Oh my gosh! This wedding was the PERFECT way to kick off 2010. Sarah and Anthony are one of those couples I just get giddy about when  I meet. Stylish, young, fun and so adorably cute! Plus, they are both artists, and have a great aesthetic. Once they explained to  me the “look” they were going for, I felt really inspired. Sarah really wanted an organic, natural feel to her images. And Anthony liked the minimalist element that the Winter season provides. Where some couples (and photographers) might wish this were a Spring or Summer wedding, I loved the fact that they actually liked the Winter feel.

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.

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

Ok, ok. So, normally, it takes me a wee bit to get my most recent wedding images on the blog. But this wedding was just so great, I just couldn’t wait to put these up.

What can I say about Nat & Ty? They are FABulous. (I can’t believe I just used that word either, but there you have it, I did.) Working with them over the past few months has been a sincere pleasure, and I was so looking forward to photographing their big day.

The day started off with Natalie getting ready at her home in Russian Hill, with her mom and close friends by her side. Once we hailed a cab, we were off to Ina Coolbrith Park. From this cozy park you get an amazing view of the downtown skyline!

The ceremony was intimate….just under 50 close friends and family. The Blue Angels were out practicing this day, but stopped just long enough for everyone to hear the touching ceremony. I particularly liked the part where Natalie and Tyler nailed shut a wooden box, which held love letters to one another. When Natalie wiped away a tear, and then Ty followed suit, my own glasses started to fog up! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. (Note, photographing a wedding with foggy glasses is not advised!)

After the ceremony, there was a champagne and cigar reception, which made for some great photo fun. Then we were off to catch the sunset at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, where Natalie often swims.(You’re brave girl….burr!!!)

This day was just beautiful, and Nat and Ty were absolutely gorgeous to photograph, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

Days like this remind me how lucky I am to have the job that I do. A big thanks goes out to Nat and Ty for making my job one that I love so dearly.

Congratulations you two! xoxoxoxo

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Ina Coolbrith Park
Taylor & Vallejo Streets
San Francisco, CA 94101

San Francisco Aquatic Park
Beach Street and Hyde
San Francisco, CA 94133

P.S. I can’t forget to give a big shout out to my assistant photographer, Diana. She captured the great, colorful shots of the boys before the ceremony.

If you haven’t been to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, then you MUST go. I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding here recently, and can’t believe I had forgotten how incredibly gorgeous this hotel is. They seriously don’t make buildings like this anymore. If you can appreciate art and architecture, it’s a must see. And even if you don’t, you will appreciate the amazing views from the Top of the Mark Lounge at the top.

Max and Alyson were the lucky, and incredibly cute, couple to be wed at this palatial venue. Alyson is this wonderful mix of cute, warm & fuzzy, and saucy. As soon as I met her, I felt incredibly at ease….her whole presence was really wonderful to be around, and made photographing her a joyful experience.

Max, the lucky groom, was just as great. A warm, welcoming smile, friendly eyes, and such a gracious and helpful nature. Wow. This couple embodied all the greatest qualities you could hope for.

To make my day even better, they were super FUN to be around. Laughing, joking, smiling. Taking everything in stride. So incredibly friendly. Max and Alyson are obviously special people, as evidenced by the family and friends that attended the wedding. I can honestly say, each and every guest I met was just so incredibly warm, welcoming and friendly. What a blessing to have such a great group of family and friends!

This wedding was not only fun and gorgeous to photograph, but I actually felt like a guest…..a friend who just happened to have a couple really big cameras around my neck all day!

So, thanks SO much Max and Alyson for putting on such a wonderful event, and for allowing me the honor of photographing your important day. I hope it is just one of many incredible days on your journey together!

Here’s a teaser. More on the blog soon….stay tuned!

I’m a nerd when it comes to learning about the history of San Francisco, so I researched the history of the Mark Hopkins. Turns out it has a wonderfully rich story, and it’s no wonder so many important folks, from celebrities to dignitaries, make this their first choice when visiting San Francisco.

