Leanna and Zach: A Mayor’s Balcony Wedding at San Francisco City Hall

I typically photograph private SF City Hall weddings on the fourth floor, so photographing this Mayor's Balcony wedding was a fun change of pace! And Leanna, Zach, and their family made the whole day such a treat. Having their two kids at the wedding was also a delight and everyone truly was wonderful to work with.

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Their Story

The couple's love story began in high school in 2005. In the proceeding years, they had two children, Aubrey and Landon. They live in LA and always wanted to visit San Francisco; they'd talked about it since 2008. In September 2021, they took a family trip up to the redwoods and made it a point to finally visit San Francisco.

While in the city, they had a wonderful time playing at Musée Mécanique at Fisherman's Wharf and eating lunch at the iconic Boudin Bakery. Of course, a day in San Francisco wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. While there, Leanna thought that this was a simple and beautiful family trip and was completely surprised with Zach proposed - right in front of the Golden Gate Bridge! It made an already perfect day even more magical.

Their Wedding at San Francisco City Hall

They chose San Francisco City Hall to get married since the city now had such a special place in their hearts. They knew they wanted to keep it small and intimate, so a private wedding on the Mayor's Balcony was the perfect choice.

On the day of their wedding, we met up before the ceremony for photos. Leanna and Zach did a first look which is always so beautiful to capture. After some posed photos in my favorite spots around the building, they privately exchanged vows with one another.

Leanna and Zach's first look inside San Francisco City Hall

The lighting was great that day, and the Mayor's Balcony provided a beautiful backdrop for their private ceremony with less than a dozen guests. After the ceremony, we all headed outside for shots at the entrance and outside the building.

The celebration continued with lunch at Boudin Bakery, which was deliberately chosen as a callback to that magical visit the year before.

Despite a delayed flight back to LA that pushed their return to almost 1 am, the day was perfect and peaceful. They were still able to meet with their family and close friends back home the next day for a reception to celebrate.

It was a joy to work with such a patient and loving couple. Thank you Leanna and Zach for sharing your day with me!

Vendors

Hair and Makeup: Xiomara Beauty (From Leanna: "Her work is impeccable! She’s so professional & genuinely cares of her brides needs and wants the morning of their big day!")

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Rings: Coby Madison Jewelers in Whittier, CA

Officiant: Zach's aunt!

Photographer: Oscar of Red Eye Collection (From Leanna: "Oscar was phenomenal! We are so thankful for him and his energy … he knew what he was doing and what he wanted! Definitely a patient man with the group photos lol")

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