Chic Outdoorsy Wedding Above the Pacific | Big Sur

As California natives, Big Sur has held a special place for both Alexis and Derek and when they selected Ventana for their wedding, they liked the idea of sharing an entire weekend in Big Sur with their friends and family.

The day began with welcome drinks at the Glass House, overlooking Big Sur’s dramatic coastline. Jackson, the 13-year-old family dog played ring bearer for their ceremony in the redwood grove. Wild, unruly grasses in the florals juxtaposed modern lines on the invites and menus, the perfect embrace of natural, yet chic Big Sur luxury. Ventana sits above the fog line and the glow of the setting sun over the mist lit up the oak trees and the guests at their tables overlooking the water. 

For their first dance, a friend performed a Van Morrison tune and after dinner and cake, a sleeping baby Van would be serenaded with more acoustic Van Morrison around the fire pits. The night had exactly the fun, outdoorsy, big family dinner party vibe they had hoped for.

Venue: Ventana Big Sur | Planner: The Framework Events | Florals: Le Bouquet | MUAH: Alissa DiMaggio | Gown: Laure De Sagazan via Wild Bride | Paper Goods: Bourne Paper Co | Videography: Howard Films | DJ: Ryan Senior | String Quartet: Subito Strings

Mt. Madonna Redwood Grove Wedding

Jenn and Sam met while working the tomato harvest on a farm in Texas. Eventually, Jenn followed Sam back to Northern California where the pair and their dog Doc can be found early Sunday mornings selling organic produce at Silicon Valley farmers markets. It won’t surprise anyone to learn their favorite thing to do is cook for each other, and their dearest friends and family.

They wanted their wedding to be about feeding their people and to feel “like the best backyard BBQ we’ll ever host.” Post-ceremony dinner in the redwoods consisted of smoked ribs, lots of tomatoes, and to blend their Bay Area and Texas heritage, the menu included Topo Chico and IT’S ITs.

The charming idea of “getting ready in a yurt” had its challenges (like not enough power for a hairdryer and no phone reception), but, the informal vibe of a picnic in the redwood grove at Mt Madonna Park was exactly the right fit for their vision. The nooks of trees surrounding the tables created "living spaces” for various activities and for friends and family to connect, share a drink, or take a walk thorough the forest.

MUAH: Shaida Locasio | Florals: Soaps of Seven Flowers | Catering: Naz Johnson | Rings: Esqueleto | Gown: BHLDN | Suit: Bonobos | Desert: It’s Its

Dazzling Wedding on the Water | Sausalito Yacht Club

When Amy moved to Mill Valley to be with Kacey, the Sausalito Yacht Club soon become an extension of their living room. Kacey grew up sailing locally and around the world and the two share a love of the water. They really wanted their wedding to feel like their guests were coming to their house for a nice dinner.

Amy and Kacey arrived to the yacht club in supreme style aboard the Schooner Freda B. Guests watched on from the dock as they shared vows, rings, and raised their personalized flag. Cake cutting and loving toasts were followed by a magnificent surprise: a fireworks show over the water! It was a dinner party not to be forgotten.

Venue: Sausalito Yacht Club | Planning: Lily Spruce | Florals: Rito Ito | MUAH: The Glamorist | Calligraphy: Rona Siegel | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Coffee Cart: Hedge | Sail Boat : Freda B | Fireworks: Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. | Band: Pop Rocks | The Wedding Detailer | Bridal Gowns: Vera Wang & Oscar de la Renta | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Officiant: Eric Winkler | Watercolor: Alice Koswara

Intimate Ceremony at Cathedral Beach, Yosemite

Anson and Maya wanted to show their out-of-town friends a great San Francisco weekend, culminating with a big, boisterous Russian wedding, but when they thought about where they wanted to share their vows, Yosemite felt right. They fell in love on weekend climbing trips as they fell asleep under the stars and they wanted to share this magical place with close family and friends.

The resulting itinerary gave them the best of both worlds. The vodka toasts and spirited hora would follow in San Francisco on Saturday night, but first, they shared a quiet ceremony along the river beneath El Capitan. The small gathering allowed them to be more personal and vulnerable, and Anson had many eyes watering with his surprisingly sentimental vows.

Ceremony: Cathedral Beach, Yosemite | Florals: Bride’s sister-in-law | Gown: Joanna August | Suit: SuitSupply