How to Get Married at the University Club of San Francisco

How to Plan and Capture a Stunning University Club of San Francisco Wedding: An Extended Guide

Planning a wedding at the University Club of San Francisco is an opportunity to create an event that’s as rich in history and culture as it is in beauty. This enhanced guide aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the University Club of San Francisco as a wedding venue, highlighting not just its beauty but also the practical steps to ensure your wedding day is as picturesque and memorable as possible.

Step 1: Dive into the Venue’s Rich History

The University Club’s Heritage: Originally a meeting place for alumni from prestigious universities, the University Club has become a celebrated spot for social and intellectual gatherings. The building’s Italianate architecture, designed by Walter Bliss & William Faville and completed in 1909, echoes the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Its location on Nob Hill offers sweeping views, making it a prized landmark in San Francisco.

Step 2: Plan Your Wedding Day

Starting the Day: Choose between getting ready at the Club itself or at nearby luxury hotels like the Fairmont, Stanford, or Mark Hopkins. Consider the ambiance and photo opportunities each location offers to start your day perfectly.

Step 3: Capture the First Look and Pre-Ceremony Moments

Iconic Photo Opportunities: Utilize the University Club’s staircase and balcony for breathtaking first look photos. Nearby hotels like the Mark Hopkins provide unique backdrops, such as the Top of the Mark’s panoramic views or the Fairmont’s pristine gardens.

Cityscape Portraits: Embrace the urban charm of San Francisco for your portraits. Capture moments on the street trolley, with the Bay Bridge or the Trans America building in the background, or near the majestic Grace Cathedral. Some of my favorite moments are simply the in-between moments when we are moving from spot A to B. Something about hearing a chorus of “Congratulations!” from strangers as you move throughout the city is really an exciting and energizing way to kick off the wedding day.

Step 4: The Library Session

A Literary Backdrop: The University Club’s library, with its rare books collection, offers a unique and intellectual setting for photography. The shelves of historic volumes and the quiet ambiance of the library add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding photos.

Step 5: The Ceremony

A Fourth Floor Affair: The fourth-floor space, with its elegant chandeliers and floral decorations, provides a romantic setting for your vows.

Step 6: Enjoying the Cocktail Hour and Reception

Exploring the Club: Transition to the cocktail hour on the fourth floor’s balcony, followed by dinner on the third floor. Cocktail hour can flow into the pool room as well, where I’ve seen the pool table transformed into a dining table, complete with a champagne tower. These locations offer an intimate speakeasy vibe and stunning city views, perfect for memorable photos.

The Vibe: Picture high ceilings, big windows, walls hung salon style with taxidermy, old prints of San Francisco, and Audubon imagery. The interior is fairly dark with dark leather and dark green stained glass windows representing different universities, but the big picture windows bring the city life and light in both during the day and night.

Step 7: Mastering the Venue for Photography

Photography Challenges: Be prepared to work with the mixed lighting of the Club. Understanding how to use different lighting techniques is key to capturing the mood and ambiance of the venue. The interior light fixtures are often on during weddings and provide a warm ambience to the space.

Step 8: Evening Celebrations

Dinner and Dancing: The spacious layout of the University Club facilitates smooth transitions between different parts of the event, from dinner to dancing, allowing for a seamless photographic narrative. Throughout the night we capture numerous spaces as they come alive with different wedding-goers moving through them.

Step 9: Coordinating Your Day

The Role of the Coordinator: Rely on the expertise of Yvonne, the in-house coordinator, to streamline your wedding day flow, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Final Recommendations

Why Choose the University Club: With its blend of historical charm, architectural beauty, and modern urban energy, the University Club of San Francisco stands out as an ideal wedding venue. The variety of backdrops, from the rare books in the library to the panoramic city views, ensures a wedding day filled with unique and stunning photographs.

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Triple S Ranch Wedding

I met Cate and Evan while shooting a wedding in the redwoods of Mendocino in 2019. They were engaged but had to postpone their original 2020 wedding date due to the pandemic. Finally, June 2022 rolled around and I was able to document their wedding at the stunning Triple S Ranch – and boy was it worth the wait. 

Located in Calistoga, Triple S Ranch is a charming, shabby chic wonderland. This historic property has numerous structures with interesting architectural details and rustic ambiance – including a restored “Grand Victorian” farmhouse and 2,200-square foot barn. Accommodations include glamping tents and treehouses, making it easy for guests to stay on site for an extended period of celebration. The grounds included recreational space with pools, around which I was fortunate to capture lots of hanging out before the ceremony. 

One of the most touching moments of the day was Cate and Evan’s first look. They decided to make this intimate moment even more special by including their closest friends. Their friends led them to each other back to back, until they touched, and then they turned around to see each other surrounded by their loved ones. It was a beautiful and exciting reveal and a unique experience to photograph. 

The intimate wedding ceremony took place under a stunning 175-year-old walnut tree. Four friends made up a band for a musical performance during the ceremony. Cate looked radiant in her minimalist slip dress adorned with a delicate lace cape. Cocktail hour followed and I got to photograph the many eclectic and colorful guests striking poses. Among the looks were bolo ties and cowboy hats and head to toe pink fits that popped in front of the weathered “New York Store” facade. The reception was held in the huge barn with antique exposed beams and DJ Lucero started a serious dance party. The vibe was high energy and antics ensued. It was a testament to the couple’s love for fun and celebration.

It was a joy to capture the sincere emotions, friendship, and beauty of their special day. I will always look forward to returning to Triple S Ranch to capture more memories in these iconic settings. This celebration was made possible by the immaculate planning of Sachi and Maja.

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Wedding Planning and Florals: Sachi and Maja
Venue: Triple S Ranch Napa (SSS Ranch Napa)
DJ: DJ Lucero
Catering: Katie Powers Catering
Cake: Love Natty Cakes
Hair & Makeup: Dream Catcher Artistry
Dress: Half Penny London


Essential tips for having a dog at your wedding in the Bay Area

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all, from furry friends as ring bearers to four-legged performers stealing the show. If you’re thinking of including your beloved pooch in your big day, here are 8 things you should keep in mind to ensure it’s a tail-wagging success – for all involved!

1. Plan, plan, plan: Before you decide to bring your furry friend to your wedding, make sure your venue is pet-friendly and arrange for a designated handler to look after them during the ceremony and reception. Also consider your guests and determine if anyone might be scared or allergic! Consider logistics such as their transportation and access for their handler for their drop off and pick up. 

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2. Be honest with yourself: Not all dogs will do well at large, bustling events like weddings – and that’s ok! If your dog becomes easily agitated or frightened, it may be best to leave them at home. Perhaps they are better suited for an intimate photo shoot with just your photographer!

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3. Dress them to impress: You want your dog to look as good as you do on your wedding day! Make sure their outfit is comfortable and doesn’t impede their movement. A simple bandana or bow tie will do the trick. Avoid accoutrement that might end up falling off and getting gnawed on.

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4. Hydration is key: Weddings can be long, tiring events, and your dog will need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure you have a water bowl readily available for them throughout the day. Additionally you will want to prep their handler with their food, treats, doggie bags, and perhaps even some toys. 

5. Never leave them alone: Your dog should never be left alone during your wedding, even for a few minutes. They may become anxious or disoriented without you there, and could end up running off or causing a disturbance. Again, make sure someone is aware of their responsibilities regarding your beloved dog!

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6. Accidents happen: Accidents can happen, even with the most well-behaved dogs. The last thing you want to deal with is a less than savory stain at a historic venue or on you or your guests’ outfit. Make sure you have cleaning supplies handy in case your dog has an accident during the ceremony or reception.

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7. Capture the moment: Make sure your photographer gets some shots of your furry friend on your big day. After all, you’ve put in all the effort to make sure they are well taken care of and smiling! 

8. Have fun: The most important thing is to make sure everyone, including your furry friend, is having a good time and no one is stressed out or uncomfortable. Have a backup plan with the handler in case something goes awry or the pooch needs a rest from the excitement of the event!

Incorporating your dog into your wedding can be a wonderful way to add a special touch to your big day, but it’s essential to be prepared and ensure that both you and your furry friend are having fun. By keeping these eight things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and stress-free wedding experience for everyone involved.

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2022 Hazel Photo Weddings Year in Review

I’m going to “kick” this off by saying that 2022 kicked my butt. There was a metric ton of pent-up demand for live events this past year.

In 2022 I photographed:

37 weddings,

3 elopements,

A baby naming,

3 multi-day corporate conferences,

5 corporate parties,

3 family sessions,

6 engagement sessions,

and 150 headshots.

I’m incredibly grateful to every last client I worked with, and every person who referred me to clients. To be busy again after the pandemic, has made me feel alive and useful. This was the best year my business has seen to date. It was also the queerest year of weddings I have photographed!

Most of my photo work transpired in the greater San Francisco Bay Area… from Oakland to Orinda to Walnut Creek, from Napa to Calistoga to Mendocino from Sonoma to Healdsburg, from Gilroy to Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay, from The Financial District to Civic Center to the Presidio, from San Rafael to Mill Valley to Bodega Bay.

I did have the chance to travel to Lake Tahoe, Mendocino, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Jamaica to make photographs for clients as well.

I haven’t had time to share very much of the work I made this year, because I was so busy making it. In this coming January and February I am looking forward to reliving 2022 and updating my portfolio with some of the beauty I witnessed this past year.

