Denise & Andreas | Church of the Nativity & Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel Wedding | Menlo Park Wedding Photographer

Denise and Andreas had a traditional Catholic wedding, where they would not see each other until the ceremony.

Denise and I started the day early at the spacious and airy bridal suite at Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel in Menlo Park. While the very talented Yoong of Wowpretty worked her magic on Denise's hair and make-up, I played around with the lovely details of the day.

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When Denise's hair and make-up was done and she looked very lovely, her bridesmaids helped her into her wedding gown.

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And we were off to church in a fine black limo.

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As the ceremony drew nearer, Denise became emotional--it was really happening!

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The church was abslutely stunning.

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After the ceremony and taking a few family photos outside the church, we headed out to Stanford University for a very short bridal session. Despite on-going construction, Stanford was, as always, just fantastic!

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We caught the tail end of the cocktail hour, where guests laughed and shared cocktails to the sound of Spanish guitar.

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The speeches made the guests laugh and they made them cry.

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Father-daughter dance, with one of the groomsmen singing (really well!).

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Mother-son dance.

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And dancing by everyone!

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Congratulations, Denise & Andy, on a beautiful, emotion-filled wedding!

Big thank you's to all the other wedding vendors for making the day such a success!

Hair/Make-Up: Wowpretty
Cake: A Piece of Cake Bakery
Catering: Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel
DJ: DJ Spencer Sutherland

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

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