If you wanna know more about the Mark Hopkins InterContinental read the excerpt below from the Intercontinental website. I’ve also included links at the very end so that you can contact them for your next stay in San Francisco. Believe me, after you read the excerpt and see the images, there will be no other place you’d want to stay!

“The Mark Hopkins Hotel opened on December 4, 1926. Located at One Nob Hill (California and Mason Street), the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco stands tall at the crest of Nob Hill, several hundred feet above San Francisco’s downtown business and shopping district.  The 19-story hotel’s architecture is a combination of French chateau and Spanish Renaissance, embellished with elaborate terracotta ornament.  Because the hotel consists of a tall central tower and two wings outstretched like arms, the rooms offer spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the city, the surrounding hills and the ocean.

Of these homes on Nob Hill built by such magnates as Stanford, Crocker, and Huntington, none was grander than the gabled Victorian mansion of Mark Hopkins, a founder of the Central Pacific Railroad.  Hopkins’ wife, Mary, was given free reign in the mansion’s design which included: a built-in pipe organ, oak paneling inlaid with ebony, and several-story-tall entry hall/art gallery.

Mark Hopkins died just before completion of the grandiose structure.  In 1878 his widow moved into the multi-turreted $3 million Gothic castle built entirely of redwood.  Several years later, Mary Hopkins moved to the East Cost and married Edward Searles, her interior designer and junior by 30 years. After Mary Hopkins death in 1891, Edward Searles donated the long-unoccupied Nob Hill mansion to the San Francisco Art Association, which converted the building into classrooms, studios, and galleries.

The mansion burned in the fire, which followed the 1906 earthquake, and only the hillside property’s mammoth granite retaining wall remained.  One night in 1910, mining engineer George D. Smith and a friend were strolling past the modest Art Association building when he said, “Someday, I’m going to build a hotel there.”

At once, the hotel became a leading social center of San Francisco.  In the 1920′s, 1930′s and 1940′s, the glamorous Peacock Court hosted such memorable dance bands as Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Anson “Dancin’ -with-Anson” Weeks, Xavier Cugat, plus the era’s top supper club entertainers like Betty Grable, Dorothy Lamour, Rudy Valley, Hildegarde, Dorothy “The Broadway Hillbilly” Shay, and exotic Peruvian songbird Yma Sumac.  The banquet rooms were filled with debutante balls, wedding receptions, and glittering dinners, sometimes served on the hotel’s 24 -carat gold dinner service.

The Mark Hopkins’ guests included US. Presidents, statesman, international royalty, and Hollywood celebrities.  Twenties and thirties film idol John Barrymore was a frequent guest.  His pet monkey, Clementine, was less welcome at the hotel after she climbed the curtains in Barrymore’s suite, shredding the brocade as she went.

In 1939 hotel owner George D. Smith created a sensation at The Mark Hopkins Hotel when he converted the 11-room penthouse on the hotel’s 19th floor into a glass-walled cocktail lounge featuring a 360-degree view of San Francisco.  This became known as the Top of The Mark.

Although Smith later told friends he wasn’t sure that people would ride an elevator 19 stories just to enjoy a drink and the view, the Top Of The Mark was an immediate hit after it opened on May 11, 1939.  That year, San Franciscans and visitors alike flocked there to view the twinkling lights of the Golden Gate Bridge International Exposition on Treasure Island.

During the Second World War, The Top of the Mark was a favorite spot for Pacific-bound servicemen to enjoy their last liberty before shipping out.  As the ships left the Golden Gate, anxious wives and sweethearts often gathered in the Northwest corner to watch the departure, earning that section the nickname, “Weepers’ Corner”.

After the Second World War, The Mark Hopkins remained one of San Francisco’s most fashionable sites for dancing and supper club entertainment, debutante balls, weddings, and banquets. Its guests included the leading statesmen, royalty, and celebrities such as Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower, Prince Philip of Great Britain, Queen Juliana of Holland, Emperor Hailie Selassie, ElizabethTaylor, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson (who required a personal chef to prepare his vegetarian meals) and The Rolling Stones (who took two entire floors for themselves and their entourage).

