San Francisco City Hall Afghan Wedding

Leeda and Edris invited me to document their big San Francisco City Hall Afghan wedding. The entire building was theirs for this particular Saturday night! The building was gorgeously lit, impeccably decorated, and ready to receive the celebration. I’ve been to San Francisco City Hall many, many times over the years, but I’ve never seen it decked out quite like this. Speaking of decked out: the bride and groom were absolutely stunning, as were the family and guests.

San Francisco City Hall Afghan Wedding

Everything about the evening was simply…beautiful. The decor, the couple, the guests, the music, the food. The way everyone danced, the smiles on their faces. It was truly a night to remember. Leeda and Edris had an emotional first look outside the hotel. The hustle and bustle of holiday travelers swirled around them. A vintage yellow cab ferried Leeda and Edris from The Mark Hopkins Hotel to City Hall. This was a great choice! It really complemented the festive, bold colors that would define the evening. Needless to say, I made sure we put it to photographic as well as automotive use!

Mary Whelan of Wedsuite and her team were terrific and made sure that the expansive evening ran smoothly.

Seating Arrangements at the San Francisco City Hall Afghan Wedding

Something very unique happened at this San Francisco City Hall Afghan wedding. The bridal party made their grand entrance by dancing down the staircase. There would be even more dancing as the evening continued. Performers in traditional Afghan garb danced and swirled across the checkered floor. The couple set up a very interesting seating arrangement, because some of the Afghan guests observed a prohibition on alcohol. Many of the family members and older guests sat on the ground floor, while the bridal party and “party people” set up on the Mayor’s Balcony.

On a personal note, it’s important to mention that the delicious Afghan meal you see in the photographs ended up on my plate and in my belly.