Bicultural San Francisco City Hall Intimate Wedding | Jamie & Bon

If you’re reading this, you’re probably as enchanted by San Francisco as I am, and you love a good love story – just like Jamie and Bon’s. Where do I start with these two? From the moment they reached out to me on Google to the last frame I captured at Ina Coolbrith Park, their love and their story resonated deeply with me. Let’s dive into their San Francisco City Hall wedding story!

From Engagement Session to San Francisco City Hall Wedding

Back in March, Jamie and Bon found me through a Google search and immediately scheduled a call. After our initial conversation, we were all set for an engagement session. In the midst of planning, they also decided they wanted me to photograph their wedding at the iconic San Francisco City Hall! What I loved most was their keen interest in blending their Chinese and Filipino cultures – a story that was an absolute treat to capture.

And the guest list? Oh boy, let’s just say, it started at a cozy 10-15 but soared up to over 40 once the family got wind of it! This honestly resonated with me so much. Being a family person and a people-pleaser myself, I could totally understand the balance they struck between what they wanted and what their family wanted. At the end of the day, they were surrounded by the people who loved them most! 

The Story Behind Jamie and Bon

Jamie and Bon have known each other since high school. Jamie thought Bon was just the “new kid in school,” while Bon was smitten from the start, thinking, “Wow, she’s cute!” during the first encounter. One of my favorite stories about them involves a stairwell, some clumsiness, and Bon’s impeccable timing. Jamie, leading the way to class, tripped and fell. Bon, always one step behind her, caught her just in time – a perfect metaphor for their relationship. They describe themselves as Jamie always leading them on the path forward, and Bon always making sure they’re on steady ground if anything should happen. 

A Quick Recap of Their San Francisco City Hall Wedding Timeline 

For reference (and inspo for your own City Hall wedding), here’s how the day unfolded:

• 11:30 am: Yours truly arrives 
• 12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Mayor’s Balcony. Yes, we even moved chairs for the big family portrait.
• 12:30 pm: Family portraits. The list was long, but we made it through!
• 1:30 pm: Couple portraits around City Hall
• 2:10 pm: We left City Hall
• 2:30 pm: Arrived at the Legion of Honor for more breathtaking photos
• 3:30 pm: Quick outfit change and then off to Portals of the Past
• 4:00 – 5:00 pm: Portraits at Portals of the Past
• 5:15 pm: Final portraits at Ina Coolbrith Park
• 6:00 pm: My coverage ended, but their love story continues

Having Guests Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Intimacy 

Now, I’ve photographed plenty of City Hall weddings, but Jamie and Bon’s was something else! For the first time ever, every single seat was filled. The effort they put into taking photos with everyone present was genuinely commendable. It was also wonderful how they managed to squeeze in intimate moments at various locations with just the two of them. 

I’ve helped plan City Hall weddings with just the couple and with lots of guests, and I can tell you firsthand that having your friends and family present doesn’t mean you can’t have those intimate moments together. They might require a little more planning, but that’s what I’m here for, right?

Another San Francisco Love Story Added to the Books 

And there we have it, a San Francisco love story that warmed my heart as much as a summer day in the city. Jamie and Bon, thank you for trusting me to capture your beautiful moments. You’ve added another beautiful chapter to my own love story with this city and the incredible people in it.

Feeling the love? Want to have your own San Francisco love story captured in the most genuine way? I’d be thrilled to be a part of it! Just visit my contact page, inquire via the form, and let’s make magic together. And if you’re planning on getting married at SF City Hall, check out my all-inclusive guide to help you start planning!

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