San Francisco City Hall Elopement (and Mini-Moon!)

Erin and Rick plan to celebrate with their families back home in Philadelphia, but wanted to avoid the awkward obligations of a traditional wedding and share a special, stress-free time together. In a unique move, they decided to combine their wedding with a mini-moon in California, a place they both love. Between days spent exploring San Francisco, wine country, and Santa Cruz, the pair worked in a ceremony at City Hall. The backdrop of San Francisco's beautiful City Hall was the perfect setting for their intimate ceremony, and we even squeezed in a little time to wander in the California redwoods!

San Francisco City Hall    |   Hair + Makeup: Fox & Doll     |     Flowers:   Farmgirl Flowers

Intimate Candlelit Dinner at Folktale Winery, Carmel Valley

After sharing an intimate elopement ceremony at Carmel Beach, Erica and Neal choose to invite 40 of their closest family and friends to an intimate dinner party at Folktale Winery. They'd visited a number of  "corporate" venues, and they loved the relaxed atmosphere, rustic feel, and beautiful views of Carmel Valley that Folktale offered their out-of-town guests. 

In lieu of a guestbook, guests wrote out "vintage California" postcards under a typewriter holding their favorite Pablo Neruda poem. Handwritten name cards on parchment paper were placed on an assortment of floral china. They embraced the approaching holiday season and turn in weather with rich tones and romantic candlelight, an intimate family-style meal followed by heartfelt toasts and dancing in front of a cozy fireplace.  

Read more of Erica+Neal's story here! 

Venue and Catering: Folktale Winery   |   Music: Kelly Productions in Monterey   |   Cheesecake: Il Grilo   |   Rings: Liza Shtromberg

Intimate Oceanside Elopement | Carmel Beach

One night nine years ago, Erica and Neal were reluctantly convinced by friends to attend a party in Hollywood. What had felt like an obligation was transformed when the two met and instantly bonded over Bukowski and Dylan. Neal followed through on a promise to call her the next day and they've been together ever since.

Years later, the LA-based couple entered the world of wedding planning, heading towards a big event with lots of moving pieces. When family circumstances put their plans on pause, they used the time to reevaluate. What they really wanted was a small celebration, an intimate ceremony with family and dearest friends. A new program developed: a drive up the coast, an elopement on the beachside cliffs of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a weekend of wine, food, and family, concluding with an intimate dinner party at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley.

Their wedding date was set for late autumn, which allowed for the perfect lucky combination of clear bright skies and mostly-empty beaches. In front of 10 closest friends and family members, Neal's father officiated, assisted by the couple's adorable Shiba Inu mix, making the sweetest family of three official.

Click here to see their elegant dinner party at Folktale Winery!

 Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Romantic Autumn Wedding at the Golden Gate Club

Catherine and Dustin are two of the sweetest people you can imagine, so it didn't surprise us to learn one of their top priorities for their wedding was creating an event that felt warm and welcoming.

The majority of their guests traveled, some to San Francisco for the first time, and many from as far as Australia. They loved the idea of sharing the city with them: the natural beauty of the Presidio, tall trees, ocean views, and with luck, a bright blue sky.

While their guests filled the Presidio Chapel on the hill above the Golden Gate Club, they kept their bridal party small, choosing to have just their sisters with them at the alter.  The day was absolutely bursting with loving, joyful moments between family and friends.

Venue:  Inn at the Presidio + Presidio Chapel  + Golden Gate Club   |  Planner: Downey Street Events  |  Florals: Rare Sparrow  |   Hair + Makeup: Pins + Curls  + Face West |  Gown: Martina Liana via Novella Bridal   |  Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN   |   Suit: Tom Ford    |  Jewelry: Appelblom Jewelry   |   Shoes: Jimmy Choo  |  Caterer: Presidio Foods  |  Videography: Acorn Films  |   Band: All Star Juke Box  + Corelli Strings   |  Lighting: GOT Light   |  Rentals: Standard Party Rentals