Jenny & Vladimir | A beautiful San Francisco Palace Hotel Wedding

Posted in weddings

Wedding venue: The Palace Hotel San Francisco, French Parlor
Coordinator: Samantha Woods
Makeup Artist: Giao Nguyen
Invitation Design: Phoebe Yang at the Plumbum Press
Florist: Floramor 
DJ: Eric Reynolds
Videography: Matthew Groza at De Novo Films
Performers: Bay Area Bulgarian Dance Group
Guitarist: Peter Vuksich

 There was this flower from the East, a beautiful and radiant flower so lively and lovely. Oh, what a flower that exists in this land called love. How could it be that no other had found this rare beauty to treasure and bring her home? Then, along came this kind heart, a fountain of joy filled with a smile that one and all could enjoy. A gentle and happy knight to care and adore this enchanting flower, and make her his queen.

Jenny’s and Vladimir’s special day of celebration was steeped in tradition and culture. Both families embraced each other, exchanging symbolic gifts of marriage, blessing the couple with open arms, and giving them a grand send off into the world, a new and exciting world to make their own. Brought together magically by fate, a love so beautiful for all eyes to see, this marriage will shower new flowers and all life with color and affection so they may blossom and grace friends and family with their presence and beauty.

Though their love will be from a distance for a while, as he is off to studies in Chicago, their souls will never be afar, as their hearts will always remain together as one…for surely they feel each other breathing deep inside with a special twinkle in their eyes.

The singing and dancing are all according to Bulgarian traditions. The first two songs were about the groom anxiously waiting for his bride and the bride bidding farewell to her mother and entering the new family. Jenny offered her mother a Bulgarian embroidery with a deep bow and then offered her mother-in-law a silk scarf from China. The dance celebrated the union of the bride and the groom. The performers danced with a roasted chicken and baked Bulgarian bread. One tradition is for the bride and the groom to break the bread and whoever gets the bigger piece is believed to have more “say” in the new family. Then the dance opened to everyone holding hands and dancing in circles.

So much love, xoxo
Jasmine

Niki & Michael | Engagement session

Posted in engagement

The sun shines with all the possibilities of laughter, life and love awaiting you each step you take that longs for you today, and each day to follow. A simple choice is all that is needed, for once you decide to make your own miracles and return to your source from within that light shall be one step closer to you, and the beautiful transformation into serenity will begin to dance in your heart with love…

Of love and all of splendor, to my beautiful couple Niki and Michael… xoxo

Sharon & Viresh | A City Hall Celebration

Posted in weddings

There are those who walk in and out of your life, and then there are those who touch your life in such a deeply profound and beautiful way that their fingerprints rest in your heart forever, softly echoing their beauty and love. Sharon is that shining light, that simple and gracious soul that heaven sent to bless all with warm sunshine.

Two years ago I had the honor to photograph Sharon’s and Viresh’s wedding in South Africa. If dreams were real, then this was one of those very special moments that painted a magical image in the hearts of all who were a part of this joyous celebration of two spirits uniting in marriage. Today was no different as they proclaimed their love, once again, hand in hand, heart to heart on their journey through life as a couple; dancing and singing with music filling time and space, as angels perch on silver lined clouds above to watch the love of two joyful souls unite like no other on earth, or in heaven.

Love so pure. Love so undeniable. Love as beautiful as it is meant to be…a single soul inhabiting two bodies of an endless journey to paradise and bliss. Love calls them to be together for the birth of a new world, theirs. Love, the most amazing word on earth. Love delivers energy to them as they do to each other. They are touching all of creation with love. They are awakened and joyous. Love is water as they merge into one, conquering all the obstacles as the hardest thing surrenders to the softest one. Love is strength when they transmute their passion of love into everything they do. Love is a healing angel that helps others see hope and spread their wings of love through its magic vibration. Love is inspiration, as they become poets creating beauty on the canvas of their dreams. Love is the secret garden of their souls where they feel most at home. Love is a compass guiding them home…simply follow the truth, and peace and joy will be waiting for all. Welcome home Sharon and Viresh!

