I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

The event was put on by the Lake Chalet, in conjunction with Karine Brighten of Karine Brighten Events, and Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green. Karine specializes in coordinating ‘green’ events, both private and corporate. Pilar offers wonderful eco-friendly gift, decor and floral arrangements, both for events and through her retail boutique in Berkeley.

The Lake Chalet has been working towards ‘greening’ its facility, and is now available to host ‘green’ events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, and more! I was really excited and honored to be chosen to be on the Lake Chalet’s “Preferred Vendor’s” list, as their only green-certified photographer…woo hoo!

Here are some fun photos of the event. I can’t wait to do more at this great venue. Oh, and they do a awesome 3-6-9 Happy Hour in the Pumphouse, and a great Taco Tuesday that you can enjoy right out on the dock when the weather is nice. Be sure to check them out, and commission a Gondola Ride on the Lake after dinner!

A little history on the Lake Chalet (in case you didn’t know….I sure didn’t!)

Originally a tidal estuary formed by several creeks, Lake Merritt’s gets its name from former Oakland Mayor, Samuel Merritt, who proposed to dam and clean up the estuary in 1868. After funding the project with his own money, Merritt laid the groundwork for the urban sanctuary we know today as Lake Merritt.

The Lake was further transformed into a recreational park around the turn of the Twentieth Century as the roads and paths were built and in 1925 the Lake got its Necklace of Lights.

Municipal Boat House - The Lake Chalet building began life in 1909 as a high-pressure salt water pumping plant for the Oakland Fire Department; John Galen Howard designed the original concrete building.

In 1913, Walter D. Reed designed the two building wings to serve as a municipal boathouse. The building hosted excursions, regattas, locker rooms, a tea room and several restaurants.

The original pump station remained in operation until 1955 when building was converted to offices by Superintendent of Parks William Penn Mott Jr. to move parks staff there from downtown. The Lake Merritt Rowing club has used the lower south wing for their activities since 1961.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill – The restaurant, which opened in August of 2009, was created by veteran restaurateurs Gar and Lara Truppelli (Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant and Park Chalet Garden Restaurant in San Francisco) working with Executive Chef Jarad Gallagher.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see my Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

Plan your green wedding!

-by Pilar Zuniga, founder of Gorgeous & Green Events

From easy ways to go green on your wedding day to chic eco-friendly wedding reception ideas, Green.Weddings.com is your go-to source for finding the best green wedding tips and ideas to plan an earth-friendly wedding without sacrificing style. Recently, the Knot’s Green Weddings spotlighted Rebecca Wilkowski Photography. Here’s what they had to say:

There are many ways to go green with your wedding, and choosing green vendors is one of them. I recently connected with Rebecca Wilkowski, a green photographer who is actively involved in green business practices and community. I asked her to share some pics from a green wedding and some information about green photography with you.

How did you get started as a green photographer?
In 1997 I moved to California from the Midwest, and experienced a bit of culture shock. I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here. I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up. As I started to feel better in my body, I started being more conscientious of how I interacted with the environment around me. When I moved to San Francisco in 2004, I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about 2 years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly. In 2007, I became a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, in 2008 a certified photographer of Greener Photography, and in 2010 a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.

What makes you green?
There’s many ways a photographer can lessen her/his footprint, but of the most common include: using rechargeable batteries, recycling, purchasing used equipment, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, partnering with local green vendors, eliminating waste by going paperless (i.e. my portfolio is online, my products samples are viewed as a PDF, I use email to communicate, I upload all my client’s images into online galleries rather than providing proof prints, etc), employing energy saving techniques, purchasing carbon offsets for travel to destination weddings, and investing in green technology.

Hiring a certified green photographer not only helps you plan a wedding you can feel good about, but also has other perks. Online galleries let you view and share your photos when and where it’s most convenient. Hand-crafted and archival albums help ensure your priceless memories are an heirloom to cherish for years to come. And, with the waste-reducing measures your photographer takes, you’ll end up reaping those benefits when she/he passes those savings onto you, keeping your photography from breaking the bank. Best of all, your photographer will be able to work with, and refer you to, other reputable, eco-friendly vendors, helping you to save time in planning your big day

1) I am a Certified Greener Photographer (Leadership Circle level) and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Greener Photography. Greener Photography is non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the goal of seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of the photography industry by educating consumers, photographers, and manufacturers about the benefits of hiring a certified greener photographer and incorporating greener business practices. Greener Photography aims to be the single most up-to-date and reliable resource for eco-conscious photographers.

