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!

*hint hint*

“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!

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

Martin and Katie met doing what they love, playing ultimate Frisbee. Martin plays on the reigning men’s national and world champion team, Revolver. It was love at first disc!

On their big day, Katie looked smashing in her classy, short dress by DVF with coral shoes that complimented her whole look.  Katie and Martin tied the knot with their close friends and family as witness. Everyone was in smiles.

After the ceremony the group flocked to Katie and Martin’s good friends Crystal and Geoff’s house in San Francisco. For their special celebration, Crystal cooked an incredible four-course meal!

To top it off, Kristen and Martin had two more celebrations with their families; one with Martin’s family on the Oregon coast and then a celebration with friends at a friend’s house in Glen Ellen, Sonoma. They know how to do it right!

Katie and Martin, I wish you both a life full of happiness, joy, and fond memories. Have a wonderful time on your honeymoon in Italy at Lake Como (where Revolver is competing in the world championships) and GO REVOLVER!

Congratulations lovebirds!

xo

“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 2^nd 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

Lori, who I have called Hurwitz since meeting in my ninth grade English class many years ago (18 to be exact!), married the love of her life last month in typical Hurwitz style. It was fabulous, creative, vibrant, heavily influenced with writing, reading, and books.

Hurwitz has been there for and had much to do with the many milestones in my life, from giving me my first and only referral in English class (for talking too much!), to helping me with my graduation speech, my college essays, to attending my graduation from UCSB, helping with my business, and even correcting my grammar on my Facebook posts. She has been there through it all! Imagine my excitement when I found out that she was getting married and I would be the one with the privilege to help her and her now-husband Adam capture their memories.

Before starting our work together, I told her awesome husband Adam that I would most likely still call his wife “Hurwitz” because breaking an 18-year habit would not be too likely.  Fortunately for me, he tolerated my Hurwitz obsession!

Adam and Lori met on OkCupid.com and bonded over their love of reading, specifically A Prayer for Owen Meany by their favorite author John Irving. Because Lori is an English teacher and therefore a huge grammar geek, she found Adam’s use of proper punctuation and ability to play with language very sexy.

This beautiful match got engaged at the equator, outside of Quito, Ecuador with a story all romantics can look up to. Adam got down on one knee such that one foot was in the southern hemisphere and one foot was in the northern hemisphere. He told Lori “I stand here at the equator, the semicolon of the earth if you will, and ask if you’ll do me the honor of becoming my wife.” How could Lori say no?

Knowing Lori’s love for punctuation let me tell you that she loves the semicolon. She loves it so much that she used the definition (with a couple additions) and symbol all throughout her wedding. The semicolon is 1.) An underappreciated punctuation mark that connects two complete, related clauses, making one stronger, more interesting, and frankly more awesome sentence than either clause could make on its own. 2.) A metaphor for Lori’s ideal relationship: the connection of two strong, complete people into one whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Lori and Adam’s wedding was a very personal one that they wanted to be different from all other weddings they had been to. They took extra time to honor lost loved ones and cherish the family and friends who were able to attend.

Five years ago Lori’s best friend and college roommate Molly passed away. As a bridesmaid of Molly’s wedding, Lori was sad not to have her best friend there for her big day, but was very lucky to have her daughter Remy stand in and her son Max to be their ring bearer. To make sure that Molly was with them on her special day, Lori used fabric from her bridesmaid’s dress from Molly’s wedding to make the ring bearer pillow.

Also remembered on their special day was Lori’s Nonnie, who died almost 20 years ago. As a way to include her memory in the wedding, they used the bag she sewed for Lori’s parents’ wedding to hold a glass (really a light bulb) that Adam stepped on at the end of our ceremony. This Jewish tradition is supposed to help people to remember that joy must be tempered, because bad things have happened to their people over time.

To keep things unique, Lori and Adam opted for the Black Hawk Automotive Museum in Walnut Creek as their venue. Turns out it was a really great place for a party and made for some fabulous wedding photos!

Lori made a stunning bride with her hair done by friend of 27 years Lisa Breheny, light and comfortable makeup by Nikol Elaine Makeup Artistry, and fabulous wedding dress with matching coat by Lea Couture. Sparkling in the light, Lori’s engagement ring designed by Alex Sepkus and customized by Pave Fine Jewelry, included blue, green, pink, and purple sapphires.

Lori’s friend Emily Nusbaum who although is not a professional florist, made all of the whimsical and lovely centerpieces, bouquets, and corsages/boutonnieres with flowers that were picked out at the Flower Mart in San Francisco the morning before the wedding.

As mentioned before, the overall theme of the wedding included a semicolon, au ; lh (a combination or Adam and Lori’s initials), which was printed everything, even the customized Recchuiti chocolates and fabulous wedding cake made by Debbie Goard of Debbie Does Cakes. The cake was a masterpiece made to look like a stack of books by Lori and Adam’s favorite authors. Not only were the details perfect, but it also tasted insanely good!

Continuing with the literary theme, instead of numbering their tables, Lori and Adam named them after the authors whose books were on the cake. Each table had centerpieces comprised of books by the author the table was named after and each person’s place card had their name and the name of the author at whose table they were seated. The books were meant to be additional favors, so lots of people took books home with them.

The wedding could not have gone as perfect without the help of coordinator and invitation/table cards/thank you cards designer Justine Young. She made a complete, cohesive look for the wedding and on top of that, took care of all the wedding day details so that Lori could have fun, and most importantly, be relaxed on her special day.

Hurwitz, I couldn’t be happier for you both and I can’t wait to hear all about the adventures this love takes you on.

I wish you both a life full of good books, long laughs, and fond memories!

xo

After embracing their baseball team differences, Catherine soon became a part of Patrick’s family in Minneapolis, which includes his son Sterling and daughter Iris.

