Intimate Pelican Inn Wedding » Muir Beach, California

Emily and Landon kept it simple for their intimate wedding at the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach, California. This English style pub and inn was the perfect spot for this nature loving couple to celebrate. After getting ready and a first look at the Inn, Emily and Landon headed over to the Muir Beach Overlook for some portraits while taking in gorgeous views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Coast. When we returned, most of the wedding guests had arrived so Emily and Landon mingled with their friends before it was time for their ceremony. Officiated by Elizabeth River, the couple’s dog also had a special role for their nuptials as he was lead down the aisle before Emily. They exchanged sweet vows before sealing them with a kiss. After a quick cocktail hour on the lawn, we headed down the Muir Beach for a sunset stroll before heading back for a cozy dinner inside Pelican Inn. Cupcakes and dancing kicked off the festivities as everyone hunkered down for the night.

Autumn Outdoor Art Club Wedding » Mill Valley, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Amanda and Lee planned a lovely Mill Valley wedding complete with their first look in a nearby redwood grove. Their ceremony took place on the back patio of the Outdoor Art Club while the front of the gardens served as their cocktail hour and dinner reception. The evening festivities kicked off with Amanda and Lee’s first dance with a live band lead by Amanda’s father. Truly a wonderful Marin celebration!

Photographer: Erin Prado for VCP // Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Wedding Planner: Limelight Productions // Floral Design: The Little Flower Shop // Caterer: Stacy Scott Catering // Dessert: Creekside Bakery // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Live Band: Greg Johnson Jazz // DJ: Allison from Heart of Gold DJs

An Elegant Jewish Wedding At The Meadow Club » Fairfax, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado. //

Rachel and David were married with an elegant Jewish celebration at the Meadow Club in Fairfax. The couple started their day getting ready at the Club before heading across the street for their first look and portraits. The Meadow Club is nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais and boasts beautiful views of the rolling hills of Marin Watershed. After taking in the beautiful landscapes, they headed back for their ketubah signing before their traditional Jewish ceremony on the lawn. Afterwards, guests were treated to cocktail hour while Rachel and David snuck away for a few more portraits and were greeted by a herd of deer grazing on the golf course lawn. Their dinner reception included touching toasts, a beautifully choreographed first dance and a joyous hora with all their guests. Big thanks to associate Erin Prado for capturing this celebration!

Venue: Meadow Club // Planner: 2 Friends Events // Floral Design: Main Street Floragardens // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema // DJ: Heart of Gold DJs

Colorful + Joyful Multicultural Indian + Hindu Slide Ranch Wedding » Muir Beach, California

After two years of planning, rescheduling, postponing and finding a new venue, Emily and Akshai were finally able to get married with a multicultural celebration along the Northern California coast. The night before, the couple celebrated with a sangeet and mendhi party at the Mill Valley Community Center featuring henna artists and delicious Indian food. After the meal, Emily and Akshai sat back to watch performances by their family and close friends before kicking off the evening with their own dance performance.

The next morning began with everyone getting ready at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley where a few aunties helped Emily get dressed in her traditional wedding sari. Afterwards, we all headed over to Slide Ranch in Muir Beach, Marin County. Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean made the perfect backdrop for Emily and Akshai’s traditional Hindu ceremony which began with baraat parade lead by Akshai’s brother and best man, Ashwin and live drummer keeping the mood festive. The South Indian ceremony was lead by Sri Viswanathan and live streamed to their friends and relatives in India who were unable to attend. Afterwards, the couple and their wedding party changed into Western outfits before mingling with their guests. The sun began to set behind the horizon as everyone settled in for a delicious meal and dessert while Emily and Akshai’s maid of honor and best man shared hilarious stories and well wishes for the couple. The party moved inside the yurt where Emily and Akshai shared a first dance before everyone else joined in the celebration. Truly a magic day at an equally magical location!

As seen on Wedding Chicks.

Venue: Slide Ranch // Event Planning & Design: Limelight Productions // Florals: Sweetness and Light Flowers // Catering: Jalsa Catering & Events // Cake: Cake Expressions | Hair & Make-Up: Dream Catcher Artistry // Henna: Henna Traditions // Lighting, Photobooth & DJ: Verducci Event Productions // Rentals: BYG Events & Fancy Flush // Transporation: Destination Services Charter Transportation Services // Videographer: Sesno Media Productions

Autumn Themed Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co Wedding » Point Reyes, California

After experiencing a delicious farm-to-table meal at The Fork at the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co Judith and Aaron knew that it would be the perfect place to get married. Not one for a large celebration, they knew they wanted their wedding to feel like an amazing dinner party. High quality delicious food was the priority and having it on a working cheese farm in Point Reyes just added to the charm. The day began at the Olema House where Judith and Aaron got ready in the same room while friends dropped by to wish them well. Afterwards, we explored the gardens for some family portraits before driving over to the farm. Gorgeous autumn florals from Judith’s friends, Gather Flora decorated the tasting room and ceremony archway in the back garden of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a fantastic spread of local cheeses and snacks while the Bearcat Stringband provided Americana musical ambience for the afternoon. As cocktail hour wound down, Judith and Aaron snuck out with me to hike up the rolling ranch land hills for some golden hour portraits before joining everyone back for dinner and toasts. Big thanks to Cierra from Dreams on a Dime for helping make the day run smoothly.

