rizzarizphotography » san francisco wedding + portrait photographer

As a child I remember visits with relatives we hadn’t seen in some time sounding something along the lines of, “I remember when you were in diapers!” Now that I’ve grown up I catch myself saying the same thing to kids a tiny fraction of my age. I guess the same will eventually apply to Jen + Chris + baby (yes, very soon). Oh I remember when…

Jen and I bumped into each other somewhere between the frozen food and bread section at Trader Joe’s. We greeted each other and started with the usual, “How have you been? How are your parents? What’s new?”. I learned that day that 1) Jen was doing quite well 2) her parents were also doing well 3) she bought a house in Arizona. “It will be a fresh start,” she said. That day (some three odd years ago) I was just a gal on the prowl for snacks and sandwiches, Jen on the other hand was starting fresh and a whole new life. It’s now three years past, Jen is one state over, an extended family bigger, with a child on the way with an extraordinary guy, there are only three words I can think of: I remember when…

Jen + Chris finally tied the knot this weekend at Chris’ parents’ residence in Ahwatukee, Arizona. There are no perfect bloggable words to describe how truly remarkable their day was!

To Jen + Chris – may life sprinkle you both with nothing but sparkly goodness, happiness and a daily pot of fresh coffee (you’re going to need it!). Your adoration for one another moves me and your love for one another is tremendous. I look forward to watching your family grow! Rr.

Preparing her only daughter for the big day (L to R: Sweetu, Jen, Mary)

What  a handsome line-up!

Laughing their way down the aisle. Literally.

Yay!!!!

Just back from a splendid destination wedding in Phoenix, Arizona.  I’ll be honest here – this wedding is [hands down] in the top two of my favorite weddings of all time. Everything was perfect in that things moved on their own accord: from the b+g, guests, vendors, etc., the venue (a gorgeous mansion in the foothills) and the weather (it is Phoenix). I was completely taken by an overwhelming feeling of happiness – the feeling that comes from being so wanted and welcomed that it made even strangers feel like old friends.

And while I miss the sunshine already I must say it is so good to be back in the Bay Area. Below a tiny glimpse into this extraordinary couple’s big day:

And if you’re ever in the Phoenix area please do yourself a favor and check out Liberty Market in Gilbert. I think I may have just had one of the best espresso experiences there. You obviously buy by the shot and up to as many as six if you chose to live so dangerously. I’m not quite the espresso aficionado however I do recognize a good shot from a darn good shot. This tiny elixir of magic is [likely] made of  hard -to-find grind, bottomed with raw sugar and comes with the tiniest spoon for mixing. I had three of these this afternoon just before my flight and I think it might tie my energy over till the end of next week.

This post is not meant to be cute in any way, but thought I’d just rant about the effect an exposed tear duct has had on the vision on my left eye (my camera eye!). The swelling happened sometime around Tuesday night. I’ve experienced swelling in my left eye before because of the exposed tear duct but this time it’s gone out of control!  So I printed a list of general practitioners through my health coverage network and low and behold! They had several to chose from next door to my previous GP! I thought no way!

I called the GP’s office, explained what was happening to the gal and she in turn schedules me a 3p appointment. Fine. I arrive about 10 minutes late because the parking situation is also out of control (like my eye), the elevator is also out of control and takes 5 minutes to go up three flights and nowhere is there an emergency stair exit in sight. Once I arrive I begin filling my information out via this machine a la Magnadoodle meets Fisher Price computer for big kids. Fine, I get my information in, the doctor sees me, looks at my chart and says, “Sweetheart, I’m a cardiologist.” 

At this point I’m fuming which might have had a lot to do with the fact that I just watched Sicko not two days ago. I’m also very paranoid about how much my insurance company will be billed. So I roll my eyes, extend my hand out, get my prescription but I’ll stop there because that (my prescription) and blood testing were both sagas unto themselves. I have a swollen eye, a destination wedding in a day and medication that might make my stomach hurt regardless if I eat or not.  Okay, I think I’m done ranting for the day. Pic below, but the swelling is much more severe in person. I can somewhat see out of it but my vision is a bit blurry now. Looks like Manny Pacquiao had a field day on my face! The guy at my local breakfast spot asked if I was okay as though I was a victim of domestic violence. Eek! 

Okay, so I’ve been a loser/slacker trying to get my bearings around being back in a world of normalcy and all things banal. I realize I may sound like a spoiled brat, but that’s hardly the case. Getting acclimated to the thick heat, the smog, the traffic, the deep gurgle leaking from  the exhaust of the Philippine tricycle, the shuffle of vendors, children, carabao and all things farm animal was easy. I felt so much at home while there, entrenched in my own roots and digging into the gritty underbelly of day to day living there made coming home here so difficult.

Patty + Carlos (my sister and now brother-in-law) on the other hand, shared a much different experience coming home. Coming home for them meant (and still means) a new beginning – a life of the unknown, all things scary and exciting. What a treat to have the same fluttery experience down the line from when you first started dating. The ceremony and reception were whirlwinds of happy chaos. For me it was the community, most especially our family, distant relatives and friends who made it an amazing and unforgettable experience.

So finally without further ado, pics from Patty and Carlos’ big day (more like a series of teasers) …..more coming soon!

Can you guess where they got married?

I might be digging in too deep here but the getting ready moments happen to be my favorite part of the documenting process. It is so intimate, symbolic and ritualistic.

Probably one of the most bittersweet moments. Unfortunately Carlos’ family was unable to make the trip, but he did make it a point to call his family before exchanging vows.  I don’t know what she said, but his mother’s voice resonated with much joy and laughter in this very moment. 

I don’t think boys get much of the spotlight when it comes to getting ready….

Carlos and Patty share a prayer before exchanging vows.

Carlos anxiously waits for Patty….(more pics coming soon!)

I’ve spent the past few days recovering from a nasty head cold and adjusting back to my normal schedule. So now that I’m feeling better I can finally share some pics from my trip (yes, and pics from the wedding are forthcoming – I promise!). So here they are (but just a few)….

The pedicab or ‘tricycle’ is a form of public transportation for the Filipino people. Each unit is made up of a small motorcycle with a small carriage attachment. I’ve seen about 7 people illegally packed on one of these things. The average pedicab or tricycle driver makes an average of 150 Philippine Pesos per day which is the equivalent to $2.50 per day. Here a driver on standby waits for the next passenger after a long nap in the sweltering sun.

The pedicab or ‘tricycle’ in ALL its glory..

Poverty is prevalent in the Philippines. This child lives in nothing more than a house made of bamboo planks and dirt floors coexisting with livestock and other animals within the home. This child in particular also happens to be a distant relative of mine.


Too many are without jobs in the Philippines. For those without, time is often passed hanging out on ‘standby’. I watched the man in this photo for at least a good hour fixating on some object on the ground and watching traffic drive by.

Filipinos are big on all things ‘inihaw’ which means anything that can be barbecued. For me barbecued squid + calamansi (or kumquat) + patis (fish sauce) = one happy gal named Rizza.