Sonoma Wedding Venues: Our Favorites and WHY!

Hi all! It’s Erika, the owner and a lead planner with Sealed With A Kiss Events. I have been wanting to create this blog post to share with you all for quite some time now as this topic is very near and dear to my heart.

Why Sonoma is so special to me!

Sonoma is a very special place to me as it is personally the place I got married! When we get inquires from couples considering Sonoma for their wedding, I get a filled with emotions reminiscing over the smells of lavender, the crisp taste of rose wine on a warm summer day, and the feeling of the breeze on my face as we biked along the country roads to Sonoma’s Best coffee shop every day during my wedding weekend. So, here we created a list for couples of some of our favorite wedding venues to Sonoma. If you would like to know more about how to make a memorable wedding weekend in Sonoma, you should definitely inquire with me!

The Barn at Harrow Cellars

Capacity: 200+ guests

If you want to dine outside under string lights directly next to the world renowned vineyards of Sonoma Valley, then look no further. This venue is very customizable and gives the couple the ability to cut and paste (for lack of a better term) certain aspects of their big day. Guests take an olive lined pathway over to the The Willow Lawn to host your ceremony. Guests then walk over to the patio of the elegant white-washed barn for the outside bar and cocktail hour. Following this, guests can dine at tables on The Harrow Lawn (seen below) outside the barn with views of Carneros’ rolling hills. The option for inside dining in The Barn is also an option and great for the unfortunate event of poor, unpredictable weather. Despite Northern California’s world famous wine country being just that, it is not impermeable to the elements. Like most cities and towns, Sonoma also has certain city ordinances relating to noise/music as there is no outside amplified music past 10pm. With that being said, The Barn is a beautiful spot for indoor dancing and cake, while not hindering the views of beautiful wine country encasing you and your guests. These three locations (bolded) are at your disposal to choose which event of your wedding you have there. Folktable Catering is their exclusive in-house caterer, offering a creative menu inspired by our Bib Gourmand recognized Folktable Restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, stunning presentation, and all-inclusive service. For more images from a wedding at The Barn at Harrow Cellar, check out the full gallery in our portfolio!

Photo by: Photo Flood Studios

Buena Vista Winery

Capacity: guests

If you want to tell your family and friends that you are getting married at the oldest winery in California, then get married here. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery. The fountain courtyard with stone building gives off European vibes. The Bubble Room (champagne) is so fun for cocktail hour or dancing after dinner. Little glam in wine country. Great venue to have a romantic winter ceremony in the cave with tons of candles. Even though the property  is not right on the vineyards there is a great spot next door for those iconic wine country images. Alcohol: beer and wine only. Catering: RAWM catering teams. Transportation: not required but recommended for groups over 30. Bridal Suite: Room to get dressed, hair and makeup take place at your hotel. Time: Includes 4-5 hours and event concludes at 10pm.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Capacity: 140 guests

Notes: This top-rated Somona wedding venue and winery has been in the Bundschu family for six generations and is rooted in the love story of the founders. The sweeping beauty of the 320-acre estate allows for endless possibilities when planning a wedding, but the landscape isn’t the only draw at this venue. The winery is known for its warm people, cool climate, and creative spirit. They provide elopement and micro wedding packages along with hosting larger weddings up to 140 guests. Both indoor and outdoor options are available. Great for having a rain plan! They offer reduced off-season rates between November-March. Venue rental time for guest access is 4-10pm and bridal party can begin to arrive at 1pm. Rentals can begin to arrive for set up as early as 7am. They provide a pre-approved catering vendor list. All wine is provided by Gunlock Bundshu Winery and the couple can bring in beer and non-alcoholic beverages. No liquor is permitted. You CAN take pictures in the vineyard, major plus!

Abbot’s Passage

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Ceremony site is within the vines with breaking views of the rolling wine country hills. Within their site fee, they include a gorgeous wooden ceremony arbor, cafe lighting, sail shoes, patio and longer furniture, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, cocktail hour surround by 80+ year old vines, indoor dancing in chic tasting room, indoor and outdoor bars, and selection of world-class Sonoma wine. Venue rental time for guest access is 4-10pm.