During his 1961 visit to America, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev stayed in the Mark Hopkins’ 17th floor Presidential suite.  For the duration of his visit, the suite boasted a one-button black telephone with a direct line to The Kremlin and Russian security guards that periodically paced the rooms with Geiger counters looking for any sources of radiation.

In 1973, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, commenced a painstaking several-year renovation of The Mark Hopkins.  This project included the restoration of the landmark facade and its elaborate ornamentation, redecoration of the lobby and all public rooms, redecoration of all guest rooms, and installation or upgrading of all mechanical and safety systems.

In 1987, a 10 million renovation gave The Mark a new, fresh look.  All 391 guestrooms and suites were remodeled in the neoclassic style employing custom designed furnishings and plush fabrics.  Also included were the Lobby, Lower Bar Lounge, and the Nob Hill Restaurant.

During 1995 the Mark unveiled the historic renovation of The Peacock Court and Room of the Dons. Highlighted by a dazzling display of intricate colors and design, the Peacock Court’s impressive ceiling holds its esteemed place as the focal point of the ballroom.

During the summer of 1996, The Mark Hopkins redesigned it’s legendary “room with a view”, The Top of the Mark. San Francisco’s famous sky lounge made its reopening debut in the fall, after a three month, 1.5 million-dollar renovation. The change was significant. The bar, once located as a focal point of the room, has been moved to a corner over looking the Golden Gate Bridge. An elevated mahogany dance floor surrounded by conversational seating, featuring comfortable modern sofas, classic settees, and upholstered chairs with “Bay Area Legends” signature plaques, has replaced this. Alabaster and sculptured metal chandeliers; Italian banisters, beveled mirrors wall and European-style plaster prepare this lounge for the next century.

In 1997, understanding the needs of the discerning business traveler, the Mark Hopkins launches 22 guest “Business Rooms” and a Business Center. Rooms were designed to include a combination printer/fax/copier, large surface desk, ergonomic work chairs, halogen lighting, and multi- line telephones with voice mail services and data port. The Business Center provides secretarial and copying services, computer stations with Internet capability, supplies, and delivery/telecommunication services.

During 1998, adding to the numerous other environmental programs that the Mark Hopkins and Inter-Continental Hotels & Resorts have initiated over the years, the Mark becomes the first major luxury hotel in San Francisco to offer a charging station for electric cars. The electric vehicle-charging unit is located in the hotel garage and available 24 hours a day.

A multi-million dollar restoration was completed in 2002, with restorations enhancing the hotel’s original character of old-world luxury and style, with new-world amenities and services.

Mark Hopkins InterContinental
999 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434
http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

Yesterday I read a great blog post on Rock-n-Roll Bride about what people should expect to pay for their wedding photographer. This blog post is a MUST read for anyone about to be married as it’s a real eye opener. Here’s some food for thought:

♥ Photography is an Investment, Not an Expense. After the wedding, what’s left? The dress, the ring and YOUR MEMORIES. That’s it. This being said, the photographer is the one thing that shouldn’t be scrimped on or “DIY-ed”. These memories are your family heirloom. Why risk it?

♥ What’s Important to YOU? Weddings can be expensive. The thought of spending thousands of dollars on a photographer is a lot for some people to come to terms with. There is no hard and fast rule about what you should budget for your wedding photography. You may have heard of the 10% rule, in which 10% of your wedding budget should be allocated to your wedding photography. In reality, people have different vales and priorities. If you are a Foodie, then you’ll put more money into feeding your guests. If you are really into music, then you will splurge on great entertainment. And if you appreciate the value of good photography, then you will invest in it. So, ask yourself, what’s most important to you? Your answer is where you should put your money.

♥ Owning a Nice Camera Doesn’t Make You a Photographer. Being a photographer is not just about owning a professional camera; it’s about knowing how to USE it. Take note: not all photographers have exactly the same skill set. So, when shopping for a photographer, remember it’s not like comparing apples to apples. Our experience, products, and visual point of view are all different.

♥ Experience Counts. The more experienced a photographer is, the more he/she should cost. A wedding day is fraught with pitfalls and challenges for the inexperienced, including ever-changing lighting conditions, venue restrictions, bad weather, and grumpy guests/bridezillas. A good photographer knows how to deal with all of this.

