Claire + Vance: Julia Morgan Ballroom, San Francisco, CA 01/19/2011 | In Weddings, by Ray

Claire and Vance flew from New York and got married at the Julia Morgan ballroom in San Francisco. I met Claire when I was shooting another wedding in New York last year and we hit it off right away. She’s a shopping expert and gladly showed my the best spots in NYC to shop! We also had a great time with both of them during an engagement session all around NYC.

Originally from the bay area, they decided to have their wedding closer to family. Because of the unexpected deteriorating condition of the Merchant’s Exchange lobby where they’re supposed to have their ceremony, it had to be moved to another building close by that used to be a bank. We took advantage of this opportunity and used the giant vault area for some memorable portraits.

Claire + Vance were extremely happy and full of emotion throughout they day. From the jitters during the getting ready, the emotional first look by the stair of the Omni hotel where they got ready, the heartfelt ceremony, to the excitement of the reception; it all showed their personality as a couple. My favorite image from this wedding is one right after the ceremony as they walked out of the building. It should be the ultimate symbol of a couple who just got married! :) The rest of the reception had an old hollywood vibe due to the decor and grandeur of the ballroom and the beautifully ornate ceiling. That and combined with the high-energy dancing made for one heck of a memorable party!

Wedding & Reception: Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchant Exchange Building, San Francisco, CA
Coordination: Malu Reyes & Julie Tran
Bakery: Jen’s Cakes
Dress: Ulla Maija
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Makeup: Jonathan Nguyen

Thanks Ari Simphoukham for second shooting with me.

Also, check out their NYC engagement session here!