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Ars Magna Studio has been nominated for the Bay List Best in Wedding Photography.
It shouldn’t take more than a minute or so.
Vote here!Thanks, everyone!
E pluribus unum – It was truly an American marriage, the twining of two adventurous souls, a celebration combining not only two people, but many families, cultures, traditions seamlessly, where the sum was substantially greater than its’ parts. Out of many, one.
The ceremony was held at the Swedenborgian church, an historic landmark here in San Francisco. The chapel is an intimate space made of handcrafted wooden pews, high windows bringing in streams of light, with the other walls bathed in candle light. Those congregated for the ceremony were sisters, brothers, friends from college, law school, childhood, nieces, nephews; all in attendance to witness and share an exchange of vows.
The bride and groom had issued invitations to close friends to read and sing at the service their thoughts, advice and poems on marriage and relationships. The groom sang a traditional African American spiritual in 4 part harmony with his siblings. All of this unified many voices into one communal voice in support and advocacy of their vows.
The couple later celebrated in true bay area foodie style, breaking bread at Greens in Fort Mason, enjoying a full vegetarian meal with featuring local produce and artisanal cheese, and ending with a chocolate laden desert bar. Everyone ate, and drank and visited to the mellow soundtrack of love songs, including a ‘make-out’ song to which the bride and groom disappeared around the corner for a bit of privacy.
Unfortunately, I am not able to share any images from last Sunday’s wedding, but it was a special day and a touching display of love, though I find it worthy of sharing a few words.
It is a love story of destinations and divine intervention. From Ghana, to California, with a planned spontaneous (perhaps not an oxymoron) proposal in Scotland and a future life as scholars in Massachusetts, Jana and Nii found their way into each other’s arms.
The ceremony was officiated by the pastor who organized the church group where they met, became friends, and ultimately fell in love. Nii’s family and friends traveled from around the globe to Sacramento, to join Jana’s family and celebrate thier union. Two flower girls scattered petals along the aisle, making way for Jana who was walked down by her mother. Jana and Nii left the church in a patined red truck that was her father’s and took them from their petal exit to the reception.
An intimate reception was held at the vintage Capitol Plaza Ballroom, that kind of had an art-deco vibe. The dj spun American and African music, and the dance party that I was warned about began. Blend of families, traditions, cultures and most importantly love.
Later we snuck out from the reception to get some portraits in downtown Sacramento, with a side trip to Starbucks.
Here are a few images:
