rizzarizphotography » san francisco wedding + portrait photographer

One thing I’ve learned in life is when you love someone you not only announce it to each other, you announce it to the world.

On the night of September 19 at the Marines Memorial Club in SF, a bride said to her groom. “I don’t know how you did it but you captured my heart – even while you worked behind the Auntie Anne’s pretzel stand. You loved me, stood by me and for that I love you.” They were the sweetest yet most simple and sincere words a wife could share with her husband before a group of 120+ people no less. One hundred plus people isn’t the world, but it’s a big enough audience to acknowledge when two people are certainly in love.

Dijonne + Russ undoubtedly share that bond between each other. They have a child that celebrates their relationship – beyond the Auntie Anne’s pretzel stand.

To the newly-wed bride and groom: Thank you for sharing your story and giving me something to look forward to. The happiness you share with each other could not be anymore apparent. I wish for myself and others what you two have together. Blessings, love and much sparkly goodness to come your way!

A very good friend of mine once shared her story on how she traveled miles to America to escape her native Italy. She dreamed big, craved the uncertain and held out for romance, but in the end she married an Italian much like herself. This actually isn’t far from Troy + Lia’s story. Separately, they packed their bags during college to study abroad in Sweden. Perhaps they dreamed big, craved the uncertain and maybe held out for romance.

When they met, Lia knew her heart was set on Troy. Troy on the other hand, who has always been one to base his pursuit of relationships on positive engagement, was slowly planting the emotional seed with Lia that would later bring them closer together….

Lia and Troy are now scheduled to tie the knot next May! It will be an honor to witness and document the love they travelled endless miles to find. Listening to their story reaffirms my purpose as a photographer and gives us all insight on what to look forward to when that time comes. Troy + Lia: I had a fantastic time during our e-session in Santa Cruz. Your love and affection for one another is beyond words. I wish you both a life of happiness and unchanging love. Best, Rr.

It’s been a month since I last posted anything on here. It’s been chaotic (in a very good way) with several projects under tow in addition to wedding season. Some amazing things have happened which I’m excited to share with you.

First, Dijonne + Russ tie the knot at The Marines Memorial Club in SF.

That same night I trek out to Santa Cruz for an engagement session early next morning with Lia + Troy.

Backtracking in time, I partner up with Jennifer Hosler of Candid Moments Weddings to document two amazing weddings.

I’ll also be announcing some news in a later post about RizzaRiz Photography and upcoming events and the skinny on those projects I mentioned. Stay tuned. More good stuff to come! [Rr]

It’s very rare that I do tag along to a Day After Session, but when Jen Hosler from Candid Moments Photography asked if I’d join her to hang out with one of her cute-as-cupcakes-couple I was all, “heck yeah!”. Marissa and Jon tied the knot this year in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. You can find the direct link to their photos here. They were very easy to greet and work with and an afternoon where a sickness was slightly taking me over was soon forgotten because well, we were having that good of a time.

The session ended in Livermore, CA. If you’re not familiar with the area then you should treat yourself to a trip out there soon. There is a great selection of wineries and the country are sites are breathtaking – like Bob Ross paints happy little trees breathtaking.  I’ll end this post with a few that really resonated with me. Balloons are a commodity in these types of sessions, in which this photo happens to be my favorite!

Marisa reminds me so much of a classy and young Sophia Loren.





Rawr!

It doesn’t matter how you transition into adulthood, so long as you have the support of family and friends cheering you along the way. This Saturday, it was not only a pleasure but an honor to document Sabrina’s first day into adulthood – a day she will hopefully never forget – and a day where friends and family also came together to proffer every bit of grown-up advice and well wishes.

Friends and family gathered around Sabrina as she prepared into a beautiful traditional handmade gown from the Philippines. I imagine it must have taken some time to create given its delicate detail and extraordinary craftsmanship. Before the festivities, Sabrina and I hung out for some one-on-one as she struck a few poses before the camera, fabulously if I don’t mind saying so…

and another in black + white!



The evening started with a beautifully rehearsed dance courtesy of the royal court. It was quite reminiscent of the scene in Beauty and the Beast when the china, broomsticks and literally everything in the kitchen sink came to life in the ballroom. Everyone danced in unison and not a step or turn was missed. And the lift at the end was absolutely grand! But, first, Sabrina gets introduced by her grandmother and uncle….

A shot of the rehearsal and the real deal….


A cute ‘curtsy’ for the crowd courtesy of Sabrina’s mother, Caroline.

This was the first time I’d ever shot anything this scale outside a wedding. So I was quite surprised when I noticed there were several deliciously fun cakes sprinkled with candles to commemorate Sabrina’s 18 years on this earth.


Shortly after, a few words of wisdom from mom and uncle.

Any Filipino celebration of this scale would be remiss if it did not have the entertainment of folkloric Filipino dancers. The colorful ensemble performed a dance native to the Ilocos islands. It was beautiful and quite moving, exciting and of course very entertaining.

The night continued with everyone on the dance floor!

Sabrina, it was such an extraordinary experience working with you. You are bright, beautiful and have so much to look forward to in your young life. If there are a few things I can offer from what I’ve learned then know that:

1) Everything in life happens for a reason, though sometimes they can be packaged into the least desirable experiences and sometimes even people. Think of these ‘things’ as your Northern stars. They bring little (but valuable) lessons along the way and can even help guide you to your dreams. It sounds weird, but one day it’ll all come together.
2) Self reliance and independence is key. It empowers you and makes you a stronger person. Never let anyone take that part away from you.
3) Always make time for yourself first. Life can get chaotic, but always make sure to find that quiet time to treat yourself or just sit somewhere to clear your mind.