♥ Creativity is Priceless. We’ve all seen those familiar wedding shots: Bride looking out the window. Groomsmen re-creating the scene from Reservoir Dogs. Bridal Parties jumping up in the air (why the heck are they jumping, anyways?) But, a pro will often have the skill and creativity to go beyond these standard shots to capture moments chocked full of genuine personality and emotion. And, being able to do this in high pressure situations like weddings is not an easy skill to develop.

♥ Is Your “Pro” Professional? What good is having a photographer if they are completely unprofessional? A good way to find out is to ask for referrals from people who have used the photographers you are considering. The last thing you want at your wedding is a photographer who shows up wearing jeans, barks orders at guests, is distracting during the ceremony, or goes MIA during the event to check their cell phone or Facebook.

♥ You Want “natural” Looking Photos. A good photographer has the ability to pose a couple. Don’t want to be posed you say? Trust me, you DO. Posing doesn’t have to mean stiff looking, un-natural photographs. For me, I call it ‘guiding the couple”, which basically means, I look for good light, a good background, and then bring the couple to it. I then get the couple to engage in a natural way, so I can step back and photograph. The next time you see a really lovely natural looking image, chances are the photographer helped guide the couple into that moment, that location and that light. When you can’t tell it was posed, well, THAT’s good posing. And, this takes LOTS of practice.

♥ Seeing the Light. Another thing that you pay for as prices go up is the ability to see light and knowledge of different lighting techniques. Knowing the difference between natural light and flash, and how and when to use each, is critical.

♥ Getting it Right IN the Camera. When you hire a pro, chances are they will nail the shot right in the camera, reducing the need to ‘fix’ it later in Photoshop.

♥ Knowing WHEN to use Photoshop. Want that stray hair, blemish or braces removed? Want to look a few years younger by getting rid of some wrinkles? How about a few pounds lighter? We all want to look our best, but at the low end of the market, it’s probable that wedding coverage and the disc of images you receive will not be retouched. Or, even worse, the images may be over-Photoshopped, leaving you with zombie looking eyes and flat skin and unrealistically white teeth and blue skies. A seasoned pro will know when to use Photoshop without going overboard.

♥ Service Matters. When you go into Walmart do you expect the same level of customer service and attention that you’d get at Saks? Heck no! At Walmart, you’re left to your own devices to find your way through the dizzying aisles of choices. Then, be prepared to get in line and wait with a zillion other people (and crying babies). Hopefully, your purchase won’t fall apart the same day you bought it. My point? Customer service is another thing you pay for.

♥ It’s expensive to be a photographer. Next to being a dentist, photography has one of the highest start up costs. I think PPA estimated it to be in the neck of $40,000. Yeah, that’s more than many people make in a year. It’s no wonder photographers often have a 2nd (or 3rd) job, or a spouse, helping pay the bills. Most professional wedding photographers are small businesses, run by people who made the brave decision to leave comfortable, full-time employment (ahm, me included!) to take on the challenge of working for themselves. In addition to all the equipment needed, you have to take into account the costs of  things like rent, gas, electricity, computer equipment, data back up, software, marketing, advertising, transportation, education, mortgages, food, entertainment, insurance, pensions, clothing, etc. When it all adds up, it’s darn expensive to be a photographer.

♥ But, It’s Only One Day of Work, Right??? Many people think a photographer’s fees are just for 1 day’s work and therefore hard to justify. However, I can tell that you that for me, one wedding usually involves about 42 hours of work. This includes marketing, emails/phone calls, meeting with clients, engagement shoots, shooting the wedding, downloading/archiving the images, editing & retouching, album design, printing, framing, creating slide shows, uploading online galleries, and delivery of everything to the client. Add all that time to the cost of marketing, advertising, office equipment, camera equipment, insurance, rent AND the cost of the materials to make wedding albums, prints, etc. Do the math and you’ll quickly see the photographer’s profit dwindle.

