University of Redlands Marin Wedding » San Anselmo, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Claire and Teddy's wedding at the University of Redlands Marin in San Anselmo, California, was a picturesque celebration filled with personal touches. The couple got ready at the Shaw Guest House on campus which made getting around that day easy. The intimate ceremony took place in the Stewart Chapel, where Teddy's mother performed a beautiful piano solo, adding a special and heartfelt touch to their union. Despite a brief delay due to a passing rainstorm, guests were treated to cocktails and a delectable dinner catered by Sol Food on the patio, offering stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and Marin.

The highlight of the evening came when Teddy and Claire took the dance floor for a choreographed performance that kicked off the lively festivities. Teddy surprised Claire with a special performance alongside his college acapella group, adding an element of nostalgia and surprise to the celebration. As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed dancing under the stars and indulged in delightful desserts on the patio, with the sun setting behind the majestic Mount Tamalpais, creating a magical atmosphere for the newlyweds and their loved ones.

Point Reyes National Seashore Elopement » Marin, California

Rebecca and Mike love the outdoors so choosing Point Reyes National Seashore for their intimate wedding made perfect sense. The day began with a heartwarming first look under the enchanting Cypress Tree Tunnel, setting the tone for the day's festivities. As the couple shared this intimate moment, their anticipation and excitement were palpable, a testament to the love they share.

We headed over towards Chimney Rock where the rest of their family was already setting up for their ceremony. Despite the sunny April weather, strong coastal winds added an element of unpredictability to the setup. Rebecca and Mike honored tradition by signing their ketubah and partaking in the time-honored Jewish custom of breaking a plate. It was a poignant moment, and it beautifully represented the merging of two families. With the Pacific Ocean behind them, the couple stood before their closest family members and exchanged heartfelt vows. The pristine surroundings and the sound of crashing waves provided a naturally romantic backdrop as they made their promises to one another. The love and devotion shared between Rebecca and Mike were evident in every word spoken and every glance exchanged. Following the ceremony, Rebecca and Mike shared tender goodbyes with their families, knowing they would reunite later for a celebratory dinner. Their decision to keep the wedding small allowed for a truly intimate experience, where their love was at the forefront, unobstructed by the fuss and frills of a larger celebration.

Rebecca and Mike ventured over to Chimney Rock for post-ceremony portraits. The rugged cliffs, the salty sea breeze, and the endless ocean views provided an ideal backdrop for capturing the raw beauty of their love and the enchantment of their special day. Before the afternoon wrapped up, Rebecca and Mike headed over to the Lighthouse where they did a quick outfit change, opting for bicycling attire. With a nod to their shared passion for cycling, the couple embarked on a unique adventure, symbolizing their journey as a newlywed couple. They celebrated their nuptials with an exhilarating ride, bringing an extra dose of joy and excitement to their special day. Rebecca and Mike's wedding day was a testament to love, tradition, and the beauty of simplicity. With the ocean as their witness, they embarked on their journey as a married couple, ready to embrace the adventures of life together.

Intimate Pelican Inn Wedding » Muir Beach, California

Emily and Landon kept it simple for their intimate wedding at the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach, California. This English style pub and inn was the perfect spot for this nature loving couple to celebrate. After getting ready and a first look at the Inn, Emily and Landon headed over to the Muir Beach Overlook for some portraits while taking in gorgeous views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Coast. When we returned, most of the wedding guests had arrived so Emily and Landon mingled with their friends before it was time for their ceremony. Officiated by Elizabeth River, the couple’s dog also had a special role for their nuptials as he was lead down the aisle before Emily. They exchanged sweet vows before sealing them with a kiss. After a quick cocktail hour on the lawn, we headed down the Muir Beach for a sunset stroll before heading back for a cozy dinner inside Pelican Inn. Cupcakes and dancing kicked off the festivities as everyone hunkered down for the night.

An Elegant Jewish Wedding At The Meadow Club » Fairfax, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Rachel and David were married with an elegant Jewish celebration at the Meadow Club in Fairfax. The couple started their day getting ready at the Club before heading across the street for their first look and portraits. The Meadow Club is nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais and boasts beautiful views of the rolling hills of Marin Watershed. After taking in the beautiful landscapes, they headed back for their ketubah signing before their traditional Jewish ceremony on the lawn. Afterwards, guests were treated to cocktail hour while Rachel and David snuck away for a few more portraits and were greeted by a herd of deer grazing on the golf course lawn. Their dinner reception included touching toasts, a beautifully choreographed first dance and a joyous hora with all their guests. Big thanks to associate Erin Prado for capturing this celebration!