A few wedding clients this year told me, “We don’t want any posed portraits. Just ‘documentary style’ photos of our wedding day.” I loved those opportunities to turn my entire focus to storytelling images. I felt seen, like my clients understood what I was up to, and wanted me to lean into that strength on their wedding day.

On the home front, our 2-year-old started preschool and brought us on vacation to Japan and Mexico. We bought an old house in Berkeley and have begun to fill it with art, and surround it with gardens.

Venues :
Carneros Resort
Stanly Ranch
San Francisco City Hall
University Club of San Francisco
Triple S Ranch
Ralston White Retreat
Sausalito Women’s Club
Jamaica Inn
City Club of San Francisco
Shakespeare Garden @ Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Club @ The Presidio
Log Cabin @ The Presidio
Beltane Ranch
Hacienda de las Flores
Cornerstone Sonoma
Oceano Resort
The Brazilian Room
The Legion of Honor
Leo’s Oysters
Zaytuna College
Rockefeller Lodge
Grace Cathedral
Ruth Bancroft Garden
The Gardens at Heather Farm
The Secret Gardens, Bodega Bay
Seven Branches Sonoma
Bell Valley Retreat
Eagle Ridge
Gar Woods
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Muir Beach Overlook
Pizzaiolo
Wayfare Tavern
Terra Gallery

Planners:
Boheme Events
Taylor Rae Weddings
Downey Street Weddings
Sachi & Maja
Emily Coyne Events
Limelight Productions
Showrunner Events
Riley Loves Lulu
Sabrina & Co.
Small Shindigs
Dreams on a Dime
MK Event Planning
2 Friends Events


Thomas Fogarty Winery Wedding

Lisa and Alex were married at Thomas Fogarty Winery on October 23, 2021. Lisa had first reached out to me about photographing her wedding, almost exactly two years previous on October 24th of 2019. While they did intend to have their wedding at Thomas Fogarty on October 24th 2020, I wouldn’t put it past Lisa to find a photographer two years in advance. From that initial Zoom conversation I felt great excitement and anticipation about Lisa and Alex’s wedding. She was so positive and organized, and a delight to communicate with. Well… we all got to hold onto that feeling of anticipation much longer than we thought we might.

Lisa and Alex met as college students at UC Berkeley. Their friends and family were scattered across the country and globe, so gathering at Thomas Fogarty Winery with its hilltop retreat feeling was appealing.

After more than a year, we finally had the chance to meet in person in May of 2021 on the UC Berkeley campus for their engagement session. But more about that in the blogpost about their delightful UC Berkeley engagement session here.

Thomas Fogarty is a special type of winery and vineyard. It is both perched on a mountaintop, and yet a comfortable drive from San Francisco. The approach along Skyline is glorious: a wooded ridge line reveals views out into the valley. The Winery itself is composed of a series of generous buildings built into the hilltop with the view at top of mind. Almost every room looks out over the sky, the vineyards, and the valley below.

We began Lisa and Alex’s wedding day with a Chinese tea ceremony out on the deck under the gaze of a large double happiness symbol and a floral arch incorporated into one. The tea ceremony ritual that centers the elders and the ancestors took on a deeper meaning as a result of the delay caused by the pandemic. Finally the elders were able to gather safely to bless the young couple . Even at the height of the pandemic, an elopement was possible at a dining room table over Zoom, but this in-person blessing of elders could not happen safely before the vaccine, and finally, here it was. After the tea ceremony, Lisa and Alex changed out of their qipao and changshan into outfits a bit more suitable (get it?) for dancing, and we ran out into the vineyard to catch the last of the light and make a few photographs before dinner, toasts and dancing.

Thanks to everybody who made the day run so smoothly, especially Jutta Lammerts of a Day Like No Other, who dotted all the is and crossed all the ts.

Venue : Thomas Fogarty Winery
Photographer : Hazel Photo
Hair and Makeup : Lydia Song, Brides by Lydia
Wedding planner: Jutta Lammerts, A Day Like No Other
Catering : Global Gourmet Catering
Videographer: Justin & Georgina from Weddings on Film
DJ/Band : Stefano Bortolin from BIG FUN Disc Jockeys
Florist: Janelle Jacky from Green Petal Designs


2021 Year-in-Review Bay Area Wedding Photography

In 2021 I photographed 24 weddings in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. All but a couple happened in the 2nd half of the year. I feel overwhelmed with gratefulness as I look back on all of the beauty and connection I was invited to witness and document. There’s nothing like a pandemic to remind a person how incredibly good it feels to gather friends, chosen family, and family to celebrate love.

2022 is looking to be a fuller year for weddings… My year is 70% booked, and will bring me up to Mendocino Sonoma and Napa, out to Walnut Creek and Lake Tahoe, and down to Half Moon Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

I can’t wait for all these adventures to come.

-XO

Paul


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