Shemsa and Paul had been together for 13 years when they decided to head to SF City Hall on a Tuesday morning at 9am and officially tie the knot. Shemsa told me that many of the key moments of their relationship revolved around photography – like hiking the Narrows in Zion (and losing their camera) or the cherished Clack that she received from Paul for one of their early anniversaries. As “camera shy” as they are – she wanted to make sure their wedding day was still documented.

Paul and Shemsa met when they were still in high school, although their friendship didn’t blossom until after they had both been accepted to UC Berkeley. Shemsa sat in the sun, nervously at her Cal orientation. To her surprise, a boy came and sat next to her – and they comfortably chatted together. The orientation weekend came and went (which included skipping orientation meetings to hike instead, napping on the lawn, staying up until 6am to get donuts) and they agreed to meet again when classes started in the fall. About a year and a half later, they realized this friendship was a bit more than a friendship – and they’ve been together ever since. They have since moved to Arkansas to start the next chapter of their careers – with their cat Darwin in tow.

Shemsa and Paul, it was so fun spending the morning with you both – and trying to find a view without fog to truly capture your hikes in the bay area that you remember so fondly. I’m so glad that we did! Congratulations to you both – here’s to many more years of happiness together!

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We are husband and wife California Bay area wedding photographers. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.