san francisco documentary wedding photographer

recessional portrait, documentary photography

James Leary Flood Mansion Wedding

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!

Venue: James Leary Flood Mansion
Planner: Sachi & Maja
Hair & Makeup: Dreamcatcher Artistry
Officiant: Rabbi Ryan
Chuppah: Bay Bliss Arches
Florals: Amanda Vidmar Designs
Catering: Park Avenue
Photography: Hazel Photo
Video: KL Films
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Transport: Bauers IT
Photobooth: Pixco
Rentals: Encore Events Rentals

Gallery 308 fort mason wedding photography

Gallery 308 Wedding

Camille and Dane’s wedding day started at Gallery 308 with a lei exchange—an easygoing, thoughtful way to begin. From there, we headed up to the park above Fort Mason for portraits. The hill was unexpectedly covered in wildflowers, a welcome surprise that made the setting even more picturesque. The sun was shining, the Bay looked incredible, and Fort Mason’s terracotta roof tiles really popped. We captured some great moments among the cypress trees, featuring a mix of couples and elders, before heading back down to the venue.

Camille had designed a portrait for the welcome signage, setting the tone for a day that was both personal and stylish. Inside, bright sunlight streamed through the huge windows, illuminating banquet tables adorned with bud vases of brightly colored tulips and ranunculus, and filling the room with warmth. There were silly kids running around, a relaxed vibe, and a lively atmosphere.

A friend officiated the ceremony, the processional had its own quirky energy, and the whole evening felt effortless in the best way. One highlight was the Slivovitz toast—a Serbian tradition featuring a strong plum brandy that plays a central role in major life events. A nod to heritage and a solid way to keep the party going. Also keeping the party going was the delicious dinner catered by Ken Tsang – an Asian fusion spread that fueled everyone.

One of my favorite moments was running out to the end of the dock for sunset portraits. It was windy, the sunset stunning, and Camille’s white loafers (paired with white slacks and a tank top) were a fashion move I fully support. The sea lions outside near Pier 39 barked with their messages of congratulations.

I captured the day on a mix of digital and film, including Kodak Gold 200 and HP4, which really suited the easygoing yet vibrant feel of the day. It was laid-back, full of love, and a beautiful celebration of a very special love.

Venue: Fort Mason Gallery 308

Planner: Weddings By Aimée

Floral: Blue Moon Blooms

Catering: Chef Ken Tsang

DJ: Julian Mocine-Mcqueen

2024 Weddings Year-In-Review

2024 was an excellent year for my family and my tiny business.

I started the wedding season early at the end of January with a wedding in the redwoods in Marin .

Then my wife and I traveled to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (with the kids!)

When we returned in mid-February, I photographed a wedding at San Francisco City Hall with a reception at a secret club with a secret green room hidden behind a bookcase/door that automatically swung open when you waved your hand above the bald head of a brass bust of Winston Churchill…

The rest of the play-by-play from all 12 months of exploring family dynamics, forests, and gorgeous architecture, follows after the photos. (with shoutouts to co-conspirators)

I don’t get much time to reflect when the wedding season is in full swing… but by the time January rolls around, I can come up for air and think back on the year.

In retrospect, I find it striking that I took a vacation from photographing weddings, to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and party for a week straight. (Which is, of course, a completely different animal with a four-year-old and one-year-old in tow.)

One of the reasons I became a wedding photographer is because I love parties! I met my wife, Addie, at a pair of parties in the span of a week. By the end of the 2nd party I had fallen in love. While I was swimming laps the other day I had a wonderful thought whilst underwater, “What if I had met Addie at a wedding? I’m certain it would have only taken that one big party for me to fall in love.”

And now for a few of my favorite photos from 2024:

Late in February, I headed down to Big Sur for a gorgeous, intimate wedding, with the majestic blue of the Pacific for a backdrop.

In March we headed down to LA to visit with old friends. We learned how obsessed the four-year-old is with Easter egg hunts. Then we learned why Venice Beach is called Venice, as we explored the canals.

April was packed. I began by exploring the lovely Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael, a mansion on a hilltop with an exquisite wall of stained glass running up the grand staircase. This wedding was on the intimate side. Beth of Sassy Diva Designs & Events crafted florals and kept things running smoothly.

Weddings brought me back to a pair of venues I had explored previously: Gallery 308, in the City, with its glorious wall of French windows looking out on the Marina, and the sea lions lazing in the sun. Aimée of Weddings by Aimée worked her magic. Next I traveled to Stanly Ranch up in Napa for a black tie affair with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and one of the best wedding bands I have ever experienced. Catherine of “Big Day Of” knows Stanly Ranch like the back of her hand, and was a pleasure to work with.

My May began with an intimate wedding at the Moon Viewing Garden in the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and continued with an engagement session in Golden Gate Park.

In mid-May I completed an experimental project I had been bandying about in my head for a while. I met an engaged couple at a diner in Berkeley at 7:00am where we began our engagement session with coffee and breakfast, and then… we made photographs, with only short breaks, for a full 24 hours. We finished the session at 7:00am with coffee and breakfast the following day. Olivia & Stu are legends for enduring all 24 hours with me.

At the end of month, I headed down to the Peninsula to photograph a wedding at Valley Presbyterian with a stunning floor-to-ceiling A-frame window that looked out on a redwood grove.

I started June with a double-header: First a return to Healdsburg for a wedding at the delightfully quirky/delicious/romantic Barndiva designed by the uber talented Carrie, of Boheme Events, followed by a raucous Jewish wedding in West Berkeley which was full of familiar faces from weddings past.

In mid-June I photographed a pair of engagement sessions: one at the Palace of Fine Arts at sunrise (we had the place to ourselves,) and one at Sutro Baths at sunset. I closed out June with a wedding at Radonich Ranch in the Santa Cruz mountains. The wedding was billed as an Italian Garden Party, and sent me on a kick listening to Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, et al.

July brought me to Muir Beach for an engagement session, out to Walnut Creek for a wedding at The Gardens at Heather Farms, down to The Santa Cruz Mountains for an engagement session, back to San Francisco City Hall for an elopement, back to Sutro Baths for an engagement session (but foggy and moody this time,) to Oakland for an absolutely classic Bar/Redwoods engagement session, and back to San Francisco City Hall & Coqueta for a wedding.

We spent the first half of August visiting with grandparents on the Jersey Shore and eating ice cream every night, followed by a visit with dear old friends in Montreal.

When we returned to California, I headed up to the Haven at Tomales for a-bash-of-a-wedding expertly planned by Nicole Taylor Events and headlined by the inimitable La Doña.

September came fast and furious. I was reunited with Olivia & Stu, of 24-hour engagement session fame, at the Lodge at the Marconi Center, a brand new venue on the hill looking out over Tomales Bay.

Next I returned to Falkirk Cultural Center for an intimate wedding followed by a reception at the Academy SF.

Then out to American Canyon for an engagement session amongst golden grasses, which always remind me of the film, Days of Heaven.

Then I drove farther east to Park Winters, a wedding venue tucked away on a back road near Davis. The wedding at Park Winters was perfectly planned by Taylor Rae with many elements designed by Skye Foster, the bride. I was particularly taken by the Christmas crackers that popped open to reveal multi-color paper crowns.

And then back to the City for a return to the Presidio for a wedding with a ceremony at the brand new Tunnel Tops park followed by a reception at the Presidio officers club.

I closed out September with a return to West Marin for a wedding on a family property on a hillside, followed by dinner at Saltwater Oyster Depot. The couple met in radio, and crafted podcast-style vows that they broadcast for guests during the ceremony. I did cry right into my camera’s viewfinder while I continued to make photographs through the ceremony.

October began with ice cream cones in Cole Valley, followed by a mad dash to Ocean Beach for a delirious golden sunset engagement session.

In mid-October I photographed a daytime wedding steeped in family history. At the end of the day I brought the couple up to Tank Hill to take in the setting sun.

In late October I photographed a backyard wedding ceremony and tea ceremony in North Berkeley followed by an al fresco paella feast on long banquet tables in West Berkeley.

