Alicia and Nathan: fresh and fun in Berkeley, CA

We Eisenhowers just love Veronica.  Veronica is my cousin Jesse's girlfriend and really is part of the family.  When Amy mentioned that we had an opportunity to photograph Veronica's sister's wedding in the Bay Area, I was all over it.  I hadn't met Alicia but I knew that if she had any of her sister's warmth and sweetness that we'd be lucky to work with her... and we were.

Alicia and Nathan were such a fantastic couple to photograph.  Both are so good natured and genuine - even when things didn't go exactly as planned, they just rolled with it.  But more than that, as you'll see from some of the images, these two are absolutely and completely in love.

Alicia and Nathan got ready in adjoining rooms at the historic Durant Hotel in Berkeley.  Their ceremony and reception were held at the Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park.

 I couldn't decide on my favorite shoe photo so I included another.

Gifts for the groomsmen

As we headed out the hotel, Amy and I couldn't resist using this hallway to get a few dramatic images of the beautiful Alicia.

Veronica created the unique and stylish invitations for Alicia and Nathan, depicting an artistic rendition of the local area.

Veronica's and Alicia's sister and mother created the floral arrangements.  Here Jennifer makes some last minute adjustments.

Instead of a guest book, Nathan and Alicia asked their guests to write them a post card

Programs were on each seat during the ceremony

mmmm... cupcakes!

We got a few formal photos before the ceremony.

No additional decor necessary - just look at the drama of the natural setting behind them.  We so often photograph beach weddings, and as much as I love them this was a refreshing change.  This is one of my favorite venues yet.

Thank you Veronica (left of Alicia) for asking us to be part of this day.  I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend!

One of my favorites of the day.

Alicia and Nathan - it was so much fun meeting you and spending the day with you guys.  Thank you for the opportunity to help you capture this beautiful celebration.

Samin & Matthew: elegance and laughter

As wedding photographers, we're often lucky to be able to capture the genuine connection between two people who don't just love each other, but who really like each other every bit as much.  And sometimes we're fortunate to be able to photograph gorgeous details in beautiful settings.  I'm happy to say that Samin and Matthew treated us to both of these with their elegant day at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego.

We started the day with Samin and her bridesmaids at the luxurious Se San Diego Hotel.

Samin inspects the floral arrangements when they arrive at the hotel.

Lady, you are all kinds of fierce!

Next we joined the guys at the Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park to capture Samin and Matthew's "first look" and take some formal photos before the wedding.

I learned after the wedding that Samin's mother actually did the boquets and several of the arrangements.  Truly exquisite work!

Fab-u-lous!

"forever and ever... no take backs!"

Melanie of Something Blue Weddings did a fabulous job of day-of coordination, pulling together all of the meticulously selected details that Samin and Matthew included in their wedding.

You know I'm a sucker for a sweet father daughter relationship.  This was right before Samin's dad walked her down the isle.

Samin and Matthew decided to blend cultures with two wedding ceremonies.  First they made their vows and exchanged rings at the Ceremonial Gate.

Just married!!

Next, the couple and guests walked to the Koi Pond for a traditional Persian ceremony.

And back to the reception in the Ceremonial Plaza.  There were so many thoughtful and fun details that I had a tough time editing down for this post.  In fact, I still posted a lot more images than I typically do.

Check out the adorable cake by Elaine of Sweet Cheeks Bakery.

Samin and Matt invited dance artist Lucia and her companion to entertain the guests at the start of the reception.

I've heard quite a few speeches by fathers of the bride, but this one was particularly entertaining... Samin's face might be an indication.

At the end of a full evening of partying, Samin and Matthew left in a gorgeous Rolls Royce provided by Simply Elegant Limousine.

Samin and Matthew, Dad and I really enjoyed spending the day with you and your loved ones.  From a photographic perspective, your day was filled with such beautiful, fun imagery - it was a treat to be able to capture all of it for you.  But more importantly, the two of you were fantastic to work with.  You're both so light hearted and happy that it really made our jobs fun.  Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of such a perfect day.