♥ She Works Hard for the Money. (Yes, that’s a Donna Summer reference!) Wedding photographers are warriors and ninjas. Seriously. They are some of the hardest working folks I’ve met. The job is both physically and mentally demanding. I liken it to doing a tri-athalon. Want to know why I take Sundays off? It’s because I’m either in bed sleeping or at the massage therapist getting my body repaired. So, before you start bargaining with your photographer on price, please remember their fee is based on their experience, artistry and cost of doing business. Rock-n-Roll Bride said it best: “The recession, the day of the week your wedding is on, the size of your guest list (e.g. “I’m having a small wedding”), and the fact that you chose to spend a large sum on your dress, doesn’t affect how much it costs your photographer to shoot your wedding.”

♥ Walmart or Saks Fifth Avenue…Where Do You Like to Shop? Whenever you make a purchase, there are a variety of brands out there for you to choose from, ranging from budget to luxe. Wedding photographers are no different. We have the equivalents of Walmart, Macy’s, and Sax Fifth Avenue. At the low end of the market, the photographers are most likely photography students, weekend warriors or newbies just starting out. Generally, these folks have very little (or no) experience and training, lack professional grade equipment, offer products that are produced more cheaply, and are still working out the kinks as they learn how to run a business. Mid-range photographers have more training & experience and generally shoot weddings more frequently. They are also more likely to have better quality, professional equipment and insurance. Their product line is often of higher quality because their fees allow them to put more resources into nicer products. Lastly, the customer experience tends to be better because they have found their ‘groove’ and are able to avoid many of the pitfalls a newbie faces. Upper range photographers are generally very experienced and well trained, use only top quality equipment, provide an incredible customer service experience and offer high end products to their clients. 

What’s the moral of the story? You get what you pay for. Every person deserves to have a good photographer on their wedding day. So, even if you don’t have the biggest of budgets, spend as much as you can reasonably afford, and find ways to save in other areas, if possible.

Big thanks goes to our friend, Kimberly, over at Style Unveiled for this great article on how to create an Eco-Chic wedding. For more fabulous tips, please visit them online at: Style Unveiled

1. Have your ceremony and reception at the same location.

2. Keep the wedding cake simple.

3. Use the linens that your reception site provides.

4. Wear a dress made of raw silk.

5. Use a reply postcard, rather than a note card that needs an envelope.

6. Purchase a simple wedding gown that you would wear again.

7. Create a wedding website, rather than using mailer inserts with your invitation.

8. Use the beautiful Northwest moss as a centerpiece in a lovely, shallow bowl.

9. Donate your wedding dress to a charity when the wedding is over.

10. Choose bridesmaids dresses that your friends will wear again.

11. Have the groomsmen wear a suit they can use again for work.

12. Blow bubbles rather than tossing rice; rice kills birds when they eat it.

13. Rent real glasses and dishes, as opposed to using disposable plates.

14. Use a florist who uses flowers from local or organic farms.

15. Have your guests reply on the website, rather than send in paper reply cards.

16. Register for your gifts at local shops, so as to save on shipping materials and gas.

17. Use recycled gold for your eco wedding rings.

18. Select a wedding venue close to your home.

19. Create your own bouquets from wildflowers.

20. Ride a tandem bike home from the reception.

21. Use potted plants as centerpieces for a more organic wedding.

22. Use biodegradable, compostable dishes and flatware made from
cornstarch, sugar cane, or tropical leaves.

23. In lieu of a favor, give the money to a charity for a greener world.

24. Use a green wedding registry.

25. Use cloth napkins, rather than paper.

26. Order your programs to be printed on 100% recycled post consumer waste paper that has been processed without chlorine.

27. Rather than hosting a full bar, have a personalized cocktail made of organic ingredients – including organic vodka

28. Use hemp paper for your save-the-date cards.

29. Use food that is in-season for the reception.

30. Keep the wedding small. The more guests you invite, the bigger the carbon footprint left from the wedding.

31. Donate the flowers from your wedding to a hospital.

32. Give each guest an 11-watt compact fluorescent bulb as a favor. Each replaced 50-watt incandescent bulb with the wedding favor will save 685 pounds of carbon dioxide.

33. Give a recycled handmade paper bookmark with wildflower seeds as a favor. This can be planted once they are finished using it.

34. Purchase wedding shoes that you will wear again.

36. Use locally grown flowers for your arrangements.

37. Throw rose petals after the ceremony, rather than releasing butterflies.

38. Give antique wedding bands to each other.

39. Have your invitations made on bamboo paper.

40. If you want to have a camera at each table for guests to use, rent the digital ones rather than single use.

41. Travel by train, rather than by plane.

42. Purchase your dress or tuxedo from a vintage boutique.

43. Take an eco-considerate honeymoon. Travel close to home or consider eco-tourism for your honeymoon destination.

44. Consider having a meat-free menu at your reception.

45. Have an outdoor ceremony and reception.

46. Hire vendors who are committed to being “green” and providing sustainable wedding practices.

47. Purchase a conflict-free gem for your engagement ring.

48. Live green after the wedding.

49. Give organic chocolate as a favor.

50. Use all local wedding vendors.

51. Give dried organic herbs as a favor.

52. Hire an all-digital photographer.

53. Give flower-bulbs as green wedding favors.

54. Plant a tree in memory of your wedding day. Then, plant a tree together on every anniversary.

55. Use beeswax candles.

56. Use reusable linens, rather than disposable ones.

57. Use an organic wedding caterer.

58. When printing for your wedding, use a printer that can use paper with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content.

60. Ask your friends to grow flowers in their personal gardens for your centerpieces. This adds a personal touch as well!

61. Rather than having a big party, elope!

62. Have your guests sign the mat of a framed photo from your engagement instead of a guest book.

63. Travel to your guests instead! If most of your guests come from one part of the country, go to them instead of everyone coming to you.

64. If you have a lot of clutter and are trying to move in together, why not ask your guests to take a gift, rather than buy you something. Give away your clutter! What’s old is new again.

65. Give your guests the option of donating to charity, rather than purchasing a wedding gift.

66. Buy a diamond mined from Canada or Australia for your engagement ring.

67. Use a non-profit space to host your ceremony and reception.

68. Arrive to the wedding reception in a hybrid or smartcar!

69. Donate the leftover uneaten food from your reception, instead of throwing it out.

70. Tell out of town guests about the eco-friendly hotels in the area.

71. Choose fair trade flowers if you want a flower that requires being flown into your area.

72. Have an outdoorsy honeymoon, such as camping, backpacking, or fishing.

73. Use your Grandma’s vintage veil. It can be your “something borrowed”.

74. Donate all the leftover food to a local food bank.

75. Use a pump spray hairspray can, rather than an aerosol can.

76. Go barefoot!

77. Give a reusable, locally made cloth tote bag to your bridal party as a gift.

78. Have bridesmaids carry matching clutches, rather than bouquets. A clutch or purse they will use again.

79. Use soy-based candles.

80. Decorate with branches!

81. If you have separate sites for your ceremony and reception, use the same décor from the ceremony for the reception.

82. Collect all the paper products at the end of the night and recycle them.

83. Use a horse and carriage as your form of transportation, rather than a car.

84. Have your caterer purchase the meat from a “cruelty-free” farm.

85. Go for shabby-chic and mix and match plates from a local thrift store. Donate all the plates back when you are finished.

86. Rather than purchase champagne for the toast, have guests toast with what they are already drinking.

87. Use an environmentally friendly cleaner when it comes time to clean the dress.

89. Serve local, organic wine at the reception.

90. Opt for a cocktail and appetizer reception, rather than a plated dinner.

91. If you want to have a local destination wedding, have all the guests stay in the same bed and breakfast or inn. Have the reception and ceremony in that same place!

92. Calculate the mileage guests will travel and then offset their carbon footprint by donating to preserving the rainforests.

93. Use locally grown berries in your wedding cake.

94. Have your bridesmaids wear black dresses that they already owned for the ceremony.

95. Rent the tuxes from a local shop.

96. Do your rehearsal dinner at a friend’s home and have everyone chip in to cook.

97. Elope locally for your ceremony and then have a cocktail party when you return to celebrate with your friends.

98. Hire a green certified photographer (Check out the Bay Area Green Business Association and Greener Photography).

99. Give tree saplings as a favor.

100. Give a donation in your bridal attendants’ names, in lieu of a gift.

101. Continue spreading the word about ways to be eco-friendly to all your friends and family!

For more great Eco-Friendly Wedding ideas, please visit the website Style Unveiled. This article re-printed with permission. All content and images copyright © Style Unveiled 2009.

