oakland wedding

Intimate Roberts Regional Recreation Area + Joaquin Miller Park Wedding » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

Michelle and Drue's intimate wedding in the redwoods was a magical affair that unfolded amid the natural beauty of the Oakland Hills. The day began with a heartfelt exchange of private vows in the morning at Joaquin Miller Park, creating an intimate atmosphere that set the tone for the day. The couple, surrounded by towering redwoods, ventured into the forest for some portraits amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, the celebration continued at the Madrone Picnic site at Roberts Regional Park, where a small gathering of friends and family eagerly awaited. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, with snacks and drinks setting the stage for the main event. A clearing in the forest adorned with charming DIY paper flowers became the backdrop for Michelle and Drue's wedding ceremony in additional to other DIY touches decorating the picnic site. Officiated by a dear friend, the short and sweet ceremony included exchanging heartfelt vows and rings, before sealing their commitment with a kiss. Afterwards, the newlyweds led their guests down the makeshift aisle to a baseball field, where a large group photo was taken in the stands, capturing the joyous spirit of the occasion.

The festivities continued with a picnic reception featuring several paellas by Ñora Cocina Española and an impressive charcuterie spread. Laughter and love filled the air as the couple's siblings and parents shared touching and humorous toasts, creating a warm atmosphere as the sun began to set behind the trees. The evening concluded on a sweet note with a delicious cheesecake dessert, marking the end of a day filled with love, laughter, and the enchantment of the redwoods.

DIY Joaquin Miller Park Redwood Grove + Good Neighbor Wedding » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

When Arlene and James reached out, they asked about finding a redwood grove for their intimate wedding. Having spent so much time in hiking Oakland hills, I knew of the perfect spot that could host a small gathering of 30 people. Their sweet and short ceremony was officiated by James’ roommate and afterwards, we explored the forest for some portraits alone. For their reception, they rented out the back garden of Good Neighbor on Piedmont Avenue where local caterer Ñora made huge portions of paella paired with colorful drinks. The atmosphere was joyous and vibrant with all the guests beaming and glowing with laughter. Moving toasts continued the evening before Arlene and James cut the cake and shared in a little sparkler celebration. Truly a super fun and intimate evening!

Morcom Rose Garden + Lake Merritt Pier COVID Minimony » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

F and I love living in Oakland and when their plans to get married at the Camron-Stanford House had to be postponed, they decided to hold a smaller minimony at Lake Merritt. After exploring the lake, they found the tiny little pier right next to Lake Merritt Hotel that would be perfect for their minimony. I met up with the couple at their home for a quick first look in their backyard before heading over to the Morcom Rose Garden for some portraits among the bright blooms and reflecting pool. Afterwards, we drove over to Lake Merritt where their small group of friends and family were waiting for them. F and I exchanged vows and rings as gorgeous fluffy post-rain clouds floated by. The flock of pelicans on Lake Merritt even made a little appearance during the festivities. As the cafe lights encircling Lake Merritt illuminated for the evening, everyone celebrated with a little champagne toast before heading off to Drake’s Dealership for pizza and beer.

East Bay Childhood Backyard COVID Wedding » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

When Stephanie and Jack’s plans for a 200 person wedding at the end of May was postponed due to COVID-19, they decided that they still wanted to get married on their original date. Stephanie always dreamed of getting married in her parent’s backyard and with the guest list whittled down to immediate family and tiny handful of friends, it just made sense to go for it. I arrived on a warm sunny day, face mask on, knowing that I’d be relying on my favorite 85mm prime lens to maintain a safe distance. Jack greeted me andI set him up for his first look with Stephanie under a grand eucalyptus tree. Stephanie’s mom had taken extra lace from her dress to make a custom matching face mask so we made sure to snap a few portraits. Jack’s nieces and nephews were also all dressed up for the occasion as they served as ring bearers and flower girls. Once the rest of the handful of non-family guests arrived, the ceremony began. Everyone sat in their own seats, placed six feet apart as a tripod and laptop served to livestream the celebration to over 100 guests around the world who couldn’t make it. Jack’s sister officiated while Stephanie and Jack exchanged heartfelt vows. Afterwards, there was a bit of mingling and a quick champagne toast by the couple’s parents (everyone was given their individual cups and mini bottle) before Stephanie and Jack headed out for some portraits around the neighborhood. I am so grateful to have been able to photograph their backyard wedding, despite it not being their original plan. With all the global uncertainty and tragedy, it felt good to celebrate something so full of love, happiness and compassion.

Morning Brunch Mills College Wedding » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

Yun and Will’s wedding at Mills College was actually their third wedding celebration. Originally from China, they celebrated with a small wedding with Yun’s family earlier this year. Their second wedding celebration was at Burning Man which was a nod to the fact that Yun and Will had their second date at Burning Man. For their third wedding, they officially tied the knot at Mills College in Oakland with an intimate wedding surrounded by close family and friends. The ceremony took place in the gorgeous cedar chapel on campus where a former professor of Yun’s officiated the wedding. She was able to translate the ceremony into Chinese so that Yun’s parents who were visiting for the first time could be included. After the ceremony, everyone headed to the Reinhardt Alumnae House for live music and a delicious brunch reception. One memorable moment of the day was after Yun’s cousin and maid of honor An’s toast, her boyfriend proposed to her. Yun and her cousin An are very close (they consider each other sisters) so everyone was so excited and blown away by the surprise. The daytime festivities wrapped up as the sun finally peeked out from behind the morning fog.

Wedding Venue: Mills Chapel and Reinhardt Alumnae House // Wedding Planner: Boheme Tipi Events // Caterer: Classic Culinare // Florals: DIY // Hair & Make-Up: Stephanie Cardenas // Music: Bay Area Strings // Wedding Bands: Crown Nine

St. Columba Church + Lake Merritt Terrace Room Wedding » Oakland, California by Vivian Chen

Jessica and Adrian were married with a small family only church wedding at St. Columba Church in Oakland. After the traditional Catholic ceremony, the couple headed out to the Oakland Hills where we took some portraits in the redwoods. It was a nice little peaceful getaway before we all heading to the Terrace Room at Lake Merritt the main celebration. The large reception included a pianist that entertained the party the whole evening. As a twist on the classic clinking of glasses to get the couple to kiss, the pianist picked a couples name out of a fish bowl and that couple had to kiss first and Jessica and Adrian were to imitate their kisses. After dinner, Jessica and her friends lead a fun singalong before everyone enjoyed dancing and special Indonesian desserts as nod to Adrian's heritage.

A Purple City Hall + Redwood Regional Park Wedding » Oakland + San Francisco, California by Vivian Chen

Alanna and Vihang's wedding can be summed up into three words: purple, dragons and redwoods. After a sweet family focused Friday ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, Alanna and Vihang celebrated with their friends with a party in Oakland's Redwood Regional Park. For both days, everyone was encouraged to wear purple as it's Alanna's favorite color. On Saturday, Alanna's sister led a simple ceremony inviting friends to share a few words about the couple. The guests blew bubbles to kick off the reception and everyone was invited to a potluck picnic including Indian curries, rice, samosas and lots of delicious homemade sweets. And of course, drinks from Alanna and Vihang's purple dragon goblets!

Ceremony Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Portrait Location: Baker Beach // Reception Location: Redwood Regional Park // Hair: Amy Walkup of Manifesta Salon // Wedding Bands: Brilliant Earth // Goblets: Fellowship Foundry