Anna Wu Photography » weddings

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

Best of 2011: Engagements & Couples

Anna — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:53:43 +0000

2011 was filled with the most amazing couples. I got to shoot engagement sessions in New York, Atlanta, Seattle, and of course all over the Bay Area. I photographed a surprise proposal on the beach, a really disgusting (or is it cute?) gum wall, and even a baby pig! You can see it all for yourself below. Thank you to all the couples who made this such a fantastic year!

Sun & Elliot at Sutro Baths, San Francisco, California

Theresa & Rob at Muir Woods, Marin County, California

Debby & Justin in the Mission District, San Francisco, California

Jenny & Kevin’s Anniversary Shoot in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California

Connie & Tony’s Engagement Session in downtown Los Angeles, California

Magali & Sam’s Engagement Session in San Francisco, California

Silvia & James’ Engagement Session at the Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, California

Shelly & Mark’s Surprise Proposal at China Beach, San Francisco, California, and their Engagement Session at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco

Evelia & Joseph’s Engagement Session at the Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Raquel & Andy’s Engagement Session at Lullwater Park, Atlanta, Georgia

Mega & Jason’s Engagement Session at Baker Beach, San Francisco, California

Catherine & Joe’s Engagement Session at Baker Beach, San Francisco, California

Janey & Lee’s Engagement Session on Treasure Island, California

Kristen & Ryan’s Engagement Session in Sunol, California

Cat & Dan’s Engagement Session in Buffalo, New York

Nina & Fernando’s Engagement Session in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Cami & Eric’s Engagement Session at Pike Place, Seattle, Washington

Anny & John’s Engagement Session at Baker Beach, San Francisco, California

Anny & John | Indian Rock & Berkeley Marina | Engagement Photography

Anna — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:20:34 +0000

They first met at summer camp in the Bay Area when Anny had just graduated from high school and John had been a long time counselor. Afterwards, they became friends and hung out a lot during Anny’s years at the University of California Berkeley, but it wasn’t until they parted ways, with Anny in optometry school in New York and John in medical school in Ohio– that they decided to try being more than friends. Perfect timing, right?

Four years of long distance later, they are now engaged and living happily together in New York!

We returned to Berkeley, the place where Anny and John really got to know each other, for their engagement session. First off, Indian Rock– a giant rock in the North Berkeley hills.

Lookin sassy. Love those green flats.

I love the little tree series. Anny & John sittin in a tree!

After a quick backseat outfit change, we were ready for part two at the Berkeley Marina.

That’s the San Francisco skyline off in the distance across the bay.

They took a little break lying on the hill. I know for sure that this was John’s favorite part of the shoot.

Hello gorgeous!

Whee! They hit this on the first try!

So much fun and climbing up and down things. Congrats Anny & John! Looking forward to your wedding next June!

Catherine & Joe | Fort Mason | San Francisco Wedding Photography

Anna — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:53:11 +0000

You can see it in the way their eyes sometimes lock– they’ve found their sense of home in one another. Catherine and Joe first met when they worked together at the same accounting firm, and it took years of friendship and dating before Joe– never the planner– planned a romantic beach getaway and proposed.

On a beautiful day at Fort Mason in San Francisco, Catherine and Joe were married, surrounded by plenty of friends, family, laughter, and even a few happy tears.

This flowy, understated Priscilla of Boston gown fit Catherine perfectly.

Gorgeous and hilarious! The bridesmaids were oh so elegant in their strapless floor length dresses also from Priscilla of Boston.

Beautiful mother and daughter

Meanwhile, in the man cave… these were shot by my second shooter Kirsten.

Catherine & Joe opted to do a “first look,” seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony. It allowed us plenty of time to create these beautiful portraits.

Image on the left by Kirsten

Image on the right by Kirsten

I love the glow of the late afternoon sun– magic hour.

Image on the right by Kirsten

Sisters embrace

Reception in a frame!

The wedding party really enjoyed the same day slideshow!

Catching the couple for a moment in the dance party.

And one last frame, shot by Kirsten.

Congratulations, Catherine & Joe!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Officer’s Club, Fort Mason, San Francisco CA
Hair: Hair by Dante, San Francsico
Makeup: Red Door Spa, San Francisco
Florist: Chelsea Bowman
Catering: Piazza Market
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
DJ/Musicians: Peter Haley
Wedding Cake: Jenefer Chin (friend of couple)
Photographer: Anna Wu Photography, assisted by Kirsten Tamme

Cami & Eric | Pike Place | Seattle Engagement Photography

Anna — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:53:47 +0000

It was almost exactly two years ago that I first posted this very adorable session of Cami & Eric at Lake Merritt in Oakland. These two have been in a long distance relationship for the last three years while living in varying combinations of Oakland, Seattle, Rome, and Phoenix. It wasn’t until this past June that Cami and Eric were finally reunited in their hometown of Seattle for good. And in July, in the city they love most, the place where it all began, and on Cami’s birthday no less, Eric proposed. Hooray!

It was an amazingly gorgeous day in Seattle when I met up with Cami and Eric at the iconic Pike Place Market to photograph their engagement session.

Moments in the hustle and bustle.

This is either disgusting or cute or perhaps a little bit of both– the famous “gum wall” in Seattle’s Pike Place. At least Eric and Cami are adorable for sure.