2) I am a member of Green America, as well as a member of the Green America Green Business Network. (I am 1 of only 10 photographers in the United States approved to currently have this designation). Open to members of Green America, the Green Business Network is a highly selected group of socially and environmentally conscious business leaders. As a member of Green America’s Green Business Network™, members conduct business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, the community and the environment. They certify and can demonstrate that they strive to operate in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner.

3) My company is an approved member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.
The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to:
• Promoting the success of its members,
• Supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and
• Advocating for a green public policy

4) My company is currently in the process of applying for approval as a Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. The BAGBP distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. Their partnership of environmental agencies and utilities assists, offers incentives, and verifies that participating businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet BAGBP standards are officially recognized as “Bay Area Green Businesses”.

5) Back in 2006, I modified my business practices to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve covered areas such as business practices, technology, office workflow, and client products & services. Simple tips I recommend for any photographer to become more green include: reducing/reusing/recycling, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, employing local vendors and staff, eliminating paper waste (go paperless!), using electronic media (email, FTP, websites, blogs, online galleries), employing energy saving techniques, using public transportation/carpooling, purchasing carbon offsets, and investing in green technology.

My company also offers a stylish line of eco-friendly products, including environmentally-friendly wedding albums, canvas wall prints, and DVD folios made from recycled materials. I make a conscious choice to work with, and purchase products from, other companies who are also Green Businesses or who offer eco-friendly products, whenever possible.

6) I have had the pleasure to work for, as well as photograph, many San Francisco Bay area green businesses and environmental organizations, including the Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco Community Power, Pet Camp, Alonzo Printing, Veritable Vegetable, Lick-Wilmerding High School, Temple Emanu El.

How do you live green in other ways?
I actually went “green” at home first, and after I saw the benefits, I applied what I had learned to my business. In my personal life, I eat organic, in-season, free-range and locally farmed food; purchase eco-friendly clothing and furniture; reuse and recycle; compost food waste; carpool; patronize local small businesses; and try to limit my purchases to only those items I truly need. I also volunteer and donate to environmental non-profit organizations.

What’s your greenest advice for the engaged couple planning a green wedding?
Find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. Utilize the expertise of a green wedding and event coordinator. They will not only help you avoid the common pitfalls of wedding planning and save you lots of time, they’ll also be able to refer you to other eco-friendly vendors and provide you with lots of great ideas you might not have thought of. Talking to brides who have planned green weddings is another great way to get referrals. I also highly recommend the following websites: Greenerphotography.org, Greenamericatoday.org, Greenbrideguide.com

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From easy ways to go green on your wedding day to chic eco-friendly wedding reception ideas, the Knot’s Green.Weddings.com is your go-to source for finding the best green wedding tips and ideas to plan an earth-friendly wedding without sacrificing style..

To read this article in full, please check out the Knot’s Green Weddings. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

If you are looking for some fabulous inspiration for your wedding, here it is! This wedding is ecofriendly, with a touch of DIY, and a lot of fun! Along with some amazing photos, here is the story of Krista and Tim’s wedding told in their own words…

Describe any special parts of the wedding, or people who attended.
The ceremony was created surrounding the 7 foundations we wanted to nurture in our marriage: grace, honesty, generosity, respect, community, growth, and love. Our community of family and friends are a big part of what makes our lives so rich, so it meant a great deal to us to have so many people be a part of our wedding. In addition to the wedding party and officiants, we had Chuppah carriers who not only brought the Chuppah up, but stood surrounding us during the ceremony. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, but there was a strong breeze and the Chuppah wouldn’t have stayed in the holders if our community hadn’t stayed up there with us. It was a perfect accident! The Chuppah was made by Krista’s sister-in-law and sister. Krista’s nephew played guitar and her sister sang during the ceremony. Krista’s father passed away unexpectedly 6 weeks after we returned from the honeymoon, so the time we had at the wedding became more special to us, including our very non-traditional spontaneous father-daughter fast dance where my dad was “getting his groove on”. He had the entire room laughing and dancing!