My wedding season wrapped up in early November, first with a visit to San Francisco City Hall, followed by an exceptionally intimate full wedding day at Beltane Ranch, a venue in the Sonoma Valley that has become an old friend over the years. Samar of Blissful Events orchestrated a particularly seamless and beautiful day.

My final wedding of the year was at the James Leary Flood Mansion, up on the top of Pacific Heights with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The mansion is now used as a school. I loved how a wedding fit into the building, with a wedding dress hanging from bookshelves in the school library and a hopscotch board underfoot at cocktail hour. Sachi & Maja designed wonderful full tablecapes, and were instrumental in making the day come together.

November & December were taken up with a mountain of editing, and plenty of time with the kids: throwing fall leaves, stomping in puddles, and riding the steam train in Tilden Park. We taught the four-year-old to read and to ride a pedal bike. The 1-year-old was both soft and bossy, so we squeezed him up and listened attentively to his orders.

Each Christmas my family prepares a feast of seven fishes. In 2024, we made ceviche, tacos, and caldo de pescado including: red shrimp, tilapia, mahi mahi, rock cod, black cod, clams, and mussels.

What will 2025 hold? We shall see! More travels, more kiddo milestones, more explorations of new venues, many returns to familiar friends. Hopefully some new unexpected collaborations that push at the edges of wedding work, and burst into the realm of art… Thanks for sticking with me, if you made it this far.

Some of the collaborators and venues:
Falkirk Cultural Center / Sassy Diva Designs & Events / Gallery 308 / Weddings by Aimée / Stanly Ranch / Big Day Of / Moon Viewing Garden / Valley Presbyterian / Barndiva / Boheme Events / Palace of Fine Arts / Radonich Ranch / The Gardens at Heather Farms / San Francisco City Hall / Coqueta / Haven at Tomales / Nicole Taylor Events / La Doña / Lodge at the Marconi / Academy SF / Park Winters / Taylor Rae Weddings / James Leary Flood Mansion / Sachi & Maja

couple kissing on tank hill in San Francisco for an engagement session

24 Hour Engagement Session San Francisco

So, you are probably curious… What on earth is a 24 hour engagement session? and we will get there… I promise. Stick around for a bit, spend some time with the images, I think you will start to understand and understand again…

It was after noon on a Tuesday in the early spring of 2024, I found myself in a meeting with a couple (Olivia & Stu) whose wedding I was scheduled to photograph in the Fall. The purpose of our call was to explore options for our scheduled engagement session. I was probably drinking a lemon seltzer. I do that on most occasions.

I felt a funny feeling, and then I said…”So, we have two options: Option A is a normal engagement session. We meet somewhere meaningful, or beautiful, or both about 90 minutes before sunset, and we make photographs in 1 or 2 locations. Option B is the 24 hour engagement session.”

Now, to be honest, I wasn’t completely clear on what a “24 hour engagement session” was at the time, but I knew it sounded fun to me.

Olivia & Stu showed immediate and universal excitement about the idea, even though they weren’t exactly sure what it was either. I think I said, “Are you sure?” multiple times.

We began by saying yes with wild eyes, and then, through a series of discussions, we formulated a plan.

In my head it always started and ended with the wisps of steam from a coffee cup. There was always a diner, there was always a convertible, there was always ice cream, there was always the beach, but there was so much more to fill in. So many more beautiful places to explore in the San Francisco Bay Area…

After the gallery below there is a list of locations and a bit more on my inspiration.

This project, in the end, is about time, about how it speeds up and slows down, about habituation, and dishabituation, the glorious surprise, days that never end, days that begin and begin again. And what it is to be young and head over heels in love in the Bay Area, one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world.

Enjoy! We certainly enjoyed the process of making this project.

Loop Date Itinerary:

Oceanview Diner
Shorebird Park
Berkeley Marina
Indian Rock
Live Oak Park
UC Berkeley Campus
Elmwood
Ferry Building
Palace of Fine Arts
Lollyland Mini golf
Crissy Field
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Legion of Honor
Seacliff
Haight Ashbury
Amoeba Records
Escape from New York
Seward Street Slides
Tank Hill
Toy Boat Ice Cream
Green Apple Books
Nopa
City View Metreon
SOMA
North Beach
Vesuvio
Ina Coolbrith
Bob’s Donuts
The Castro
Orphan Andy’s
Grandview
The Tiled Steps
China Beach
Oceanview Diner

Thank you for inspiration to Christian Marclay for his video piece, ” The clock” and to Danny Rubin & Harold Ramis for the movie, “Groundhog Day.” Thank you to Olivia & Stu for all your planning, your stalwart affability, and for staying strong all 24 hours.

