We always advise our clients that the one thing that they must absolutely do on their wedding day is to feel it; be present and undistracted enough to enjoy the friends and family there, and to savor the emotion throughout. Our clients who take this to heart are our favorite to photograph because it’s great fun while we’re there and when we get to relive it in the edit. We’re always so thankful when our couples allow themselves to be vulnerable with us, and we appreciate the heck out of Jasmine and Christopher.

We knew what we were getting into with the great time we had with Jasmine, Christopher and their son Carter during their hybrid engagement/family session , so that they were able to focus on what was important about their day was not a surprise. Throughout Jasmine’s prep with her party in her beautiful Parc 55 suite, we encountered a vibe that told us that who choose to be with her on her day were all family, no matter who their parents were. Everyone excited to see their sister celebrate her bond with Christopher in front of everyone who loves them. The feeling of togetherness extended towards Christopher’s side as well, with all his guys giving the best vibe that they were proud of him for taking this step.

Indeed, Christopher’s investment in the day was on full display. The look in his eye and reactions to Jasmine coming down the long aisle of Mission Dolores Basilica in a stunning Galia Lahav gown and being given aware by her father are tear-inducing every time you see them; they are the unvarnished, raw emotional output of experiencing a long-wanted moment. This emotional openness became a theme for the day, with everyone from the bride and groom to their guests allowing themselves to be taken by all the moments of joy, relief, and gratitude as the day passed. All thanks given were deep and heartfelt, and all received with the utmost feeling, each received with happiness.

After the emotional high of their church ceremony, the party was quickly in full swing at the Social Hall SF. It was important for Jasmine and Christopher that their home town of San Francisco figured prominently in their day, and the venue did well to give that flavor to their reception. The proceedings were alive with a great first dance featuring a Justin Ward sax serenade. The festivities continued with a slew of great speeches, with the dance floor kicked off by a crowd-pleasing surprise performance by the Hui Tarava Tahitian Dance Team, of which Jasmine has long been a member.

Congratulations again to Jasmine, Christopher and Carter, and we cannot thank them enough for allowing us to be there for their day!