War Memorial Green Room + Golden Gate Park Elopement » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Lilly, originally from Los Angeles and Warris, originally from London met and fell in love in San Francisco over four years ago. They lived near Golden Gate Park during those years and grew to view the city as their home. So naturally even after they moved to the South Bay, Lilly and Warris wanted to get married in San Francisco. The couple originally decided on San Francisco City Hall for their intimate celebration but due to the sudden and unfortunate passing of Mayor Ed Lee, wedding plans quickly changed. Luckily, the War Memorial Opera House's Green Room was able to accommodate Lilly and Warris's last minute plans and the ceremony was equally as beautiful. The SF City Hall event planner even allowed us to stop by the building for a few portraits before we headed to Golden Gate Park to meet up with their beloved deaf rescue dog, Boone. Boone is a big part of their family (a little felt version of him was tucked next to Warris' pocket square), especially since Golden Gate Park was his main backyard before they moved. We spent the rest of the afternoon, exploring some of their favorite spots (including a quick stop in front of their old apartment) before the couple headed up to Sonoma for the rest of their weekend celebration.

Outdoor Art Club Destination Wedding » Mill Valley, California /  by Vivian Chen

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

Destination City Hall Elopement + North Beach Lunch Reception » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Matt and Malika live in Southern California and while they knew they didn't want a large traditional wedding, they still wanted to get married in style. The classic and grand architecture of San Francisco City Hall made the perfect venue for their winter elopement plans. So they gathered their small families to explore San Francisco for a weekend getaway that kicked off with their city hall ceremony. After the vows, we caught ride to North Beach were took a nice little stroll through the historic neighborhood before ending up at Cotogna for their lunch reception. 

Community-Focused Mather Redwood Grove + UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California /  by Vivian Chen

Any wedding that takes place in a redwood grove makes my heart sing. Laura and Lark's UC Botanical Garden wedding not only was a reflection of the natural beauty of the Bay Area but focused the day around the community of people who love and support them. Those are my favorite kind of weddings. (You can read more about their celebration with their feature on the Catalyst Wed Co. blog!)

Wedding Venue: UC Botanical Garden // Wedding Coordinator: A Monique Affair // Caterer: Los Moles // Tabletop Decor: Glassybaby & DIY // Lark's Suit: Kipper Clothiers // Laura's Dress: Novella Bridal // Laura's Manicure: Melody at Fig & Clover // Dessert: Golden Gate Donuts // Rings: Brilliant Earth 

Foodie-Themed City Hall + 18 Reasons Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Yang and Aram's first date was at 18 Reasons, a community cooking school in San Francisco's Mission District. It was only fitting that after their San Francisco City Hall ceremony, they decided to bring their international families together with their friends for a delicious reception dinner catered by the team at 18 Reasons. I loved photographing this simple yet meaningful wedding!

Cathedral Grove Saratoga Springs Wedding Reception » Saratoga, California /  by Vivian Chen

Jackie and Jerry got married at San Francisco City Hall but still wanted to celebrate in style with their friends and family. Tucked away in a lush part of Saratoga, they hosted a relaxed and fun gathering at Cathedral Grove in Saratoga Springs. After renewing their vows, guests were invited to drink and mingle before their dinner reception which wrapped up the evening with an epic dance party. It was the perfect mix of fancy and low-key fun!

Grand Black Tie City Hall Wedding » San Francisco, California /  by Vivian Chen

Katy and Ian went all out for their San Francisco wedding. From the rehearsal dinner at Wayfare Tavern the night before to the elegantly decorated celebration at San Francisco City Hall, it was a weekend to remember full of grandeur, love and laughter.

Wedding & Event Planner: Camille Jacinto Hale of Dream a Little Dream Events // Rehearsal Dinner: The Sequoia Room at the Wayfare Tavern // Hotel: The Fairmont SF // Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Catering & Floral Design: McCalls // Officiant: Minister Maggie // Cake: Susie Cakes // Desserts: Chantal Guillon // Lighting: Got Light // Rentals: Hensley Event Resources & Dreamscene // Hair & Make-Up: Joseph Cozza Salon // Katy's Gown & Veil : Vera Wang // Katy's Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Violinist: Corelli Strings // Live Band: Notorious

Coastal California Slide Ranch Engagement Session » Muir Beach, California /  by Vivian Chen

When looking for wedding venues, Claire and Douglas fell in love with Muir Beach's Slide Ranch tucked on along Highway 1. From the quirky coastal cabins to the working organic farm and wild rocky beach below, this location was just dreamy. Unfortunately some logistics made wedding plans too difficult so went with the next best thing and used Slide Ranch for their engagement shoot. We spent an evening wandering the property before heading down to the water to soak up the beauty of the California Coast.

Garden Party Falkirk Cultural Center Wedding » San Rafael, California /  by Vivian Chen

Sean and Cameron's Falkirk Cultural Center wedding was exactly what they envisioned: a celebration that truly reflect their values. The nine acres of gardens fulfilled their love of nature while the intimate setting allowed their guest list of 80 closest friends and family to enjoy each other's company. And to top it all off, they made sure to break a few traditions thanks to the help of Sean's drag queen brother! Their ceremony, officiated by a friend of theirs, was one of the most heartfelt and emotional ones I've witness, true to their sweet and genuine personalities. (Definitely not a dry eye in the garden!) Afterwards, the party continued with lawn games, cocktails and a delicious vegetarian focused dinner complete with multiple funny toasts throughout the evening. And if that wasn't enough, Sean and Cameron wrapped up the evening with an epic dance party that had everyone happily sweating. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of their celebration!

Wedding Venue: Falkirk Cultural Center // Caterer: Oz Catering // Cakes: Comforts Cafe // Florals & Decor: DIY // AV Rentals: Corporate Media Systems // Balloons: Balloons by Design // Lapel Pins: Wild Fancy Design // Wedding Favors: Dryland Wilds