Kyle & Ian decided on having an intimate and somewhat casual City Hall civil ceremony in lieu of a big hullabaloo in San Francisco. Their families flew in from out of state to join them for the ceremony and then lunch afterwards. Kyle and Ian had me there to cover them getting ready at the Proper Hotel–a modern hotel in Civic Center just blocks from City Hall. They wanted to do a “first look” but didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. But things worked out great since Kyle got ready in the living area of the suite while Ian got dressed in the bedroom. So once Kyle was in her dress with the help of her mom, Ian came out for the first look.

And before long, it was time to jump in the car and head to City Hall to make their appointment at the County Clerk’s office. The rest of the family arrived to meet the couple at the entrance and joined them as they walked inside.

Unlike a larger city hall wedding that would take place on a weekend, their City Hall civil ceremony kicked off with a visit to the county clerk to check in for their appointment.

The ceremony was intimate and emotional for all. The justice normally has them do standard vows but she allowed them to recite their own for the ceremony. That personal touch was definitely a catalyst for the waterworks that followed. Following their City Hall civil ceremony we took advantage of the gorgeous architecture and headed out to Land’s End for a quick portrait session before their lunch. Their families were waiting outside as they came out for one more celebratory hurrah before heading off to lunch.

After the session, the couple headed up to the Cliff House (which you can see in the distance below) to meet their families for lunch.