When Bridget and Amadeo told me they were having a rock-and-roll themed wedding, I pictured a few decorations that made reference to rock music, maybe something with guitars or drums, that sort of thing.

I underestimated them.

They had custom-made guitar picks. Centerpieces made out of vinyl records. Each table named for a famous rock venue. The seating guide was individually-printed tickets. They offered chocolates shaped like guitars and records. Greeting cards were collected in a snare drum. The ceremony was lit with red lights to resemble a stage. And their officiant addressed the people assembled to witness wedding vows as “those about to rock.”

Bridget & Amadeo’s rock and roll wedding at the Hotel Whitcomb in downtown San Francisco was a lot like a rock show, and more fun than many I’ve been to.

We started the day with a first look photo, with Bridget in her dress waiting just around a corner in one of the hotel’s long hallways, Amadeo walking to see her. The sweet moment was followed by a lot of fun wedding photos at San Francisco city hall, an iconic setting just a couple blocks from the historic Hotel Whitcomb.

We had plenty of time after those photos to get ready for the ceremony. I spent my time shooting pictures of all the details, getting gear organized, and even charging up with a quick espresso. A rare luxury on a wedding day.

The ceremony was short and sweet and awesome, and afterwards we had everybody gather at the front of the hotel for a huge group photo, which I shot from a balcony. (I told everybody that after I took the photo I was going to stage dive onto them, but at the last second I chickened out.)

The cocktail hour started and Bridget, Amadeo & I headed upstairs in the hotel to shoot some more photos that incorporated the building’s classic architecture. After a delicious meal, the reception featured a live band that played a non-stop string of classic rock numbers that kept the dance floor filled. I was having a ball in the Whitcomb Ballroom, taking advantage of the many angles available to me because the entire room is ringed by a balcony.

Suffice to say a great time was had by all, and the amazing theme and venue that Bridget & Amadeo chose for their wedding sure helped me make some great pictures. Check them out in the gallery below …