weddings

Westlake Village Inn Wedding » Southern California by Vivian Chen

Renee and Matt got married at the Westlake Village Inn in Southern California. Renee grew up across the street from this beautiful resort hotel and so it was a natural choice to pick it as a venue for their wedding. Tabitha of Winston and Main provided bright colored florals that popped against the Tuscan inspired decor. After a hilarious ceremony under the gazebo, Renee and Matt headed over to the main hall for dinner and a lot of dancing as a live band kept the energy going through the evening.

Mather Redwood Grove + UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California by Vivian Chen

Tammy and David got married at one of my favorite locations, UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley. The day started at a nearby Airbnb where everyone helped David try to figure out how to tie a bowtie. Afterwards, we headed over to the Mather Redwood Grove at the Botanical Garden where we snapped some group portraits before their sweet ceremony. Tears were shed as Tammy and David exchanged vows in front of their friends and family. They took a moment alone in the grove after the ceremony before heading over to Julia Morgan Hall for cocktail hour and dinner reception where the festivities continued on into the night. 

Wine Country Childhood Home Wedding » Calistoga, California by Vivian Chen

Stephanie and Ryan grew up in Sonoma County and kept it local for their wine country celebration. With the help of their friends and family, they transformed Ryan's 50 year old childhood home into a beautiful wedding wonderland. The ceremony, officiated by one of their good friends, took place besides the big red wooden barn. Afterwards, the couple drove down the street to a nearby vineyard for sunset portraits in Ryan's father's vintage Toyota Land Cruiser before heading back for a dinner reception in the backyard under cafe lights. All the personal touches truly made this wedding a close family affair.

Wedding Venue: Ryan's Childhood Home // Catering: Elaine Bell Catering // Floral Design: Maria Philbin // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // DJ: Techtonic Events // Make-Up: Unveiling Design by Heather // Hairstylist: Katie of Unveiling Design by Heather // Invitation: Basic Invite // Stephanie's Dress: Starlet Bridal // Ryan's Suit: Men's Warehouse // Rings: ER Sawyer Jewelers

Outdoor DIY Camp-Themed Leonard Lake Wedding » Redwood Valley, California by Vivian Chen

Hidden down a nine mile dirt road is Leonard Lake Reserve, a lovely little campground with cabins tucked in the hills of Redwood Valley. Elke and Eric have spent several summer weekends there with their friends and fell in love with the close communal feel of the place. When it was time to plan their wedding, Leonard Lake immediately came to mind. It allowed their wedding celebration to feel casual and intimate while letting the magic of the location to speak for itself. It was a DIY effort as everyone pitched in to make the decor, cook appetizers and get the venue ready for the big day. Their ceremony took place lakeside under a grove of oak trees with a handmade floral garland draped across the branches. Afterwards, Elke and Eric ducked away for a canoe ride on the lake while their guests serenaded them to a rousing rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" played by a family friend on acoustic guitar. The dinner reception continued under the stars with a delicious home cooked meal and pie for dessert before dancing the evening away.

Wedding Venue: Leonard Lake Reserve // Floral Design: DIY from Bluma Flower Farm // Catering: Bruxo Food Truck // Elke's Dress: BCBG // Eric's Suit: Hugo Boss // Hair & Make-Up: DIY // Decorations: DIY // Music: DIY 

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

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 

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

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

An Elegant Black Tie City Hall Wedding » San Francisco, California by Vivian Chen

Rosie and Bret wanted to celebrate their wedding in style so they threw a black tie event at San Francisco City Hall. The first time the bride and groom saw each other was when Rosie accompanied by her parents descended the grand staircase to Bret who was waiting on the landing below. From the lush florals by Katharina Stuart to the golden detailing of the dinner plates, the entire day was as elegant as the city hall itself. Big thanks to Jessica Goldblatt of Dreams on a Dime for coordinating a flawless day!

Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall // Wedding Coordinator: Jessica Goldblatt of Dreams on a Dime // Floral Design: Katharina Stuart // Catering: Toast Catering // Rentals: Bright Event Rentals // DJ & Lighting: Gatsby Entertainment Group // String Quartet: Synchronicity String // Cake: Beaux Gateaux // Videography: Weddings on Film // Second Photographer: Nicole Cross // Hair & Makeup: Fresh Face Makeup // Hotel: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins 

Highland Dell Lodge Russian River Wedding » Monte Rio, California by Vivian Chen

Nestled between a redwood grove on the Russian River, the Highland Dell Lodge made for the perfect low-key getaway to celebrate Rebecca and Andrew's wedding. They held their ceremony across the river on Monte Rio Beach and afterwards we spent some time down by the river where a duck decided to crash the portrait session. Cocktails and dinner were served in the lodge's grand dining space where the evening wound down with an array of delicious desserts and dancing.

Wedding Venue: Highland Dell Lodge // Ceremony Location: Monte Rio Beach // Florist: Floral Designs by Heather // Caterer: Highland Dell Lodge // Desserts: Moustache Baked Goods // Rentals: Grapevine Party Rentals // Hair + Make-up: The Traveling Stylist // Wedding Dress: David's Bridal // Wedding Shoes: Tom's // Groom's Suit: Men's Wearhouse // Invitations: Matt Matteucci // Engagement Ring: Grand Bazaar in Istanbul // Wedding Band: Belonged to bride's grandparents  // DJ: Fox Sounds

Intimate Destination Bardessono Hotel + Spa Wedding » Yountville, California by Vivian Chen

Alix and Caleb flew down from Seattle for their intimate Napa Valley destination wedding at the stunning Bardessono Hotel & Spa in downtown Yountville. While wine country weddings usually conjure up images of vineyards and rustic barns, Bardessono's modern architecture made for a unique backdrop for the day's festivities. Surrounded by their 30 closest friends and family, they said their vows in the hotel's courtyard with Alix's father officiating. Afterwards, everyone was invited for cocktails and dinner outside of Lucy Restaurant before we wrapped up the evening with dessert and sparklers.