sausalito

Rainy Day Cavallo Point Lodge COVID Wedding » Sausalito, California /  by Vivian Chen

K and R were married on a rainy spring day in at the picturesque Cavallo Point Lodge in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Their original plans were to have a ceremony out on the Mission Blue Lawn so when a late April rainstorm rolled through that morning, the hardworking team at Riley Loves Lulu Weddings set out to relocate the ceremony indoors. Plans for a first look over at Battery Yates was scraped in favor of a drier meeting out on the front porch of the the Lodge. Afterwards, K and R headed over to the Mission Blue Chapel where Golden FIelds Floristry had transformed the empty church into a warm and inviting space complete with dogwood blooms framing the altar. K’s aunt officiated the ceremony which included a Japanese tea ceremony and a surprise musical performance of “My Girl.” As everyone sang along to the first lyrics “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day” the rain outside cleared and sun began to stream into the chapel windows. Truly a magical moment! After small bites and drinks on the balcony, K + R took some time after cocktail hour to wander the grounds of Cavallo Point for some additional portraits. Dinner continued upstairs in the main lodge with toasts, cake cutting and mingling with good conversation into the night.

Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point Lodge // Wedding Planner: Riley Loves Lulu Weddings // Florist: Golden Fields Floristry // Hair & Make-Up: Dreamcatcher Artistry // Signage & Paper: JK Design // Draping: Marin Event Lighting // Live Music: Ryan Hernandez Music // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema // DJ: DJ Rufio of MVMNT DJs

Coastal Sunset Cavallo Point COVID Minimony » Sausalito, California /  by Vivian Chen

Like many other plans that had to be altered this year, Keely and Sam’s larger party was put on hold but they still wanted to honor their original wedding date with a tiny family celebration. When the opportunity for Sam’s parents to stay at Cavallo Point Lodge, Keely and Sam decided to switch their minimony plans from a backyard ceremony at Keely’s parent’s home in Oakland to Golden Gate Bridge views in Sausalito. As luck would have it, the air quality and smoke from California wildfires cleared in time for their sweet celebration. It was a warm and sunny September evening, when I met the couple and their families at their lodge. After a few portraits, we headed over to Battery Yates where we chose a spot with sweeping Bay views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. A close family friend officiated while Keely and Sam shared poems and exchanged vows just as the prettiest golden hour sunset lighting illuminated everyone. Afterwards, everyone congratulated the couple with hugs and cheers before heading back to their lodge for a few more portraits before dinner. With all the never-ending changes of this year, it’s been heartwarming to see how DIY wedding plans create wedding moments that are so much more meaningful and magical in their own humble ways.

Foggy Summer Marin Headlands Center for the Arts Wedding » Sausalito, California /  by Vivian Chen

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