Why did you choose Boa Ventura as the venue?
We looked at a lot of sites prior to Boa Ventura. We wanted something outside since we both love the outdoors. I had been to a wedding in an orchard and loved that venue. Boa Ventura had a similar feel. It is slightly rustic, with wild flowers everywhere and a lot of great little details including a bocce ball court. There were animals around the property including a cat, a horse, a few dogs, and even a few chickens in a coup. This was perfect for the relaxed, community feel we wanted to create. Another bonus was that they didn’t dictate which vendors we had to use, allowing us to create a wedding that was unique and truly embraced who we are as individuals and as a couple.

How did you choose your florist, and the particular flower types and colors?
We bought our flowers from Trader Joe’s. The store has a designated person to order flowers. I went a few weeks before the wedding and we talked about what kinds of flowers we wanted and what was in season. She ordered the type, but couldn’t guarantee the colors. The day before the wedding, she let me pick through the order to choose the types and colors we wanted. We had Van Gough Sunflowers, red, yellow, orange gerbera daisies, and celosia flowers among many other flowers. We also had mint, lavender, and roses from a friend’s garden. The morning of the wedding, myself, the bridesmaids, my sister, and other friends made the bouquets and boutonnieres. The balcony of the hotel room where we were working was overlooking the pool where some of the kids from our wedding were swimming and playing. It was a lot of fun to be around all those flowers and have our loved ones laughing below. The centerpieces on the tables were potted organic herbs planted by myself  a week before the wedding.

What drew you to your other vendors?
We chose Whiskie Bits because we wanted something unique, and they had unusual flavors such as malted milk ball and strawberry rose cupcakes. They try to use only seasonal ingredients and organic when possible. It added another original touch to the wedding.

We chose Rebecca Wilkowski Photography because Rebecca is a warm, easy to talk to person, not to mention her photography is amazing.  I used to assist wedding photographers and understood that the wrong fit for a wedding photographer can be a big issue throughout the day. Tim was a photography major in college and has an eye for good photography. We knew Rebecca would not only beautifully capture our wedding day, but she’d also be a joy to have around for our special day…..and we were correct on both accounts!

What was your favorite part of day?
Krista: Surprising Tim and dancing flamenco for him. After my dance, Tim was laughing and crying at the same time
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Tim: Our time alone together immediately after the ceremony. The owners of the winery let us hide in their garden on a bench and enjoy a glass of wine from their own cellar and a plate of the appetizers. It gave us a chance to connect and take in the ceremony before the party began.

What advice would you give to others on their wedding day?
Take time for just the two of you on the special day! We had about 15 minutes after the wedding ceremony, and our first sighting was just the two of us w/ our photographer. It is such a private moment between the bride and groom, but is usually done in front of everyone. It was nice to have it be just between us, yet captured on film.

If you loved the story and these photos, here’s a vendor list to help you in your own wedding planning:

Photographer: Rebecca Wilkowski Photography  – Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is a proud member of Green America’s Green Business Network, Greener Photography, Green Chamber of Commerce, and the Green Bride Guide, and is available to photography weddings world wide.  Blog: www.rebeccawilkowski.com/blog and Website: www.rebeccawilkowski.com

Venue: Boa Ventura Winery in Livermore, CA.

Groom’s attire: Suit bought from Nordstrom to reuse for years to come

Bridal dress & Veil: demo dress & demo veil from J’aime Bridal & Weddings in Pleasanton, CA.

Rings: Groom’s ring was bought on ebay. Bride’s engagement ring was his mothers & great-grandmother’s wedding-antique ring from Aura Jewelers in Berkeley, CA. 

Bakery: Whiskie Bits Cupcakes used seasonal ingredients to make the scrumptious cupcakes.

Invitations: Recycled papers bought from Paper Source In Berkeley, Flax Art & Design in San Francisco, and Dick Blick’s in Berkeley. Invitations designed by bride, groom and a friend.

Center Pieces: Organic Herbs bought at Berkeley Horticulture & Westbrae Nursery and planted with Organic compost by bride and her mother

Beverages/bar: Home brewed beer, lovingly made by the bride and groom! All materials were recycled on site.