You make the world, and mine, a much better and happier place to be, and for that I am forever grateful for your friendship, and your love.

Blessings to you, dear friends.

Jasmine xoxo (View the images of their South African wedding here)

 

Ken & Ray | A beautiful wedding at the Bently Reserve San Francisco

Posted in weddings

 

Venue:  Vivian/Bently Reserve
Wedding Planner:  Jessica/Dreams on a Dime
Catering:  Kelly/Le Meridien
Bar:  Zach/BBC
Flowers:  Carol/An Added Touch Flowers
Videographer:  Nick/Less Than Three Video
Ceremony Musician:  Cheyenne/Conservatory of Music
DJ:  Chris & DJ J.E./Spintronix
Lighting/AV: John/Enhanced Lighting
Rentals:  Blueprint Studios
Cake:  Bala/The Cakemaker
Hollywood sign rental:  Josh/Acme Props
Joan Rivers:  Dee Dee Hanson
Liza Minnelli:  Debbie Cucalon
Custom Popcorn:  Cierra/Cornstar
Banner:  Paul/Speedpro Imaging
Photographer:  Jasmine Wang Photography

A Family Portrait session | happy holidays!

Posted in family portrait

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…where children are playing and parents are praying for Christmas cheer…

The spirit of the holidays is alive and brimming with joy. Two loving parents and their four jubilant children ready to spread good tidings to all, and give thanks for health, peace and harmony. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and “oh” what a merry family this is.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…family portrait time.

Kristin & Michael | A beautiful wedding at Casa Real, Pleasanton

Posted in weddings

There are days that you wake up and realize why it never worked out with anyone else…and then that special someone walks into your life and everything changes. And so on this special day, Kristen’s and Michael’s lives have united holding each other tighter, guided by the love in their innocent, kind, and gentle hearts. When they sat down to discuss: “why should we get married”? They found out the true answer inside of their hearts: “because we simply cannot live without each other… we make each other complete”. The adorably cute little one, their daughter, was a very special part of the wedding.

The location at Casa Real Winery was ideal to frame their wedding. The sky was magical and poetic as majestic clouds complimented the setting of their beautiful black and white theme, with highlight color rich as ruby red wine; the textures of the stonewalls, the intricate lighting casted beautiful shades… so simple and so rich at the same time… I love the style of every detail of the wedding; and more importantly the tender and deep connection between the two wonderful souls.

I always enjoyed photographing at the Casa Real.  It was truly a special one on such a beautiful day, beautiful setting and beautiful couple, Michael and Kristin – I watched them to exchange the vows with tears, and became “Mr. & Mrs”… congrats!

Cheers! ~jasmine

Vendor Credit: 

Photography: Jasmine Wang Photography
Event Coordinator: Shannon McGrail at Casa Real
Makeup Artist: Priscilla Francine Makeup
Mariachis: Mariachi Mariachisimo

 

Sandra & Andy | Engagement session, San Francisco

Posted in engagement

It wasn’t my intention to make this a fashion photo shoot, but when Sandra showed up with her makeup on, red lips, red flowing dress… “oh my”… the engagement session simply jumped into high gear and the rest is history.

She was this sultry Spanish flamingo that danced to the beat of Andy’s heart, the music of peace and harmony. Passionate and eager to express her love for her man…knowing that their day to wed was quickly approaching.

I could feel their connectedness and desire for each other…simple and innocent at heart, two meant for each other, wanting to see the glamorous side of being photographed together in a moment of pure happiness and absolute adoration. Rejoice.

Oh so sweet… A Thank You Note…

Posted in personal

I received this sweet thank you note along with an amazing gift – a vintage clock from Adrienne and Bethann after their wedding. oh… thank you, my beautiful couple… I feel so lucky to have photographed your beautiful wedding… xoxo ~jasmine

 

A City Hall Wedding – Shelley & Lawrence

Posted in weddings

Oh, San Francisco…a dreamer’s paradise, an adventurer’s home away from home, a lover’s fantasy. For my beautiful couple, Shelley and Lawrence, it was their special trip to the promise land to exchange everlasting vows of love and togetherness.