// NOTE: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co is no longer open for weddings but will happily host your rehearsal dinner and/or brunch. For local alternatives for a Marin wedding weekend, please check out Stemple Creek Ranch or Straus Home Ranch.

Marin Redwood Grove Wedding » Deer Park Villa, Fairfax

Gina and Scott chose to get married under the beautiful redwood grove of Deer Park Villa. Their vision for their wedding was a fun outdoor party with delicious Mexican food. The whole celebration was a group effort as a friends helped with the flowers, setup and even hair and makeup. Gina’s father officiated the ceremony while a friend supplied the soundtrack with her violin. Afterwards, everyone was treated to cocktails and a delicious make your own taco meal. After several sweet and hilarious toasts, the party moved indoors where Gina and Scott kept the dancefloor going with their custom playlist.

Wedding Venue: Deer Park Villa // Wedding Coordinator: Marissa Poulin // Floral Design: Succulents for Hire // Caterer: Cater Marin // DJ: Jon Moore of Runaway DJ

Foggy Summer Marin Headlands Center for the Arts Wedding » Sausalito, California

As a big fan of the foggy California coast, I was excited when Clair and Clinton reached out to me about their wedding at the Marin Headland Center for the Arts. In addition to sweeping views of coastal terrain and the Pacific Ocean, the weddings at the old army barracks turned event space and art gallery maintain some of the decay from its previous life. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and natural.

On the day of their wedding, the summer fog hung low blanketing the headlands in a cool mist and filtering the sunlight into a diffuse soft grey. In the West Wing, Clair was putting on the finishing touches of her wedding outfit which included a dramatic cape with the sweetest buttons. In the side gallery, Clinton’s mom was helping him pin his boutonnière while Clinton nervously waited for the day to begin. For their first look, I took them into the East Wing where the window light was just dreamy. Afterwards, the couple tucked away while their guests gathered outside in The Commons for the ceremony. The couple’s good friend officiated as Clair and Clinton shared moments and stories from their eight years together before sealing the nuptials with a kiss. During cocktail hour, I took the couple for a few portraits around the property, using the lush landscape as a backdrop (this is where Clair’s cape really showed off). For dinner, everyone gathered in the mess hall and were treated to a delicious family style dinner while Clair’s father and a few friends toasted the couple. When the meal was complete, everyone went upstairs to the East Wing where China Cats, one of Clair and Clinton’s favorite Grateful Dead tribute bands was set up. As a special retro treat, they had Lance Gordon of Mad Alchemy providing a stunning live analog liquid light show that was projected on to the walls. The festivities continued on into the night as the band kept the crowd dancing and partying. As I left the venue, I looked back to see the light show illuminated by fog peeking out through the windows. Truly a magical day!

Wedding Venue: Headland Center for the Arts // Wedding Planner: Riley Loves Lulu Weddings // Floral Design: Farmgirl Flowers // Caterer: Katie Powers Catering // Dessert: Bob’s Donuts // Clair's Dress: Reformation // Clair's Cape: BHLDN // Clair's Shoes: Bryr Clogs // Grateful Dead Tribute Band: China Cats // Liquid Drip Light Show: Mad Alchemy

Destination Outdoor Art Club Wedding » Mill Valley, California

J and D live in New York but have a lot of family in the Bay Area, especially since J is a California native. For their destination wedding, the chose the Outdoor Art Club for a low key elegant celebration surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens and Mill Valley. They were also drawn to the unique wooden architecture of the Bernard Maybeck building. I met D and J for their first look at the venue before walking over to Old Mill Park with their sibling wedding party for portraits under the redwoods. D’s aunt officiated their wedding while J and D’s nieces and nephews participated as flower girls and ring bearers. There were a few Jewish traditions present like the sharing of wine and the breaking of the glass, a nod to D’s family heritage. After the ceremony, guests mingled with the couple in the gardens while enjoying passed appetizers and drinks before heading into dinner for a delicious dinner. Hilarious toasts from the couple’s siblings kicked off the evening of dancing, dessert and merriment.

Wedding Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Wedding Coordinator: Jessica Uhl of City Lights Event Company // Floral Design: Belle-Flower // Caterer & Rentals: Trumpet Vine Catering // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Cake: Live Love Bake // Hair & Make-Up: Rachel Rockwood Artistry // DJ: ChungTech

Winter Outdoor Art Club Jewish Wedding » Mill Valley, California

Katie and Ari were married on an overcast winter day at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley. They chose the Outdoor Art Club because it showcases Mill Valley's natural beauty and it is a central spot for their favorite bike rides. Katie and Ari had an interfaith wedding featuring Jewish traditions but with a twist. The couple’s sisters and close friends held the chuppah and instead of sharing wine, they chose to crack open a Sierra Nevada beer. The rest of the wedding continued this casual and easy going vibe as guests sipped on beer and enjoyed a delicious meal and appetizers before getting down on the dancefloor for the traditional Jewish horah.

