Alina & Jim | San Francisco Wedding Photography

Last Friday it was my privilege to photograph Alina & Jim's wedding in San Francisco. We met at the Palace of Fine Arts for a bridal session at 3:30pm, which during the winter is right around Golden Hour. The light was simply amazing. The bride looked lovely in her princess gown and the bridesmaids rocked their elegant purple dresses!

I love the way Alina is looking at Jim here.

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And if that limo is looking a bit long, no special effects on my part--it's just a stretch limo!

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Alina is a good dancer, so she twirled gracefully despite the long dress and the heels.

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Eight is possibly one of my favorite images from this wedding!

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The beautiful bouquet.

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The rings. That's a good-sized rock there, Jim. ;)

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I was happy to catch a bit of the setting sun between Alina & Jim.

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Alina had no trouble at all working it for the camera. Great posing!

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After the Palace of Fine Arts we drove out to the Yerba Buena Gardens, where we continued our bridal session.

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What a gorgeous, gorgeous location!

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When it got too dark to shoot (around 5:30 or so--that's how early the sun sets these days), we headed out to Russia House. The guests were starting to arrive and were having cocktails, waiting for the reception to start.

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I took this opportunity to take photos of the reception hall, ...

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of the beautiful centerpieces, ...

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and other detail shots, like these creative and personalized party favors.

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The sweet little flower girl, Emily.

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Soooo cute!

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And here's the nine month old ringbearer with his dad (and his mom reflected in the mirror). Can you believe those big round eyes? What a sweetheart!

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Mother-of-the-bride and a bridesmaid are waiting for the bride.

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Mother-of-the-groom, proudly walks her son down the aisle.

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And there's adorable Emily with her basket of petals.

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Everyone please rise, here comes the bride.

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The symbolic breaking of the Challah got a little competitive. :)

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The First Dance.

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The entertainment was fantastic, with talented singing by the performing band!

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There goes the bouquet.

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And the garter.

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I love this creative idea for the cake. One larger cake on top (with custom figurines, no less). And individual cakes below for all the guests! Yummy, too!

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All's well that ends well! :)

Congratulations, Alina & Jim! My best wishes to you for a long and enviably happy life together. :)

Until next time!
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Sonia & David | South San Francisco Wedding Photography

My last wedding of 2010 was Sonia & David's beautiful nuptial at the South San Francisco Conference Center. You may remember Sonia & David's engagement session from a few months ago, which they just rocked! :)

This December wedding was shot entirely indoors. On their wedding day the rain poured as if someone had tipped a bucket over the Bay Area. But rain on your wedding day is good luck. And Sonia & David didn't let a little bit of water get in the way of their special day!

They started the day at the Embassy Suites in South San Francisco, where the bride, groom and bridal party got ready. Sonia's gown was just beautiful! It looked stunning on her, but can hold its own, too. :)

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LOVE the purple shoes! Totally rocking!

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Since the weather wasn't cooperating, we did a short bridal session in the hotel lobby.

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Sonia, you're sooo beautiful!

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Given the time of year, hotel decorations had a few seasonal touches. All very elegant and they didn't mind us moving around furniture and props in the foyer to get the shots we wants, so thumbs up for Embassy Suites!

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At the South San Francisco Conference Center, Sonia & David had a very lovely cocktail hour area, decorated with, among other things, their engagement photos. :)

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Absolutely gorgeous centerpieces at the tables!

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After the cocktail reception, it was time for the Chinese tea ceremony.

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Sonia & David are passing the cups to Sonia's parents. Can you believe how young Sonia's parents look??? :)

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Sonia's dad walks her down the aisle.

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I love this shot--Sonia is so peaceful and happy as she looks onto her husband-to-be.

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And there's David. What a stud!

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Exchange of wedding rings.

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"You're now pronounced husband and wife!"

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During the reception, David and Sonia were to play a game.

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It came as a surprise to the newlyweds.

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David, wearing a blindfold, had to pick Sonia out of a line of some 20 women, merely by shaking hands with each one. And here comes Sonia.

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He takes her hand and doesn't let go. "That's her. She's the one!" And so she is!

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A little girl playing with beads--I couldn't resist!

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And who is that dancing? you might ask. Well, it turns out that Sonia's maid of honor, her sister, is also a ballroom dancer, and she put on a performance--an amazing one at that--for Sonia & David.

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A colossal 5-tier wedding cake! Gorgeous!

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Congratulations, Sonia & David! What a fun and amazing day! A great start for an amazing life together!


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

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