UC Botanical Garden + Berkeley City Club Wedding » Berkeley, California » Erin Prado for VCP

Ashley began her wedding day getting ready at the elegant Berkeley City Club before meeting Nick for an intimate first look and portraits beneath the towering redwoods in the Mather Redwood Grove at UC Botanical Gardens. The couple chose this magical location because, as they shared, "We had been to the Botanical grove before and had it in the back of our minds as a really good option. But it wasn't until we saw other venues and then came back to the Botanical Grove that we knew it was where we wanted to get married. The idea of getting married outside in nature was always Ashley's ideal location and this one so close to where we live felt right." Their ceremony was beautifully personal, with Ashley's brother officiating while her 86-year-old father—who had just successfully completed cancer treatment—proudly walked her down the aisle, and her nephew escorted her mother. After exchanging vows under the towering trees, the newlyweds returned to the Berkeley City Club for their dinner reception. The celebration concluded sweetly with cupcakes instead of traditional wedding cake, perfectly capturing the couple's relaxed and joyful approach to their special day surrounded by the natural beauty of the redwoods and their closest loved ones.

Ceremony Venue: Mather Redwood Grove at UC Botanical Garden // Reception Venue: Berkeley City Club // Wedding Planner: Studio DBI // Floral Design: Duet Botanical // Catering: Berkeley City Club // Desserts: Angel Cakes // Hair + Makeup: Dreamcatcher Artistry // DJ: DJ Jeremy Productions

This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado.