Chris & Shantih’s Elegant San Francisco Elopement

They stood in front of the white marble balcony, close together, with no one else around. Light poured in through the grand windows, giving the white stone that surrounded them a glow that was dim only compared to their love. She held her vows in her hand as she wiped a tear that escaped her blue eyes the moment she opened her mouth. This was the dream she had been waiting for, just the two of them on their wedding day, taking in every moment of the best day of their lives. She read the words as she took deep breaths, her heart filled with more warmth and happiness than she could have ever dreamed. As she spoke, he smiled and squeezed her hand, so immersed in her beautiful words and how stunning his bride really was. She folded her vows when she finished, and he wiped her tears and held her tight. He opened his envelope and read his vows he had written for only her ears to hear, in a soft voice as he held her hand. She looked back at him and could feel how much he meant every word. It touched her heart so deeply, and she closed her eyes as if what he was saying was the very air she breathed. Then they embraced and stayed in each other’s arms for a long, sweet moment. It was absolutely incredible to witness, and I feel so blessed to have been there.

Chris and Shantih’s San Francisco City Hall elopement was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in my career, and I am so lucky to call myself their friend. When I first met these two this year, I just knew they were special. After their desert engagement session, we excitedly planned our San Franciscan adventure, and it came and went in the blink of an eye! Perhaps one of the sweetest gestures was when Jerrin and I took our seats on our flight (they were on the same plane as us, just a couple rows away), they handed me a beautifully wrapped box. Inside were two leather Coach passport books, each with mine and Jerrin’s names engraved! I, being pregnant and my usual emotional self, was instantly moved to tears on our 7:30 am plane, and it was a thought and gift that we will always treasure! The weekend sped by as we explored San Francisco and kept bumping into each other, which I loved! We were all staying at the same resort, so every time we saw each other we squealed about how close the wedding was getting. The weekend was a typical rainy one by the bay, filled with seafood and sight seeing…and Ghardelli chocolate! When the big day arrived, the clouds filled the sky, but without a single drop of rain. It was absolutely perfect. Jerrin acted as my assistant the entire time, even running back to the hotel to grab the vows, and he held flowers and bags like nobody’s business. We got their paperwork in order, and I even got to sign their license as their witness (in San Francisco, you only need one) which was something I will never forget. They were married on the infamous steps of City Hall, and I got to be the first person to hug them and congratulate them. There was no shortage of tears that day…And don’t even get me started on their bridal portraits! This was a bucket list elopement for me, and these two killed it in the stunningly elegant arches and pillars of the historic building. It was a dream come true you guys. I can’t even begin to imagine how I was so blessed to be there on this day, but all I know is, I’m so glad I was. Shantih & Chris, I am so incredibly happy for you two! You are so genuinely warm and caring, and you deserved every bit of amazing blessings that fell upon you for your elopement. Every time I visit that beautiful city I’ll think of you, and I can’t wait to see what your future holds! Here’s to many more travels to come, as husband and wife!