california | Elisha Braithwaite Photography

The Baker family in their Oakland, California homefamily

Over the course of a year my dear friends experienced marriage along with the arrival of their little one. They’ve had me out to their home in Oakland to document every step of the way and honestly it’s been such an amazing experience of growth for me. Being around their family has influenced me to try living in the moment, loving unconditionally and to cherish every single moment with my loved ones more than I have. Their love was wildly strong when they were married a year ago and I honestly didn’t think it could get any better before Olivia arrived. They are completely rocking this crazy life together and are the luckiest parents in the world. So here’s a little glimpse of how they are together on a daily basis. We started in their home like last time and eventually wandered into San Francisco where we found some steep streets and lush gardens.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Locations: Oakland & San Francisco, California | See their San Francisco City Hall wedding and their Sutro Baths maternity portraits.

loving moment of a mother with her child

candid photography of a family with their baby

a father lovingly looking after his child

playing with baby during an in home session

candid in home session of dad dressing baby

candid photography of dad playing with baby

lifestyle session of mamma dressing baby

family walking up sloped san francisco street

candid family photography in san francisco

family playing with their child near haight and ashbury

family photography at the Rhododendron Garden

mom breastfeeding in downtown san francisco

mom breastfeeding in the lush green woods

mom breastfeeding at the Rhododendron Garden

Torrie and Nick’s Maternity Portraits at Sutro Baths, San Franciscofamily

Last month we traveled to San Francisco, California to photograph our dear friends Torrie and Nick just a few weeks before their newborn baby arrives. I was only able to spend an evening with them and I came away from it feeling deeply inspired by the love they already have for their daughter. Pretty similarly to how their wedding day began, the first part of our time together was spent with them cuddled up together but this time in their Oakland home. They let me in on their thoughts of becoming new parents and spoke of their hopes and dreams of the kind of people they want to be for their daughter. They were excited and hopeful and these feelings were strongly felt by being near them.

After spending some time in their home they dressed up and ventured to the beach surrounding Sutro Baths in San Francisco, California. The weather was beautiful and the beach was less crowded than I’ve ever been able to experience it. Lucky for me they were up for crossing rocks to venture onto the beach and hike up through the trees to catch the prettiest evening light that shined off the water and through them.

Torrie and Nick – I truly can’t thank you enough for all the opportunities you’ve given Todd and I to be part of your lives. Being able to photograph your wedding celebration all the way to this moment of your little girl coming into this world has been an honor. We’ve learned to adore you both and the way you’ve inspired us with your love for each other and your family. Thank you so much my friends.

xo, elisha.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Sutro Baths, San Francisco, California | Dress: Free People | See their San Francisco City Hall wedding here

ultrasound and wedding vows

maternity in home session elisha braithwaite photography

maternity in home session elisha braithwaite photography

Sutro baths san francisco california

sutro baths maternity portraits elisha braithwaite photography

sutro baths portraits elisha braithwaite photography

sutro baths portraits elisha braithwaite photography

lands end maternity portraits san francisco

maternity baby portraits san francisco

sutro baths maternity portraits elisha braithwaite

sutro baths couples session elisha braithwaite photography

rocky coastline sutro baths california

sutro baths lifestyle portraits elisha braithwaite photography

sutro baths lifestyle portraits elisha braithwaite photography

lands end couple portraits elisha braithwaite photography

maternity portraits at lands end california

lands end beach san francisco california

Torrie And Nick’s Intimate City Hall Wedding in San Francisco, Californiawedding

Torrie and Nick were married in San Francisco, California where they first met and shortly after fell in love. Naturally this beautiful city where their relationship began is where they chose to celebrate their wedding. We can’t thank them enough for having us along!

Their day began while cozied up in bed together during the sunrise. It set a very calm and peaceful feel to the day and a common theme of togetherness that was important to them as they got ready and went about the rest of the day. They gushed over each other while getting ready, helped one another dress and spent every moment that morning together like this. Then they drove from San Francisco to Muir Woods where they found a quiet area to read their vows. Both had pages and pages, all full of specific words of love and support.

After their vows we made our way to the San Francisco City Hall where their parents and friends joined them for their ceremony. One of our favorite things was seeing them really enjoy their date together while still having plenty of time to celebrate with close loved ones later on. Following their ceremony everyone joined them for dinner and rinks at West of Pecos in downtown, ate way too much food and had informal speeches at their parents hotel.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having us out to celebrate with the two of you. The weekend was amazing and the love we’ve seen you share together is inspiring. You two deserve all the happiness you’ve found in one another.

xo, elisha and todd

Photography: Elisha and Todd | Floral: The Bud Stop | Vows: Muir Woods | Ceremony: San Francisco City Hall | Dinner: West of Pecos

san francisco skyline sunrise