The heavens truly wants to bestow their blessing upon this couple. At least that’s how the saying goes about rain on your wedding day. You remember the story of Tina and Bryan’s engagement session, and how the threat of rain turned out to be a blessing. Where we were able to get gorgeous sun kissed images mixed in with beautiful and dramatic shots of the couple at the beach.

The weather may be unpredictable when planning an event many, many months out. But one thing we’ve learn to forecast, is that with Tina and Bryan, their love for one another always brighten up the day. We started the day right at the Cypress Hotel in Cupertino, which is coincidentally across the street from where Ham first met the couple.

We arrived extra early and walked the grounds looking for color to juxtapose against the overcast skies and for ways to tie in the colors of the season. The late fall wedding means leaves were already turned the beautiful shades of reds, orange and yellows. Even the clouds parted for beautiful blue skies, which we gladly snapped a shot of to document the foreshadowing of what’s to come.

Inside, we found Tina and her gals in the expert hands of Maria Chang and her crew over at PMA. I’ll let you guess what I shot through to get the unique view of the first image below.

Tina, you already look absolutely radiant! The dress is not even on yet.

Speaking of which, a photo of Tina’s elegant wedding gown. Just in case it wasn’t clear. Love the personalized hanger.

Tina was prepared to add a splash of color to the day. You all know how much we adore red.

I always enjoy the moments between the bride and her mom. So much care to ensure things are just perfect for her daughter.

And I love the candid emotions that results.

Tina, you look gorgeous!

Their dog Emily was represented as well.

In the event that it’s cold and wet outside, we simply make use of the beautiful diffuse lighting that gives us and take photos indoor. The overcast skies and side window is a giant softbox, photographers can only dream of.

Meanwhile, in the same hotel, Bryan was getting ready with his boys.

Our couple wanted to do a first look. It’s always a good idea if you plan on getting married in locations with unpredictable lighting or for late fall/winter weddings. We maneuver the couples in place so they don’t accidentally see each other before the big reveal.

The look on Bryan’s face is priceless. It’s the anticipation. I think Tina paused to let the anticipation build a little bit more on purpose.

Remember the locations we scouted when we first arrived? Well, what better way to celebrate the fall wedding than a carpet of colorful foilage?

Sometimes the pace of a well planned day is up to mother nature. We worked fast to make use of the available light before the sprinkles started up again.

The clouds parted once we arrived at the temple for the ceremony. Like I said, I could forecast that by now.

I love how these moments happened simultaneously and the view from each photographer at the same moment.

We paused to take advantage of the setting sun for portraits before hopping into the limo to head over to the reception site.

Reception details…

We had time for photos in the gazebo before the reception. Cause the party doesn’t begin without the bride and groom.

Grand entrance. Ok, now the party can officially begin.

Tina and Bryan wowed their guest with their first dance.

Bryan gave a funny, heartfelt thank you speech from his iPhone.

I love this perspective of Tina and Bryan enjoying a rare moment alone. Sorry to say it didn’t last very long as their guest stopped by with congrats and well wishes. :)

Not to be out done by the son-in-law’s dance.

I love capturing sweet moments like this.

Do you want another perspective? Here you go…

Here’s some fun dancing action shots.

While the party is going upstairs, we snuck the couple out to complete our vision.

And then downstairs for a more private moment. Well…as private as you can get with two photographers, light gear and all the guest on the balcony above watching you. ;)

We already said our goodbyes and farewells. But we were actually busy outside capturing some time-lapse photo of the venue site and the party still raging on inside.

Tina and Bryan, though the twist and turns, with rain delays and all we are thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the thanksgiving weekend celebrating with you and your family. Documenting our client’s wedding day is an honor we don’t take lightly. Hope you both are having a happy marriage. I forecast it will only get better from here on. Thank you for your trust. -DH

The sun kissed the tops of the trees and each blade of grass while mother nature blew the last of her warm summer’s breath over the fields and around the ponds of the Dunsmuir House in Oakland. The passing of the Autumn equinox marks the changing of the seasons and also a new chapter in Elaine and Minh’s decade romance.

It was a warm day made even warmer with the love of family and friends who came out to witness Elaine and Minh tie the knot. The couple blended Vietnamese tradition with the traditional ceremony we come to know in the western world. One of the best thing about blending the two worlds is you get don multiple sets of jewelry and dresses.

