Sophisticated + Intimate California Wedding

We’re crushing pretty hard on Jennifer and Matt’s breathtaking San Francisco wedding in all its sleek black and white glory! The ceremony, held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, was a vision of structured elegance–starting with Jennifer’s mod Romona Keveza Collection gown (that back sash!) from Bridal Galleria and floor-length black Bill Levkoff dresses on bridesmaids. The black, ivory, and gold reception at The Olympic Club featured all white florals from Asiel Design, including centerpieces of cascading white orchids that are simply stunning. We love the personal touch of hand-carved shorebirds on the tables, done by Jennifer’s decoy carver father. A dessert table with confections from SusieCakes lent an air of fun to this sophisticated affair. These images from Milou + Olin Photography are just flawless. Don’t miss a single detail!

Amy and Michael’s San Francisco wedding, held at The James Leary Flood Mansion in the heart of the city, is simply breathtaking! You don’t get much more romantic than a backdrop of rolling California hills, and add to that Amy’s stunner of a gown, by Vera Wang, and mod, succulent, and white flower arrangements by Birch, and you have quite an affair! We’re smitten with Amy’s wax leaf, moss, and white bud bouquet, too. Tanja Lippert Photography shared these gorgeous images of an understated, romantic ceremony, followed by a reception at which no detail was left untouched by Maxine Andrew! We love the contemporary tablescapes and the pops of gold and hot pink in the seating areas. Pardon us while we swoon over each and every gorgeous image in the gallery!

Fresh, chic, and elegant, Pamela and Paul’s San Francisco wedding is nothing short of perfection.  Captured by the insanely talented Bret Cole, their intimate wedding at the historic Pacific Heights Flood Mansion was a true celebration of family.  Pamela’s veil was her mother’s, her brother-in-law officiated the ceremony, and the delicate pearl earrings and bracelet belonged to her grandmother.  Pamela added many handmade touches to the day, including screenprinted stationery and whimsical butterfly place cards, and Not Just Flowers created lush centerpieces of succulents, dusty miller, and dahlias in deep purple, lavender, and berry.  Pamela was able to root many of the succulents, and they remain thriving today, a beautiful reminder of their most special day.

We are head over heels for Lauren and Taylor’s chic blue-and-white San Francisco wedding! Lauren, a wedding planner herself, immediately began pulling together ideas after Taylor’s proposal, so that—with the help of Ryder Sloan Events—they could have an outdoor affair to remember. She started with the location, Stable Cafe. The urban garden space was a great backdrop for a collection of blue-and-white ginger jars filled with florals from Mandolin Flowers. Plumosa fern garlands and cafe lights added an air of sophistication, while classic arrangements of hydrangeas, anemones, and roses accented tables covered with Swiss dot linens from La Tavola. Lauren wore her cousin’s couture Carolina Herrera Bridal gown with embellished blue Manolo Blahnik heels, a Christmas gift from Taylor; her bouquet was wrapped with long pieces of vintage lace and blue velvet ribbon. Amy Nichols Special Events ensured the day ran smoothly from start to finish, which included transforming the courtyard after the ceremony into a luxe space for dinner and dancing, along with lounging areas outfitted with seating from One True Love Vintage Rentals. Later in the evening, guests sipped warm spiked cocktails from the DIY coffee bar, the perfect accompaniment to a salted caramel wedding cake from Cake Coquette—the design of the dessert mimicked the ginger jar pattern. We are just in total love with all of these fabulous images from Julie Mikos!

Sometimes simple is the most sophisticated, and that’s how we feel about Ailin and David’s understated but beautiful wedding at San Francisco City Hall. These sweet images from Connie Lyu highlight the best of the day, from the breathtaking architecture of the building to Ailin’s short BCBG Max Azria dress with blue Manolo Blahnik heels. Guests joined Ailin and David post-ceremony at Stable Cafe, where amazing food by Azalina’s, a fabulous gold cake from Cake Coquette, and plenty of Champagne awaited. We love the shiny gold initial balloons and rustic garden arrangements from Lila B.. See all of the chic details in the gallery!

Oh, how we adore the soft colors and romantic vibe of Mirna and Robin’s Bay Area wedding at Mission Santa Clara de Asis! These images from Caroline Tran are as ethereal as Mirna’s classic Monique Lhuillier gown—and we love the fresh flowers tucked into her sleek updo! Pink and white ruled the day, from flowers by Nicole Ha Designs to the blush-colored cake by Rosewood Sand Hill, also the site of the fabulous reception. Mirna’s bridesmaids wore long light taupe dresses by Saja Wedding to complement the surrounding pale pinks, a color combo that’s classic and fresh. Each carefully executed detail was overseen by Amazae Special Events. This fabulous fete is absolutely stunning!

We just simply cannot stop gushing over Melissa and Joe’s incredible wedding at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. Not a single thing was overlooked, thanks to planning and design from Jeannie Savage of Details Details Weddings & Events and White Lilac, Inc. We’re stunned at the gorgeousness of the outdoor ceremony setting—that amazing gazebo with chandeliers and the iron gates completely covered in lush pink garden blooms! Melissa’s dress is absolute perfection, with a full ruffled skirt made for dancing. The reception is equally stunning, and the images from Samuel Lippke Studios didn’t miss any of the exquisite details, from vintage decor to oversize pink and cream flower centerpieces to the gold and cream cake that echoes the motif of the intricate invitations. Pardon us while we stare a bit longer at all of the gorgeous images in the gallery!

Ashley and Erik’s low-key but gorgeous wedding at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California, in the Bay Area, has some fab details we’re loving! To name a few: updated traditional stationery from Papyrus and Paper Source, exquisite pastel bouquets that pop against dusty blue bridesmaids dresses, and a sweet dessert with sugar flowers from Studio Cake atop—are you ready for this?—a gold sequin tablecloth from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental. We die! Ashley’s Victoria Nicole gown is a classic silhouette with just enough bling, and mod blush-colored Miu Miu shoes are the perfect complement. These stylish images from Meg Perotti showcase a great party, courtesy of the Ashley’s Italian family living it up with Erik’s Midwest relatives—see all of the beautiful images in the gallery!

Everything about Louise and Derek’s wedding celebration softly proclaims sophisticated city style. With a ceremony at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts Theatre followed by a reception at The City Club, the elegant, artsy theme was set and only further enhanced by Louise’s Fanal by La Sposa strapless wrap gown. Simple, structured black bridesmaids dresses from Ann Taylor were striking against the sunset-colored flowers and bouquets from Flowers by D’aria Rose. A bold orange-and-yellow rose garland cascaded down an understated tiered cake by Jasmine Rae Bakery, making it a focal point of the reception decor. We love that the couple crafted their place card holders from Champagne cages! Enjoy these captivating images from Volatile Photography!

Erin and Scott spent the beginning of their relationship across the country from each other. When they decided to tie the knot, they wanted to somehow incorporate cross-country travel into the day while still maintaining the sophisticated elegance of their venue, Kohl Mansion. Gorgeous florals by Asiel Design included drool-worthy dahlias as well as tulips, roses, and stock in various shades of blush, peach, and pink. Check out the fabulous job Wowpretty did on Erin’s makeup! And of course, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of this beauty without the wonderful photos by Meg Perotti!

What does a Texas native transplanted to the Bay Area do to honor her home state in her wedding?  Incorporate the “yellow rose of Texas” of course!  Brooke and Christopher’s classic, elegant soiree at San Francisco’s Julia Morgan Ballroom has the most refreshing yellow, white, and gray color palette, such a gorgeous contrast to the rich, deep colors of the ballroom! Nancy Liu Chin Designs did an incredible job with the event creating big soft bouquets and lush arrangements featuring roses, ranunculus, and hydrangea and JBD Events made sure the day ran without a hitch. Such a pretty wedding with pretty details and pretty photos by Mulberry Photography!

Shauna and Mike’s San Francisco wedding is just about everything I adore: a gorgeous color palette, beautiful florals, vintage cars, letterpressed invites, and a pair of fabulous shoes. Their ceremony was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen – greenery decorated the aisles, chairs, and even the drapes used at the entrance of the aisle! They celebrated their nuptials at the Ferry Plaza Building with beautiful aubergine, rose, and lavender florals by Birch. I love the mixture of fern, fresh lavender, and other unique flowers that were used in the bridesmaids’ bouquets! I’m absolutely gaga over this wedding and all the incredible photos by the amazing Lisa Lefkowitz!

Bonnie says she remembers gliding around her wedding day “like a Queen who had just married her perfect King” and similarly, the details of her beautiful Bay Area wedding to Zlatko had a royal touch to them. The fabulous Kohl Mansion was the ideal venue for their big day, with both the interior and grounds regally curated and full of well-manicured gardens. Their florist, very appropriately named Royal Bloom, brought the beauty and feel of English gardens indoors with natural-shaped bouquets overflowing with roses, hydrangea, eucalyptus, and passion flower vine, and they even created a crown of hypericum berries for Bonnie! Danielle Gillett Photography captured the beautiful photos of Bonnie and Zlatko’s big day.

Josephine and Milo celebrated their wedding at Lake Merced Golf Club just outside San Francisco. Lots of luscious texture filled the event with lace details incorporated into everything from the invitations to the favors as well as the incredible linens from (the always incredible) La Tavola. The texture continued with Nancy Liu Chin‘s stunning floral arrangements: a mix of both compact and low as well as tall and full centerpieces. But hold your horses, ohmygoodnessgracious…Josephine’s BOUQUET! Perfection. I’m still swooning over that incredible mix of perfect peonies, orchids, roses, and ranunculus. A gorgeous wedding with touches of both Chinese and Hawaiian traditions with beautiful photos by Augie Chang.

