michelle walker photography

2019-11-19T13:42:00.003-08:00

This blog has moved to a shiny, new home!

www.michellewalker.com/blog

Newborn Session | San Francisco

2015-07-22T12:31:00.003-07:00

I've had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful family since they decided to tie the knot, photographing their engagement, wedding, and even Ray's dental practice. I couldn't wait to get pictures of their newest handsome fella. Colin was ready for his first modeling gig, and Puri the puppy got into the action as well. I'm excited to keep up with Ray and Jane as their family grows.

A Perfect Day for a Perfect Wedding at Auberge du Soleil

2015-07-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was one of the nicest weekends we've had in the Wine Country... not too hot, not too cold... just perfect for this beautiful wedding. Molly and AJ held their nuptials in the historic Catholic Church of St. Helena and then headed up to the stunning Auberge du Soliel for their reception. It was an afternoon of wonderful friends and family, amazing food, stunning views, and a whole lot of love.

{venue} Auberge du Soleil
{florals} Tesoro
{baker} Sweet on Cake
{hair/makeup} Bella Bridal
{dj} Dave Tutton

Mustard and Blue Styleboard!

2015-07-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when Snippet and Ink creates these inspirational style-boards. I love it even more when they include photos I've taken! I'm thrilled to be included on this "mustard and blue" style board - it's one of my favorite color combos...

Indian Wedding at Ramekins | Sonoma

2015-07-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

Anita and David are one of the coolest couples I've ever met... both are smart, gorgeous, and super fun. Just take a look at their cross-cultural Indian/Western wedding that we celebrated on the 4th of July. The morning started with a traditional South Indian Hindu ceremony filled with many fascinating traditions... There's not space to list them all, but my favorites were the Vratham (tying the Kappu - the holy thread tied on the wrist of the bride - to ward off evil spirits), the Kanya Dhaanam (where the bride is made to sit on her father's lap and is given away as a gift by him to the groom), and the Saptha Padhi (the bride & groom hold hands and walks seven steps together - only then are they married).

After a delicious Indian lunch prepared by New Delhi Restaurant, Anita changed into another beautiful Sari and the Rev. Peader Dalton presided over a western ceremony tying both into one seamless wedding. It was lovely.

Then there was dancing (including a Bollywood routine by the newlyweds!), a delicious meal by Ramekins, pie, and fireworks! (It was the 4th of July afterall.)

{planner} A Savvy Event
{venue} Ramekins
{florals} Nancy Liu Chin Design
{officiant} Your Ceremony Matters
{rentals} Classic Party Rentals
{hair/makeup} It's a Date at the Powder Room
{pie} Sweetie Pie's

Napa Valley Elopement

2015-07-08T10:27:00.002-07:00

This adorable couple came all the way from Texas to get married at Brix in Napa yesterday. Surrounded by grape vines and with the Mayacamas mountains in the background, it was a stunning backdrop to start their new lives together. My good friend Kimberly Thompson from A Beautiful Ceremony presided over the nuptials, and they celebrated with dinner at Brix's award winning restaurant afterwards. And I am in love with Audrey's bouquet from Erica Grube at EV Floral Design - simply perfect!

{venue} Brix
{officiant} A Beautiful Ceremony
{florals} EV Floral Design
{hair/makeup} Bella Bridal

10-year Renewal Ceremony | The Fairmont, San Francisco

2015-07-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about the wedding industry is all the great friends I've made. Wonderful people that I get to work with to create perfect events for our fabulous clients. And it's even more fun when one of those friends does something fun... like tie-the-knot all over again!

Kelly and (her "homeboy for life") Pete from Inticing Creations did just that this weekend. To celebrate their 10-year anniversary, they had an amazing renewal-ceremony and party (complete with gansta' rap, a bourbon exchange (instead of rings), and 17 (yep, 17!) cakes at the fabulous penthouse suite at the Fairmont San Francisco.

Congrats you guys! I can't wait for the 20/30/40/50 year parties!

{venue/catering} The Fairmont, San Francisco
{cakes} Inticing Creations
{rentals} Blueprint Studios, La Tavola Fine Linen, Dandelion Floral
{hair} Nicole Tomasch
{makeup} Veronica Sjeon
{music} DJ John Jow

Dashe Wine Garden

2015-06-10T12:58:00.004-07:00

Here's a sneak-peek from "Sunday's in the Garden" shoot at Dashe Cellars here in Jack London Square. Amazing live music was performed by Radiokeys and the delicious wines were flowing. We're so lucky to have such a great winery right around the corner from us. (And I liked walking to work!) Take a look HERE at all the fun things they have planned for this summer!

Christina & Ian | Log Cabin Wedding Presidio

2015-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day... what a wonderful party!!
I knew from the moment I met Christina and Ian (take a peek at their amazing engagement photoshoot on the beach in Santa Cruz) that theirs was a special relationship. I also knew that we were in for an incredibly fun and joyful wedding.
These two had a beautiful ceremony at the Chapel of our Lady, and then hopped aboard a replica SF trolley that took them to the Log Cabin at the Presidio. The style was whimsical, rustic, and bright & sunny. I loved every single part of it. (And Gena, you rocked it!)

{planner/designer} Gena DeBartolo (a former bride of mine!)
{venue} The Log Cabin Presidio
{catering} Miraglia Catering
{cake} Pretty Please Bakeshop
{florals} Michael Daigian Design
{officiant} White Robed Monks of St. Benedict
{band/DJ} Big Fun Disc Jockey

Amy & Michael's quintessential SF wedding

2015-05-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

These guys had the PERFECT San Francisco wedding! Classic, elegant & fun with a surprise musical guest! Thanks Sean Hayes for making their day even more special. And take a look at Nutmeg "the best dog". I adore her!

{venue} InterContinental Mark Hopkins
{planner} Dreams on a Dime
{2nd shooter} michaela joy photography
{video} Kevin Chin Photography + Cinema
{florals} Ron Morgan Floral Designs
{dress} Nicole Miller
{makeup} Makeup Gourmet
(hair} Tulip Saloon
{lighting} JL IMAGINATION
{linens} La Tavola Fine Linen
{band} The Lucky Devils

The best review!

2015-05-26T18:50:00.002-07:00

Wow. I have no other words. (Except, I love my job. A lot.)

David and I wanted to thank you for the magnificent photos you took at our wedding. You seemed to capture every moment — you are amazing. Your work is truly breathtaking (we usually don’t look as good in all of our photos:).

You were a pleasure to work with and very helpful throughout the entire process. We loved the way you were able to unobtrusively capture all of the important moments and your pictures did not come off as posed. We also love the way you have organized the finished product. It is so easy to navigate and share with all of our friends. I have never gotten so many complements on professional photos. You captured the magic of the people and place and it shows.

I hope we get to work with you again sometime. Speak soon.

love,

Sue and David

Emily & Kyle | San Francisco City Hall Wedding

2015-05-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

This beautiful couple is getting married in Mexico, but wanted to make it legal here in the US first. I joined them for a couple of hours at City Hall in SF, and captured the day with their family and friends. Two of their friends drove 15 hours to surprise them and be by their side. Emily sported a gorgeous pair of Louis Vuitton heels!

{coordinator/designer} Alicia K Designs

Elopement at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay

2015-05-14T14:09:00.001-07:00

Beverley and Bao came from our nations capital to get married at the stunning Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. They were lucky and scored a gorgeous/sunny day at the resort. They are the loveliest couple with wonderful families - I {heart} my job.

Sweet Maternity Session

2015-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time visiting this gorgeous couple (and their equally gorgeous pup, Miso) last week for a fun maternity portrait session. Mom is due with their first child (a boy!) and is radiant. And Dad couldn't be prouder... even Miso seems to be excited!

Baptism | Grace Cathedral San Francisco

2015-05-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky to photograph Jun and Stephen for the past several years - their engagement, incredible wedding, family photos, etc. They recently invited me to a beautiful celebration for their newborn twins. It was amazing and Grace Cathedral provided a gorgeous backdrop for the duo baptisms.

Beautiful Presidio Wedding Sneak-Peek

2015-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

This wonderful couple was hitched on Saturday in the Presidio in San Francisco. I adore these guys and can't wait to share all the photos!

Surprise Engagement in Half Moon Bay

2015-04-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

How do you surprise your partner with an engagement session? Well, just like this...
Kelly reached out to me and said we had to keep everything "hush hush", or his girlfriend would find out what we were up to. I followed the two of them to the beach and kept out of sight until the moment came. She said YES!!!

Calistoga Ranch Wedding

2015-04-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was lucky enough to photograph this amazing wedding at one of my favorite venues - Calistoga Ranch. This beautiful couple (along with their 5 kids!) had a modern Jewish wedding and spent the beautiful day surrounded by friends, family, and love.

{venue} Calistoga Ranch
{florals} Fleurs de France
{video} Weddings on Film
{lighting} Twilight Design
{chuppah} Wine Country Events
{Hair/Makeup} It's a Date

Style Shoot - Indian Wedding at Country Club

2015-04-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I sometimes get asked to photograph a styled shoot... I love working with my favorite people to create these amazing "dream weddings"! This particular one took me to Stonebrae high in the Hayward Hills. The views from the top are SPECTACULAR - with a panorama view from San Jose to Sausalito. {It didn't hurt that it was a gorgeous day.} Our model was beautiful in her Traditional and Western-inspired Indian dresses by Sagar Exclusive - she was a natural in front of the camera.

Family Portrait Session SF

2015-04-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

This beautiful couple {and now friends} are expecting their third child very soon, so we decided to do a maternity and family session prior to the little one's arrival. We chose their beautiful home in San Francisco... which is about to become a little more crowded.

An Elegant Traditional Wedding at Villa Montalvo on The Knot!

2015-04-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... Villa Montalvo. My dream wedding venue... where I've wanted to get married since I was a little girl. It's so nice see it published on The Knot today. Especially with such an elegant and fun couple. I love this wedding!

Family shoot at DeYoung Museum and Tea Garden

2015-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

This couple gave me the honor of meeting them and their adorable daughter in SF for a family session. You can easily see who stole the show! We took some time to shoot around the DeYoung Museum and then took a nice stroll to the Tea Garden.

Party at the Ritz-Carlton.

2015-04-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

A 50th birthday is one of the biggest celebrations of a person's life in Sweden. In Peter's case, he celebrated here in his home of California and brought the family here to join him. I was invited to photograph the occasion, which was on par with some of the most fantastic parties I've documented! Just wait until you see the cake!! Peter has been involved in computer programming for over 20 years, so the details were catered to his career and passion.

{planner/designer} Christie Hjelm
{venue} The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
{catering} The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
{photo booth} San Francisco Photo Booth
{florals} Amy Burke Designs
{videographer} Justin Fone Productions
{rentals} Classic Party Rentals
{cake} Copenhagen Bakery

Benefit Cosmetics at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay

2015-04-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

To celebrate their success and their "benestars" (employees with the company for 10+ years), Benefit Cosmetics descended upon the fabulous Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay for a day party. And party they did - it was awesome!

Wine Country Campground

2015-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

kristen k events invited me to join them in wine country to tour and photograph a beautiful, rustic, wine country campground.
From Kristen's website:
"Kristen k Events manages event venues in the Northern California Wine Country and Bay Area. From rustic barns to modern landscapes, we manage a range of venues which host social and corporate gatherings."