Destination Wedding at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco | Behzad & Yosra
- Bobak Radbin
- Oct 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When couples dream of a destination wedding, San Francisco often tops the list. The charm of Union Square, historic architecture, and vibrant city energy create a perfect backdrop for timeless celebrations. Recently, I had the honor of photographing Behzad and Yosra’s elegant wedding at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco, and it was nothing short of magical.
As a Colorado Springs wedding and elopement photographer, most of my work takes me to Colorado’s mountain backdrops — places like Garden of the Gods or the Colorado Rockies. But destination weddings like this one let me merge my love for travel and storytelling — two things that always fuel my creativity.
From Nejat Orthodontics to the Westin St. Francis
This wedding felt extra special because my connection with Dr. Behzad Nejat goes back many years. Before photographing this incredible day, I first met Dr. Nejat while capturing his Saratoga-based orthodontic practice, Nejat Orthodontics, during my early years in photography. His creativity, warmth, and approachability left a lasting impression on me.
You can revisit that first collaboration here:
Years later, I returned to document an updated branding session at their refreshed office — a full-circle moment that reflected both his professional growth and our continued friendship.
Capturing his wedding to Yosra was the natural next chapter in that story — a deeply personal and joyful celebration that reflected everything I admire about their character: authenticity, kindness, and connection.
Planning a Westin St. Francis San Francisco Wedding
Set in the heart of Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is one of San Francisco’s most iconic hotels. Its blend of historic elegance and modern luxury made it the perfect venue for Behzad and Yosra’s celebration. Grand ballrooms, sweeping city views, and rich architectural details created a cinematic atmosphere from start to finish.
For couples planning their own destination wedding, venues like The Westin St. Francis offer the best of both worlds — luxury accommodations, a central city location, and endless photo opportunities. You can learn more about the property on Marriott’s official Westin St. Francis page.
The Ceremony and Reception
Their ceremony took place in a stunning ballroom, designed to reflect elegance and culture in equal measure. Every detail — from the floral arrangements to the lighting — was carefully curated by Burke Events (@burkevents) to create a warm, romantic atmosphere.
As the evening transitioned into the reception, the celebration reached new heights. DJ DR. T (@dj_dr_t) kept the dance floor buzzing while Dan (@drumdan_) elevated the energy with live percussion. The combination of modern beats and traditional rhythm filled the room with an unforgettable pulse of joy.
The night felt alive — not just because of the music and decor, but because of the people. The laughter, the hugs, and the constant smiles spoke volumes about the love and friendship surrounding Behzad and Yosra.
Capturing the Spirit of a Destination Wedding
Every destination wedding I photograph teaches me something new. This one reminded me of the power of connection — how one creative collaboration years ago can turn into something as meaningful as capturing a couple’s wedding day.
Whether it’s a Twin Lakes elopement, a Garden of the Gods engagement, or a Westin St. Francis ballroom wedding, my goal is always the same: to capture the genuine emotions that make each story unforgettable. You can explore more real weddings and elopements on my Wedding Packages page and Colorado Elopement Guide.
Why Consider a Destination Wedding?
For couples torn between a local celebration and an intimate getaway, destination weddings often strike the perfect balance. They allow you to:
Gather your loved ones in a meaningful, memorable setting.
Combine travel, adventure, and celebration into one unforgettable experience.
Create photographs that reflect not just your love story, but the spirit of a place you’ll never forget.
If you’re still exploring your options, my Best Places to Elope guide breaks down some of the most inspiring destinations for elopements and weddings.
Destination Wedding at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco
Behzad and Yosra’s celebration was more than a wedding — it was a story years in the making. From their professional beginnings at Nejat Orthodontics to their wedding day surrounded by family and friends, it was an honor to witness how their story has evolved through love, laughter, and trust.
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