Seven Branches Inn

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Bordering stunning parklands and just blocks from Sonoma’s historic town square, Seven Branches Venue & Inn captures the essence of a wine country wedding. Reflecting Sonoma’s Spanish heritage with its tiled roof, rammed-earth walls, and charming balconies and patios, our venue expresses elegance and charm. It gives the vibes of a Tuscan villa to me. Provides options for indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor patio is nestled under a serene canopy that provides an intimate space to celebrate surrounded by friends and family. Framed by ivy-covered walls, the ceremony courtyard is a picturesque backdrop encompassing wine country charm and elegance. Guests can book onsite accommodations at this venue. The party can go up until 12am if music is indoors and the rooms are rented. Venue is close to Sonoma square for after party options (Steiners!) can be planned with weddings here! Catering is in house and service is excellent.

Photo by: Mashaida & co.

K2 Ranch

Capacity: 350 guests

Notes: K2 Ranch is a family operated horse boarding facility located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. The Ranch, situated on 18 Acres, was developed in the late 60’s as a breeding stable for Arabian horses. Although Arabians are no longer bred on the property, it has continued to operate as a boarding and training facility by day and very special property that is available for a limited number of events. At The Ranch, possibilities are only limited by your imagination. This venue is exclusive to a five star caterer, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, a 40+ year caterer that accepts only the best quality of ingredients and holds itself to the highest standards. If you are a foodie, you must consider one of the 5 exclusive venues though Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, such as K2 Ranch in Sonoma!

Beltane Ranch

Capacity: 200 guests

Notes: Historic Beltane Ranch provides a most unique and breathtaking event venue. The 1892 Landmark Victorian is surrounded by lush gardens on a hillside overlooking estate vineyards and the heart of Sonoma Valley. The property includes an award-winning b&b and offers packages for weddings from 2-150. Caterer is provided onsite and they pride themselves on a farm to table experience. Onsite accommodations can be provided for limited amount of guests. Beltane Ranch is a winery as well and is known for their award winning red blend. Included in the site fee is a 2-night stay in their cottage. If you are a lover of sweet farm animals, you can request to have a chicken processional at your ceremony and also a meeting with their instagram famous baby doll sheep Wally! Go look up Wally the Wooly Weeder!

Photo by: Gretchen Gause

MacArthur Place

Capacity: 80-100 guests

Notes: MacArthur Place is an ideal venue for small to medium weddings. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, MacArthur Place delivers an idyllic, unforgettable setting for your dream Sonoma wedding. They have a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor venues that are perfect for your wedding or special event. And, with their dedicated event staff and on-site catering, they will be with you every step of the way and ensure your event goes off without a hitch. They offer natural luxury and farmhouse charm in the heart of Sonoma, making it a premier wedding destination in Northern California. Their newly designed “Coach House” features three elegant and well-appointed salons that can be combined for in an indoor reception is chosen. MacArthur Place has several indoor and outdoor event venues that are perfect to accommodate your wedding. Option for all guests to stay onsite at the hotel. Onside dinning available at onsite restaurant, Layla. They also have a hotel bar and morning coffee shop all onsite!

The Generals Daughter

Capacity: 100 guests

Notes: A beautiful, historic building surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees, General’s Daughter is located at the base of oak-covered hills in downtown Sonoma. The 1864 Victorian was once the home of General Vallejo’s daughter and her husband, the founder of California’s first winery. General’s Daughter's sprawling East Patio, with fireplace and vine covered arbor, is ideal for a ceremony or cocktail hour. The wisteria covered West Patio offers a shaded location for larger ceremonies or dinners. Step inside the interior and you are greeted with a vintage bar restored to its original beauty, adjacent to the intimate dining room. As the exclusive caterers, the culinary team at General’s Daughter's, Folktable Catering, will create the perfect menu for your off-site event. Their menus demonstrate their creative style and showcase the best of what Sonoma has to offer, including farm to fork seasonal menus. . The space is designed to accommodate both large and small groups.

