Intimate Autumn Themed UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California

Taylor Ann and Jan were married under the redwoods at the Mather Grove in UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley. The overcast October weather made for the perfect moody autumn feel on the forest floor. Taylor Ann got ready at her family’s Airbnb and after a first look with her father, we headed over to the venue. Taylor Ann’s grandmother carried the rings for the ceremony and the couple shared personal vows. Afterwards, everyone headed over to Julia Morgan Hall where guests were treated to a delicious dinner featuring multiple types of mole. The evening wrapped up with a dance party on the deck while dining on cheesecake for dessert.

// This is a pre-COVID wedding. I have several weddings from before the pandemic that I never got to share. While I’m a stickler for chronology, I also love these wedding photos so much and want to share them with you all.

Tilden Park Brazilian Room Wedding + Brunch Reception » Berkeley, California

Maureen and Sean were married on a warm October morning in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. The day began in West Oakland where everyone got ready at the Airbnb. Close friends of Maureen helped her and the rest of the wedding party with hair and make-up. Maureen’s mother helped with the finishing touches before we all headed up to the Berkeley Hills. They chose to get married at the Brazilian Room with a ceremony overlooking the Botanical Gardens. Sean’s childhood martial arts teacher was their officiant while Maureen’s sweet bulldog Peaches was the “Dog of Honor” and also walked down the aisle. After some sweet and simple vows, Maureen and Sean got the party started. Since it was a daytime brunch wedding reception, they wanted to make sure their guests were entertained in addition to being well fed. Culinary Excellence provided delicious treats while Dan Chan, a magician, wandered through the crowd wowing everyone with his world class slight of hand and other illusions. In addition to a fun photo booth, the couple was also able to get Jon Casey, a live digital caricature artist to illustrate one of a kind portraits for their guests. The reception felt like a fun birthday party rather than a stuffy wedding reception. After a few hilarious toasts and dessert, Maureen and Sean wrapped up the day with a portrait session down by Jewel Lake.

A Summertime UC Faculty Club Wedding » Berkeley, California

Kathleen and Ben met in college when they both joined the mixed race student association. Ben knew from the moment he met her that she would be the one he would marry but it took ten years of dating before he popped the question on the first day of winter in San Francisco's Japantown. For their wedding, the chose the rustic Faculty Club on the UC Berkeley campus. The ceremony under the grand oak tree was officiated by a good friend who Ben recently married. Afterwards guests were treated to cocktails and a delicious dinner in the grand hall. A highlight of the evening was when Kathleen's mother sang "Stand By Your Man" acapella and brought the whole house down! 

Venue: The Faculty Club // Wedding Coordinator: Simply Elegant // Floral Design: Belle Flower // Hair & Make-Up: Vinnia Tjhin // Lighting: Immersive Pro // DJ: Sounds Elevated // Desserts: Sweet Adeline Bakeshop

An Elegant Summertime Brazilian Room Wedding » Tilden Park, Berkeley

Community is important for Stacy and Emanuel. So when they planned their wedding, they kept it small with their nearest and dearest friends and family. Emanuel's sister officiated while their vendors were made up of local Santa Cruz businesses, where Emanuel grew up. The warm summer day meant that guests were able to enjoy the expansive outdoor space of the Brazilian Room with lawn games and cocktails. After a delicious dinner by Blue Heron, everyone cooled off with gelato for dessert before shaking it up the dance floor. 

Venue: The Brazilian Room // Hotel: The Claremont // Wedding Planner: E Events Co // Florist: Willi Wildflower // Hair & Make-Up: A-List Makeup // Stacy's Dress: Grace Loves Lace // Emanuel's Suit: Hugo Boss // Rentals: Pieces by Violet // Lighting: Quantum Party Productions // Caterer: Blue Heron Catering // DJ: Santa Cruz DJ Company // Dessert: Coletta Gelato