James Leary Flood Mansion Wedding – Hazel Photo Weddings

There are weddings that feel like a celebration of two people, and then there are weddings that feel like a celebration of an entire community. Angela and Cliff’s wedding at the James Leary Flood Mansion was the latter—an evening filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of easy camaraderie that made every moment feel special.

Getting Ready: The Iconic Waymo Moment
Angela got ready at the Four Seasons and planned to take a Waymo to the venue. Standing on a San Francisco street corner in her robe, pink pumps in hand, waiting for a lost ride, was nothing short of iconic; this easy-going and fun vibe was present the whole day.

A Library First Look & a Meaningful Ketubah Signing
Flood Mansion, with its elegant architecture and breathtaking Bay views, was an incredible setting for the day. Angela and Cliff chose the library for their first look—surrounded by books, history, and the quiet anticipation of the day ahead. Before Angela stepped into her dress, I captured the painstaking attention Angela’s mom gave to steaming the dress in the library. After the first look the ketubah signing took place in the library. It made for an intimate moment with close family gathered around, bearing witness to the commitment they were making.

The Ceremony
Under a chuppah adorned with orchids and huge tropical leaves, Angela and Cliff stood together as their families and friends encircled them. Their rabbi introduced a beautiful, unexpected ritual: after the wedding party had processed, Angela and her parents paused midway down the aisle. Then, in a moment charged with emotion, Cliff walked out to meet them, and then all guests in attendance were encouraged to gather in tightly around. It was a striking way to begin the ceremony—both intimate and grounding. As they recessed jubilantly back down the aisle, flower petals filled the air.

A Reception in the Grand Hall
The Flood Mansion’s Grand Hall was transformed into a long banquet-style dining experience, with high ceilings amplifying the energy of the night. The rich and bold burgundy, crimson, fuchsia, gold, and chartreuse florals popped against the interior marble. Pomegranates lined the tables, a nod to abundance and tradition. The golden hour light poured into the Hall, creating the dreamiest backdrop for portraits. I was able to sneak Angela and Cliff away for some sunset portraits, framed in the huge windows with glimpses of cargo ships and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

From there, the evening unfolded in waves of joy. After their grand entrance, Cliff popped open a truly massive bottle of champagne to cheers from all sides. The Horah was, as expected, a whirlwind of laughter and wild, celebratory energy.

The Details That Made It Theirs
Beyond the grandeur of the venue and the vibrancy of the celebration, what made this wedding special was the way it felt so distinctly them. The save-the-dates featured a family portrait of them and their cat and dog. Cliff gave his brothers cufflinks with the Hebrew letters for “living,” a meaningful symbol of vitality and enduring family bonds. Cliff’s parents held each other all night long.

A Shoutout to Sachi & Maja
Of course, all of this could not have happened without the wonderful planning team that is Sachi & Maja. Big thanks to Alyssa and Lisa for always being a pleasure to work with!

Angela and Cliff, thank you for inviting me in to document your wedding. It was an honor to witness the joy, the connection, and the beautiful community you built around you. What a night!