Clarissa + Hwa-Shyang: San Francisco Wedding Photography- Drisco Hotel & St. John's Presbyterian Church

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We stepped onto the hills of the Presidio of San Francisco to find ourselves in such a quaint Drisco Hotel where Clarissa and Hwa-Shyang would first lay eyes on one another on their wedding day. The place was full of light and peace, just like much of the day we remembered. It felt like we were attending a family member's wedding, the feel was very different--warm, calm and collective. 

I love seeing how each wedding day, truly reflects that of the bride and groom's personality. This day was no different. The suave day definitely reflected Clarissa and Hwa-Shyang's light-hearted and easy-going personalities and most definitely their fun love for one another. Their infectious smiles and laughter, and tears of joy spread throughout the day to family and friends as they committed their lives to one another.

 

 

The ladies were prepped and beautified by the amazing Vanity Pham for hair and make-up. Van and her team came to Clarissa upon my personal recommendation after having the Vanity team at my own wedding. Her bubbly presence coupled with her beautiful professional work definitely set a bright start to the gorgeous day! 

 

 

I normally stay with the bride, while Chris sneaks over to cover the groom and his groomsmen. Clarissa mentioned that she is constantly on her phone and would have a hard time parting with it for the day, when we looked back at the photos, now I understand why...she was connecting with her soon to be husband!!

 

 The intimate setting of St. John's Presbyterian Church in the heart of the Presidio made for a lovely ceremony and matched Clarissa's wedding colors accented with a red aisle and red pew cushions. 

 

The ceremony was beautifully filled with Pachelbel's Canon in D from very talented trio of Corelli Strings. I've heard many play this piece, but this trio truly set the tone for a gorgeous and elegant ceremony. 

 

 

The reception took place at the Grand Palace Seafood Restaurant in South San Francisco and it was filled with celebration and dancing! 

 I love the joyous face on the mother of the groom as she dances her son into his new marriage!

Clarissa and Hwa-Shyang went with a DIY photobooth with hand-made signs, masks and picture frames. We helped them set up their backdrop and lighting while their "crazy cousins" helped take photos throughout the night with a Nikon D800. The photo in the bottom left of this collage was taken by one of the infamous cousins!

 

Clarissa rocked sparkly dark silver Kate Spade heels, a Casablanca dress and rings from Tiffany & Co. Her bridesmaids also had the cutest Hello Kitty glasses that gave a little flair of fun for the day! The beautiful bouquets were from Branch Out Floral and Event Design which complemented the amazing cake from Gerhard Michler Fine European Desserts of San Francisco. Clarissa + Hwa-Shyang left red boxes at the dinner tables for guests to fill up with desserts from Gerard Michler as their wedding favors. What a creative way to say thank you to family and friends and to end the night on a sweet note!  

 

Of course the day wouldn't have gone quite as smoothly and calmly had it not been for Adrienne Lee from Tickled Events. Clarissa and Adrienne were the most detailed when it came to the planning and it was such a great pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful day!