ars magna studio photo blog

allana August 19th, 2008

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.

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allana August 11th, 2008

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:

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allana July 30th, 2008

I was immediately struck by what lovely people Joanne and Hil are. I had suggested dressing for a casual date, but they stepped it up, with a lovely crisp white sun dress for Joanne, and a cool vintage tie for Hil. They were both naturals in front of the camera, and had gone recon style on some location scouting missions the week before. These two have known each other for over a decade, which does explain their rapport, both on and off camera and that the sweet whispers between them seemed to be about laundry and Sunday house chore divisions. Their familiarity and comfort shows. Joanne confided in me that Hil is the more romantic of the two, and this is something she is working on. Though I am happy to report that it was Joanne who chose these gorgeous (and romantic) spots to enjoy this Sunday afternoon.

A few memorable moments from our afternoon in the gardens.

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allana July 25th, 2008

Though they both went to school in San Diego, it wasn’t until after they left California that they met as colleagues in Arizona. Katie and Scott fell in love in Phoenix, and are soon to begin this new chapter of married life in Boulder, where Scott will begin an MBA program and Katie will start teaching.Taking advantage of their knowledge of San Diego, the couple organized a wonderful weekend for their out of town guests.Beginning with a Mexican dinner in Old Town, and festivities at the new Gaslamp Marriot, complete with views into Petco Park.

Pouring champagne in the limo to begin, the bridal party took the limo up to USD, Katie’s alma mater, and there we created some portraits on campus.

It was very simple ceremony, in the grand Don Room at El Cortez. Candles in glass votives lined the aisles, reflecting off the polished dark wood floors.
The Don Room was flipped for the reception, and the tables srrounded the dance floor. I even found out the Scott hand painted the numbered table centerpieces.
The bouquets of roses were a delicate porcelain pink, the bodice was hand beaded, and bridesmaid dresses were a lovely shade of dark grey to set off the pinks in the flowers.
After the ceremony, friend and family celebrated, danced, and toasted the couple throughout the night. It was a beautiful wedding, and wonderful to share the delight with Katie, Scott and their families.

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allana July 19th, 2008

You’ve seen these two before, and now once again before they jet off for Japan. Taking a break from the packing of thier American life, Bronwyn and Jon shook out their wedding attire and met up with us in Echo Park for a little post wedding photo shoot. Where once they stood at a festival under an LA sky full of fireworks, this day was a sunny afternoon and the park was filled with families picnicking and absorbing the heat of the sun amongst the patches of grass. We returned to the site of the proposal.

Wishing them the best as they ready themselves to embark of their new (mis)adventures.

A few of our favorites from the park and further urban LA scenes.

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allana July 12th, 2008

Margot, one of my dearest and oldest friends, owns a complete and unapologetic enthusiasm for life. Truly, and always, herself with a wonderfully timed dash of slapstick thrown in. As my friend, she has stood by me, as side by side we made our way through the trials of adolescence. School dances, sleep-overs, double dates, inevitable heartaches, and various teenage misadventures not to recounted here. Needless to say, my emotional connection to this wedding was immediate. And I am so thrilled and honored to have been chosen to document and witness (through my lens) the bliss of their wedding day.

Margot approaches everything with zeal, and her wedding was no exception.  Matt, her new husband, seems to have every bit the humor and enjoyment of life that she does. Matt is a kind, wonderfully supportive partner to one of my dearest friends. I’m proud to have been a part of their marriage, and to be a part of the community of friends and family that were with them as they became partners in life.

They chose a Saturday in June; a beach house wedding in Scituate at Minot Beach. The ceremony held on the lawn between her family’s twin Victorian beach homes, and the respective back yards united under an enormous white tent. Beaming in delight, they said their vows with amazement and acknowledgement in their eyes.
Periwinkle-blue silk bridesmaids dresses, and a sash for the bride in the same color to accent the wedding gown, the
grromsmen dressed in classic New England navy blazers with creamy yellow ties and khakis. It was perfect summer’s afternoon wedding attire. The homes had been repainted and were in their coordinating displays of colors. Peonies sat in in glass jars at intervals alongside wicker chairs on the wrap-around porches. Baskets of sandals were thoughtfully set out for feet tired of dancing in party shoes. A sand strewn table of beach pebbles and starfish served for table cards.
Big familes on both sides alongside boisterous groups of friends from high school, college and work; everyone in attendance spent the rest of the evening celebrating. The men in the wedding party treated everyone to a loosely choreographed and joyously performed dance and pyramid formation to Mr. Roboto.

After the cake was served, the ice cream truck Margot had hired came up to the lawn, and the subsequent line of guests were ready to tuck into a choco taco or a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. The guests were joined by a line of inquisitive and large eyed neighborhood children who were lured over by the jingle.

