It is safe to say that Gabrielle and Josh’s San Francisco City Hall + Mt. Tam Elopement hold such a special place in my heart. They are the most easy-going, down-to-earth couple. I was so honored to be trusted with their intimate day. Right off the bat, I felt an instant connection with them and their vision for their day. I actually was able to capture their engagement session as well. After chatting with them, I knew that their wedding going to be a dream come true.

G + J have been together for a decade and planned their San Francisco City Hall + Mt. Tam Elopement elopement in a matter of 3 months. Don’t let that quick planning timeframe fool you though, their day was absolutely magical.

For more about this elopement, keep scrolling! I promise that you aren’t going to want to miss it.

THE ONE WHERE GABRIELLE AND JOSH GET MARRIED

I am not going to lie, if I hadn’t already gotten married, I would definitely use G + J’s wedding attire as inspiration because they looked absolutely incredible.

Gabrielle was wearing her classy Jenny Yoo dress, purchased from BHLDN. When I say that it perfectly accented her pearled veil by a. b. Ellie, I MEAN IT. Gabrielle had a very classy, elegant, and timeless look. 

Josh was in a classic black tux and luxurious velvet black dress shoes. 

Together the couple looked like they were walking out of an old Hollywood movie. Classy, but it was screaming luxury.

MAKING OUR WAY THROUGH SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL

A DREAMY FIRST LOOK

In the morning, we gathered at San Francisco City Hall. I met up with Josh while he was anticipating the first look of his soon-to-be wifey. We waited together on the 4th Floor of the building which just so happens to be my favorite spot there!

Finally, Gabrielle waltzed her way through the natural light towards Josh. Fireworks exploded (metaphorically, of course) as he saw her for the first time in her wedding dress.

INTIMATE CEREMONY ON MAYOR’S BALCONY

Their ceremony took place on, you guessed it, Mayor’s Balcony in San Francisco City Hall. This section of the building overlooks the grand staircase and is truly incredible.

It was short, sweet, and perfectly focused on the love Gabrielle and Josh share.

The outside noise was drowned out by the cello player which created a perfect, intimate moment for these two to make it official!

FIRST COMES LOVE THEN COMES MARRIAGE THEN COMES A DELICIOUS LUNCH

We ended our time at San Francisco City Hall ready for a delicious lunch at Cotogna. Located on the corner of Montgomery and Pacific Avenues in San Francisco, this Italian restaurant was an incredible way to celebrate the incredible couple and their incredible love story.

The family gathered inside a beautifully decorated parkette. I know, it is a crazy concept! However, they totally made it work! Together, we cheered, ate amazing food, and cut some cake!

FROM SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL STRAIGHT TO MT. TAM

Finishing Josh and Gabrielle’s Elopement at Mt. Tam was incredible.

This location has been near and dear to my heart since I was a kid. However, I had never been to the specific spot that the couple took me to. The rolling green hills with a view of Stinson Beach were absolutely breathtaking and the perfect environment to end their day.

MAKE IT THE SOUND OF MUSIC BUT WITH A VINTAGE CAR

We started with the vintage Stingray which had been decorated in a fresh floral garland. Anna, who owns the car was so incredible to work with. With her easy-going personality, she made us feel so comfortable and creative with the car. I would recommend her to absolutely anyone looking for a vintage car in the area.

The rolling green hills in the background we giving Sound of Music vibes that complemented the car perfectly.

PERFECT WEATHER MATCHED WITH A PERFECT SUNSET

If you know the bay area, you know we get quite the wind. We were SO lucky to have clear skies, warm weather, and NO WIND. The wind Gods really took care of G + J that day. The following week was over 30mph wind up at Tam. 

While the sun set, G + J read their personal vows to each other. They had saved them for this part of the day.

Teary-eyed and full of love, they had 9 hours of pure celebration with their closest loved ones. To have been there was an absolute honor. Not only was I able to experience such a beautiful day, but I was also able to make new friends and lifelong memories that make me love this industry so damn much. 

Cheers to G + J, as their elopement was truly a pivotal moment of my career and showed me the type of events that light my soul on fire.

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VENDORS

Photography: @kristakphotos

Dress: @Jennyoonyc + @BHLDN

Florist: @Laurieburnsdesign

HMUA: @dreamcatcherartistry

Restaurant: @cotogna_sf

Car: @agelks

Veil: @a.b.ellie + @BHLDN

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