The word that comes to mind when I think of Rachel & Chuck’s love is “easy.” They make it look so damn natural, loving each other; even from across the room you can tell that they just make sense together. And their vintage San Francisco wedding was so perfectly, uniquely them it almost hurt. 

A Vintage San Francisco Wedding

Of course, the wedding was an intimate, easy affair – just loved ones witnessing this new step in their journey together, with honest, earnest emotions all around…so good!

The couple’s choice of venue was remarkably appropriate for tying the knot. Wayfare Tavern is a timeless San Francisco establishment that throws you back to the best parts of the turn of the 20th century. Wayfare is just an archaic way to talk about a journey – which love and marriage definitely are!

Rachel & Chuck did things their way, which you know I love, and which is the best way to begin this wildest of adventures. The wedding was uniquely them, simple, and just made sense.

First Things First: Mimosas!

Getting ready was the first perfect step in this perfect day, and oh how perfect it was. Chuck got ready at their apartment, while Rachel and all her girlfriends crashed the fabulous Air B&B her family had rented for the week. The pre-pre-party fun and cozy, complete with frozen pizza and mimosas. And did I mention fun?

A Beautiful Vintage Bride

First look was in Lover’s Lane in the Presidio. Chuck was hilarious – he didn’t understand why everyone was making such a big deal out of this thing that they do every day, see each other – until he saw her.

Rachel was truly a vision in her stunning gown from BHLDN, Anthropologie’s Bridal line, with make up and hair a glory, thanks to her friend Karen Ko’s expertise. I was almost dying of the romance, and we hadn’t even gotten to the ceremony yet!

Lover’s Lane is one of my favorite places for wedding and engagement photos. Check out some my other favorite locations.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It would be a while, because they had planned – get this – a pre-ceremony cocktail hour to get everyone settled in. (I’m seeing more and more of these, by the by, and me likey!)

Psst: I’ve got to put in a special note about the florals, because they were incredible – Rachel’s bouquet had succulents in it, and the subdued greens really set off the colors of the flowers. Urban Botanica absolutely outdid themselves on this one!

There are no words to describe the sweetness of Chuck and Rachel’s little ceremony. Suffice it to say there was not a dry eye in the house, including mine.

(You guys have got to stop doing this to me! Have you any idea how hard it is to see with tears in your viewfinder?)

Then came the reception. The food, provided by Wayfare Tavern, was to die for and the cocktails looked divine. An assortment of desserts was available and they were oh so decadent! But the music…

Sound of the City

Justin Diaz was fantastic. Seriously, go listen to some of his stuff. He played the cocktail hour, ceremony and dinner, and then everyone boogied down to his mad guitar skills during the reception!

Congratulations, Rachel & Chuck! May your lives be as simple and sweet as your vintage San Francisco wedding, and may the road rise to meet you.

Succulent bouquet by Urban Botanica SFBride getting ready with cocktails and pizza Bride getting her hair and makeup done Bride getting ready Bride getting ready before photoshoot in San Francisco Lovers LaneBride and Groom First look in Lovers Lane San Francisco Wedding first look in San Francisco Lovers Lane Wedding first look in San Francisco Lovers Lane Wedding first look in San Francisco Lovers Lane Wedding first look in San Francisco Lovers Lane Bride and groom in San francisco Lovers Lane Bride and groom and the Golden Gate BridgeBride and family in San Francisco Vintage San Francisco Wedding at Wayfare Tavern Wayfare Tavern San Francisco Wedding Vintage San Francisco Wedding in Wayfare Tavern Vintage San Francisco WeddingBlack and white photography of guests watching a weddingVintage San Francisco Wedding Vintage San Francisco Wedding Vintage San Francisco Wedding Vintage San Francisco Wedding

Vendors:

Venue: Wayfare Tavern

Musician: Justin Diaz

Hair/Makeup: Karen Ko (friend of bride)

Wedding dress: BHLDN

Florals: Urban Botanica