Richness is the word we associate with the beautiful wedding of Christine and Isa. Richness of traditions, richness of family history and connection, richness of color, richness of flavor. We love doing the weddings that have many traditions and customs and we knew we would see the passionate dancing that comes with a Palestinian reception, as well as the many sacred traditions in the Greek Orthodox ceremony.

Christine has an exotic sensuous beauty and were thrilled to discover on the day that she was a natural model in front of the camera. She wore an absolutely gorgeous dress from the Unique Bride in Burlingame - a store with which we are very familiar as our favorite wedding planner Tosca Clark also owns this wonderful bridal store.

From the moment we arrived at Christine’s family home and met her lovely warm father and mother we were immersed in the wonderful traditions that a celebration of this kind means in their culture. We also loved seeing the framed wedding photographs from Christine’s sister’s weddings on the walls in the living room as it was a true history of wedding styles, as well a a testimony to the value this family places on the celebration of such a day in their lives.

There was a lavish and delicious spread of food with many things prepared by our bride’s Mother awaiting the family guests who arrived to greet the bride. Soon the women greeted her in their own special way- dancing and singing- and we were in photographer heaven. It is such an honor for us to be part of these family gatherings! We so love each detail, each special custom. Michael photographed a similarly rich gathering at Isa’s family home and then it was time for the two families to meet at the home of the bride (though per custom Isa did not join them).

The ceremony at St. Thomas Moore church in San Francisco was full of wonderful traditions and even more unexpectedly Meg was able to photograph quite near to the vows- that is a wonderful treat and not at all common in most churches.

A number of rituals in the ceremony are repeated three times and this symbolizes the Holy Trinity. We love the beautiful crowns that hold so very much meaning (exchanged  between the heads of the couple, three times) and the circling of the altar three times that the wedding party does with the priest.

Once our sweet couple was married and greeted with the shouts of joy from the guests we spent some time photographing them and then set off for Fayrouz in Palo Alto- a Mediterranean restaurant and supper club.

On their arrival Christine and Isa began their first dance, and we knew how fun that would be- everyone dances around them to the beautiful and passionate music and the joy of celebrating this marriage was palpable.

Fayrouz had the perfect atmosphere for the celebration with beautiful colorful lighting and delicious richly spiced food- so much food you could hardly believe everyone could dance but dance dance dance they did! We were able to go out into the courtyard for a few more photographs of our couple and Christine. already alight with her newly married status, was breathtaking in front of our cameras.

The beautiful Christine