Viansa Winery

Capacity: 400 guests for outdoors and 220 guest capacity for indoor spaces

Notes: Viansa Sonoma is located just 35 minutes from San Francisco, and offers stunning views, vines and wines. Viansa Sonoma serves as an unforgettable wine country venue, with the perfect backdrop for your special event. Their wide array of event spaces throughout the property can accomodate groups large and small, in locations that are sure to wow you and your guests. The stunning property offers several locations to host an elegant and timeless wine country event. Viansa Sonoma is able to host events all year long in the Pavillion, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, their estate vineyards, and coastal wetlands. The Viansa Sonoma team will execute every detail of your celebration flawlessly, with warm hospitality and careful precision. Viansa accepts outside caterers. The spectacular views, gorgeous ivy-covered courtyard, rolling hills, and utterly romantic cellar are hard to resist when selecting a spot for your special day.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyard

Capacity: 150 guests

Notes: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is a stunning site that features Italian stonework, beautiful vineyard views, and breathtaking outdoor venue overlooking the eastern vineyards and Wetland Preserve. Their wedding package includes exclusive use of three beautiful venues. The ceremony can be held in the Vineyard Vista, followed by an outdoor celebration in the Grand Piazza, followed by dinner and dancing in the exquisite Barrel Room. Jacuzzi can host both large and small weddings. At Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, you may personalize our Italian-inspired settings to create your dream wedding! The venue permits beer & wine only. You must select caterer from their preferred caterer list.

Cline Family Cellars

Capacity: 500 guests

Notes: Cline Family Cellars offers the rustic charm of landscaped­ gardens, willows, spring-fed ponds, and breathtaking vineyard views. The Great Lawn is a beautifully landscaped garden venue bordered by spring-fed ponds and mature willow trees. The perfect venue for groups of 50 or more guests. The maximum capacity for the Great Lawn is 500 seated, ideal for those events with larger guest counts. The Adobe Mission is perfect for those smaller guest counts, up to 100 people. You will enjoy string lights overhead, a stone patio and vineyards views during your event. The venue permits beer & wine only. You must select caterer from their preferred caterer list.

Gloria Ferrer Winery

Capacity: 120 guests

Notes: The Tasting Room is a modern, open space with iconic views from its substantial panel windows. The Vista Pavilion overlooks a breathtaking expanse of vineyards and mountains in the distance, beautifully framed by two trees. The Vista Terrace would be a lovely spot for a wedding reception, complete with a scenic view of the Carneros wine country.

15 Things You Didn't Know Your Wedding Planner with SWAK Can Do!

With engagement season upon us, I thought this would be a perfect time to share some insider information on what your lead wedding planner with SWAK will/can be doing for YOU! Having a skilled wedding planner is one of the most fundamental parts of having an amazing wedding day, but beyond day-of coordination, you may not even realize the full scope of a wedding planner duties with SWAK. Along with their expert wedding planning advice, guidance, and organization, a wedding planner can handle any other little thing you may need the day of the wedding. Below we highlight some important things that our lead planners with SWAK do to provide you and your guests an excellent experience, even more than just running a smooth wedding day.

1. Provide Budgeting Tips

In your google planning documents that all our couples receive, we provide budgeting advice on every budgeting line item. We provide a price range for what you may expect to spend on each line item based on general Bay Area pricing. This resource is YOURS when you work with us with any service. If you are seeking budget management directly with us, then you may want to consider our full planning service!

2. Communicate Wedding Details Directly with Bridal Party

Your lead SWAK planner will be sending an email to your bridal party about 1 week prior to your wedding sharing the final guest timeline and additional wedding day details. Our contact information is provided to them and they are encouraged to contact us with questions so to let our couples enjoy their last week of their engagement.

3. Offer Etiquette Advice

We love to provide our couples with resources on etiquette for invitation wording, table setting etiquette, most common ways to order the processional and much more!

4. Access to Our Room Block Partnership with JC Room Blocks, FREE to you!

When working with us, we connect you with our favorite ladies at JC Room Blocks and using them to secure your room blocks is totally free of charge! When your wedding gets closer, they provide weekly updates for how many rooms are booked within your room blocks and what is still available. We love them :)

5. Provide Our Action Item Wedding Checklist

Who doesn’t love a good to-do list?! All our couples receive a chronological action item to-do list containing every big to small detail that needs to be complete before the wedding day! Everything starts as “incomplete” and you will indicate “complete” once it is finished. This is a great progress tracker!

6. Provide Vendor Recommendations

Within your google planning docs, we provide all our couples with a vendor recommendation list. These vendors are ones we have vetted and worked with before! We provide vendors at various price points as well.

