Kate and Jon had, in my opinion, the most perfect weather for their wedding on Saturday, September 4. Big fluffy clouds, blue sky, breezy, and not hot. After the steady heat wave we’ve had all summer, the not hot part was my favorite.
I met Kate at the Wyndham in Oakland as she began to get ready. Since Kate and Jon met while they were in law school at the University of Pittsburgh, it seemed fitting to frame her gown with the Cathedral of Learning in the background.
Kate finished getting ready in the basement of St. George Cathedral in Oakland. Photo by my very talented and helpful second shooter, Alisa Garin.
St. George Cathedral is so vibrant and colorful. Almost the whole ceremony was chanted or sung, and it was beautiful.
After the ceremony, we headed over to Schenley Park for some portraits of Kate and Jon. It was just the right time of day for backlight.
I love shooting in this part of Schenley Park! You have to walk down a whole lot of steps, but it is worth it to get to this stone bridge.
Kate raised her eyebrows just a tad when I asked her to twirl around. I think it was worth it.
This cake cutting was hilarious. I do not think they needed to make quite as deep a cut as they did, but if they hadn’t, we might have missed out on these expressions. This photo by Alisa. 
First dance. I usually use an off camera flash and an on camera flash for dancing, but sometimes I turn the on camera flash off to get a more dramatic photo, like this one. 
And then I’ll turn the on camera flash back on. Because it’s nice to see faces, too!
Kate and Jon have a lot of dancing friends! DJ Dan honored lots of requests that kept the dance floor packed. 
We can play name that tune with this one. But I think it’s pretty easy.
Kate and Jon – congratulations! I had so much fun celebrating with you. I hope you enjoy every minute of your European odyssey!
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The Credits
Ceremony: St. George Cathedral, Oakland
Reception: Schenley Park Visitors Center, Oakland
Kate’s dress: Casablanca Bridal from One Enchanted Evening
Cake: Creations by Carlini
Flowers: Jim Ludwig’s Blumengarten
DJ: DJ Dan
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