Perry & Chiyo - San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall is really amazing. I've shot a civil ceremony in NYC before and tragically the building is not as nice for such a fine city. This couple was able to get married on the Rotunda, at the top of a sweeping grand staircase. Perry and Chiyo are a very chic looking couple who met at a salsa class in Chicago. His buddies decided to show up in support looking like Perry in his signature ascot and hat ensemble.







Side note: The SF City Hall Rotunda was featured in the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie which was actually supposed to be Washington D.C. Who knew? Love that movie.

Jessica & Jay - Berkeley Botanical Gardens

This wedding was in the coolest place! The wedding was at Berkeley Botanical Gardens in the hills above the campus of UC Berkeley. The ceremony was in this redwood grove which was a much needed escape from the intense heat that day. As you walked into this grove surrounded by these giant beautiful trees the temperature dropped about 15 degrees.
Other than the cool venue what I really liked about Jessica and Jay's wedding was how intimate it was. They obviously cared greatly about the people they invited to share their special day with. I was surprised to see they had a receiving line right after the ceremony. These days guests show up, say hi to the bride and groom for a few minutes, eat and then leave without really spending any time with them. But this couple greeted and thanked each and every guest with such genuine warmth and appreciation. Later during the reception they went around to each table and again spoke to each guest. On top of that, right after cutting the cake they spent another 15 minutes thanking everyone involved with the wedding from the ring bearers to the person who helped make the table runners. THEN, that day was a guests birthday and they had a cake for this person and had everyone sing Happy Birthday! How many brides would let another person's b-day be apart of their special day? I just thought that was so cool and classy. I really felt the love not only between the bride and groom but also between them and their guests. This was a nice reminder of what really should be the main focus of a wedding, a celebration of love with family and friends.

New website!

I would rather just keep my blog so I can update it frequently, but every one else has a proper website so I figured I'd get one too. I kinda like how it turned out and I feel it honestly represents what my style is all about.
Check it out: www.michellehayesphotos.com


Photo courtesy of Erica Berger.

Heather & Scott - Carmel, Ca

I had a mini destination wedding in Carmel, California over the fourth of July weekend. We stayed at the Holly Farm in a restored adobe hacienda. This place is great for weddings, family get togethers, or a retreat because it's a totally private 5 acre estate and doesn't feel like a hotel. Actually, it felt like we were in Mexico because the grounds were so tropical and lush.

Altotting, Germany!

My first destination wedding and it turned out to be an amazing trip and fabulous wedding. I knew my friend Kristine was planning a wedding in Germany but I never imagined she would ask me to shoot it. I shot her civil ceremony in NY and then a few months later she asked me if I wanted to come to Germany. Uh, yes! I was completely shocked and honored. Kristine has been a big supporter in my work from day one. I can't tell you how much it means when someone really recognizes your work and fully supports you. Not only will I always remember what a great time I had on this trip, how fabulous this wedding was, but I will forever rememeber the kindness and support of Kristine and Michael by giving me this wonderful opportunity.

Gilroy, Ca

There was a reason why I chose to come out to california to shoot weddings, but I wasn't sure what that was for a while. I could have stayed in NY, people get married there all the time. But I just knew I had to make the move. I think it's becoming clearer to me after each wedding. There is something special about california's landscape and lighting that makes taking pictures for a living all the more exciting.

Jennifer & Joe - San Diego, Ca.

Yet another beautiful San Diego wedding. Can you stand it? I am so thankful that I am able to do this for a living and in such beautiful places!

Jennifer and Joe had a beautiful wedding at The Thursday Club in Point Loma. I didn't even know this place existed and I grew up in San Diego. It's tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood with views of the ocean. It's a perfect venue for a garden ceremony.

Thank you again Jennifer and Joe for letting me document a very special day.