Usually I try not to get my hopes up when I get an inquiry for a wedding that sounds amazing. Because I never know if that couple is meant for me. And yet one of the hardest things about this business of mine is that it’s always personal for me.
So when Elaine sent me an email describing their intimate San Francisco City Hall wedding, I thought I should wait at least an hour before I responded, lest she think me WAY too eager for this job.
…I think I replied to her within 3 minutes.
Happily for me, it was meant to be.
And honestly, it was just as much of a dream as I imagined it would be. Not just because San Francisco City Hall is a beautiful location, or because Elaine + Albert are beautiful people. But because they are kind, and caring, and to witness and document this day for them to share with their families all over the US and in Hong Kong, was so special.
Elaine + Albert, thank you for choosing me. I am so thankful that you did. I hope your families see these and feel like they were there with us.
Elaine + Albert met while they were both students at Parsons - and they continued to date in all the major cities of the world after that while they both continued to build their careers in design. Both creative people, Elaine and Albert wanted to have a day that reflected their love of photography and incorporated some of the best parts of San Francisco.
Naturally, I wanted to take them to my favorite spots, Blue Bottle Coffee and the San Francisco Ferry Building. We had such a good time, I barely cared how much it rained. And it did that day. A lot.
I love this one of Nima‘s shots. So happy to have him assisting/umbrella holding/being rad with us that day.
Elaine + Albert, I like you guys a lot. A lot. I know you both are going on to do amazing things and I feel so happy to have been your witness.
xoxo,
Em
EM!!!!! I don’t even know what to say!! What’s not to love here?! Seriously, SO BLOWN AWAY right now.
This is absolutely STUNNING work, and a GORGEOUS couple! I’m totally jealous of this wedding right now!
These photos are full of so much joy. I mean, they’re beautiful, for sure, but you really captured the…just…the pure joy, I guess, that is bubbling up within each of them. That sounds totally silly the way I said it, but I mean it.
Simply delightful and refreshing. I loved every shot!!!!
OH MY GAWD. These are absolutely fabulous Em!!! Seriously, drop dead gaaahgeous!!!!
I mean, do photographs get any more perfect? You seriously killed it Em!!
Amazing, Emily! I love your work!
all kinds of beautiful, em. you killed ittt.
Oh my. This post got a little emotional. So many things in common with my wedding: the location, the red shoes, even the officiant! haha.
I love her dress. And the pictures of course! So sweet!
I can’t get over how great these images are! What a great wedding day!
Oh holy heaven she has to be the most gorgeous bride that I have ever seen!
Emily, I constantly check your site for new posts because I absolutely love the way you capture people and their love. I actually feel a little stalker-ish and weird about it and it feels good to get that off my chest. One day I’ll get married and I won’t be happy unless you’re there capturing it.
I loooovee these pictures! What a fantastic wedding…and all in the city hall! They will be so happy ten years from now that they have these gorgeous pictures to look back on! Fantastic job, Em!
Sooo beautiful. Inspiring how much detail they put into what many treat as a simple way to tie the knot. What a stunning courthouse! Amazing job capturing it all, Em :)
Em!! These are so beautiful…
I’ve been following your work for a while now, and seriously… I’m in love. Not gonna lie; these are outrageous!
xo. Jodi
So much beauty here. Soooo much. Amazing job, Em!
Dear Albert and Elaine: Such nice life pictures, catch every moment of happiness, best wishes. love Mom
Emily……I am one of Elaine’s friend….. just wanna say a big thank to you….. I really like the pics a lot a lot………and are a bit teary …… Thanks
These pictures bring tears to my eyes because they are so wonderful! Elaine, you look beautiful! You both look so happy. We wish you all the happiness in the world.
Em I have been following your blog for a while now, and have never commented…but these pictures forced my hand. Astoundingly good. Elaine and Albert, I wish you the best. Your love was captured perfectly.
Oh my gorgeous. Stunning work Em!
I’m obsessed with this. Amazing.
this is my favorite wedding you’ve ever shot. ever. BEAUTIFUL light happy genuine. perfect!!
Congratulation! such a lovely couple!! You’ll be a pretty bride , Elaine.
Glad for your mom that seeing you look so hapy, Albert.
Em, these are just stunning!
Whoa. Absolutely stunning!!
As a friend of the couple, I just wanted to comment that you really captured them so well! Wonderful photos for a gorgeous couple. Thanks!
this is my dream wedding! so simple and wonderful.