Natasha & Vladimir's Wedding (Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, Oakland)

You have already met Natasha & Vova in their Love Story Engagement Session that we did a few months ago. And now it is time for their fairytale wedding!

Natasha was a true princess in her Christina Wu ballgown style wedding dress. She was the most relaxed bride I have ever worked with, with a big happy smile on her face throughout the entire day. And Vova... he was her Prince Charming indeed--tall, handsome and with a warm smile on his face. What an easy and fun couple to photograph!

We started the day bright and early at the Worldmark Hotel, where Natasha and her bridesmaids were getting ready. When the groom and his groomsmen arrived, we made our way to the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens, just a few blocks away from the hotel, for our bridal session. The ceremony and reception took place later in the day at the stunning Dunsmuir Hellman History Estate accross the Bay Bridge in Oakland. I only wish we had had more time to explore the grounds there and extend our bridal session.

This wedding had so many cool elements! I love the stylish DIY invitations and seating cards! In addition to the traditional Jewish Chuppah and the breaking (pulling) of the challah, this wedding incorporated an old Russian tradition--taking bites of the Karavai (каравай).

Assisting me at the wedding was Stas, who took many wonderful images, kept our data cards backed up, and spoke up to make sure we got cake! Thank you Stas!!!

And now on to the photos!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

A great photojournalistic moment caught by Stas--the groom peaking out through the hotel lobby glass with reflections of downtown all around him!

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

Another gorgeous photo by Stas! Love it!

32.

33.

34.

35.

And here is the Karavai!

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

And here's the guest book that I created for them using their engagement photos.

54.

55.

56.

57.

And there goes the bouquet!

58.

Vova was asked to perform a sexy dance before he could go under for the garter.

59.

60.

61.

The cake was sooo dilicious!

62.

In fact, it was finger-lickin' good! :-)

63.

64.

Congratulations Natasha and Vova! Your wedding was amazing--filled with love, joy, and laughter--and it was my honor and pleasure to capture it!

Until next time!
http://www.alicesokoloffphotography.com/

Visit us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter