Some wedding days feel less like an event and more like being invited into someone’s real life. Jessica and Brendan’s San Francisco wedding was one of those days.
I first met them while photographing another wedding at Mendocino Woodlands State Park, so being there for their own celebration felt quietly full-circle. They live in San Francisco and planned a wedding that reflected exactly who they are—intentional, creative, and centered around the people they love most
Getting Ready at Home, Together
The day began in their San Francisco townhouse, already full of motion and conversation. Friends and family moved through the space easily—helping each other get ready, sharing food, sitting on the floor mid-conversation. It wasn’t styled or orchestrated. It was just… real.
Jessica, an incredibly talented florist, made all of the floral arrangements herself. In between getting ready moments, she’d wander back into the kitchen to put finishing touches on bouquets and centerpieces, often joined by friends offering opinions or holding stems. It felt less like “wedding prep” and more like a group project fueled by love and good timing.
A Wedding Look That Felt Like Her
Jessica wore a black dress with bold, colorful embroidery, paired with equally bold eyeshadow that echoed the florals she created. It was confident, expressive, and completely her—one of those looks that makes perfect sense the moment you see it. Brandon’s suit was a deep green to compliment her and Jess hand-made his boutonniere and her orchid hairpiece.
Sunset First, Then the Ceremony
The timeline for the day was refreshingly different. As the sun began to set, we moved straight from getting ready into sunset portraits, letting the light guide the pace instead of a schedule. From there, it was straight to the ceremony—no waiting around, no filler, just moving naturally from one moment to the next.
A Dandelion Chocolate Factory Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony took place indoors at Dandelion Chocolate Factory, creating an intimate and unexpected Dandelion Chocolate Factory wedding setting. Known for its small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate made entirely on site, the space feels warm and unfussy—industrial without being cold, modern without feeling slick. And yes, the faint smell of chocolate doesn’t hurt.
In honor of her Vietnamese heritage, Jessica wore a traditional hat, and the ceremony included a tea ceremony, a beautiful way of honoring family and tradition while staying rooted in the present. It was quiet, meaningful, and deeply grounding.
A Dinner Meant to Be Lingering
Dinner was a true highlight. Guests were treated to freshly prepared sushi from the couple’s favorite restaurant chef, alongside traditional Vietnamese dishes lovingly made by family members. The meal was intentionally unhurried—an extended dinner meant for talking, laughing, and telling stories across the table.
One of the most memorable toasts of the night? A Mountain Dew toast, offered in celebration of Brendan’s favorite beverage. Equal parts sincere and hilarious, it felt exactly right.
A San Francisco Wedding Built with Intention
Jessica and Brendan’s San Francisco wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations don’t need to be big or traditional—they just need to be honest. From DIY florals and cultural traditions to sunset portraits and a Mountain Dew toast, every detail felt like them.
I’m so grateful I got to document it as their San Francisco photographer.
If you’re planning an intimate wedding in San Francisco and care more about connection than perfection, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up, contact me here.
