For months, Matthew had been planning his surprise proposal to his girlfriend Lauren. As photographers, we of course like to shoot at locations that provide good aesthetics — interesting backdrop, good light, not a lot of bystanders — but as storytellers, we like locations with meaning, ones with a special significance. Matthew decided to ask Lauren to marry him at Pier 7, the place where they ended their first date, which made it the perfect place to enter into the next stage of their relationship together and to get some great photos in the process! [ read more … ]

J had not just a beautiful location planned for his proposal to S — he had also secretly hired Ashley Jemison, a saxophonist they had heard performing in Oakland, to be present to provide some romantic ambience! As the two walked down the pier, Ashley started playing [ read more … ]

It took a village to pull this one off — Aaron had envisioned a grand proposal with an elaborate setup: a floral arch, lit sign, candles, flower petals, champagne, the works — and a group of over a dozen friends joined in to assemble everything at the end of Pier 7, with a perfect view of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco cityscape. [ read more … ]

Kevin wanted to choose the perfect setting for his proposal, and he quietly teased out Maria’s choice of location in the weeks leading up to the big day. Eventually, he picked a spot in front of the Bay Bridge near Cupid’s Span for the perfect Embarcadero proposal. [ read more … ]

Sindy & Gabe wanted some night-time Embarcadero pier engagement photos, so we scheduled their session right through the sunset so we could be there after nightfall. I loved their interactions with each other – so warm and intimate, and such a joy to photograph. As the colorful dusk sky faded and the San Francisco cityscape started twinkling with lights, we walked down the pier for a couple of really special night photos, and I’m excited to share some of them with you!