walnut creek

Gardens at Heather Farms Wedding » Walnut Creek, California » Erin Prado for VCP by Vivian Chen

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

Alex and Cory were married at the Gardens at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek, California on a warm autumn day. Surrounded by their friends and family, they exchanged vows under the gazebo before wandering the rose gardens for portraits. Guests enjoyed cocktails in the herb garden before being invited to dinner in the main dining room. Touching speeches wrapped up the meal before the dance party kicked off the evening’s festivities.

Autumn DIY Backyard + Taco Truck Wedding » Walnut Creek, California by Vivian Chen

Rachel and Emily wanted to keep things simple and community focused for their wedding so they chose to get married in Emily’s mom’s beautiful backyard. It’s a special place for them as it’s where they lived when Rachel first moved out to California after college. The centerpiece of the beautifully landscaped space is a magnificent oak tree where Rachel and Emily stood underneath their chuppah for their vows. Instead of a traditional wedding party, the couple surrounded themselves with their wedding VIPs, close friends and family that all played an important part in their lives together. In addition to hosting the party, Emily’s mother also handmade Emily’s custom fringe gown. These personal touches continued throughout the day from the ceremony to the toasts to the multiple flavors of cake served after their taco truck dinner. After saying goodbye to some of the older guest, Emily and Rachel headed back outside to dance the night away as the moon rose high in the evening sky.

// 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.

Intimate Family Focused Ruth Bancroft Garden COVID Wedding » Walnut Creek, California by Vivian Chen

Jen and Carlo met many years ago working in the ER and after two kids, a big move, and a surprise proposal involving the hospital helipad, they were finally excited to celebrate with a wedding. Originally they planned to get married at San Francisco City Hall, but when the pandemic stopped all city hall weddings indefinitely they turned to the gorgeous cactus paradise of Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek. The couple and their families got ready on-site in the barn loft before a first look among the giant agaves. Afterwards, we walked with their two kids to the small pond deep within the gardens. The Gardens’ event manager suggested a spot for their ceremony which featured a gorgeous South American ceiba speciosa or silk floss tree which was in full bloom with bright pink flowers as the backdrop. Jen and Carlo exchanged vows and rings in front of their closest family and a few friends before heading back to the barn for a few light snacks. As the sun dipped behind the horizon, we explore the garden together, stopping for portraits along the way.

Colorful + Joyful Gardens at Heather Farms Wedding » Walnut Creek, California by Vivian Chen

Claire and Doug are one of those couples that are a natural fit for one another. Their genuine warmth and love for one another and their community truly shines through, especially on their wedding day. They chose to get married at the Gardens at Heather Farms for the lush gorgeous gardens. After a sweet ceremony officiated by a close friend, the party continued with a festive and colorful reception. The decor was a nod to their honeymoon destination, Spain and the guests were treated to a delicious meal by Havana Cuban Cuisine with specialty mojitos and other delicious cocktails. For dessert, there was cake and a make you own halo halo bar. Claire, a professional dancer, kicked off the evening with a beautifully choreographed dance with Doug and then surprised everyone with a flash mob for her father-daughter dance. Truly a fun celebration!

Wedding Venue: The Gardens at Heather Farm // Floral Design: DIY by family friend // Caterer: Havana Cuban Cuisine // Desserts: SusieCakes & Roline’s Uniquely Filipino (Halo Halo Dessert Bar) // Rentals: Standard Party Rentals // Lighting & DJ: Amos Productions // String Trio: Corelli Strings // Make-Up: Victoria Torrey // Hair: Nicole Hester // Claire’s Dress: Kinsley James Couture Bridal Salon // Doug’s Ring: Hannah Louise Lamb // Videographer: byDesign Films

Quirky Autumn Heather Farms Garden Wedding » Walnut Creek, California by Vivian Chen

Venue: The Gardens at Heather Farms // Florals: DIY // Catering: Wilma Lott Catering // Dessert: Angel Cakes // Hair and Make-Up Artist: Ellyse Magsino // Wedding Dress: David's Bridal // Wedding Shoes: Kate Spade // Groom's Suit: Men's Wearhouse // Wedding Bands: E-Wedding Bands & Louisa Gallery // Officiant: Allison Hurzwitz // DJ: All Ears DJ