A very appropriate reaction on the right.

I am in love with Cami’s gorgeous eyes.

We took full advantage of the late afternoon light.

I love that we got to capture their city on such a gorgeous day. Eric is a huge sports fan so it’s nice we caught those stadiums in the background too.

If you squint a bit, you can even see Mt. Ranier back there.

Lens flare!

Congratulations Cami & Eric! Looking forward to my next Seattle trip up for your wedding in July!

Technical note: Four of these images were shot on 35mm Portra 400H film! Can you guess which? I think they blend in quite nicely.

Nina & Fernando | San Francisco Engagement Photography

Anna — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:17:38 +0000

They met in middle school, when Fernando was just a shy boy, struck by love at first sight. Nina just remembers asking him what middle school he was attending. Of course, they eventually started dating in high school, and after being together for seven years, Fernando proposed to Nina after dinner with her family at home.

Fernando and Nina came down from Santa Rosa to meet me at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. I love the images we got. These two were so sweet.

I love tunnel light.

So glam with those long lashes!

And more to come in December when we celebrate their winter wonderland wedding!

Kathleen & Wesley | San Francisco Wedding Photography

Anna — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:52:43 +0000

It was a beautifully warm day on 9.10.11, perhaps the most popular wedding date of the year. Kathleen got ready in her hotel room in South San Francisco, and then she hopped into the gorgeous 1946 Rolls Royce Bentley to join her husband-to-be at the church in San Francisco. A perfect way to start the day. Meanwhile, Wesley was walking up and down the aisles of the church as the guests arrived, warmly greeting friends and family and making last minute arrangements. Finally, he stood at the front of the alter, his smile broadening as she walked down the aisle to join him. It was a lovely ceremony and a celebration of love and family.

This is really a beautiful car. I had to look it up to believe that Rolls Royce really made Bentleys back in 1946, but it’s true! Kathleen and Wesley rolled around in style all day.

I love the image I caught of Kathleen’s father as she was getting ready.

The Star of the Sea is a beautiful Catholic church right on Geary Ave. Kathleen looks so radiant coming down the aisle.

A perfect little moment between mother and daughter.

Love the beautiful light coming in from the front of the church!

I love that Kathleen & Wesley set aside plenty of time for portraits of just them. We visited a couple of spots before joining their guests at the cocktail hour.

I love this serene moment captured by my second shooter Kirsten.

This was a vista point along the side of a road in San Bruno. It was nice to just take a breath and soak in some sunshine.

The reception venue, Dominic’s at Oyster Point, was full of great views too.

The reception was filled with amazing little moments. It kicked off with some hilarious and some touching toasts.

This was really special when Wesley gave the first mother-son dance to his brother, who didn’t get to do it at his wedding in the Philippines two years ago.

Then Wesley got to dance with his mother and Kathleen with her father.

After Kathleen & Wesley had their first dance, Wesley had another surprise up his sleeves– he sang an entire song for her!

The crowd loved it.

Adorable.

Kathy & Wesley, thank you so much for having me at your celebration! It was a fun filled day and you are both such great people. And all the best is yet to come!

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Star of the Sea Catholic Church, San Francisco CA
Reception Venue & Catering: Dominic’s at Oyster Point, South San Francisco, CA
Hair: Shirley Piscatelli
Makeup: Hillie Yung
Florist: Rosedale Floral Design, Brisbane, CA
Wedding Dress: Casablanca
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
DJ: Joe Otayde
Band: Feelosophy
Cake: CakeAbakin
Car: 1946 Rolls Royce Bentley, Carl Payne

Cat & Dan | City Girl & Farm Boy | Buffalo, New York Engagement Photography

Anna — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:33:53 +0000

She was always a bit of a wild child, a party girl. He has always been a farm boy, born and raised in the small town of Eden, New York. But when they met back in college, somehow the pieces fit. He keeps her grounded; she keeps life interesting. And at the end of the day, they’re just laughing with each other like silly kids.

It was a big move when Cat left her job and her life in LA to live with Dan on his farm in Buffalo. But the city girl has found a home on the farm, and more importantly, she’s with the man she loves. Yes, it’s still crazy that Cat lives on a farm now. But it’s great to see how happy she is there with Dan!

We kicked off the engagement session at Ellicott Square in downtown Buffalo.

So gorgeous, Cat.

I love Cat’s laugh. She just couldn’t keep a straight face looking over at Dan.

Afterwards, we headed to Dan’s family farm. I wasn’t sure what to expect when Cat told me about shooting on the farm, but sure enough, it’s 500 acres of every type of vegetable imaginable. Corn, soybeans, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, and I’m sure a ton more that I can’t even remember.

Maddox came along too. He’s huge, slobbery, and super friendly.

I absolutely love this running photo. It seems so fitting.

And for the grand finale, a baby pig. Cat loves pigs. Her excitement over this pig is only matched by Dan’s disdain for it– bad experiences raising pigs in 4H when he was growing up. But you know, Dan loves Cat, and so he went and borrowed this pig from a friend, just for her. True love.

Stinky, squeally, so worth it.

This photo cracks me up. I think Maddox wants a chunk of bacon.

And one last one in the soybeans.

Cat & Dan, thanks so much for hosting me over in Buffalo. I’m looking forward to partying with you all in February– Santa Monica!