Journeying half way around the world, from Beijing China, to say “I do” is simply amazing.  I can’t imagine anything more romantic than to voyage to a magical city, away from the stress that often casts a shadow on such a memorable day, to embrace the beauty and freedom of two souls on an exciting travel wedding.

There are few buildings, I am aware of, that possess the rare characteristics of majesty and grandeur. San Francisco’s City Hall is one to simply marvel at…an absolute magnificent design that gracefully lends itself to celebrations of all sorts. And, for Shelley’s and Lawrence’s wedding, City Hall exuded the perfect charm and elegance that mirrored their own pure beauty.

One should never forget just how utterly amazing San Francisco is. It’s a city that everyone who visits leaves “their heart in” and for Shelley and Lawrence a moment to proclaim their love for each other where the city’s golden sun will shine on them for all of eternity.

with love, jasmine

Shelley 跟Lawrence 很远从北京到旧金山 的 City Hall注册 结婚。他们的 好友加伴郎在婚礼的前一天为他们搞定新郎礼服，新娘手捧花；伴娘则是化妆兼造型师。旧金山的City Hall 大概 是 我 见过 的 最美丽 的 市政府建筑 之一； 建于1915年 ，很多 旧金山的 的 古典式的 建筑（包括 我 住的 公寓）都是 建于 这个时期 （1880－1917年 间）很有 古典气息。1906年 地震的 时候 ，市政府 大楼 整个被 毁掉 了 ，不多 重修 的 建筑 后来 极其著名，我个人很喜欢的艺术家Frida Kahlo 就 曾经 在 这里Diego Rivera 注册结婚 。

我想 大概 很久 以前 就有了 “旅行结婚” 这个 词，在古老 的 中国 ，一对 新人远走 异乡，举行 个 婚礼 ，很有 “私奔” 的 意思。而现在则 是个 很时尚的词。 我笑着 和Shelley 跟 Lawrence 打趣：“你们 这种结婚 的 方式 是不是私奔 呢？” Shelley 说，照片 要拍的漂亮 啊 ，拿回去 才能证明我们 是真的结婚 了 …不然没有证据… 哈哈。他们 确实 是 有 张结婚证的 ，不过照片 也 还是 要的…

旧金山 实在是个 很漂亮的地方，多年前，我 在美国四处游走，想选个 最适合居住的 地方，最后选了 这里。可以去拍外景的 地方好多，光是拍 金门大桥的景就有很多处。 我们开车去 了 好些地方，边玩边拍，一直到晚上一起吃晚饭 － 若说起来，这个 晚饭是 他们的 婚宴呢。这个婚礼 ，实在是“边旅行，边结婚”，完全没有传统婚礼的stress. 片子拍的 很多 ，但 大部分 常去的 外景曾经在我的 博客上出现过，所以只选了 一部分 贴在这里。恭喜Shelley & Lawrence，祝百年好合！现在 可有 了证据 了…

 

A lovely Cavallo Point Wedding

Posted in weddings

How many people in the world are so fortunate to cerebrate their wedding day, with such a majestic backdrop as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean? I’ve had the pleasure to photograph, many times, at Cavallo Point. Each time, I reminded myself how lucky we all are living in this beautiful area with views most people only dream of.  San Francisco’s charm and beauty has been attracting millions of people every year, and with good reason.

Our beautiful couple’s wedding day was a very intimate and private setting. The blue of the water was complimented so wonderfully by my bride’s bouquet, shoes and all the pretty details that resonated the color; something new, something old, something borrowed…her dress, maid of honor’s veil, and an old black and white photo of her mom and dad. She so treasures the memory and placed it in her dress right next to her chest. My beautiful bride and groom have been sharing a life in their own private magic world, and only included very close friends and family to their most important personal celebration – their wedding. Love peaceful, heartfelt,  and truly profound.

