MEF Photography Blog! » San Francisco-Based Wedding, Family + Portrait Photography

When I think about Kate + Matt, I find I am angered.

Individually, each is smart and kind, caring and relaxed. They’re also humorous and happy and attract an impressive, loving group of friends and family. As a couple, they’re a blast. They laugh. They’re cool. (Way cooler than I am, that’s for sure!) And their wedding wrapped up all of these qualities into one tremendous, radiant and heartfelt party.

I like Kate + Matt. I like them a whole dang lot.

I find I am angered, because they live in San Diego and I do not live in San Diego. And this issue is not so easily remedied. ;) But instead of listening to me gripe about the size of the great state of California, what’s say we look at that party they threw?

At the start of the day, I dropped off my awesome second shooter, Stacey, at Kate’s dad’s house where the boys were getting ready.

Can we spend a few minutes just staring at Matt’s hair? Is it weird that I want to touch it? ;)

Then I headed over to meet up with the ladies, who were just finishing up getting ready.

Kate, your grace is palpable.

And you have phenomenally supportive group of friends.

So, the way I found the venue where I got married was by googling the phrase, “Married under an oak tree California.” This was the other venue I considered. :D

Kate wore a cathedral veil, which was gorgeous, but didn’t cooperate so well with the wind (she eventually had to tuck it under her arm to stop it from flying away!). Makes for beautiful photos, though! :D

Mr. + Mrs.!

Oh, hello, beautiful bridal party. I will award some sort of prize to the person who can pick out the following in this photo: 1) Matt’s three brothers, 2) Kate’s brother, 3) which person had their eyes photoshopped open. ;)

A photo reminiscent of one of my favorites from their engagement session. I couldn’t help myself!

Instead of traditional wedding cake, Kate’s momma baked homemade strawberry shortcake for all of their guests. A) it was delicious, and B) I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to incorporate some strawberries into their ring shot.

Listening to her dad’s speech. :)

I think Kate will forever hold the top spot for the most beautiful eyes I have ever photographed.

Crrrrraaaaazy wild vineyard! Favorite!

LOVE! Favorite!

And lastly, my two most favorite dancing photos of all time. I couldn’t decide which I liked more, so you get both. :)

Venue | Healdsburg Country Gardens
Florist | Beth Wan, Wildflower Floral Design
Day-Of Coordinator | Lori, Family Friend
Strawberry Shortcake | Jill, Bride’s Momma
Caterer | Erin Ito, Feast Catering
DJ | Lawrence Arevalo
Hair | Brush Salon

Guys, I’m not kidding when I say that I’m mad you live so far away. You are a truly special pair and I am infinitely grateful to have met you and been present at your wedding. These photos show such a small slice of what a memorable day it was, but I hope you love them as much as I do (hint: that means a LOT). :D :D

One of the best parts of this job is being invited to witness such varied paths (weddings) to reach the same end goal (marriage). Seeing what is important to each couple, seeing where they invest their thought and time is fascinating, and often revealing of deeper values. And this wedding at The Brazilian Room in Berkeley is, without question, the most sincere event I have ever attended. It was intimate, beautiful and personal. And Lauren + Björn approached their vows with a reverence that had everyone in attendance in tears (myself included!).

But, as usual, enough of my type-yapping. Just look:

I don’t know exactly why, but I love photos of brides putting on their shoes. :)

This is Lauren. Lauren is insanely beautiful. :) And I don’t know what the deal is lately, but the bridal rooms at the last four of my weddings have been CRAZY small. I get to know people very well. ;)

LOVED their mis-matched dress styles! Plus, grey (in suits and dresses) always photographs so well.

Dad seeing his daughter for the first time. Love this. :)

A special moment with their minister before the ceremony. The sweet prayer she said for Lauren before she walked down the aisle had me BAWLING.

Hello, moon. :)

The way Björn looks at Lauren! Seriously!

Okay, so this is the part of their ceremony that made my breath catch in my throat. During each of their vows just before they had to refer to the other for the first time as “husband” and “wife,” both of them had to pause for tears of utter joy. Can we just bask in the meaning of that for  second? Because the thought of it still makes my heart swell. You two are something special. :)

Married! :D By the way, Lauren’s aunt did ALL of their florals, and it was her first time. She totally nailed it. :)

A candid, private moment, checking out their rings for the first time—just barely caught this before it was over. It’s one of my favorite images from the day (#1). :)

Portrait time! :D

Favorite #2! :D

Not to be too forward or anything, but I will be expecting a phone call when you two start making beautiful babies, okay? Okay. ;)

Aren’t the botanical gardens next door to the Brazilian Room gorgeous? I even got yelled at for putting a foot outside of the walkway boundary to get this shot! Worth it. ;) Favorite #3!

Favorite #4! So flippin’ cute.

I want Lauren’s haircut. :D

A special request. ;)

I love how happy you make each other. :)

German wedding tradition time! First, Björn’s parents fed Lauren salted bread, which, if I remember correctly, symbolizes future prosperity. Then Lauren + Björn worked together to saw a log in half, which represents an ability to accomplish difficult tasks and weather tough storms as a team. Lauren’s father cut this log from the birch tree outside of her childhood bedroom window. Are you kidding me? Amazing. ;)

:D :D

Heartfelt speeches are my favorite. ;)

This image is flat and grainy as all get out, but I adore it. It is perfectly imperfect. It is my favorite (#5). The freckles are a total bonus. :)

Venue | The Brazilian Room, Berkeley, CA
Caterer | Trish McDermitt, 269 The Arlington
Florist | Bride’s Aunt
DJ | Dave Tutton

Lauren + Björn, what a blessing it has been to my life that Leigh introduced you to me. You are wonderful people and a together make a beautiful pair. Photographing your wedding was a joy and I hope you love seeing your photos as much as I did taking them. :D