On a sunny San Francisco day, Amy and Kevin got married! Even though they live in NYC, the couple decided to get married in SF since they love the Bay Area so much! On their wedding day I felt like I knew Amy and Kevin like old friends already. We had done an engagement session last fall in NY where I got to meet their adorable puppy Smiley and I have also had the pleasure of Amy being in 2 bridal parties from my past weddings! These two are perfect for each other and it was of no surprise to me when I heard their engagement story and smiled from ear to ear over the sheer sweetness of it!
Amy had always noted to Kevin that they didn’t have any pictures of the two of them in their apartment. So, Kevin went out and got six photos of the two of them from various points in their relationship printed out and framed. On Tuesday July 2, 2013, Kevin came home from work early and lined the back staircase leading down to their patio with the pictures and roses. When Amy got home she noticed Kevin was wearing cologne and their dog Smiley was running excitedly all over the apartment. Amy still had no idea what was about to happen. But then Kevin led her to the back patio and walked her down the staircase looking at all of the pictures. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, Kevin confessed that he bought a seventh photo frame that he really liked, but he didn’t have a picture in it yet. He showed Amy the frame – it said “Mr. and Mrs.” on the top. Kevin got down on one knee, and Amy said yes!
Amy’s gown was stunning and was the perfect choice for this elegant city affair!Amy and her ladies were in great hands with the talented Kim Guiley and her team. I love working with this team, they make everyone look their best!With less hair to worry about, the men had time for other activities!I just love this image and how Amy and her mom are both smiling so genuinely from sheer excitement and happiness of dressing Amy in her gown!! In case you’re wondering, it was shot through a mirror!I love this shot too taken by Greg of Kevin helping his dad with his cufflinks! Such special family moments!Amy was then handed a gift from Kevin via Kevin’s sister Amanda!
One last look…One final touch up…And they are on their way for the first look on the rooftop garden of the Fairmont. Greg set Kevin up in position with his back facing Amy. Amy then approached Kevin and tapped him on the shoulder!
Wayyyy up above on the balcony of the room where everyone was getting ready, there were tons of tears of happiness flowing!Gah! Amy you look so radiant and the dress is incredible!Such a handsome couple! I’m a huge fan of Kevin’s white bow tie on the white shirt- very classy!We then headed around the hotel to find some more portrait locations. Then hit the streets!Loved that these two were up for anything- so much fun!!We were then joined by the super fun bridal party that was also up for anything… including shooting IN the MIDDLE of the street!Amy and her ladies!The celebration moved on to the Hotel Whitcomb for the ceremony and the reception. We started off with the signing of the Ketubah. I loved how the Rabbi had everyone singing, it was very emotional. Kevin celebrated as he grabbed the pen signifying his willingness to move forward with this contract!Look at all those beautiful smiles!The Rabbi then had the family join in on blessing Amy and Kevin. It was then time for Kevin to veil his bride.The stage was set- such a stunning setting for the ceremony. The Rabbi started off the procession. Followed by the grandparents and cousins.Kevin was escorted down the aisle by his parents. The bridal party!Love the look on Kevin’s face as he anticipates the big moment!The lovely Amy escorted by her parents!Balconies! LOVE THEM! How cool is this shot taken by Greg of Amy walking down to Kevin! I love seeing the whole bridal party, the train of Amy’s gown and Kevin’s beaming smile!Amy circles Kevin 7 times. Rings are exchanged. In the audience, someone was being incredibly adorable!Amy and Kevin are wrapped in a prayer shawl for a blessing on their marriage. And ta da- KISS THE BRIDE!!!! How cute is it that right beyond Amy, her parents are kissing too!Married!!!Amy and Kevin’s cocktail hour showcased a table of pictures from both their families. I simply love seeing these images, such a wonderful way to honor both families. Kevin and his best guys showing off their fancy socks!Amy and Kevin’s Ketubah was so beautiful.
While the guest were mingling in cocktail hour, I was able to photograph the reception room and the cake!Look at this cake!!!! It was literally a work of art, it looked like a present wrapped in icing!Amy and Kevin were announced as husband and wife and ran down the line giving high 5’s to their family and friends- it was amazing!Amy and Kevin share their first dance as husband and wife and it was done beautifully! These two took some dance classes and it paid off- the dance was wonderful!Classically ended with a dip and a smile!We all know what’s next- perhaps the most anticipated part of every Jewish wedding- the Hora!!Amy sees the chairs coming!!!And up they go!!I love the way Amy’s dress filled with air from the momentum of the dance!Next up, Amy’s parents!!!Then Kevin’s parents!!!Whoot!!! Whoot! What a Hora!Amy and Kevin’s grandparents offer a blessing and serve the challah bread to their grandchildren.Amy shares a dance with her father. While Kevin shares a dance with his mother.
Amy’s mom and brother!Kevin’s sister and his brother-in-law! They were just recently married too! As newlyweds they were so helpful all day- they knew just what was needed at every moment! Thanks guys!It was then time for the anniversary dance….…didn’t take long for these brand new newlyweds to be booted off the floor!Finally we have a winner, Kevin’s grandparents! I love how she even celebrated with a fist in the air- 64 years of marriage!Kevin’s best man Simon started off the toast with a little diddy, it was so clever one wishes this image had audio!Next up was Rachel! Rachel’s dad and Amy’s dad are best buds. How sweet that their daughters came to be as well!!Kevin’s second best man Jeff was up next! Kevin’s Dad spoke next, it always tugs on my heart-strings to hear how proud the parents are of their children!
Last but not least, Amy’s Dad with her Mom thanked everyone for coming from near and far and coming together to celebrate Amy and Kevin!Not everyone found the toasts so interesting!Since Kevin’s parents had the honor of both their children married (and very close to each other- busy year!) Mom was given a wreath and then they shared a special dance!I sometimes wish cakes could just stay perfect forever, they are so pretty- especially this one! But hey, at least there is yumminess inside them!Twice as nice!Just to up the ante- there was a sundae bar!How cute is Kevin and his sister dancing?We left with the dance floor in full effect and Amy and Kevin smiling and kissing… perfection. Amy and Kevin, we really loved being part of your wedding day! We wish you all the best and lifetime of love and happiness!!!
Check out these amazing vendors that brought this wedding to life!
Flowers: Michael Daigian Designs
Band: KJ All Stars
Cake: The Cakemaker
Hair and makeup: Kim Guiley
Officiant: Laurie Matzkin, Congregation Kol Emeth
Ketubah artist: Jerise
https://www.etsy.com/shop/jerise