I was honored when Rachael and Sam asked me to photograph their Golden Gate Park wedding in San Francisco.
Rachael has been my best friend since elementary school and I am so happy she found her person in this world. If you’re around Sam and Rachael for five minutes, you can see why they belong together.
Sam and Rachael are both bookworms and die-hard Harry Potter fans. They chose Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park for their wedding because of the namesake to “Godric’s Hollow” in the books. Their wedding date is also the birthday of both J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. Was it really an accident? 😉
Rehearsal in Hellman Hollow
A few days before the wedding, I arrived in San Francisco to explore and attend their rehearsal. The weather in Northern California is always so unpredictable. The wind chill crawled through your skin and stung your eyes to tears. We huddled in a circle to share our favorite memories of Sam and Rachael, in front of the giant tree they would exchange their vows. Then it was time for pizza to warm our bones.
Wedding Day in San Francisco
It was cold and drizzly the morning of the wedding, but it didn’t dampen any of our spirits. I spent time with Rachael and Sam in their separate rooms at the quirky Oceanview Motel as they prepared for the day. The anticipation got to them both. It was so sweet to see how nervous, and terribly excited, they were to see each other.
It was a truly unique experience to capture their special day as it unfolded in front of my lens. Congratulations you two! Your joy is contagious and I love you both to pieces!
Rachael & Sam’s San Francisco wedding is featured on H&H weddings. Check it out here.
Their Vendor Team
Catering: Bi-Rite Catering // Cake: Applebaum Bakery // Florals: Ed Heller // Vocals/Music: Hayley Johnson- The Little Miss // Officiant: Lauren Snead, Rhythm & Light Ceremonies // Party Rentals: Your Party Rental Company // Shoes: Allen Edmonds; Miz Mooz // Suit: Kipper Clothiers // Rings: Love & Lux // Wedding Coordinator: Tiffany Won // Wedding dress: BHLDN // Venues: Oceanview Motel; Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park; Sutro Bath Ruins at Land’s End
If you loved this Golden Gate Park wedding, check out Becca & Bryan’s intimate Botanic Garden wedding.