A Backyard Wedding in the Heart of Wine Country

When Mike and Shara decided to get married, they weren't looking for a venue. They were looking for a feeling. The answer was right there: Mike's brother's backyard in Kenwood, tucked into the hills of Sonoma Wine Country, shaded by the kind of sprawling oak trees that feel like they've witnessed a hundred summers.

Between the two of them, they came to this day with five boys, ages ranging from 8 to 18, and a story that carries both loss and deep joy. Shara is a widow, and this was a second chapter for both of them. That history made the 65 guests gathered under those oaks feel less like a crowd and more like a circle of people who truly understood what they were witnessing.

The ceremony was held at Kenwood Community Church, a sweet white chapel that's been part of the Valley of the Moon community for generations. Simple, sincere, exactly right for them.

The reception unfolded the way the best backyard parties do: long tables under the trees, wine country light filtering through the leaves, kids running around, and guests who didn't want to leave. Mike and Shara wanted photos that showed the whole scene, the vibe of people lingering over dinner, the golden-hour glow on the hillside, the sense that this place mattered. That's exactly what the evening gave us.

VENUE: Private Home | OFFICIANT: Cornelia Cyss-Carter | CATERING: Erik Lowe, BF Sonoma | HAIR: Mary Belieu | MUSIC: Kyle Craft | FLORIST, DESSERT + PLANNING: Wild Hare Homestead

A Modern Twist on Tradition at Mister Jui's Moongate Lounge

 E+L recently tied the knot with a gorgeous ceremony at San Francisco’s ever-impressive City Hall. Towering pillars, sweeping staircases, and white marble complimented their modern and elegant gowns and colorful bouquets.

From City Hall, the group continued on to Moongate Lounge, situated above Mister Jui’s in China Town, for an intimate reception. E+L wanted their reception to be true to their Laotian and Chinese heritage and included a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and a Lao Sou Khuan ceremony, which involves tying cotton strings around the couple’s wrists and sharing prayers and well wishes. The evening was complete with crisp rosé, oysters on ice, and an incredible assortment of Chinese dishes.

Venue: Moongate Lounge | Florist: @linzygriswold

Lively Celebration at Thomas Fogarty Winery

Excited to share a sneak peek from Kevin and Maureen’s wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery! The pair shared their vows under sparkling skies and a stunning view of the Portola Valley. After dinner high above the vineyard, Maureen’s nieces wasted no time in opening the dance floor for a lively party!

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery | Planner: First Pick Planning | Gown: Jenene’s Bridal | Catering: Continental Caterer | DJ: Big Fun DJ

Saratoga Springs | Celebration in the Redwoods

This spring, Alyssa and Dakota shared their vows at Saratoga Springs in Santa Clara County, surrounded by towering redwoods and the charm of a historic stone bridge. The ceremony took place on a sprawling lawn, where the open, natural setting reflected their love of the outdoors and provided a COVID-friendly space for everyone to feel safe.

Guests from nearby San Jose and beyond gathered to celebrate, filling the day with laughter and joy. The couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends, who were as much a part of the day’s story as the newlyweds themselves. “It always felt like this wedding was about more than just us,” they said. “It was about celebrating the community that’s supported us.”

The reception was a lively mix of dancing, laughter, and heartfelt moments under the redwoods. String lights and simple decor enhanced the natural beauty of the venue, creating a warm and intimate vibe. Dakota and Alyssa shared their first dance as newlyweds before inviting everyone to join in, turning the lawn into a vibrant dance floor.