Some gold jewelry to go with the traditional dress and symbolizes prosperity, wealth and abundance.

Elaine and Minh walks by this crate and wooden case everyday so I thought I’d use it to prop up the floral bouquets and shoe in the little garden at their home.

Elaine puts on the traditional red Chinese gown, which symbolizes luck, joy and happiness.

But before Minh can see Elaine, he was quizzed and tested by her bridesmaid. Mind obviously puts a lot of thought and effort into his answers. However, showing that you really know the one you love doesn’t help you get past the bridal entourage. So the boys went outside to regroup and formulate the winning strategy.

I love this moment as the group came up the stairs. Of course Minh was the first to spot his bride to be. I love his reaction.

I always love the meaning behind the traditional tea ceremony.

I was told Minh helped with the dress decision by choosing the wedding gown himself. I thought the natural beauty and light of the wedding site would showcase the wedding gown and it’s sparkling details perfectly.

Elaine looking lovely with her girls.

And Minh looking dapper with his boys.

I love the motion of the gown Elaine wore as the couple made their grand entrance at the reception.

Elaine and Minh’s love of the show Dancing with the Stars certainly shown through as they put on a terrific first dance for their banquet guest.

Elaine and Minh – thanks so much for having us there to document your day. May your love continue to grow steadfastly in your new life as husband and wife as it did over the last 10 years. We look forward to the chance to be in your neck of the woods to catch up over coffee.

Minh recounts the story of how he and Elaine came to be as we prepared to enjoy some Japanese food for lunch. For a brief moment it seems like Elaine was preparing to interject…but instead, she motion that she is as interested to hear the story from Minh’s point of view as much as we are. Continuing, Minh recounts how he first took noticed of Elaine during lunch in their company’s cafeteria. But it wasn’t until a work project with a mutual coworker opened up the perfect opportunity. What started as work time lunches with three peers strategically gave way to lunches as two and then meetings beyond company time.

What was a tactical strategy for Minh is more an organic growth for Elaine. As Elaine said, “slowly…like 10mph” they grew their relationship over 10 years. From Minh’s point of view, strategy was needed before that organic growth could happen because Elaine had a boss with maternal and protective instincts that needed to be won over first. It’s always great to hear our couples’ story and even better when the other partner hears the first person recount of that story for the first time with us.

Elaine and Minh had a few places in mind for their engagement session, but otherwise was up for anything. One thing that stuck in our mind was Elaine’s comment about wanting a photo upon a cliff, with the wind blowing and the waves crashing below. So we set out looking for cliffs around their home city of San Francisco.

As all San Francisco residence know, it’s always a gamble heading into the city. What looks like beautiful weather in the southern skirts of the city is usually covered with fog and mist as we head closer to the northern bay and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The morning of the engagement was no different as we explored the grounds of the Legion of Honor. We knew we wanted something more natural and organic and set about looking for cliffs in the surrounding area, being mindful of Elaine’s request.

The heavy fog gave a majestic view of the bridge’s peaks. A truly heavenly sight.

The heavens further smiled upon us as we watched the fog lifted to give us the clearest San Francisco day I have ever remember seeing.

We loved how the morning sun was reflecting off the walls of the Legion.

Such lovely light and colors.

Elaine and Minh are so cute together. And when they laugh, they laugh with their whole body. We LOVE photographing happy people in love.

But there were many tender moments in between as well. We love it.

We hiked, explored and found an awesome, private location off the beaten path. Minh went off to make sure it was safe first before motioning for Elaine to join him. The view was breathtaking.

My perspective on the left and Ham’s unique view on the right. I love the alternate point of views captured of this moment.

Dreamy…

Elaine and Minh are so cute together.

A short trot up the hillside and we came across the cliff shot we’ve been searching for. The best view of the Golden Gates I have seen and on the clearest day in San Francisco that I have witness. What a lucky opportunity.

We took a drive to the beach that was far below our cliff location for some more photos. I love the movement of this shot.

Elaine and Minh, you guys are so lovely together. The elements align for a majestic view of your city and we had absolutely no parking issues at all which is amazing in itself. We can wait to see you both again shortly to celebrate your wedding. -DH