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.