Olympic Club Wedding Photography- Alyse & Daniel!

“He was my older brother’s college roommate.”

Now that is an answer I usually do not hear to my question of how the couple met! Instantly I knew that Daniel must be a great guy because how many guys let their roommate date their little sister? Not very many!

Alyse and Daniel’s wedding was rich with traditions and filled with so many moments of great laughter and fun!

 

Beautiful roses from Daniel!  See, nice guy!The ladies all got ready at Alyse’s parents’ house.  I love the fun of girls getting ready, always lots of laughing!  Alyse showered her ladies with so many presents including matching monogrammed button downs, sandals and jewelry!Alyse’s dress was created by Amy Kushel out of San Francisco.  The dress was truly so unique, I had never seen a dress like it and fell absolutely in love with it!The guys got ready at a hotel and did what guys do, which as you know from my past blogs takes all of 3 minutes I think!  I do love the use of the lint brush on the beard- brilliant!Once the girls had done their thing and Alyse was all dressed perfectly, Dad was invited in to see his little girl!Alyse and Daniel got married at St. Gregory’s, just down the block from Alyse’s parents’ house.Those cheeks!!Alyse was proudly escorted down the aisle by her father.St. Gregory’s is a gorgeous church! The rules of this church are quite strict compared to other churches so we were not able to get our usual wedding ceremony images. The rules were that I had to stand behind the very last row of people, which was quite far back, these two are popular! The other place I was allowed to stand was the far right corner near the exit towards the front. I was grateful that Greg was allowed on the balcony so we were able to capture some images from up above. We did our best to be creative working within the rules!When communion was being given out I noticed a room where someone was with a baby off to the side.  Sooo I took a little walk. I love this image of Alyse and Daniel looking out at all their family and friends taken through a window!Kiss the bride!!!Married!!!So adorable!The bridal party ushered them to the back of the church so we could do some family formals!It was then off to the historical Olympic Club!  It was very special for Alyse to have her wedding reception there as it was where her parents also had their wedding reception!This bridal party was so much fun!Daniel shows off his cuff links which were a gift from Alyse.Inside the scene was set for an elegant night of celebrating! Alyse and Daniel so cleverly created table numbers that also showcase an image of both of them at that particular age!While everyone else was off at cocktail hour, we headed out onto the golf course area for some portraits.Practicing for the dance floor!  This is not the last dip you will be seeing!It was then time for Alyse and Daniel to be announced.  The other main room of the Olympic Club is a huge room with a glass ceiling that is perfect for the dance floor!Alyse and Daniel danced to the full song THEMSELVES!  So often now the band announces for family and friends to join the couple on the dance floor.  While that is sweet and all… I do love having the full song of the first dance to capture this precious time!There’s the dip! Love it!As everyone began to move into the dining room for dinner, Alyse showed Daniel his surprise. His groom’s cake!  And what a cake it was!Ahhh, nothing like a little baseball rivalry to start off a marriage! (My Greg, a die hard Yankee fan had to steady himself when he saw a Boston logo on a wedding cake but hey at least they were losing pretttttty badly on this cake!) Got to love those bobble heads!The main cake was so beautiful and very elegant!  It fit perfectly into the essence of their wedding day!  Both cakes were created by the talented team at Studio Cakes in Menlo Park.Alyse’s father welcomed everyone and certainly tapped into the hearts of all those present.  Alyse’s brother and future sister in law said grace. Toasts were started off with Daniel’s brother, Alyse’s brother and sister-in-law and last but certainly not least Alyse’s little sister!Tradition trumps all, they just had to cut those amazing cakes! Alyse receives a sweet little hug from her nephew!Another tradition, one that always pulls on everyone’s heart strings (mine included) are the parent dances. Then it was time.  Time to get the party started!  The Lucky Devils Band didn’t need much help as they were INCREDIBLE- but they were gracious enough to let one of my favorite groomsmen add to the sounds!This photo booth had the best props EVER! Everyone had so much fun goofing around!!  Who needs a video team when you have a GoPro on a stick capturing it all! I’d love to see the footage, everyone looked like they were having so much fun passing it around!And by the end of the night Alyse’s nephew had it!!!Time for the bouquet toss!A nice grab by Dan’s Grandmother!I love this image!  The expressions on their faces CRACK ME UP!The men usually don’t line up as quickly but a nice group gathered to try to catch the garter, which you all know signifies they are getting married next!  And we had another overzealous catch!What a match!To fuel the dancing, the most scrumptious grilled cheeses were set out- accompanied by little desserts, cookies and treat bags!Alyse danced with her Grandfather!Then all too quickly is became that time. The last dance, perfectly surrounded by family and friends!Whoot! Whoot!  And one more dip!Alyse and Daniel we wish you so much love and happiness for your life together! It was an honor to document this day for you!