I’m jealous of California. I usually fall in love with the venues, florals, backdrops, and just super rad styling in general of California weddings and Birgitt and Stephen’s wedding is no exception. Headlands Center for the Arts looks like an awesome venue but really I’m crazy jealous of the florals by IXIA. Bouquets and bouts? Fabulous. That arbor? Yes please. Oh, and then there are those awesome bridesmaids dresses. While you look at the amazing photos by Julie Mikos Photography, I’m going to go look at airfare to California.

Let’s all take a moment (or two) out of our day to check out this bliss-inducing Janita Mestre wedding. It’s delightfully in the desert, so of course you’re going to spot a few cacti at Galway Downs, but you’re going to see such a dreamy color palette too. Being so close to Valentine’s Day, Stephanie and Alex wanted to evoke love all throughout, so they picked pink as their go-to hue. Big and bright blush and ivory florals by Events by Floral Sensations complemented the eye-catching David’s Bridal mauve bridesmaids’ dresses, and we loved this idea, too. Instead of continuing the soft tones everywhere, shake up the colors like Stephanie and Alex and throw a deep hue in the same color family somewhere that will be seen. Adding it to the bridesmaids’ dresses was a clever touch without overwhelming the couple’s desire to have an airy feel to their wedding day.

Christine and Daniel’s wedding is equal parts romantic, dreamy, and classic. With the beautiful villa and gardens of Villa Montalvo as the setting and perfect Northern California weather provided by the month of May, the couple’s graceful ivory and blush color palette came to life within the lush green foliage. Charmed Events Group brought the elegant setting to life with lace linens from La Tavola, a dramatic draped arch decked with greenery and florals by Tango & Foxtrot, and fresh, clean centerpieces of peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus. A gorgeous lace-embellished cake from Studio Cake completed the scene. Christine is radiant in a sophisticated Allure gown to match Daniel’s chic black tux, and to honor their heritage, both donned traditional Korean wedding attire from LeeHwa Wedding for an incredible sunset portrait session. We are completely in love with every moment captured by Danielle Poff Photography!

Chris and Maria’s wedding is a true San Francisco affair. The couple worked with Julie Briggs Dunn of JBD Events to curate the details of the day. They selected Maria’s family church, St. Ignatius Church at the University of San Francisco, for their ceremony, and the stunning Flood Mansion for their reception gathering, a venue that held special meaning as Maria had attended school in the building and knew every nook and cranny of the venerable space. Maria is polished and elegant in a custom Jin Wang gown and jacket, which she helped to design, and several beautiful pieces of jewelry, including earrings gifted by her mother, a bracelet belonging to her maid of honor’s grandmother, and her grandmother’s brooch and handkerchief pinned to her bouquet. Chris and his groomsmen are dapper in white dinner jackets, and Maria’s bridal party selected chic frocks from …And Something Blue, complete with belts handmade by Maria’s mother. The Main Hall of the Mansion was decorated with light and airy tablescapes by Thierry Chantrel, in soft pink and shimmering silver accented by the bright, open space. Modern twists, including the silver fortune cookie favors as a nod to the City by the Bay’s famed Chinatown and a Swiss Dot wedding cake by The Cakemaker, made the day even more personal. Each of the images from Kelly Stonelake is stunning!

Natives of Los Angeles, Michelle and Miguel wanted a spot for their wedding that didn’t feel like typical LA. The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel was the perfect venue for that, with its dramatic staircases, ceilings, and windows. The Dainty Lion helped Michelle and Miguel plan a celebration that was uniquely theirs, which included lush peony bouquets, baby’s breath topiaries, and pretty blooms in glass vases along tables peppered with gold sequin linens. Bridesmaids in taupe dresses were elegant, especially standing next to Michelle in a lace and tulle Pronovias gown from Bellasposa. We love Michelle’s blue Badgley Mischka shoes with sparkling brooches! Romantic touches such as floral stationery from Wedding Paper Divas and feather accents on place settings matches the drama of the location! A dessert table at the reception featured macaroons from Sweet and Saucy Shop, topped off with a cake designed by Hotcakes Bakes. We’re swooning over every detail in these photos from Love, Janet Photography!

Dreamy is the first word that comes to mind when looking at these lovely beach engagement photos! Joanne and Johnny picked up oysters from their favorite spot—Hog Island Oyster Farm—for a romantic picnic near Point Reyes. We love the vintage feel the deserted shore plus rentals from Dreamy Whites gives this session! We think Joanne and Johnny look stunning and happy in these beautiful images from KT Merry Photography!