Golden-hour magic met urban elegance aboard The Klamath, where coastal textures and city lights created an unforgettable scene. Captured through the lens of Amanda Wei, this styled shoot blended organic details, windswept romance, and the ship’s storied charm. From the bride’s modern, flowing silhouette to the earthy florals and golden-lit tablescape, every detail came together to inspire couples dreaming of a refined waterfront celebration.
Concept
Inspired by the raw coastal beauty of Miranda Surf Park in Half Moon Bay, this styled shoot embraced organic elegance with a modern, city-chic twist. The design combined soft, earthy tones with layers of wild grasses, mustard-hued oncidium orchids, and textured greenery, evoking the natural beauty of the shoreline. Aboard the ferry, the concept blended nature’s serenity with urban sophistication, celebrating the harmony between rugged coastal elements and refined design.
Venue
The Klamath, a historic ferry with a storied past, brought maritime charm to this styled shoot. First launched in 1924, the vessel has hosted legendary parties attended by icons like Andy Warhol and The Rolling Stones. Now fully restored and docked at San Francisco’s Pier 9, it offers stunning public spaces and a grand rooftop deck with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge. The ship’s rich history and architectural character, from its built-in bar to the private deck, created a captivating setting for this coastal-inspired shoot, blending the charm of the past with modern elegance.
“Stunning public spaces, including a grand open-air top deck, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous space for corporate and social events and weddings.”
First Look
The couple shared their first look in the vintage-inspired bar, where warm wood tones and maritime details created an intimate, nostalgic setting. On the polished bar, a sculptural arrangement of mustard-hued tulips, wild grasses, and textured greenery mirrored the organic coastal palette from the ceremony. Crystal barware sparkled in sunlight, adding a refined touch.
The bride stunned in a sleek, off-the-shoulder sheath dress with sheer, billowing sleeves that caught the soft light filtering through the ship’s windows. A flowing veil cascaded behind her, adding movement and romance. Her dewy makeup, with soft peach tones, highlighted her natural glow, and her hair, styled in effortless waves, echoed the breezy coastal vibe.
The groom met her gaze in a classic black tuxedo with satin lapels and a sharp bow tie, exuding timeless sophistication. His boutonniere, a single mustard tulip with textured greenery, tied his look to the floral palette, creating a harmonious connection with the design.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded on the rooftop deck, where the city skyline and shimmering waters created a breathtaking backdrop. The couple exchanged vows with golden sunlight casting a warm haze over the scene. Natural arrangements of wild grasses, soft white blooms, and earthy foliage framed the altar, blending coastal charm with urban elegance. Guests, seated on vintage bentwood chairs, formed an intimate semicircle around the couple, their joyful applause echoing as the newlyweds shared their first kiss. The bride’s veil, lifted by the gentle breeze, flowed behind her as the groom raised their joined hands in celebration—an unforgettable moment set against the iconic cityscape.
"Aboard a ship surrounded by glistening water, the setting provides a stunning backdrop for a timeless and romantic aesthetic."
Reception
The reception unfolded on the deck, where a single long table dressed in soft, textured ivory linen welcomed guests. Each place setting featured matte gray stoneware plates, delicately folded linen napkins, and gold flatware, blending organic textures with modern elegance. Clear crystal stemware added a refined sparkle, reflecting the soft glow of crystal lamps with etched glass shades that illuminated the table as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Centerpieces featured low, artfully arranged blooms nestled in ceramic vessels, their warm tones echoing the coastal-inspired palette. Fresh honeycomb, paired with rustic baguettes, was placed on small ceramic plates, adding an unexpected organic touch to the tablescape. The arrangement felt intimate and natural, while the backdrop of the Bay Bridge and city skyline brought a sophisticated, urban edge to the scene.
“We incorporated honeycomb and baguette on the table, which enhanced the organic theme with their rich textures and golden hues.”
City Lights
Amanda Wei captured the spirit of the day, highlighting both the grand moments and the smallest, intimate details. She embraced the challenges of the October sunlight, creatively working within the shorter daylight hours to craft stunning images filled with warmth and emotion. “The most interesting or funny aspects were making sure the birds didn’t attack our beautiful tablescape,” laughed the photographer, offering a glimpse behind the scenes. From the golden-hour ceremony to the softly lit reception, her artistry brought every texture, reflection, and detail into focus.
"Everything went so beautifully!"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the San Francisco skyline illuminated the night, casting a dazzling backdrop for the couple’s first dance under the stars. Soft globe lights framed their embrace, while reflections from the water added to the evening’s magic.
The wedding cake, an elegant three-tiered creation with soft marbled textures and delicate wafer petals, stood on a linen-draped table beside two flutes of champagne, ready for the toast. A small arrangement of mustard-hued blooms added a warm touch to the minimalist display. The couple’s silhouettes against the glowing cityscape, captured beautifully by Amanda Wei, brought the night to a close with a moment of timeless city romance.
PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Wei Photography | PLANNER Liz & SmittenKiss | VENUE The Klamath | FLORAL & DESIGN Nunu Nectar | MUAH Quissy | DRESS Vera Wang, Bridal Galleria San Francisco | CAKE Emma Cakery | BAR Rye on the Road | RENTALS Hensley Event Resources