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I recently had the pleasure of photographing a group portrait for the San Francisco law firm Hanson Bridgett, LLP. This year, Hanson Bridgett hosted Globalaw’s Annual Members Meeting in San Francisco. Hanson Bridgett is a member of the Globalaw international legal network, which gives them access to lawyers at firms in 165 major jurisdictions around the world and provides critical international resources for their clients. Hanson Bridget has been a San Francisco and California mainstay since 1958. Based in Northern California, Hanson Bridgets’ 150+ attorneys serve clients nationally and internationally.

In addition to being able to work with a great bunch of folks, I loved this shoot because Hanson Bridgett’s San Francisco and Marin offices are certified Green Businesses and their Sacramento office is a certified Sacramento Sustainable Business. In addition, they are the only law firm we know of that features a Rock Band, a Jazz Trio and a Grammy award winning violinist. Cool, eh?

To top it off, the shoot was held at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Since 1907, the Fairmont hotel has hosted the rich and famous, kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, and stars of the stage and screen. If you didn’t know, the United Nations charter was signed at the hotel, and Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the hotel’s famous nightclub, The Venetian Room. In addition to hosting some of the most influential meetings and events, the hotel also is well known for its breathtaking weddings and other special occasions.

The Fairmont San Francisco luxury hotel is centrally located, just a short cable car trip from downtown, the Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s also located at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the City’s cable car lines meet. I encourage anyone visiting San Francisco to spend even just one night in this amazing hotel. If you do, be sure to check out the hotel’s incredible panoramic view of San Francisco and the Bay!

Special thanks goes out to my assistant, Mischa, and Hanson Bridget staff Rob Corwin and Brandi Hewlett who worked as an incredible team to help me arrange and capture this fun group portrait.

Hanson Bridgett LLP
425 Market Street, 26th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
www.hansonbridgett.com

The Fairmont Hotel – San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco

Tips and Information from Certified Green Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski

by Tricia Goss, Featured Green Contributor; Featured Food & Wine Contributor, Associated Content

Photographers have an affinity for nature. If you are a professional photographer or simply love to snap photos of scenes that catch your eye, you do so because you want to share the beauty and appeal that you perceive in the setting. Perhaps this is why green photography makes so much sense.

What is green photography? Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski provides a definition.

“It’s pretty simple, actually,” says Rebecca. “A ‘green’ photographer is one who has assessed the impact his/her company has on the environment and who chooses to use environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices in an effort towards lessening this impact.”

Rebecca should know. She is a certified green photographer.

Rebecca did not start out as a green photographer, though. After moving from the Midwest to California in the late 90′s, she became interested in green living through her new friends.

“I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here,” she says. “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.”

Eventually, her new habits became a way of life. This, in turn, began to affect her work.

“When I moved to San Francisco in 2004,” shares Rebecca, “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 two years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly.”

So what is it about Rebecca’s methods that qualify her as a green photographer? She modified her business practices and became certified by Greener Photography, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to lessen the environmental impact of the photography industry. She is also a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, Greener Photography, Green Chamber of Commerce and Green Bride Guide.

Why should you consider green photography?

“With over 155,000 professional photographers in the United States,” says Rebecca, “the photography industry is simultaneously experiencing its largest ecological footprint in its 200-year history. By going green, not only are you opening yourself up to a new segment of customers who are looking to hire eco-friendly vendors, but by implementing some simple energy and cost saving steps, you’ll be helping the environment and your bottom line.”

There are green photography steps you can begin to take immediately.

“Going green may be easier than you think,” reveals Rebecca. “Even small steps can have an impact.”

Here are Rebecca’s thorough yet practical tips for any photographer wishing to go green:

• Recycle – Think paper, cans, glass, plastics, batteries, ink cartridges, paper, mail, and office supplies. It’s all fair game!