Wedding Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Floral Design: Barbara Winters & Mill Valley Flowers // Caterer: Cater Marin // Baker: Cake Coquette // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Hair & Make-Up: Diana Varat // DJ: DJ Jeremy Productions

DIY Childhood Home Backyard Wedding » Petaluma, California

Anela and David met while working as park rangers at Point Reyes National Seashore. Their relationship grew from running buddies to friends to partners who have travelled the world on amazing adventures. They’ve hike Patagonia and spent two years working in one of the most remote national parks in Alaska, Katmai. In fact, David proposed to Anela while on a hike to pick wild blueberries in Alaska. For their wedding, they decided to keep it more local and threw a garden party in the backyard of David’s childhood home in Petaluma. Being surrounded by the rolling hills and gorgeous oak groves, it was clear why David’s upbringing brought him to seek a job that kept him in the beautiful great outdoors. On the day of the wedding, the sky was a grey haze due to California wildfires. Despite the unusual conditions, everyone was in great spirits and the haze added a surreal warm glow to the landscape. Anela got ready in the guest room before having a first look with her father and brother before seeing David in the front yard. For the ceremony, everyone headed down to the large field below the home overlooking Petaluma. David’s father officiated, sharing funny stories about the two of them and gifting them some fishing lures (Anela and David are avid fisherman!) Afterwards, everyone was invited for a delicious catered meal around the pool which included a whole roast pork and salmon Anela and David caught in Alaska. After dessert of cake and donuts, the dance party began and everyone danced on into the evening. I am so grateful to have been a part of their wedding day!

Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Planner: Parker Nichols Events // Florist: April’s Flowers // Caterer: Ring of Fire // Cake: DIY by a family friend // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // Hair & Make-Up: Shayna Azevedo // Anela’s Wedding Dress: Starlet Bridal // DJ: Premier Productions // Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth

Redwood Grove Old Mill Park Wedding » Mill Valley, California

Lindsay and Ariel’s wedding day began with a traditional tea ceremony at the Mill Valley Inn. Both sets of parents as well as some uncles and aunts were honored with offerings and tea and cookies. In exchange, Lindsay and Ariel’s family offered their blessings and red envelopes. The surprise of the morning was when Lindsay’s mother pulled out a wedding gift that Lindsay’s grandmother prepared and saved for her before she passed. After a sweet and emotional morning, we all headed over to Old Mill Park where Lindsay and Ariel officially saw each other for the first time. We took some time to shoot portraits before Lindsay was whisked away to wait and hide in the public library next to the park. Under the shade of the redwoods, their wedding ceremony included lots of sweet stories, including how they first met—a real life Craigslist missed connection! Afterwards, everyone headed to the Mill Valley Community Center for a delicious reception of fried chicken with a geode cake and s’mores for dessert. (Big thanks to James and his team from Limelight Productions for keeping the day running smoothly.)

Outdoor Art Club Destination Wedding » Mill Valley, California

Originally in the same class at Princeton, Devon and Brandon only started spending more time together when they both moved up to Boston right after college--Devon was working for a nonprofit and Brandon was getting his master's degree. After several months hanging out their friendship turned to romance and they started dating. 

In the winter of 2016, Brandon took Devon to an intimate candlelit dinner at a French restaurant in Reno where he had created a miniature winter wonderland with a tiny village and little figurines representing different aspects of their life together. After Brandon explained all of the different components of the display, they walked over to the dinner table, where he had left a handwritten note on Devon's place setting asking if she would marry him. She replied, "Of course!"

Even though they live in Washington DC, they decided to fly all the way to Mill Valley, California for their wedding. Devon and Brandon knew they wanted to get married in an outdoor garden space with plenty of natural beauty, but also wanted a refined, classy space for the reception. The Outdoor Art Club fit the bill perfectly. As a bonus, they were attracted to the Club's history and its mission: the proceeds from the wedding that did not directly go to maintaining the property are allocated to conservation efforts elsewhere. The rich autumn color palette and their ceremony under some redwood trees brought together relaxed yet elegant elements. As avid readers, their guests were gifted a choice of the couple's favorite novels as wedding favors. 

Wedding Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Wedding Planner: Lindsay Lauren Events // Floral Design: Sweet Roots Farm // Catering: Ann Walker Catering // Cake: Branching Out Cakes // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Rentals: JRB Events // Music/DJ: All Ears DJ // Make-Up: Make-Up by Adele // Hairstylist: Hair by Missy // Invitations: Kseniya Thomas of Thomas Printers // Calligraphy: Kim Nichols Design // Wedding Signs: Minted Style Co. // Devon's Dress: Nicole Miller // Dress Alterations: A Stitch in Time // Devon's Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Brandon's Suit: Ted Baker // Brandon's Shoes: Magnanni // Rings: Brilliant Earth & Royal Jewelers