rizzarizphotography » san francisco wedding + portrait photographer

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.

Call me sentimental, but there are certain things from my past (especially from childhood) I can’t seem to let go of. If you can imagine, I still have my very first Hello Kitty pencil case, complete with eraser dispenser and calendar. It was the year I had the best Christmas. Ever. When I met Sabrina for the first time, I noticed a swing set in the backyard. When she told me she’d had the swing set since she could learn to walk, I completely understood. Whatever her reasons were they were good enough to keep her swing set around for a few, good long years.

As Sabrina and I continued through our session, I couldn’t help but reflect on what I was doing when I was her age. I remembered making the bold decision to graduate early from my class and pack my bags to move to San Francisco. Looking at my life now, I wouldn’t change a thing and I don’t regret any of the decisions I made. They would never have brought me to where I am now. In a couple of weeks Sabrina will undergo a ceremonious transformation known as a cotillion. Beyond that is the path of an exciting new beginning and big dreams. She will continue on and do so many wonderful things and undoubtedly will go far in her life. My hope is that she will live her adult life with much happiness and can one day look back at it with no regrets.

Sabrina, you are an absolute joy to work with! Good luck at UCR and have SO much fun!

For now, a few of my faves: