Rainy Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Wedding » Bodega Bay, California

M and F were not expecting a rainstorm for their Secret Gardens wedding in Bodega Bay. However, once the forecast was official, we decided to make the most of the weather plans and keep the day flowing as easily as possible. For their first look, the couple braved the rainy weather and met up on the cliff sides of the Bodega Bay Head. I supplied M and F with some clear bubble umbrellas that I’ve purchased for couples to use on just these kind of soggy occasions. The umbrellas helped keep them dry while looking cute before we all headed over to the lush green Secret Gardens. We took advantage of the break in the rain for more portraits before M was tucked away for some hair and make-up touch ups. As the rain wasn’t letting up, Christine from CMG Weddings & Events made a game time decision to cut the ceremony down to five minutes so that their guests could quickly seek shelter for cocktails afterwards. Despite the wet weather, M and F did not let it bring the celebration down. Everyone huddled together, enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and M and F even played a few rounds of beer pong on their custom made table they made for the party. Guests enjoyed a delicious multi-course meal prepared by Chef Adair, who also cooked M and F a meal when F proposed. Afterwards, the Lucky Devils band kept the guests warm with a festive dance party that continued into the evening.

(You can read more about M and F’s rainy wedding experience and tips on my “How to Make the Most of a Rainy Day Wedding” advice guide.)

Wedding Venue: The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens // First Look Location: Bodega Bay Head // Wedding Planner: CMG Weddings & Events // Florals: Vanda Floral Design // Hair + Makeup: Stylebee // Rentals: Encore Events Rentals // Catering: Chef Adair // Band: Lucky Devils

Intimate Stable Cafe Wedding » San Francisco, California » Erin Prado for VCP

// This wedding was photographed by associate photographer, Erin Prado and was featured on Junebug Weddings. //

After postponing their wedding because of the pandemic, Beth and Patrick were excited to finally celebrate their summer time wedding with an intimate party at one of their favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Stable Cafe, a converted carriage house tucked away in the city’s Mission District features a gorgeously manicured garden which was the perfect backdrop for Beth and Patrick’s vows. The couple also took advantage of the neighborhood with some color sidewalk portraits. Guests were treated to a delicious meal catered by Nopalito and Good Children provided sweet treats as the party continued on into the evening. Beth and Patrick couldn’t have planned a more perfect celebration!

Venue: Stable Cafe // Wedding Planner: They So Loved Events // Floral Design: Ash + Oak // Caterer: Nopalito SF // Desserts: Good Children SF // Rentals: AM Party Rentals // Beth’s Dress: Mestiza NY // Hair + Make-Up: Dreamcatcher Artistry // Patrick’s Suit: Zegna // Rings: No. 3 Fine Jewelry // Invitations: Virginia Brown Art // DJ: Sami of Heart of Gold DJs

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Wedding » San Francisco, California

Nick and Ted patiently waited a whole year before they were able to finally have the wedding celebration of their dreams. While they were married in a small ceremony earlier in the year, they still wanted to have a party with their friends and family. With the help of an amazingly talented vendor team, Camille of Dream a Little Dream Events helped Nick and Ted put together a cocktail party fit for their modernist aesthetics. The day began with a few portraits of the couple around the SF MOMA, making sure to visit the Alexander Calder exhibit, one of their favorites. Afterwards, we headed up to the rooftop cafe where Nick and Ted were overwhelmed with emotion when they finally saw their years of hard work come together. (Camille was there to give them big hugs!) After a quick but heartfelt speech by the couple, guests were treated to cocktails and multiple food stations expertly catered by Betty Zlatchin and their team. As the evening wound down, Nick and Ted kicked off the dance party with a sweet first dance before opening up the dance floor. Desserts and drinks kept the guests happy as everyone celebrated into the evening surrounded by the soft glow of the city lights around them.

Venue: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art // Wedding Planner: Camille of Dream a Little Dream Events // Floral Design: Sharla Flock Designs // Catering: Betty Zlatchin Catering // Rentals: Hensley Event Resources // Lighting: Got Light // Jazz Band: Golden Gate Jazz // DJ: Gatsby Entertainment // Invitations: DIY by Couple

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

// 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.

Intimate Pelican Inn Wedding » Muir Beach, California

Emily and Landon kept it simple for their intimate wedding at the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach, California. This English style pub and inn was the perfect spot for this nature loving couple to celebrate. After getting ready and a first look at the Inn, Emily and Landon headed over to the Muir Beach Overlook for some portraits while taking in gorgeous views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Coast. When we returned, most of the wedding guests had arrived so Emily and Landon mingled with their friends before it was time for their ceremony. Officiated by Elizabeth River, the couple’s dog also had a special role for their nuptials as he was lead down the aisle before Emily. They exchanged sweet vows before sealing them with a kiss. After a quick cocktail hour on the lawn, we headed down the Muir Beach for a sunset stroll before heading back for a cozy dinner inside Pelican Inn. Cupcakes and dancing kicked off the festivities as everyone hunkered down for the night.

Modern Rooftop San Francisco Art Institute Wedding » San Francisco, California

Even after Keely and Sam had their Cavallo Point minimony a year before, they still found themselves needing to change venue plans at the last minute. The Riley Loves Lulu wedding planning team stepped up into action and was able to secure the San Francisco Art Institute with sweeping views of Coit Tower, North Beach and the San Francisco Bay. The mix of modern and traditional architecture was the perfect backdrop for Keely and Sam’s minimalist and DIY wedding. Keely got ready amongst piles of flowers as her mother and friends helped assemble her bouquet and arrangements. The final detail was Keely’s handmade veil, embellished with hundreds of silk flowers thoughtfully sewn by hand by Keely’s best friend and maid of honor, Matine. We headed out to the Zellerbach Quad where Sam and Keely shared a first look and some alone time together. Guests were lead to the rooftop where the same family friend from their minimony officiated again and their ceremony was sealed with a hand fastening ritual. Afterwards, friends and family were treated to delicious cocktails and a family style dinner while the fog rolled in over the Bay. Touching speeches wrapped up dinner before their rooftop dance party went on into the night under the glow of city lights.

Venue: San Francisco Art Institute // Wedding Planner: Riley Loves Lulu // Caterer: Katie Powers Catering // Florals: DIY by Keely’s Mother // Hair + Make-Up: Celia Castaneda // Lighting: Impact SF // Rentals: Heirloom Events // DJ: Sam’s Childhood Friend

Casa Real Wedding » Pleasanton, California

Esther and Howard were married on a hazy autumn day at the grand Casa Real in Pleasanton. The couple exchanged private vows after their first look which helped take the wedding day jitters away. For their ceremony, Esther and Howard were married in the courtyard in front of their friends and family. before everyone was invited for cocktails and appetizers. Before dinner, we ducked outside for a few sunset portraits in the vineyards. A sweet first dance kicked off their reception celebration which included thoughtful speeches and merriment throughout the evening.

Intimate Mori Point + Childhood Home Backyard Wedding » Pacifica, California

Stephanie and Jordan’s love for the outdoors and for keeping it simple is what made their wedding plans fall into place. For their intimate DIY celebration, they chose to use the backyard of Stephanie’s childhood home in Pacifica. Stephanie got ready with her best friend and mom in her childhood bedroom before her father walked her down the aisle in front of their closest friends and family (and their next door neighbors!) A good friend of their’s officiated while Jordan and Stephanie exchanged vows and rings. Afterwards, we headed off to Mori Point for some cliffside portraits while taking a little time to themselves along the coast. We headed back just in time to catch some cocktails before settling in for dinner reception featuring delicious Mexican fare. As the sunset and the bonfire was lit, guests were treated to wedding cake while Stephanie and Jordan danced on the patio below. The festivities continued as the moon rose above the horizon and everyone cozied up under wool blankets and warm beverages.

