I remember that Ruth and Tom originally found me and reached out because they were attracted to a specific photograph I made of a couple walking across the street in front of San Francisco City Hall with the blur of a US Postal Service truck passing by behind them… so I knew we would become fast friends.

The couple has a classic Bay Area – Los Angeles love story, complete with a first meeting halfway in between at the lot behind Brooks Brothers in Bakersfield, CA. Their San Francisco City Hall Mayor’s Balcony Wedding was a beautiful event that celebrated their time together living in San Francisco.

The Mayor’s Balcony provides the opportunity for customization with up to 100 guests, room to read your own vows, have a friend officiate, have musicians serenade you down the aisle, and stomp on a wine glass wrapped in a napkin if you like.

The Mayor’s balcony looks out on the grand staircase, the lobby, and the rotunda. I typically make group portraits in the Fourth Floor North Gallery. There are a million spots in City Hall to make couples’ portraits, the building’s nooks and crannies provide an embarrassment of riches. We lucky enough to create a few photos while no one else was on the grand staircase. We also had the chance to make a few photographs that captured Ruth’s dress with movement.

After City Hall we headed to Ruth and Tom’s apartment in the Inner Sunset for an intimate cocktail hour with their closest friends, their dog, pizza, and homemade cookies by Ruth. They had decorated the apartment with Japanese cranes a friend made for them, a good omen for a prosperous marriage. After resting our feet, and filling our bellies, we set out for Golden Gate Park with the dog and friends in tow. One of my favorite moments of the day was when Ruth and Tom bumped into a neighbor on our walk, and I was able to capture an earnest neighborly greeting. I enjoy making photographs in a variety of settings because I’m able to capture a range of feelings as each distinct space is activated. When everything goes well, the images can take on some of the complexity of a partnership.

From here we hopped on MUNI where the party continued. It’s fun to be out on the town in wedding finery as passersby often shout out celebratory greetings – and you feel welcomed and celebrated by the city at large.

See Part 2 for details on the reception at Wayfare Tavern… 

For a four part post about a San Francisco City Hall Fourth Floor North Gallery wedding, click here.

Wedding attire: BHLDN

Hair and Makeup: Kristina Curtis (@bykristinacurtis)

Wedding Ceremony Venue: San Francisco City Hall Mayor’s Balcony

Wedding Reception Venue : Wayfare Tavern