09/23/2026
Most everyone knows the quote Mr. Rogers attributed to his mother, when he saw scary things in the news: “Look for the helpers.” For decades, in the fight for LGBTQ rights, Gwenn and Esperanza had been those helpers that people looked to. And in this time of political upheaval, with an administration determined to dismantle many of the human rights they fought for, they chose to meet the moment with joy with a wedding that honored both their ancestral heritage. They included decor and traditions that acknowledged both Mexican and African American traditions in a multicultural wedding.
Getting to photograph Gwenn and Esperanza’s wedding meant spending a day with two people who’ve spent decades in service of their communities — Gwenn as a mentee of Harvey Milk and a leading voice in San Francisco’s LGBTQ rights movement since the 1970s, and Esperanza in her work with the campaign for same-sex marriage in California and to support affordable senior housing for the LGBTQ community. Watching and documenting the people whose lives they’ve touched gather to celebrate them was a privilege I won’t forget.
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Venue: The Pearl
Planner: Kaiya Smith Events | California Wedding Planner
Photography: Duy (sounds like “Yē) | Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Photobooth: Bay Area Photo Booth
Catering: Toast Catering
Rentals: Chairs4Events | Event Rentals
Getting Ready Space & Welcome Party: W San Francisco
Ceremony Musicians: Presidio Artists | Live Event Music
DJ: Olga Texidor
Florist: Ampersand • SF Florist + Events
Cake: Daniel Saravia
Stationary: Zazzle
Valet: All About Parking
Arch Rental: Events by the Bay | Janette Najar
Lighting: Got Light
