What can I say about Laura & Tom’s Westin St Francis wedding? Well, it sure inspired huge smiles and hearty laughter. The personalities here were beyond joyful. I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that these two and their crew made my job incredibly easy: an endless well of expression, emotion, and pure joy. Theirs was a destination wedding bringing Canadians, mostly from Calgary, to San Francisco. Laura had previously assured me that “everyone is on vacation mode and ready to party.” Truth.

Anyway, where to begin…well, let’s try the beginning: I arrived as Laura was just about to get gowned in her Imbal Dror wedding dress. And immediately after her mother finished up the buttons, she moved in for a quick hug. One of many nuanced moments throughout the day. When they were all set, we went up to the top floor of the Westin St. Francis for their first look. The windows opened out to overlook Union Square. A breathtaking view to be sure, but it did not compare to Laura — you’ll see below that Tom agrees. We had a little time for portraits before guests arrived in the St Francis Suite for the ceremony. Just before Laura walked in with her dad, they shared a little moment, set back and out of site of the guests.

The ceremony was lovely with a couple readings as Laura and Tom traded loving glances throughout. Tom wiped away the lipstick from their kiss before they triumphantly came down the aisle as husband and wife. Following family formals, we snuck out onto the streets around Union Square for some fresh air and a little more portrait time before rejoining the party in Alexandra’s Ballroom, the top floor of the Westin.

Laura and Tom mingled with guests a little bit before everyone entered the ballroom and they jumped right into their first dance–a little choreographed number as their close friends and family surrounded them cheering them on. As the night continued into toasts, cakes and more dancing, the spirit of the day remained delightfully convivial with tons of laughter, dancing, and joy. Here are but a few of my favorites from Laura and Tom’s Westin St Francis wedding!