A True San Francisco Wedding for Family, Culture, and Love
Vivian and Chris planned a luxury San Francisco wedding that beautifully blended cultural traditions, romance, and city elegance. From the very beginning, their goal was to create an unforgettable wedding weekend that honored family, Vietnamese heritage, and their love story. With close friends and family traveling from near and far, every detail was designed to feel personal, authentic, and luxurious. As a San Francisco wedding photographer, I focused on capturing all the emotional and candid moments that made their day unique.
Getting Ready at the Fairmont San Francisco on Nob Hill
The morning began at the iconic Fairmont San Francisco, perched atop Nob Hill with sweeping views of the city skyline. Vivian and Chris shared quiet moments while getting ready, surrounded by loved ones and the timeless elegance of the Fairmont. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offered a serene, panoramic backdrop for their intimate first looks and early celebrations.
Vietnamese Tea Ceremony: Honoring Family and Tradition
Next, Vivian and Chris hosted a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony on the Fairmont rooftop garden. This beautiful ritual is a meaningful way for the couple to show respect and gratitude to their parents and ancestors. During the ceremony, the bride and groom served tea to their elders, thanking them for their guidance, love, and support. Because of this, the ceremony was deeply emotional, blending cultural heritage with intimate family moments. It was a perfect start to a day filled with heartfelt storytelling.
Catholic Wedding Ceremony at Saint Patrick Church
Later that afternoon, the couple celebrated their Catholic wedding at Saint Patrick Church in San Francisco. The ceremony was deeply personal, especially as Vivian’s uncle, who had faced challenges of his own, officiated the service. As a result, the wedding was filled with raw emotion, family connection, and sacred beauty. Moments like these remind us why authentic, documentary wedding photography is so essential — capturing real tears, laughter, and love in every frame.
Vintage Rolls Royce and City Hall Reception
After the church ceremony, Vivian and Chris enjoyed a vintage Rolls Royce ride through San Francisco, arriving at their over-the-top City Hall reception. At the venue, they rented out the entire space for an exclusive experience, complete with a live band, stunning décor, and delicious food. Every detail exuded luxury and style, making it a truly elevated San Francisco wedding reception. By the end of the night, guests were dancing and celebrating late into the evening, enjoying a special treat: their favorite San Francisco pizza from Golden Boy Pizza as a late-night snack.
Capturing Luxury, Editorial, and Candid Moments
As a San Francisco wedding photographer, my approach combines editorial, documentary, and candid storytelling. Whether it’s a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, an emotional Catholic wedding, or a glamorous City Hall reception, my goal is to document authentic moments while creating images that feel timeless, romantic, and luxurious. From San Francisco to destination weddings worldwide, my bags are always packed and ready to capture your story wherever love takes you.
Vendor Team
Late Night Snack: Golden Boy Pizza
Hotel: Fairmont San Francisco
Church: Saint Patrick Church
Wedding Planner: Smitten Kiss
Reception Venue: SF City Hall Events
Photographer: Amanda Wei Photo
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Florist: Jacqueline Ching
Hair & Makeup: Shannon Le