Venue: Meadow Club // Planner: 2 Friends Events // Floral Design: Main Street Floragardens // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema // DJ: Heart of Gold DJs

Colorful + Joyful Multicultural Indian + Hindu Slide Ranch Wedding » Muir Beach, California

After two years of planning, rescheduling, postponing and finding a new venue, Emily and Akshai were finally able to get married with a multicultural celebration along the Northern California coast. The night before, the couple celebrated with a sangeet and mendhi party at the Mill Valley Community Center featuring henna artists and delicious Indian food. After the meal, Emily and Akshai sat back to watch performances by their family and close friends before kicking off the evening with their own dance performance.

The next morning began with everyone getting ready at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley where a few aunties helped Emily get dressed in her traditional wedding sari. Afterwards, we all headed over to Slide Ranch in Muir Beach, Marin County. Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean made the perfect backdrop for Emily and Akshai’s traditional Hindu ceremony which began with baraat parade lead by Akshai’s brother and best man, Ashwin and live drummer keeping the mood festive. The South Indian ceremony was lead by Sri Viswanathan and live streamed to their friends and relatives in India who were unable to attend. Afterwards, the couple and their wedding party changed into Western outfits before mingling with their guests. The sun began to set behind the horizon as everyone settled in for a delicious meal and dessert while Emily and Akshai’s maid of honor and best man shared hilarious stories and well wishes for the couple. The party moved inside the yurt where Emily and Akshai shared a first dance before everyone else joined in the celebration. Truly a magic day at an equally magical location!

As seen on Wedding Chicks.

Venue: Slide Ranch // Event Planning & Design: Limelight Productions // Florals: Sweetness and Light Flowers // Catering: Jalsa Catering & Events // Cake: Cake Expressions | Hair & Make-Up: Dream Catcher Artistry // Henna: Henna Traditions // Lighting, Photobooth & DJ: Verducci Event Productions // Rentals: BYG Events & Fancy Flush // Transporation: Destination Services Charter Transportation Services // Videographer: Sesno Media Productions

EMILY + AKSHAI’S Vibrant Hindu Wedding on the West Coast » Wedding Chicks

I’m excited to have Emily and Akshai’s wedding featured on Wedding Chicks this week. Their multicultural wedding was rescheduled for over two years so it was such a joy when we were all finally able to celebrate together. See more from their colorful seaside celebration over on the Wedding Chicks.

Venue: Slide Ranch // Event Planning & Design: Limelight Productions // Florals: Sweetness and Light Flowers // Catering: Jalsa Catering & Events // Cake: Cake Expressions | Hair & Make-Up: Dream Catcher Artistry // Henna: Henna Traditions // Lighting, Photobooth & DJ: Verducci Event Productions // Rentals: BYG Events & Fancy Flush // Transporation: Destination Services Charter Transportation Services // Videographer: Sesno Media Productions

Rainy Day Cavallo Point Lodge COVID Wedding » Sausalito, California

K and R were married on a rainy spring day in at the picturesque Cavallo Point Lodge in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Their original plans were to have a ceremony out on the Mission Blue Lawn so when a late April rainstorm rolled through that morning, the hardworking team at Riley Loves Lulu Weddings set out to relocate the ceremony indoors. Plans for a first look over at Battery Yates was scraped in favor of a drier meeting out on the front porch of the the Lodge. Afterwards, K and R headed over to the Mission Blue Chapel where Golden FIelds Floristry had transformed the empty church into a warm and inviting space complete with dogwood blooms framing the altar. K’s aunt officiated the ceremony which included a Japanese tea ceremony and a surprise musical performance of “My Girl.” As everyone sang along to the first lyrics “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day” the rain outside cleared and sun began to stream into the chapel windows. Truly a magical moment! After small bites and drinks on the balcony, K + R took some time after cocktail hour to wander the grounds of Cavallo Point for some additional portraits. Dinner continued upstairs in the main lodge with toasts, cake cutting and mingling with good conversation into the night.

Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point Lodge // Wedding Planner: Riley Loves Lulu Weddings // Florist: Golden Fields Floristry // Hair & Make-Up: Dreamcatcher Artistry // Signage & Paper: JK Design // Draping: Marin Event Lighting // Live Music: Ryan Hernandez Music // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema // DJ: DJ Rufio of MVMNT DJs

Battery Rathbone-McIndoe Marin Headlands Elopement » Mill Valley, California

Zoe and Tom chose a beautiful overlook in the Marin Headlands for their family focused elopement. They gathered on classic windy spring afternoon at Battery Rathbone-McIndoe for a quick ceremony high on a cliff overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Tom’s brother officiated while Zoe’s niece and nephew presented the couple with their rings before sealing their vows with a kiss as the fog started to settle in. The families celebrated with bubbles, champagne and apple cider and some fresh picked strawberries from the farmer’s market earlier that morning. While everyone else headed to their celebratory dinner plans, Zoe and Tom hung back to explore the windswept foggy Marin Headlands for some portraits.

Mount Tamalpais + Muir Beach COVID Elopement » Mill Valley, California

Saatchi and Luvreet originally planned to get married in Luvreet’s parent’s backyard but after seeing some of the outdoor elopements I shot last year, they were curious about Marin. Once I shared some galleries from Mount Tamalpais, they decided to change course and plan an outdoor Marin elopement. We started the afternoon on Mount Tamalpais for some portraits of the two of them among the majestic oak trees and rolling green hillsides. Sweet florals from Charlotte & Daughters added that special bit of warm to their wedding outfits. Afterwards, we headed down to Muir Beach where we met up with Saatchi and Luvreet’s families to hike up to a cliffside overlook for their ceremony. Luvreet’s sister officiated while both of their parents shared poems and words of wisdom with the couple. When it came time to exchange vows, Luvreet surprised everyone with what was essentially a lighthearted roast of Saatchi that got everyone laughing. After exchanging rings and sealing the ceremony with a kiss, they all hiked back down to the beach where everyone celebrate with cake from Butter&, champagne and celebratory flower petal toss.

Marin Headlands COVID Elopement » Sausalito, California

Kimber and Brendan reached out to me with a wild idea. They planned to get married and elope somewhere in the Marin Headlands in a week but wasn’t sure if it was possible. I checked my calendar and said I was up for the challenge and sent them a list of my favorite spots in the Marin Headlands. After a quick scouting trip a few days later, they settled on this beautiful spot on the bluff above Tyler’s Beach. Grey clouds hung low in the air as the evening sunlight played hide and seek along the Northern California coast. Kimber and Brendan and their good friend, Suus, hiked down to the bluff and we set up a cell phone to record the ceremony for friends and family who couldn’t be there. Suus officiated while Kimber and Brendan shared personal vows. Happy tears were shed and a kiss was exchanged before we all celebrated. Afterwards, we headed up the hill to explore the trails overlooking Rodeo Beach before wrapping up our time together over at the Headland Center for the Arts.

// You can read more about Kimber and Brendan’s experience planning their elopement on A Practical Wedding blog.

Mount Tamalpais + Muir Beach Sunset COVID Elopement » Mill Valley, California

Even though Gao and Jose eloped by getting married virtually, they still wanted to mark the occasion and celebrate with a portrait session. We started the shoot on Mount Tamalpais where they wore traditional Hmong wedding outfits as a nod to Gao’s heritage before changing into their traditional Western wedding clothes. Gao carried a DIY bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley, one of her favorite blooms, while we did a first look and some more exploring along the steep hillsides. Afterwards, we headed down to Muir Beach for sunset portraits along the rocky shoreline. We were able to time the day perfectly to catch the prettiest golden hour light right at the end of our shoot. There’s nothing quite like these winter sunsets in Northern California.

Old Mill Park + Muir Beach COVID Destination Elopement » Muir Beach, California

Megan and Jeremy envisioned themselves getting married on a bluff overlooking the ocean but also love redwood forests. So when they reached out to me for their elopement and said “We just want to enjoy ourselves and capture our happy moment in the mystical setting of Northern California”, I knew exactly where to go: Marin. The redwoods in Mill Valley’s Old Mill Park would serve as our first stop for a quick engagement session before changing into wedding outfits. After a few more photos in the grove, we hopped in our cars and drove out to Muir Beach for their ceremony. Together we hiked up to a little overlook above Muir Beach. This spot was the same place where Jeremy had originally planned to propose to Megan but due to an unexpected case of food poisoning, the plans were temporarily abandoned. But on this day, they returned to exchange vows and start the next chapter of their lives together. As it was just the two of them, Megan and Jeremy started their ceremony by reading letters their family sent them, sharing words of encouragement and love. They exchanged vows and rings before sealing it with a kiss and a little happy dance. Afterwards, we walked back down to the beach where Megan and Jeremy celebrated with champagne picnic just as the sun dipped below the horizon.