When I posted these photos, she said: “the pictures are amazing.  Wow! I can’t think of another word to describe them… just Wow!!! Between breaks at work, I sneak a peek at the pictures and smile…”

Oh… that makes “my” heart smile! ~ Jasmine xoxo

 

Stephanie & Oscar – wedding at Hillsborough

Posted in weddings

Where do I begin…to describe the beautiful essence of two dear friends that evoke such love and affection? With every great love story there is an endearing woman whose sheer presence brings joy and inspiration to everyone lucky to be graced with her enchanting charm and genuine warmth. Stephanie…sweet Stephanie. A heart of pure gold, a spirit of radiant sunshine, eyes that light up the heavens, a whimsical sense of humor and witty intelligence that soothes all…every man’s dream, but only promised to one. Her love, her best friend, her man…Oscar.

Behind this incredible woman stands her loving man…devoted and attentive to her every need and desire, feet firmly planted, ambitious, arms ready to embrace, protect and build their future. If there ever was a recipe for scrumptious happiness, Stephanie and Oscar have all the right ingredients.
( Oscar…just stay away from “my” fried chicken )

And, what better way to compliment their special day than to have it hosted at the family’s elegantly stylish and grand home. Such ambiance, such beauty and heartfelt emotions, such attention to detail and execution that seamlessly flowed from beginning to end. A magical fairy tale wedding to dream of for years to come.

This day was very special for me. I got to see my dear friends Stephanie and Oscar take the ultimate leap of faith as they laugh, live, dream and love now and forever as one. This day, and all to follow are theirs…and they are smiling.

With much love,
Jasmine xoxo

Vendor Credit: 

Photography–Jasmine Wang Photography
Videographer—Cinematt
Rentals–Classic Party Rentals
Wedding Planner–Amazae Special Events
Caterer–Melons Catering
Wedding Cake–Reva Witcher
Flowers–Paul Robertson Floral Design
Programs–The Knot and the Feather 
Menus–Erica Hammer Calligraphy
Dresses–Priscilla of Boston
Suit—Selix
Invitations–Flower & Paper
Hair–Rebecca Does Hair
Makeup–Makeup by Mina
Table Numbers–Parchment Posies
Lighting–Creative Lighting Design
DJ–DJ Matteo
Linens–La Tavola

Sonja & Adam | Fairmont Hotel, Grace Cathedral, St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco

Posted in weddings

I first met Sonja and Adam when they first came to my office, sat in my new “chloe” couch like two little nestling birds chirping – so close, so in love, so connected… they brought smiles to my face. It’s so sweet to see people so much in love… hmmm…sublime and so divine. It turned out they live not too far from where I hang out, across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge in Marin. On their engagement session day, we went hiking (their favorite activity) at their favorite spot – Tennessee Valley, nature’s secluded oasis. I love hiking too, but that was one LONG trek to get to the perfect spot, the intimate little beach, the thousand layered sapphire blue and brown stones…

Their day was here, ready to magically unfold.  As I came to her room, at the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel, the door opened, Ohhhh… there was Sonja, she put her into the all over lace Vera Wang gown, my heart stopped for a second… the bride in waiting, the graceful swan in motion. She wrote the very note she later sent to Adam:

“My love – I’m so happy that today I will become your wife! You are the most important person in my world . I love you dearly & promise to always be your best friend, your love, you snuggle Bear…”

On the wedding day, Sonja was the only person who knew where the place they would set their eyes on each other for the first time. The setting was perfect…a breathtaking view with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, even if a bit foggy. Adam waited under the tree, alone yet excited… hasn’t he been waiting all his life, alone, for this very moment, to see a beautiful bride come into his life, come into his arms?

This group photo was inspired by Davinci’s “Last Supper”… lol

I have photographed many engagement rings – this Tiffany ring was simply FLAWLESS…

Ceremony at the beautiful Grace Cathedral – classic, magnificent and enchanting…

 

I never recall Adam as being a good dancer, but by the wedding day, not only did he lose 17 pounds in merely 3 weeks, (Sonja winked to me right before the wedding and said, “oh, you would be surprised to see him – he looks so handsome… giggling) he amazed all of us with these suave dance moves and steps. At the end of the wedding day, when I was moving around the dance floor capturing the hip-hop dancers, Adam  yelled behind my shoulder,“Jasmine, we love you!” oh, I want to say it again here, Sonja & Adam, how I love you both, too…

xoxo ~jasmine

Vendor credit:

Videographer– Major Diamond Productions
Rentals — Hartmann Studios
Caterer – St Francis Yacht Club
Wedding Cake — Jasmine Rae Bakery
Flowers– Spiral Hand
Programs & Invitations — Stacy and Company
Engagement/wedding rings– Tiffany & Co
Wedding Dress — Vera Wang Lux
Bridesmaid dresses– Various
Suit – Calvin Klein Black Label
Hair– Mr Eckhard Beauty Salon
Makeup — Julie Dy
Lighting– Got Light
DJ– DJ Jeremy Productions
Linens — Hartmann Studios
Wedding Planner — Clever Girl Consulting

Adrienne & Bethann | An elegant victorian wedding at Landmarks Art & Garden Tiburon

Posted in weddings

September invites magical change to the land and sky, and paints a picture of a time passed, but never forgotten… An array of beautiful colors explode on the canvas of life, transforming what we know into something new and breathtaking. The sweet scent of the air caresses ones spirit, soothing the soul to be one with happiness. Love’s rays of light and warmth touches our hearts, and rainbows appear in our eyes with gorgeous golden hues.

Family and friends embrace the boundless love of Adrienne and Bethann… it was a great honor to witness such love and celebration.

Love will have its day. Love will find its way. Love is here to stay…

Special thanks to the two brides – Adrienne and Bethann for having me to be part of this special day… to the talented wedding planner Elizabeth Bainbridge, and all the vendors that involved to make this day true, beautiful and memorable…

xoxoxo jasmine 

 Vendor credit:

Venue: Landmarks Art & Garden
Caterer:  Jersey Tomatoes Catering
Florist:  La Fleuriste
Rentals:  Blue Water Party Rental and Stuart Party Rentals
Linens:  LaTavola Fine Linen
Lighting:  Got Light
Baker:  Inticing Creations
Planning:  2 the 9s Events
Hair/Make-up:  Eliza Desch
Invitations and Save the Dates:  Royal Steamline
Place cards and Table Number Labels:  ElizabethAO on Etsy
Calligraphy:  Jeffrey Brodkin

This is who I am and how I create my images…

Posted in announcement, life

I have been meaning to write something about my photography, about who I am…

I am an artist whose boundaries transcend the abilities of a mere camera, and challenge the imagination of the inspired eye behind the lens. Emotional and stirring images evoke as the window to the canvas and journey begins to take shape. The contrast, the angle, the composition  captures the poetic motion and beautiful symmetry of the human art form as it truly is meant to exist in nature. This is the photographer…the artist I strive to be.

Mindful never to judge the individuality of my subjects, solely to see the expression of love and harmony, and paint a visual and eloquent poem that resonates a passion to live a life of openness and truth. With open eyes, open minds, open hearts, and open arms entrusting me to be free to create an everlasting memory to treasure through time and space.

We see bright sunny days on a misty morning as we embrace a new day, and whisper the words that connected and brought us here…I Love You.
A slow dance begins, two bodies move as one, together they mirror each others soul, and a picture that tells a thousand words is theirs, and theirs alone.

Take this journey with me, my friends…and we will inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. Let’s find that special place, that special connection, that special romance and love, and create magic…

much love… Jasmine Wang xoxo

Gloria & Quynh | wedded at Cavallo Point and Cupertino

Posted in weddings

Dearest G&Q…, I am so blessed to have been a part of this magical day, and feel the warmth and love you shared.  Your kindhearted spirits channeled through me to capture these images of two souls uniting, giving room for new adventures to unfold. Sail into each other’s arms as you embark on a beautiful journey you never dreamed possible, and shine as beacons for others to follow.
Love and life to you…jasmine xoxo