Intimate Family Focused Ruth Bancroft Garden COVID Wedding » Walnut Creek, California / by Vivian Chen

Jen and Carlo met many years ago working in the ER and after two kids, a big move, and a surprise proposal involving the hospital helipad, they were finally excited to celebrate with a wedding. Originally they planned to get married at San Francisco City Hall, but when the pandemic stopped all city hall weddings indefinitely they turned to the gorgeous cactus paradise of Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek. The couple and their families got ready on-site in the barn loft before a first look among the giant agaves. Afterwards, we walked with their two kids to the small pond deep within the gardens. The Gardens’ event manager suggested a spot for their ceremony which featured a gorgeous South American ceiba speciosa or silk floss tree which was in full bloom with bright pink flowers as the backdrop. Jen and Carlo exchanged vows and rings in front of their closest family and a few friends before heading back to the barn for a few light snacks. As the sun dipped behind the horizon, we explore the garden together, stopping for portraits along the way.