• Reduce Waste – Use only what you need. Offer online galleries in lieu of paper proofs. Deliver contracts, invoices and receipts as PDFs.

• Reuse Materials – Use rechargeable batteries and solar powered battery chargers. Consider purchasing recycled, used or re-furbished computer hardware, office machines, camera equipment and office furnishings.

• Save Energy – Use the standby mode (or turn off) electrical equipment when not in use, install dimmer switches and CFLs, keep the thermostat below 70 degrees, install low flow toilets and faucets.

• Cut Your CO2 – Got a destination wedding or event? Purchase carbon offsets to lessen the footprint of your travel. Use public transportation, carpool, or ride a bike to run errands and meet clients. You’ll be surprised how the good fresh air and sunshine will make you feel. And, you might even get there quicker!

• Shop Local – When you shop locally, not only are you reducing the pollutants and other expenses involved in the long-distance manufacturing and shipping of products, but you are also doing your part to support the local economy.

• Don’t Be Trashy – Before you toss old or used items into the trash, consider posting them on websites like Freecycle.com or Craigslist.org, or donating them to charity. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

• Choose Eco-Friendly Vendors – Does your lab offer eco-friendly products or paper? Are your frames made from sustainable materials? How many of your vendors are employing green practices?

• Ask Questions – Do you really need to purchase a new item, or can it be rented or bought used? If you must buy new, is the item available in an eco-friendly version, or from a local retailer?

• Create Partnerships – Connect with other local/green-certified, businesses. These relationships often lead to lucrative referrals.

• Get Certified – Many local, national and industry-specific organizations are available to certify green businesses. Certification not only recognizes you for your achievement, but it also sets you apart from your competition.

• Keep on Learning – Going green doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of thoughtful choices and changing one’s habits. For tips on how you can be more eco-friendly, check out National Geographic’s Green Guide or attend the annual Green Festival in a city near you.

• Donate to an Environmental Non-Profit – Whether you choose to donate your time, or a portion of your earnings, organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Urban Forest and Greenpeace are just a few of many great organizations you can support.

Visit Rebecca Wilkowski’s blog for links to the organizations with which she is affiliated, as well as links to her photography portfolio. For more on green photography, check out GreenerPhotography.org.

(Click here to read this article on Associated Content. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Green/Eco-friendly blog posts, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.)

I’m happy to share that recently I was asked to participate in, and photograph, an event at Oakland’s Lake Chalet. I go past the Lake Chalet several times a week while going running around Lake Merritt, and I’ve always wanted to peek inside as I’ve heard the restaurant is just great!

The green 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!

Event photographer for Lake Chalet Oakland Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Eco-friendly wedding flowers Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Sustainable Wedding Flowers Oakland Green Event Coordinator Oakland Green wedding flowers San Francisco Gorgeous and Green Weddings Berkeley Blue and Green wedding flowers San Francisco charity event photographer San Francisco private party photographer Green Wedding Coordinator San Francisco San Francisco gala event photographer Corporate event photography San Francisco Corporate Event Photography Oakland Oakland event photography Oakland Event Photographer Berkeley event photographer

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.

Jerry Hart is a veteran radio broadcaster and morning show radio personality, including KISS FM in San Francisco. His weekly show, Smart Green Travel, is just one of many popular shows on Green 960 AM, which regularly features nationally syndicated talkers, including local and live news programming and environmental editorial content.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Featured on this program:

Corina Ann Beczner
Owner & Green Wedding Consultant
Vibrant Events
www.vibrantevents.net
(415) 613-3778

Rebecca Wilkowski Photography
Certified Green Wedding Photographer & Photojournalist
(347) 413-4747
Web: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com
Blog: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com/blog

Bride Chic is the fabulous blog of couture wedding fashion designer, Amy-Jo Tatum. Amy-Jo has been a columnist for San Francisco Art and Fashion News and written articles for The Wedding Gazette. She founded The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. She’s currently working on a book called—you guessed it—’Bride Chic’, all about that white gown and very special designer/client relationship. Want to see more of her fabulous gowns? Check out her site at www.amyjotatum.com

To read the article on my company in full, please visit Bride Chic. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.