Tag Archives: San Francisco Wedding Photographer
At least once a week I have a conversation with a couple in the thick of wedding planning and they are almost always stressed and overwhelmed with the details of trying to plan an event that is in-line with their style and celebrates their love while working hard to make their friends and family happy. When I met Cayleigh of Handmade Events, I knew I had to share! Her PopUp Weddings are sure to bring relief to the modern couple looking for a low-stress fabulous wedding and in a time when it feels like everyone is trying to re-invent the wheel. It’s awesome to meet someone who has. Let me introduce you to…
What is a PopUp Wedding?
PopUp Weddings is not your mother’s wedding planner. We specialize in unique and stress free weddings with a special twist. The concept behind our company is to plan an event in which the couple’s guests are invited to a “decoy” party such as an engagement or birthday party, to later have the couple reveal that it is their wedding! Fun, right?!
Why choose a PopUp Wedding?
Leaving your family and guests out of planning your special day leads to less opinions, confusion, and objectives. A PopUp Wedding is for the couple looking to have a stress free planning process with smooth execution. Instead of worrying about making everyone else happy, the bride and groom get to lead their guests to a surprising and entertaining evening that they can fully enjoy!
The beauty behind a PopUp Wedding is the focus on the love between the couple. When you get rid of the drama of the planning and pleasing of your family and friends, you can focus on the love between you and your partner. We want you to concentrate on your marriage and we will take care of the rest.
Another unique twist to a PopUp Wedding is the location. We are able to host your wedding in an iconic California location, such as Golden Gate Park, the Santa Monica Pier, the Palace of Fine Arts and many others. If you have a favorite wedding spot in the city of LA or San Francisco, we will do our best to make it happen. If you’re looking for a more traditional venue, the good news is, we can plan that too! Whatever you want, we try our best to make it happen.
Who is a perfect fit for a PopUp Wedding?
Those who would be interested in a PopUp Wedding are spontaneous and adventurous. A PopUp Wedding is perfect for the couple that is looking to have an intimate elopement, an original wedding, vow renewal, or even for their second marriage. PopUp Weddings are for the modern and non traditional couple who want something different.
How to start planning your PopUp Wedding?
Our team needs at least two months ahead of time to plan your wedding at an iconic location. The more time ahead we have to plan your special day, the better, but we can certainly work on the fly as well!
Have certain vendors in mind you would like to work with? No problem! We can work with anyone. We also have a list of preferred vendors we like to work with in each city that we recommend to look through. From Club House Caravan, the new and improved bar that can roll up to any wedding, to Flashtag Photo that can include your hashtag in all pictures, we have a large list of unique and fun options for you to choose from!
Now that you know…
We would love to speak with you about your upcoming event and how we can help!
To learn more about Popup Weddings, you can check out their website for more details, a look at their past weddings, and contact information. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to be a part of their online community and keep in touch!
We met Michael Rehker of Hammerhead Designs and fell in love with his metal designs. As many of you readers are in the thick of planning your wedding, we wanted to introduce you to Michael and his tie clips, which make excellent groomsmen gifts!
*hint hint*
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“Art is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the reactions of his personality to the world he lives in.” ~A.L. |
Who Is Michael Rehker?
I am a Metalsmith and Jewelry Designer, proud father to three amazing beautiful children and a very blessed husband to an incredible, supportive wife! In my spare time I enjoy farming, rock climbing, yoga, cooking, eating chips & salsa but above all else, spending time with my amazing family and playing with my kids! They are my true inspiration and the force behind all that I do in life.
A self taught metalsmithing artisan
I have a huge fascination for creating things from various metals like silver, copper, steel, aluminum, bronze, brass and other recycled metals. My passion for the unique and inspiring has led me here. I love hand forging and designing one-of-a-kind jewelry and keepsakes. I am the sole designer and maker for the items you see in my shop. And I’m very grateful my hands put into form what my mind sees.
What is Hammerhead Designs?
Hammerhead Designs is Modern, Tribal, Rustic, Boho, Gypsy, Contemporary, Traditional, Southwestern, Folksy, Hippie, Wanderlust, Steampunk, Medieval and everything in between, handcrafted jewelry & accessories for men and women!
Gypsy, Tribal, & Bohemian soul merged with Victorian and Dark Romance combined with a dash of Fantasy and Steampunk splashed around, and a bit of Modern and Contemporary style added in – can all be found in my shop!
Creating the items you see in my Etsy shop is a way for me to express my imagination and use my hands…in a metal artist sort of way…a form of inspiration takes over when I begin working with the metal. I take pride in my work and enjoy the stories behind each of the pieces that I create. My inspiration comes from nature mostly. I love things that are earthy, rustic, organic and eco-friendly, anything that encompasses the mountains, bodies of water, fire or terra firma, leaves, trees, flowers and rocks.