Barndiva Wedding

A Barndiva wedding is a journey into a world where rustic charm meets Michelin-star sophistication. Located in downtown Healdsburg, Sonoma, Barndiva’s dynamic use of space takes wedding guests on a memorable journey.

Lena and Matt got ready down the road with their respective parties, and, forgoing a first look, the couple saw each other for the first time at the altar.

The ceremony unfolded under a living structure of heritage trees, braided together over years of growth and reminiscent of grape vines. Behind them was an antiqued corten steel wall which leant an industrial chic vibe as a contrast to the natural beauty of the arbor.

Dinner followed, a culinary masterpiece in the patio garden, under a vast arched trellis of wisteria adorned with bistro lights. The toasts ended with a traditional banzai toast to honor the groom’s father. From there, the party moved into the art gallery where bespoke cocktails and carefully selected wines from the region flowed along with everyone dancing.

The art gallery’s rustic, shabby chic vibe made a lovely backdrop for the bridesmaids’ floral, color coordinated dresses. Lena was stunning in a classic and minimalist Suzanne Neville gown. She elegantly accessorized with earrings reminiscent of plumeria flowers as a reference to Hawaiian roots.

It was a lively and animated party. In place of a guest book wedding-goers signed their best wishes on bottles of wine, to be enjoyed by the newlyweds during a future anniversary.

It was a treat to capture the magic of this night at Barndiva. The amazing food and drink, intimate and unique spaces, and overall flow of the evening were memorable and exceeedingly photogenic. I hope to be back under that arbor again soon!

Photography: Hazel Photo Weddings

Venue: Barndiva

Caterer: Barndiva

Florist: Dragonfly Floral

Hair & Makeup: Contour Bridal

Lena’s Dress: Suzanne Neville

Matt’s Tux: Suit Supply

DJ: DJ Jeremy

two men holding hands during sunset at straus home ranch

Straus Home Ranch Wedding

Route 1 up the coast makes for an especially magical introduction to Straus Home Ranch, a working farm directly on the shores of Tomales Bay, in western Marin County. The Tomales Bay views, rustic barn, and grand cypress trees delivered an exceptionally special setting for Tom & Austin’s wedding.

The wedding day started off with Tom and Austin getting ready together at BayMod – a stylish and modern vacation home rental just across the street from the Ranch. This vacation property was airy and chic with large windows that brought the Bay into the living spaces. Family and close friends got ready at the big house on the Ranch where Tom & Austin joined them for portraits.

The ceremony site, a short walk uphill past a charming eucalyptus grove, offers breathtaking views of Tomales Bay. The well-trodden paths wind through the property and boast peeks and glimpses of a red barn, grazing cows, flower fields, and a grand view of the water. Tom was, shall we say, excited about feeding a cow, but the cows kept their distance.

A highlight of the Ranch is its renovated 160-year-old hay barn. Light filtered through the barn doors beautifully during dinner. Guests dined at long banquet-style tables and a small loft in the barn provided a bird’s-eye view of the festivities below.

A fire pit behind the barn added a warm campfire touch, and a photobooth truck was stationed next to it. A two-piece hybrid band/DJ from Sounds Elevated created an outsize sound, blending live music with recorded tracks. Bistro lights were strung in front of the house on the lawn adding some romantic ambiance.

Beyond the beauty of the venue, the hospitality of the staff, particularly Michael, leaves a lasting impression. Their warmth and friendliness ensure that couples and guests alike feel welcomed and cared for throughout the day.

Straus Home Ranch is a wonderful canvas for creating unforgettable wedding photographs. From the stunning views, to the rustic charm and warm hospitality, it’s a photographer’s paradise and a couple’s dream wedding destination.