A little rain, a little bling and a whole lotta love.

Nate and Christine are one of the sweetest, outgoing and enjoyable couples to be around. The two met in November 3, 2010 at the homecoming parade for the newly crowned World Champion, San Francisco Giants. Although Christine is an avid Oakland A’s fan, the sparks between them flew. In the years to follow, Nate escorted Christine to Giants games,  Christine escorted Nate to A’s games. They traveled abroad (a true test of any relationship!), cheered on the San Jose Sharks, dressed up for Halloween and had a down right blast with one another.  Their love for the outdoors, traveling and everything sports made them inseparable. Their passion for life and having fun made their wedding a one of a kind party.

Nate and Christine were married at the elegant St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco on March 29, 2014. Up until that day, it had rained had hardly rained all winter.  But the heavens were filled with joy that day!  It briefly rained that morning and then the skies seemed to part. But right before the ceremony began, the pitter patter of rain drops could be heard on the tent roof.  Ironic? Yes. In a good, ironic kind of way. Rain sustains us. Rain cleanses us. Rain makes us grow. I find it perfectly fitting that it rained on that day. On their day. As the years go on, their relationship will help sustain them, it will support them and they will grow together.

When it’s possible, I love, love, love, doing a first look with the brides father and the bridesmaids.  It’s so much fun for the bride to get dressed with only a few of her closest friends or just her mother and then simply walk out all dressed and transformed. I simply love Christine’s Fathers’ reaction to seeing his only daughter in her stunning white gown and cathedral length veil. Precious, memorable and adorable.

Nate and Christine had one request for their day from me – They wanted to enjoy THEIR party – THEIR wedding. They didn’t want to spend an hour after the ceremony taking photos. They didn’t want their guests to have to wait for them. They wanted to enjoy their cocktail hour WITH their guests and celebrate as soon as possible. Sure! No problem! I can totally handle that! They opted for a first look and it was beautiful.  It was important for them to both be in the same frame – before, during and after they saw each other.  It wasn’t about capturing one reaction briefly, then the other – it was about capturing both of them, together.

Having a first look didn’t mean the ceremony was any less meaningful or emotional. When you think about the reason and history behind “not seeing each other before the wedding,” it’s not traditional, it’s archaic. I feel the first look allows the bride and groom to relax and live in their moment – with one another. Their ceremony was packed with tears, love and some of the most amazing vows I have ever heard.

What an amazing looking, fun loving, hilarious bridal party. Nuff said.

Their reception was so much more than just a reception.  It was a true party. Nate and Christine made sure the food was amazing. They made sure the music was top notch. The dance floor was hopping all night and when the party was over, I would venture to say 75% of the guests were still on the dance floor! A true sign of a great time!

Both Nate and Christine have some of the most amazing families and friends I’ve ever met. Their love for life and for one another is not only inspiring but rejuvenating.  I can not wait to see what the future holds for these two – it will undoubtably be a fun, exhilarating ride.

Thank you to all of the amazing, outstanding vendors that made their day possible!

Venue: St. Regis, San Francisco; Event Planning and Design: Samar Hattar of Blissful Events; Floral Design: Soul Flower Design Studio, San Francisco (Red roses, red callas, red parrot tulips, red anemones); Rentals/Linens: Classic Party Rentals; DJ: KYanni Productions; Brides Dress: Sottero and Midgley from J’aime Bridal, Pleasanton; Brides Jewelry: Christie James, Custom Jewelry Design, Danville; Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff from Brides of California, Sunnyvale; Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse; Hair and Make Up: Fresh Faces, San Francisco; Invitations and Paper Products: KT Designs; Ceremony Musicians: Aleron Strings; Videography: Wedding Moments HD; Hazy Lane Studios, Second Shooter: Monika Greenaway Photography

Wedding Colors: Charcoal, red and black. Theme: Modern Romance.