The party kept on after the band departed, with Matt’s ipod mix of classic rock and suddenly appeared trays of Fenway Franks and little bags of potato chips. The remaining party goers, at the end of the night, in exhaustion and contentment, sat on the porches enveloped in the cooling fog drifting over the shore.

Yes, perhaps I am waxing on and this is a kind of love letter to Margot and Matt.

Here are a few of the many favorites from the day.

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allana June 23rd, 2008

I first met Tristan when we briefly worked together, in the Education Department at the San Diego Museum of Art. She had moved to California from New York. I knew she was engaged, and was so flattered when she called last winter and asked me if I would photograph her wedding.

In an intimate ceremony overlooking the sun-drenched vineyards, Tristan and Brian said their vows on a Thursday afternoon at the Orfila Winery in Escondido.

Tristan and Brian wove thoughtful inclusions of their family into their wedding. The bride’s hand carved wedding band made to coordinate with Brian’s ring, which had been his grandfather’s. Cake topper from her grandmother’s wedding cake. Her mother, Rose, crafted a beautiful birdcage veil complete with a fabric flower made from a piece of the wedding dress.

Tristan’s favorite colors are red and turquoise, and the colors punctuated everything from the clusters of red roses, to the ring bearer’s pillow, to the table settings to the red velvet cake with turquoise icing. (Turquoise icing that somehow later ended up all over my pants).

And after the cake, Brian’s family set out a tray of cookies, almost like an Italian torta di biscotto di nozze, cookies that were stacked to make a tower. Absolutely amazing orange tinged dark chocolate over shortbread with a dollop of raspberry jam. Yum. I’d even say these were the best cookies I have ever had.

It was one of the lightest days of the year, close to the summer solstice. A good day to get married. The sun cast long shadows on the vineyards and they were still partying when I left the vineyard.

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allana June 17th, 2008

I’m not sure I’ve ever met two people more ready to laugh and have a good time than Liz and Steve. They each have a big and incontestable enjoyment of life. It’s wonderful to be around that kind of joy. And, I can’t forget their collective sense of humor.

Together they invited their family and friends, from Boston, Ohio, and North Carolina, to join them in San Francisco to celebrate their wedding. Both ceremony and reception were held at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio.
Their love was also in the details. From the new purse containing a surprise honeymoon trip to Kuai, his grandfather’s cufflinks, the assymetrical necklines of the bridesmaids’ dresses, the aroma of raspberry balsamic cupcakes, the SF neighborhood table cards, the color splashes in the coordinating bouquets and boutonnières, the pearl drop necklace that was forgotten and then retrieved, the Wall Street Journal that kept Dad occupied, and the continual toasting of BruichLaddich in coffee cups.

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allana June 12th, 2008

Early on Saturday morning, our car climbed up into the Santa Cruz mountains and then wound down into the lush green estate, Nestldown.
Dominique and Jonathan were married in a magical little spot at the base of the redwood trees, nestled in the cool shade, along the water. Their ceremony was completed by a reading from Khalil Gibran.
The venue was lovely, and we were thrilled that the bride and groom took some time with me ham it up a little in the tiniest of all hedge mazes and pose in the accompanying miniature cottage, also known as Snow White’s Cabin. Inside the cabin, Jonathan jokingly offered an apple to his new wife.
Since these lovebirds met while still in high school, on the way to the banquet, we took a short detour to the very campus where they first met. Turned out it was SAT day, and so we tried not to be distracting to anyone who was embroiled in any dreadful Saturday testing.
Later, at Fu Lam Mum, a short tea ceremony was followed by a full Chinese banquet. Delicious! Once dinner was served, Dominique changed back into her white gown, and the DJ opened the dance floor to the guests with some Rolling Stones.

They are such a gentle, generous and loving couple.

Here are a few of our favorites from their wedding:

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allana June 9th, 2008

Delightful and palpable love. Merrymaking and revelry all around. It was the Jonwyn wedding.
Bronwyn and Jon, wearing their hearts on the sleeves and joy on their faces, were married at Pomona College; the campus where they met as undergrads. Their love encompassed everyone in attendance. It was truly a celebration of two amazing people who, gathered with their family and friends, joined their lives together as partners in life’s adventures.
Cupcakes and catci adorned the ballroom, the bridesmaids carried parasols and green clutches, the bride’s bouquet featured succulents. They definitely made this one their own. Rocking their reception was DJ Jester aka-The Filipino Fist, who kept the party going with an amazingly eclectic mash up of songs I don’t hear at weddings.
At the end of the night, my husband whispered to me ’seeing these two so in love and happy is how I feel about you.’ How’s that for sharing the love?

Next up for the newlyweds: a move across the Pacific to their new lives as English teachers in Japan.

Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding.