Emma and Che were married on January 2nd, 2016 at the grand and beautiful All Souls Catholic Church in South San Francisco, with a reception to follow at the historic Berkeley City Club in Berkeley, California. Fran and I were super excited to kick off the new year right, and as it turned out, the whole day reminded us how grateful we are to be able to capture and preserve the genuine family stories and love stories of good-hearted people. In addition to love and family, the story of Emma and Che’s union is also rooted in Mexican traditions, as their Catholic mass was accompanied by a three-piece Mariachi band. There were also heartfelt speeches from Emma and Che’s fathers spoken in Spanish, and to top off the party, three unbelievably talented Baile Folklorico dancers who performed their trademark Mexican ballet. What a start to 2016!
While Emma and Che had been dating for many years before deciding to tie the knot, their love for each other and the excitement they shared around their family and friends as they got ready at the Berkeley City Club made it seem like Emma and Che were reliving their first dates all over again. Emma’s fun and goofy personality shined through as she got into her dress; her smile touched everyone in the room. Across the hallway at the Berkeley City Club, Che got ready with his parents and brother in an old charming room overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. There was a lot of pride in his parents’ and brother’s eyes — they were thrilled to see that Che was marrying his best friend, the woman of his life.
…But it was the first look in the garden terrace that took our breath away.
Emma’s father is in the business of making honey, and each table was adorned with custom jars filled with the golden stuff, straight from the farm. Fran and I even went home with a special jar and an invite to visit the family business. That’s the way Emma and Che’s families are — they are truly generous, kind, and special people.
The decor at Berkley City Club’s ballroom was decked out by Denise of d.Royal Engagements, and the huge illuminated “Love” sign at the couple’s head table put it all over the top. The reception contained a mixture of hilarious speeches and touching speeches, throwback ’80s R&B songs mixed with an intimate and sweet first dance. There was also a money dance in which just about everyone joined. No doubt there was a lot of support and admiration for Emma and Che in the audience. One unexpected moment occurred in the middle of the reception. In one swift movement, Che’s groomsmen swept him up and carried him — literally above their heads — and rushed him into the men’s room for a private fraternity-brother type moment. It was hilarious, and the camaraderie was really cool to see. These families know how to have a good time!
All of the emotions of a year were had at Emma and Che’s wedding: the love, the fun, the tears, the faith, the nervousness, the pride…and all of this with San Francisco’s iconic landmarks as a backdrop. All the waiting was worth it. And Emma and Che’s future and 2016 was looking pretty good from here!
Special thanks to the amazing vendors that made #chemmawedding2016 possible:
Wedding Planner & Designer – d.Royal Engagements
Photographer – Nester Photography
Cake – Le Gateau Elegant
Hair and MakeUp – DreamCatcher Artistry
Florist – Enchantment Floral
SHUTTLE – Corinthian Transportation
DJ/ Photobooth/ Lighting – NorCal DJ’s
</p<>