Autumn Outdoor Art Club Wedding » Mill Valley, California » Erin Prado for VCP

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

Amanda and Lee planned a lovely Mill Valley wedding complete with their first look in a nearby redwood grove. Their ceremony took place on the back patio of the Outdoor Art Club while the front of the gardens served as their cocktail hour and dinner reception. The evening festivities kicked off with Amanda and Lee’s first dance with a live band lead by Amanda’s father. Truly a wonderful Marin celebration!

Photographer: Erin Prado for VCP // Venue: Outdoor Art Club // Wedding Planner: Limelight Productions // Floral Design: The Little Flower Shop // Caterer: Stacy Scott Catering // Dessert: Creekside Bakery // Lighting: Marin Event Lighting // Live Band: Greg Johnson Jazz // DJ: Allison from Heart of Gold DJs

Autumn Themed Pleasant Hill Community Center Wedding » Pleasant Hill, California

Amigail and Alan have been together ever since she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance in their senior year. After a decade together, they finally decided to celebrate with an autumn themed wedding with their closest family and friends. With the minimal but modern Pleasant Hill Community Center as a backdrop, Amigail and Alan tied the knot under the gazebo with Amigail’s cousin as the officiant. Afterwards, they exchanged private vows at sunset while taking a moment away from the action. Dinner featured a delicious traditional Filipino lechon which kept guests happy and fed before the dance floor opened up. Amigail’s sister sang for their first dance and their cousin also performed a modern dance before kicking off the evenings festivities!

Venue: Pleasant Hill Community Center // Wedding Planner: Two Perfect Events // Floral Design: Fractal Floral // Catering: Rafael’s Catering // Desserts: Soiree Macarons // Hair + Makeup: Xiomara Beauty // Amigail’s Gown: Janene’s Bridal // Alan’s Suit: The Black Tux // Videographer: Michelle & Alexander Weddings // Wedding Rings: No. 3 Fine Jewelry // Photobooth: Pixco Booth // DJ: DJ Smokie Smoke

CuriOdyssey Museum at Coyote Point Wedding » San Mateo, California

Shanice and David loved the idea of getting married at a museum and CuriOdyssey in San Mateo is a unique one that also features a small zoo. However, their original wedding date was planned a week after lockdown so they had to postpone their wedding twice. While they did get legally married over Zoom a few weeks after their original wedding date, they still wanted to throw a large celebration. David’s aunt officiated the wedding ceremony which was a vow renewal of sorts. Afterwards, their guests were treated to a dim sum cocktail hour while everyone was encouraged to wander around the zoo and see the animals. Shanice and David’s favorite animal, the otter (whom they also sponsor as part of one of the museum’s programs) put on a bit of a show while we took some portraits with him. Everyone was invited into the Redwood Hall for dinner. Shanice and David are big beer enthusiasts so their decor reflected their love of all things brewery! The night kicked off with some toasts from their parents before the dance floor opened up for some dancing and dessert.

Spanish Suite Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel Wedding » San Francisco, California

Like many couples in the pandemic, Erin and Kevan’s wedding plans changed a few times before settling on an intimate celebration in San Francisco. The Clift Hotel in San Francisco had recently renovated their Spanish Suite so it made for the perfect last minute venue choice when the Marin County Civic Center was closed due to COVID. Erin and Kevan were married in front of a small group of their family and friends on the top floor of the Clift Hotel overlooking downtown San Francisco. Erin wore a family veil for the ceremony which photographed beautifully in a softly lit stairwell tucked away in the hotel. After first dances, the couple and their guests were treated to a deliciously catered meal. We popped out on the balcony together for a few portraits before everyone was gathered in the main room for cake cutting and a hilarious toast lead by the the brother and sister sibling pair who had initially introduced Erin and Kevan to each other. Such a fun and sweet evening!