Josephine & Jonathan’s Wedding at the California Academy of Sciences

Josephine & Jonathan’s wedding was an amazing, memorable celebration that we enjoyed absolutely every moment of. Their day started off at the Palace Hotel, where J&J shared a poignant set of private vows in the room, just the two of them, and it set the tone for everything that followed. From there we headed to Golden Gate Park, where we got caught some warm sunshine for photos in the Shakespeare Garden, before heading over to their wedding at the California Academy of Sciences. We even got to roam the living roof for portraits, which we’ve never had access to before, so shooting here with the wind lifting Josephine’s veil and the round skylights dotting the hillside was both a surprise and a delight!

Inside the Academy, J&J said “I do” at the lush living wall with all that soft, airy light spilling through the glass. After the kiss, everyone wandered off for cocktail hour up the spiral walkway of the rainforest dome surrounded by colorful flowers and butterflies, then through the glowing aquarium tunnel while fish drifted past. As the sun faded, we headed back to the Piazza for the reception, where the wall again served as a vibrant backdrop for toasts, dinner, and a packed dance floor.

The personal touches were everywhere: the groomsmen wore matching watches they’d hand-assembled and showed off custom flasks; Josephine presented her bridesmaids with beautiful necklaces handmade by her sister Trang. (Fun full-circle moment: we photographed Trang’s wedding years ago, and she and her husband, Jordan, were with the couple all day, helping them and cheering them on from getting ready to the close of the night.)

We thoroughly loved telling this story for two people who never stopped showing off their radiant, contagious smiles on this beautiful day, from those quiet vows at the Palace to the buzz of open dancing at the Academy. Congrats, Josephine & Jonathan!