© William McLeod

A guest at our wedding said, “40, 50, 60 years from now… all you’ll have are memories. So, life should be about creating them.” Your wedding day flies by, and you won’t get to see everything (bride/ groom getting ready, transit to the ceremony, dinner tables etc.).  Photos help you see the things you don’t get to see. Photos help capture the moments and the memories.

Bill McLeod, our wedding photographer, is extremely talented, and he has a diversity of experience. Carol, a dear friend, introducted us to Bill, and they have worked together throughout the years. Bill’s client list includes TIME, Apple, Rolling Stone, GQ, US News, Vanity Fair Travel and more! His wife, Kathy, is also a photographer, and she is known for her lifestyle shots. She has shot for magazines such as San Francisco, TIME, Details, Elle Girl, Fast Company, and Wired. You can learn more about this talented team at http://www.gumgirl.com/

Working with Bill, we learned a lot about wedding photography and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you and your photographer:

• Assign a point person who can gather necessary people for photos (and make sure these people know ahead of time they are in the photos)
• If you have a train on the dress, have someone assigned to help with that.  Have touchup makeup handy
• Pass a list of all of the photos you want (photos with family and friends, detail photos, etc.)
• Pass a list of events, addresses, and contacts to the photographer so he/she knows when and where to be
• Make sure electrical outlets are available
• Have a backup plan for photo shots in the rain
• Arrange a meal for the photographer/s
• Avoid dark suits/ similar coloring clothing next to each other
• Budget enough time to take your photos, and make sure your guests (who are not taking photos) have something to do

We really enjoyed working with Bill, and we are so thankful that Carol introduced us. The very least we can do is pass Bill and Kathy’s contact to you, and this way you can learn more and see why they’re so fantastic to work with. For rates and availability, contact Kathy by calling (415 648-3342), e-mailing (gumgirl@pacbell.net) or viewing the Gum Girl website (http://www.gumgirl.com/). Enjoy!

by Vera Devera

Swoon! My former colleague, Bethany, is getting hitched and she and her fiance are working with one of my favorite photographers, Jerry Yoon, for their wedding. Both Jerry and Bethany were kind enough to let me share their engagement shoot with you all. Congrats, Bethany and Bryan!

Next time I need a photographer, Sabrina Wong tops my list.   Sabrina has a way of making all of her subjects feel at ease, which comes across in all of her photos.   I had the opportunity to sit down with Sabrina and learn a little more about the woman behind the lens.

While working as a consultant, Sabrina took up photography has a hobby and after realizing it was her true passion, it grew into a full time job.   Her first photo session was with a woman and her two year-old granddaughter who came in wanting 20’s themed photos.   This example really fits in with Sabrina’s style, which is fun, easy-going, and personalized.    She works with each client to make sure the photo sessions are tailored to fit everyone’s needs and comfort level.   When asked about her favorite shoot, she was hesitant to pick a favorite because each session is so unique.   Some of her favorites are shown in the following photos and include taking photos of a couple with their Ford Mustang, experimenting with the cherry blossoms, and just being able to get the subjects to open up and enjoy themselves during the shoot.

Another thing that makes Sabrina special, and one of my favorite offerings, is that along with wonderful photos, Sabrina creates handmade albums.  This adds a more unique aspect to the album because instead of just haphazardly picking photos and putting them into pre-designed settings, there is a more intimate feel and personalized touch.  She also offers the option of both digital and traditional film.

According to Sabrina, the best part of photography is having the opportunity to share her passion and help capture the happy couple on their special day.  It is important for every couple to find a photographer that fits their style, which is why Sabrina is offering everyone who mentions “Bay Area Bride Guide” the opportunity for a free engagement session to determine if you have a good fit.

If I were getting married soon I would definitely give her a call! For more information you can check out her website at http://www.sabrinawongphoto.com/

If you’re looking for something fun to spice up your wedding reception, give T-Party Photo Booths a call.  Run by Theresa Parilo, T-Party Photo Booths brings a new dynamic to any event by providing an alternative to the traditional guest book and allowing guests to ham it up for the camera.  I had the opportunity to sit down with Theresa and get the scoop on this new company.

T-Party Photo Booths was inspired by Theresa’s friend who had hired a photo booth company for her wedding.  Theresa went back to the booth for photos four, and then five times, and she began chatting with the operator who suggested starting her own photo booth company.  After the seed was planted, Theresa could not get the idea out of her head, and in November, T-Party Photo Booths was born.

The only simple part about setting up her own business was coming up with the name.  T-Party Photo Booths comes from Theresa’s nickname T-Par (a combination of her first and last names).  Theresa says that “the great thing about a photo booth is that it is simple, but unique” with the prints customized to fit your event.

Signing up to have T-Party Photo Booths at your event includes an unlimited number of photos, and guests choose their favorites to give to the bride and groom.  You also have the option of getting a scrapbook made with the photos from your event.  In addition to wedding receptions, this would be a great option for birthday parties or even showers.

One thing she is most looking forward to is having the opportunity to share her new passion with family and friends by bringing her photo booth to their weddings, birthday’s, and Christmas parties.

For more information and samples check out her website at www.tpartyphotobooths.com

Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Michelle & Ben

For this Thursday’s scoop, I’d like you to meet Elizabeth Hurley. No, not Hugh Grant’s ex. I’m talking about a talented San Francisco wedding photographer with an exquisite eye, organic and earthy style and easy on the budget without sacrificing quality!

I met Elizabeth (Beth) at a wedding fair at the Four Seasons a couple weeks ago. I was immediately impressed by her style: vintage wire baskets held 11×14 mats dedicated to three unique weddings and the tables were accented with branches and peonies. Beth was also very friendly and flipping through the photos, I sensed that her clients were relaxed and clearly felt comfortable with Beth’s direction.

Visit Beth’s blog for recent weddings and reviews, and her website to browse her photo galleries, including horses! She also shares with us some tidbits about herself as well as some great photos below:

1. Why did you decide to go into photography? What are you passionate about?
I have been a photographer since I can remember. I started out at 10 years old with a Kodak Disk Camera, which I used to document my very exciting life. I continued to study photography throughout High School and College and my camera just became an extension of the way that I viewed the world!  So I am not so sure that I decided to go into photography, as much as photography became a part of me!

My wedding photography business was born of my passion for photography and the need to do something I love everyday!  Needless to say, I am most passionate about taking pictures, of documenting the people and places that are part of my life.  I consider myself to be a visual record keeper — archiving the extraordinary events that make up life.  Simply said, my passion is for documenting people and their connections to the world!

Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Rachel & Steve

Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Win & Hannah

Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Michelle & Ben