I love working with metal and designing jewelry so much that I decided to create Hammerhead Designs. My ambition is to develop a business that is self supporting and allows me to express my artistic visions.
Our Favorite: The Tie Bar Clip
Each tie bar clip is created out of very strong, yet lightweight aluminum sheet metal. I chose aluminum because of its similarity in color and finish to sterling silver but without the high cost. And it resists tarnishing and discoloring fabrics so it’s perfect to wear against a dress shirt. Once I receive the order, I take the aluminum tie bar clip blank and place it on a large steel block. I keep a notepad on my stamping table that lists the initials and words that the customer wants stamped onto the tie bar. Then, one at a time, each letter is stamped onto the metal. I use a two pound brass hammer that gives the right amount of force to properly imprint the character onto the tie bar. Once I have finished stamping the characters, it is then time to finish the piece. The most popular option is the brushed satin natural finish. The letters are not darkened, but left natural so they look classy without being too bold or distracting. A small steel wire brush is used to apply the brushed satin finish. Once that is complete, I then take a special set of pliers and make the two bends need to complete the final shape of the tie bar. Finally, the tie bar is given a quick wipe with a polishing cloth to remove any smudges and it’s then placed into its own organza gift bag and is ready to be packed and shipped.
The custom hand stamped tie bar clips are one of my most popular items. They are very trendy right now and people love the way that each one is custom made for the recipient for a special occasion. The tie bar clips are very popular as groomsmen gifts for wedding parties as well as a popular choice for Father’s Day, Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Check out the shop and get some gifts for your groomsmen!
I am an estimator by profession, but my real passion lies in creating the items you see in my shop.
The ability to customize items like the tie bar clip and gift it with a personal touch is what makes this such a great and affordable gift.
I love working on custom orders and am happy to take on any special requests you may have in mind to create an original one-of-a-kind piece for you. Please email me directly at hammerheaddesigns@gmail.com to discuss.
To shop for Hammerhead Designs tie clips, jewelry, and more, visit their Etsy site by clicking here.
Follow Hammerhead Designs on Facebook for updates on new designs, specials, promotions, giveaways and news of Michael’s adventures.
Follow Hammerhead Designs on Instagram for sneak peaks into new and upcoming pieces, as well as promotions, contests and giveaways!
I loved Marla from the second I met her. I mean who wouldn’t love someone who hires you for a dessert shoot at the Presidio Social Club, then models for it? Donuts for days! Over time, we bonded over shared cocktails, bites, laughs, tears, and love. Lots of love.
Every detail Marla told me about Conor, made me know I would love him, after all he snagged Marla, so he had to be awesome!
How’d They Meet?
Marla and Conor met at The Page on Divisadero Street in San Francisco, their favorite dive bar. They have been together for over four years now and live happily in Sausalito where they both share an obsession for the Bay Area and all it has to offer.
The Big Day
The happy couple chose to hold their special day at the beautiful Maritime Museum in San Francisco. One of their favorite things about this venue was the spectacular view overlooking Ghiradelli Square, Alcatraz, and the bay.
First thing’s first, Marla was a knock out in her Monique Lhuiler dress. There are no two ways about it…knockout! The wedding dress looked like it was made just for her and as such was one of the details Marla was most excited about on her big day, Conor seeing her for the time in her dress. It knocked my socks off and I wasn’t even the groom!
When Marla turned the corner, Conor happened to be looking down at his nephew, but when he raised his head and laid eyes on his drop dead gorgeous bride, she took his breath away. It was by far my very favorite moment of their day. Marla was right. Conor lost it and took about an hour to pull himself back together. Those first 3 seconds after he saw her were simply beautiful.
As if she could be any more stunning, Marla was pampered and primped with hair and makeup by Allie Stubbs of Social Beauty Company. The natural and classy look allowed Marla to shine her true self throughout the entire evening.
Now we have to talk about these ridiculously gorgeous Kate Spade shoes that Marla wore…holy gold bling batman! I could’ve done a post on just the shoes. Well, you can see for yourself in the photos below. AMAZING!
Sweet Moves
After the ceremony was over and guests ran out of tissues, the night progressed into an evening of great food and epic dance moves.
Dinner was catered by Above & Beyond Catering and with booze flowing from Quality Beverage, guest flocked to the dance floor and boogied to the jams of DJ Niall of Four Leaf Entertainment. The bride and groom had their first dance to “From Head to Toe” by Lisa Lisa.
As they say, “What happens at Marla and Conor’s wedding, stays at Marla and Conor’s wedding”… wait no, here are the photos to prove it!
Marla and Conor, I wish you a lifetime full of joy, Bay Area sunsets that inspire you, smiles that make your cheeks hurt, cocktails that knock your socks off, dance parties until the sun comes up and of course…more fabulous gold shoes!
xoxo
Chloe
Vendors:
Thank you to my AMAZING second shooter, Michelle Govang
Venue: Maritime Museum
Caterer: Chantel - Above & Beyond Catering
Booze: Katie – Quality Beverage
DJ: Niall – Four Leaf Entertainment
Make up & Hair: Allie Stubbs – Social Beauty Company
Dress: Monique Luhlier
Brides shoes: Kate Spade
“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” – John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
From the second these two walked into the cafe where we met, I loved them. I love how tenderly they speak to each other, the way they look at each other, how they finish each other’s sentences, that he’s in a rock and roll band, and even how they met on OKCupid! On their first date Gillian was on a liquid cleanse and couldn’t eat, but thankfully Jon didn’t mind one bit. Instead of dining, they walked, talked, and fell in love. I love that.
For their first look, we decided to do it on the balcony of her mother and stepfathers bedroom where Gillian had gotten ready. It was priceless. I took Jon out on the balcony and told him not to turn around and to wait for the love of his life. He did. It was adorable watching him fidget and squirm while butterflies did back flips in his stomach. Gillian approached, then reached down to touch Jon’s hand. They hey saw each other, smiled, kissed and began to look at each other. I mean really look, all while I’m snapping away behind the camera with tears streaming down my face, the first time of many that day.
The wedding took place at Gillian’s mother and stepfather’s gorgeous property in Los Gatos. The entire place was sprinkled with an assortment of vibrant flowers. They were to die for! With 130 of friends and family present, Gillian stepped out into the yard and began the journey down the aisle. She looked stunning and comfortable in her J Crew wedding dress, Toms shoes, her mother’s pearls, hair done by Melanie Hegna, and makeup by Jody Bowen. By the time Gillian reached Jon, who patiently waited in his Burberry suit, I don’t think there was dry eye in the house. Debra, Gillian’s aunt and fabulous officiant, was inspirational and did a beautiful job telling their story and creating a ceremony that was perfect for the couple. Gillian and Jon finally said I Do, exchanged their beautiful rose gold wedding rings, and took their first steps as man and wife.
One of my very favorite parts of a wedding day celebration is the speech. What a roller coaster of emotions! You laugh, you cry, you usually cringe a time or two, but most importantly you get to learn more then you ever could’ve dreamed about the awesome couple you are there to celebrate. The speeches at Gillian and Jon’s wedding were no exception. Let’s just say I was happy Michelle, my 2nd photographer, was there because I was enamored with every word I heard from the beautiful poem Jon’s family read and the touching moments Gillian’s family shared. My favorite was learning that instead of washing his jeans, Jon freezes them. Yes, you read it right. He freezes them. Like I said, I love them!
This wedding was picture perfect and could not have gone smoother without the help of wedding coordinator Alicia Falango of Alicia K. Designs. During the reception, guests enjoyed food by Roti Roti Gourmet Rotisserie & Catering, Soleil Wood Fired Pizza, and cupcakes by Kara’s Cupcakes. The party danced the night away to the tunes by DJ Melanie of Beats By That Girl and the lighting, done by Illusions Lighting Designs, gave each photo I took an added spark.
Jon and Gillian, thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful wedding! Your sweet love is tender and inspiring. I can’t wait to hear all about your honeymoon full of romantic adventures in France and Spain and a life of happiness and fond memories.
xo
Thank you to my amazing Second shooter Michelle Govang for rocking yet another wedding!!!
Coordinator: Alicia K Designs – Alicia Falango - 415.590.2828 - alicia@aliciakdesigns.com
Wedding Dress – J Crew
Hair: Melanie Hegna – 650.210.6135 – melaniehegna@gmail.com
Makeup: Jody Bowen - 650.483.7357 - jodybowen@gmail.com
Officiate: Debra Peevey - 623.670.6598 - dlpeevey@gmail.com
Lighting: Illusions Lighting Design, LLC – Larry Ginesi – larry@illusionslighting.com
Rentals: Hartman - Kelly Burns-Gaoiran - kellyb@hartmannstudios.com
Catering:
RoliRoti Gourmet Rotisserie & Catering– Janell Llarinas – 510.780.0300 – janell@roliroti.com
Soleil Wood Fired Pizza – Ron Arguello – 925.234.3681 – soleilwfp@comcast.net
CupCakes: Kara’s Cupcakes – Maria. 415.563.2220 x615 – sfdeliveries@karascupcakes.com
Music:
Ceremony: Yates Brown & Rima Ash – 415.516.4214 – yrb1313@gmail.com
DJ for reception: Beats by that girl – Melanie - 408.449.2247 – Beatsbythatgirl@gmail.com
