lake merritt

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.

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.