Exquisite Garden Party | Vintage Botanical at Wild Iris

It’s not hard to see why Anthony and Caitlin were drawn to the Wild Iris. Imagine the most exquisite garden you can, fill it with manicured paths, fruit trees, and sprawling lawns that lead right up to the wooded forest, add a wisteria-draped pool, secluded sunny afternoons, and a spectacular view of hillside vineyards.

Caitlin has always been fascinated with biology and now works as an environmental lawyer. She immediately started envisioning complementing the natural beauty of Philo with a botanical theme. They collected vintage scientific illustrations for table markers, agate slices for name cards, and incorporated gems, flowers, and woodland themes into their decor.

In what seemed a perfect nod to the bride’s fiery Irish locks, the wedding date approached in time for trees full of apples and bright autumn foliage. Heartfelt vows were followed by al fresco dinner overlooking the valley, and dancing by the pool under the rising full moon.  

Venue: Wild Iris, Philo, CA   |   Planner: Zoe Braga Events    |   Hair + Makeup: M Salon   |  Florals: Mendocino Floral Design  |  Rentals: Bright Event Rentals   |   Videography: DP Weddings

Heat Wave | Elegant Wedding at Corinthian Yacht Club

Dorothy and Ryan originally planned to marry in Chicago, but one visit to the Corinthian Yacht Club and they envisioned sharing a weekend with their friends and family in the Bay. Sailing was a big part of Ryan's childhood, and the sweeping views and nautical ambiance of the Corinthian felt right.

When booking their Labor Day weekend date, they’d expected guests on the sun porch to enjoy watching the infamous Bay Area fog slowly blanket the view and chill the evening air, instead of the record-setting temperatures the day brought. Guests from the East Coast, Chicago, and Indiana left air-conditioning and manageable 70-80 degree climates for unexpected triple digits that scorched California that weekend. But, really, what better day to be by the water?

After a quick stop at the charming, historic St Hilary's, the wedding party headed into an elegant reception complete with veiled string lights, massive white hydrangeas, oysters, and champagne. Instead of toasts from just the best man and maid of honor, Dorothy and Ryan asked each of their party members to share a story or a wish. Between the wide-open windows and the deck looking out at the sparkling bridge and the glistening water reflecting the waxing moon, the night had a shimmer and a refreshing open-air vibe everyone could appreciate.

 Ceremony: Westminster Presbyterian Church    |   Reception: Corinthian Yacht Club     |   Gown: Stella York    |   Music: All Ears DJ    |   Limo: Fast Limo    |   Catering: Corinthian Yacht Club     |   Cake: Susie Cakes

Embracing the Landscape | Wedding at Pacific Grove's "Refuge by the Sea"

Katie grew up in San Francisco and spent holidays at Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, playing in the sand and searching the tide pools for sea stars. She shared this beautiful place with Chris, who in turn, introduced his parents to it. When Katie and Chris, who now live in Denver, began their initial wedding-planning discussions, they discovered they'd both been imagining a celebration at Asilomar.

The Asilomar Conference Grounds, date back to 1913 when the area was a YWCA Leadership Camp. The lodging, designed by Julia Morgan, offers an upscale summer camp vibe. Cabin-like structures nestled in the Monterey pines provided plenty of space for all their friends and family to share a relaxing weekend at the beach. 

Katie, and most guests, went barefoot for a beautiful ceremony on the sand, looking out at the Monterey Bay and Saturday afternoon surfers. Afterwards, guests walked back up through the dunes to to dinner and much dancing. Scroll down to see the magical way the night ended right back at the beach!

Venue: Asilomar Hotel   |   Boutonnières: Fleurs du Soleil   |   Hair & Makeup: Ashley Pulido   |   Music: DJ Willi   |   Dessert: Mission Minis   |  Gown: David's Bridal    |   Bridesmaid Dresses: Vow To Be Chic   |   Groom's Attire: Menguin   |  Invites: Minted

Legion of Honor + Lands End Engagement

Regi and Yasmin are planning a wedding in a castle, yes a castle, in Ireland next year and wanted an engagement session that showcased their new home in San Francisco. The pair, who met while Regi was working in Dublin, chose locations that are picturesque and uniquely San Francisco. The fog rolled in just in time to offer that cozy, romantic, moody vibe so often associated with summer at Lands End.

Legion of Honor + Sutro Baths + Land's End, San Francisco