For the wedding, many of Catherine and Pat’s friends and family were traveling from Minneapolis. They made sure that on their special day their loved ones got see some of the best parts of this awesome city! They cruised through the streets in style with 3 trolley cars for 80 of their closest friends and family, pre-stocked with yummy beverages, not to mention my favorite kind of champagne and beer. It was perfect!

The wedding trolleys drove through North Beach, China town, Union Square, Polk Street, Down to Chrissy Field and under the Bridge, through the Presidio, to the Palace of Fine Arts and finally dropping us off at their rad venue, Fort Mason Fire House.  Did I mention that there were food trucks?!? When we pulled up to the venue, we were welcomed by the delicious smells from the Del Popolo, Pacific Puffs, Sanguchon, and the Garden Creamery trucks. Yum!

Before the ceremony took place, we took wedding photos at a magical place I had never been to before, one of the Academy of Art buildings just around the corner. The views were breathtaking, but they were no comparison to the beautiful bride whose hair and makeup were done by her friends Amy Mellinger and Kara Wischnack and wedding dress by Moonlight Bridal. She carried a bright and cheerful bouquet made by An Added Touch Flowers and smiled lovingly at the handsome groom in his Ben Sherman suit. Wedding coordinator Jessica Goldblatt from Dreams on a Dime ensured that all was in place.

We walked into the ceremony at Fay Park, euphoric from the view, to music playing by guitar player Keith Barnhart from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music “Music to Go” program. Pat’s children, Sterling and Iris, were a great duo and played the roles of ring bearer and flower girl.

Now these two had warned me that their friends and family were party animals and let me tell you, they were not lying. Before the dance floor was taken over by their guests, Pat and Catherine danced their first dance to “With Whom to Dance” by The Magnetic Fields. Thanks to their awesome DJ, Dave Tutton, once the music started, so did the party. Best Man Scott Henkemeyer and Maid of Honor Heidi Anderson really knew how to rock! Guests were able to capture this memorable celebration by hopping into the photo booth provided by Exposure Photo Booths. So fun!

When it was time for me to leave, the party was still going strong. I can only imagine that they shut the place down!

This now family of four is full of life and it was beautiful to watch the “official” addition of Catherine.

Congratulations love birds!

I wish you a life together filled with love, happiness, and food trucks!

xo

Coordinator: Dreams on a Dime – Jessica Goldblatt – jessica@dreamsonadime.com   Thank you for being amazing!!!

Ceremony:  Fay Park

Reception: Fort Mason Fire House - Julie Enright – julie@fortmason.org

Caterer: Food trucks!!!
Sanguchon – Shu Dai – sanguchon.catering@gmail.com
Del Popolo – Jon Darsky - info@delpopolosf.com
Garden Creamery - Erin Lang – erin@gardencreamery.com
PuffTruck – Pacific Puffs – Rhys Carvolth - pufftruck@pacificpuffs.com

Florist: An Added Touch Flowers - Carol Antraccoli – dudett@pacbell.net

DJ: Dave Tutton – (415) 350-3771

Guitar (During the Ceremony): Keith Barnhart – San Francisco Conservatory of Music 

Hair: Kara Wischnack (Cat’s friend)
Makeup: Amy Mellinger (Cat’s friend)

Cat’s dress: Moonlight Bridal

Pat’s Suit: Ben Sherman

Photo Booth: Exposure Photo Booths - Ross Andrews - ross@exposure-photobooths.com

Jen & Ricky’s love for each other is sweet and tender with a hint of playfulness. They have a deep love for Halloween and their home is festive and spooky all year round! The bond they share for their adorable baby boy Oliver melts my heart. He is only one and a half years old and full of life, bouncing around with his toothy grin.

For their elopement at San Francisco’s City Hall, Jen showed up with her hair and makeup looking fabulous (done by herself!) and a beautiful DIY dark red and black rose bouquet with supplies from Michaels. She looked beautiful smiling coyly at the camera.

Being at this wedding was a real privilege for me. When the time came to say I Do, I got to be Jen and Ricky’s signing witness! Their family of three is full of love and I was happy to be involved and give my support.

Congratulations Jen and Ricky! I wish you happiness and endless years full of Halloween decorations and cheetah print!

xo

On their big day, Ryann looked stunning, smiling from ear to ear carrying her DIY sunflower bouquet, which was inspired by the A Practical Wedding blog. Brent, full of happiness in San Francisco’s City Hall, had his attention focused on the bride. I loved watching them interact. The way they look at each other, the secrets he whispers in her ear that never fail to make her laugh, the way he kisses her forehead or reaches for her hand when they are close. They exist in their own romantic little world and it is a thing of beauty!

From the first night they met, at a party in Washington DC where they spent the entire evening and subsequent evening talking, I was told they have been in-separable. It only took me five minutes to see that all of this was true and why they were so close and loving.

Congratulations love birds! With all the excitement you had last month, I can’t wait to see what this month brings your way.

xo

I am so excited to share this awesome couple’s silly, romantic, loving elopement. Karen and Kerry currently reside in heavenly Hawaii, which is why I am honored that I was able to take this journey with them. Hawaii followed them to San Francisco on this special day and the weather in San Francisco was in perfect form for their elopement celebration and their weekend of love.

Throughout the day Karen, Kerry, and I had a blast running around playing in every beautiful corner of San Francisco’s City Hall, inside and out. From the Bacon Bacon food truck, the security guard, to the stunning fourth floor with gorgeous windows, we made the best of every moment.

Karen and Kerry,

Cheers to your new marriage and enjoy your romantic honeymoon in France! Thank you!

xo Chloe Jackman

To see more San Francisco City Hall Photography Sessions visit Chloe Jackman Photography’s City Hall Wedding Page.