Caterer/Food: Organic Paella by Venga Paella, organic hors ‘d oeuvres made by friends

Table Linens & Decorations: Rented from Pleasanton Party Rentals in Pleasanton, Califonia. Re-used vases, candles, and candle holders from a friend’s wedding. Couple decided to rent everything instead of buy, as many of their friends had done previously, to save from more waste.

Honeymoon: Hacienda San Lucas, Ecolodge in Copan, Honduras. This lodge is amazing with organic foods and organic coffee that is grown up the hill from the lodge.

Bridal Gift: Antique Earrings from Aura Jewelers in Berkeley, CA 

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The Bay Area Bride Guide is your local resource for wedding planning in the San Francisco Bay Area. Stacy Yamaoka, the founder of Bay Area Bride Guide, is also the co-founder of Marry Me Live. Marry Me Live is a live wedding streaming and wedding webcasting service that enables wedding couples to share their wedding day LIVE with family and friends around the world. Marry Me Live empowers wedding couples to “Go Green. Live Stream.”

Click here to read this article in full on the Bay Area Bride Guide. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

The day started when I met Sarah and Anthony at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa, which if you don’t know, is a fabulous place in Oakland, Ca. The hotel was established in 1915, and I just love the vintage feel.

The facade of the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa…..such a great place for a wedding! The history of this place is just amazing. Check out their website for the details!Sarah and Anthony’s totally cute lil pup. Check out the bow tie!

From the Claremont Hotel and Spa, we went up into Tilden Park to the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, where an intimate ceremony was held. Even in the “off’ season, this garden was gorgeous, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there already.

After weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun came out this day for Sarah & Anthony.This is Anthony’s Nana, Hazel. If I could adopt her as my grandmother, it’d be a done deal!Anthony, smiling.This is the fabulous outfit of one of Anthony’s good friends. I just loved the juxtaposition of colors, patterns and texture.Topping off the outfit was the sneakers. Sweet!I LOVE the trees in the background. Yay for Winter!Everyone just looks so incredibly happy.I really like this photo. Something just so sweet about this picture of a father and his daughter.Cheers to mother and daughter matching cowboy boots!Sweet sisters.Trees!I love the tattoo. Nice shot by my assistant, Breck!I love this shot. So serious, but it totally works!From serious to silly! How cute are these ladies?Such beautiful eyes! I’m officially jealous.Rock those cowboy boots, girl!Proof they’re really married!I love Anthony’s look in this photo.Sarah is so pretty. Wow.Snapped this just as the Parks Authority asked us to stop. Oops. Still, a nice shot tho, eh?Sarah smiling for Breck.After these fun shots at the botanical garden, we rounded out the day with a dinner and celebration at Oliveto Restaurant in the Rockridge district of Oakland. The food was great and the space reserved for the group was perfectly cozy.After listening to Anthony’s impromptu speech at the end of the night, where he told Sarah what she meant to him, I gotta admit, I got a little teary.Shot this while eating dinner in the next room. Camera in one hand, fork in the other. Yeah, that’s how I roll. I like the expression on Sarah’s face that Breck captured. She’s having a blast!
Here we go!I noticed Mom’s tattoo as I went over to Sarah to say goodbye.

Sarah and Anthony were just such a pleasure to work with. I really enjoyed meeting their family and friends. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly. It’s clear, Sarah and Anthony are very loved. And, the love they have for each other is very inspiring. Sarah and Anthony’s wedding was the perfect reminder why I photograph weddings. So for that, THANK YOU, Sarah and Anthony. It was such an honor to capture these moments on your special day. Enjoy!

Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000
http://www.claremontresort.com

East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 544-3169
http://www.nativeplants.org

Oliveto Restaurant
5655 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 547-5356
www.oliveto.com

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me. Special thanks to my assistant on this wedding, Breck. He’s moving out east soon and starting his business, so if you need a photographer in the Boston area, let me know!

I love this shot….so simple, and taken with just natural light provided by a wall of windows in her loft in SoMa.

Look at those eyes!

I love playing with color, so Hema and I explored the alley ways in/around SoMa in San Francisco.

A very cool door in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shot. So natural, so content, so beautiful. What a great end to a great day of shooting portraits in San Francisco!

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more San Francisco Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or  Contact Me.

The Grand Ballroom at the Regency Center
1290 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-5716

Alexis Simonson
Giorgio Armani Face Designer
Saxs Ffith Avenue

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Portrait Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.