Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography sent us some photos of Andrea and Michael's San Francisco wedding and shared a bit of their story ~ and as she says, "It's a little bit like tuning into one of your favorite episodes of Friends!"
From Lauri ... Just like in the show, Andrea lived in the same building as Michael’s college buddies. Andrea heard about the mysterious Michael quite often, but their paths never crossed. Then one morning, Andrea joined Michael’s friends for their usual Saturday morning breakfast. Michael and Andrea sat next to each other at Momos Restaurant. Andrea ordered the fruit plate and Michael ate right off her plate. The conversation was non-stop, leaving both Andrea and Michael feeling like they had known each other forever. When Michael mentioned he was moving (to the same building!), Andrea offered to help him unpack. Just 24 hours later, Andrea was organizing his clothes, picking out towels and stocking his kitchen.
With a nod to both tradition and glamor, the bride wore a Melissa Sweet gown that was solid handmade embroidery and lace. She accessorized with crystals in her hair, earrings, bracelet, belt and heels. The bridesmaids wore full-length black gowns, with black birdcage veils for the ceremony.
The groom and groomsmen wore traditional black and white tuxedos. One of the bride’s favorite details and a surprise for her groom, was the locket she tied to her bouquet with pictures of Michael’s grandparents who had passed. Michael was so touched when Andrea opened the locket after the ceremony to show him that his grandparents were indeed there with him.
Michael and Andrea chose St. Ignatius Church as the site of their wedding, as it resides on the USF campus, where Andrea attended college.
Much of their wedding inspiration revolved around their shared love of October and Halloween ~ their dating anniversary. The invitations, programs, save the dates and table cards were all done by Allison Barnhill Designs in burnt orange, black and cream hues.
They fell in love with the St. Francis Hotel and the Imperial Ballroom on the 32nd floor with it's spectacular 360 degree view of the entire city, as well as the cream, gold, black and white colors in the room!
Michael and Andrea wove many subtle touches reflective of their relationship throughout the wedding. Their cake was black from top to bottom, with gold leaf damask pattern. Inside were Michael and Andrea’s favorite cake flavors: banana cream and chocolate with raspberry puree, in alternating layers. The baker, I Dream of Cake, said she had always dreamed of making a black wedding cake, but no bride had ever allowed her, yet it was worth the risk, as it turned out beautifully.
Very dramatic. Very beautiful ... and Lauri and Kate captured it all brilliantly!! To see the entire wedding gallery, take a look at Andrea and Michael's SMP photo gallery.
Photography by Zoom Photographer with Kate Webber as 2nd shooter, RazorByrne Productions|Videography, Allison Barnhill Designs, Simply Blooms, Alexandra Bridal (Wedding Gown and Flower Girl Dresses), Unique Bride (Bridesmaids Dresses), I Dream of Cake