Gardens.

To all my other clients, please let me know if you’d like to get started on your wedding album today!

To view more images of Karly and Mario’s album, become a fan of Anna Wu Photography on facebook and visit the album here.

Best of 2011: Weddings

Anna — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:55:40 +0000

I know I know, it’s almost February, and I am still back in 2011, recapping weddings. Please forgive me. I thought about letting this post slide by, but I simply couldn’t let it go. 2011 was filled to the brim with such wonderful couples, unique venues all across the country, the most touching moments, and above all, love, love, love.

Below is a selection of just a few of the amazing moments from the past year. The majority of these are photojournalistic captures of genuine emotion. The laughter! The tears! The hugs! I chose these photographs because they are the types of images that remind me what an incredible honor and privilege it is to be able to do this for a living.

My sincerest thanks to every one of my 2011 couples and to their friends and family who invited me to be there on such a special day of your lives. I hope you enjoy! Click on any image to view the full wedding post.

Pei-Hua & Tony | San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography

Anna — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:24:26 +0000

Pei-Hua and Tony first met when they were they first joined AOL and were sent to training in Virginia. Six weeks of work training led to a cross-country long distance relationship, and a couple years later, Tony joined Pei-Hua in California to move into the next stage of their lives together. It was a brisk December day when Pei-Hua and Tony were officially wed at San Francisco’s City Hall. Some of their family members had flown in from Taiwan for the occasion, and Pei-Hua was radiant in her beautiful gown, looking just as elegant as the space.

San Francisco’s City Hall is beyond amazing. It’s such a beautiful building with plenty of natural light for photographs, and it’s simply the perfect setting for a civil ceremony.

Friends and family gather around as they wait their turn for their ceremony.

Laughter and tears!

It was Pei-Hua’s idea to finish off the day with some jumping photos. I love how this turned her dress into a giant poofball!

Congratulations Pei-Hua and Tony! Now that I’ve fallen in love with San Francisco City Hall, I can’t wait to shoot more weddings there!

Wedding Vendors:

Hair & Makeup: Jessie Weng
Dress: Mori Lee
Shoes: J.Renee
Shrug: Light in the Box

Nina & Fernando | Windsor, California Wedding Photography

Anna — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:47:20 +0000

They are high school sweethearts, best friends, and partners for life. With Nina’s brilliant smile and Fernando’s kind heart, they brighten every room they enter. Nina and Fernando were wed in December in a beautiful celebration with summery sunlight, beautiful autumn leaves, and a sparkling winter wonderland all rolled into one.

A great mother daughter moment

The beautiful lazo encircles the couple– a Mexican wedding tradition.

Looking over the shoulders of the Mariachi band.

Nina and her father, and on the right, Fernando and his father.

After the ceremony, we went to the Windsor Golf Club for some more portraits of the bride and groom.

I was in love with these trees!

And then it was time for the reception at the Mary Agatha Furth Center.

I love seeing my couples’ engagement photos used at the reception!

The toasts were beautiful. Family is so important to Nina and Fernando, and it really showed throughout the day.

I love this moment from the end of the money dance! For those who are wondering about all that money stuck to the couple, it’s a Mexican tradition to do a “money dance’ where guests can take turns coming up and pinning money to the bride or the groom in exchange for a dance with them.

And now for the 12 piece Banda! I’ve seen bands play at weddings, but never a 17-piece band with the full stage and production equipment set up! It was one of the many highlights of the night.

…And they danced the night away!

Congratulations Nina & Fernando!

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Windsor, California
Reception: Mary Agatha Furth Center, Windsor, California
Hair: Ivonne Zapata
Florist: Angelica DeMaderios
Catering: Rosales Catering, Santa Rosa, CA
Dress: Wine Country Bride
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Jalisco
17-Piece Band: Banda Troyana, San Jose, CA
Videography: Tamayo’s Video
Coordinator: Carmen Callinan, aunt of the bride
Cake: Alicia Quatrocchi
Chair Rentals: 1000 Fine Linens, Fremont, CA
Security: V&G Services, Santa Rosa, CA