Double Tree Hotel Wedding in Fremont, CA

Last November I got to experience shooting a wedding at the Double Tree Hotel in Fremont, CA. I take lots of getting ready photos in hotel rooms and group photos in lobbies, but this was the first ceremony at a hotel event center! (Fun fact: my high school senior prom night was at a Double Tree in San Jose.) Mary and Gerald had their wedding ceremony on November 23, followed by a reception at a large Chinese banquet hall down the street.

I loved the traditions and of course the food at Mary and Gerald’s ceremony and reception. Thanks Aiza Photography for the opportunity to shoot with you!

Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready at the Double Tree Hotel

I loved the open space in this lobby. You’d never know it just by looking at these photos, but there were a couple of large events going on. An Amazon conference, another wedding, some people eating breakfast. But we still had a ton of room for our own group photos.

Double Tree Hotel Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was held in one of the banquet halls of the Double Tree Hotel. Mary and Gerald chose a very simple set up with plenty of chairs for the HUGE number of guests, and a red backdrop for the stage. I love the way they took a neutral meeting room and added a few flowers and decorations to make it beautiful!

Reception at Asian Pearl Seafood Restaurant

After the ceremony, I went over to the Asian Pearl Seafood Restaurant down the street. Because it was being set up when I arrived, I got to take photos of the tables before any of the guests got there. You can see just how large this wedding was by the number of table settings there were.

Tea Ceremony

Mary and Gerald had a traditional Chinese tea ceremony before the dinner courses came out. Part of the Chinese wedding ceremony involves this special tea ceremony – the bride and groom serve tea to their relatives and express their gratitude for raising them. The tradition is a beautiful sign of respect to the elders in the family.

Lion Dancing and First Dance

And one more surprise before dinner! Lion dances! Traditionally the lion dances are performed at Chinese New Year celebrations, but can also be done during other special occasions. The lion dances give blessings to the bride and groom for a long and happy marriage.

Do you have plans for a wedding in Fremont, CA? Maybe plans for a wedding at a Double Tree in the Bay Area? I would be happy to provide photography services. Contact me for more information!