7. Nail Down Floor plans

For our month-of and partial planning clients, typically catering or the venue will provide the floor plans. We will review those and add all additional details to them such as ensuring we have info on guest book placement, signage placement, and any auxiliary decor is also indicated on your floor plans. With our full planning clients, we will be the ones creating your floor plans from the start! No matter what service is booked, we will make sure your floor plan is clear and detailed for all vendors!

8. Provide Guidance on Design

We love providing assistance on design for either our month of clients sending over a quick email for our opinion on a design dilemma to our partial planning clients booking a consultation call to discuss design for that hour to our full planning clients where we work from mood board creations to execution of all design elements, we are here to support your wedding design! We love to focus on creating a certain feeling or mood on your wedding day, beyond just creating a pretty wedding day. Email me if you would like to see a sample mood board that we create for our full planning clients.

9. First to Arrive

Your SWAK lead planner will be the first vendor to arrive onsite to provide appropriate communication with the venue contact person and your vendors.

10. Manage Transportation Day-of

Our team will be the main point of contact for the bus/shuttle drivers providing day-of transportation. We will have walkie talkies for our assistant to communicate the arrival and departure of transportation and will also ensure that end of night transportation is coordinated as well. We will staff with additional assistants to assist with transportation when necessary.

11. Bring an Emergency Kit

We will never show up empty handed! Your lead planner will come with a fully equipped emergency kit that continues to grow as we handle things at weddings each year. We will help problem solve anything unexpected that comes up!

12. Support the Guest’s Experience

Our team is there to greet your guests, answer any pondering questions, often point them towards the restroom (or bar!), and check in to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.

13. Oversee Vendor’s Needs

Not only are we the go-to person for you as the couple and your guests, we are also overseeing the needs of your vendor team. We ensure vendors have power, access to water source, access to any needed areas, that their vendor meals are timely, and that the needs of the couple as communicated with them!

14. Manage Unruly Guests

The last thing a couple wants to deal with is a guest who has had a few too many and is causing a total scene. Our team will make sure any overindulgent guests get some coffee and kindly move them out of the spotlight so the bride and groom never even notice.

15. Organize and Pack Up of All your Personal Decor/ Cards/ Gifts

We will repack any of your personal decor, cards, and gifts for you at end of night and will provide labels for all boxes so that you can easily find what you need next day. We will make sure boxes are handed off or put in the trunk of the responsible family member. Cards and gifts will be handed to the someone safe at end of night as well.

Client Review: Mrs. K

Wedding at Beltane Ranch in Sonoma, California

From the moment we met Erika we knew she was the perfect fit for us. Her warm smile, her infectious enthusiasm, and her genuine passion for creating unforgettable weddings instantly put us at ease. She listened intently to our vision and she was able to understand us in a way we never thought possible. Erika's expertise and attention to detail are truly remarkable. She guided us through every step of the planning process- from selecting the venue to choosing the perfect vendors- all while keeping our unique style and budget in mind. She provided us with an abundance of resources and recommendations, each one tailored to our preferences. Erika's ability to anticipate our needs and address our concerns before they even arose was nothing short of magical. She handled every challenge with grace and professionalism, always ensuring that we felt heard, valued, and supported. Her unwavering dedication to making our wedding a success was truly inspiring. She celebrated our joys, empathized with our concerns, and always had a warm smile and a listening ear ready. As our wedding day approached, Erika's unwavering support and meticulous planning ensured that everything ran smoothly and seamlessly. She transformed our vision into reality, creating a day that was not only beautiful and unforgettable but also a true reflection of our love and commitment to each other. Erika played a critical role in making our wedding day everything we had ever dreamed of and more. Erika, thank you for your unwavering support, your infectious enthusiasm, and your dedication to creating a wedding that was truly a reflection of our love story. You are not just a wedding planner; you are a true friend. We will forever cherish our friendship and the memories we created together throughout this process.

Ventana Big Sur Wedding

With so many twists an turns in their wedding planning, Matt and Lindsey could not have been more gracious and loving. From the start of COVID they were always asking how they could be praying for me and my own family, something I will always remember. Selflessness in the face of so much loss, of totally altered expectation… having to change venues and narrow down their guest list several times from 250 to two simultaneous receptions of 10 at their new venue, Ventana Big Sur. I will always love these two. What an incredible couple, and an incredible wedding to celebrate their union!

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Venue | Ventana Big Sur, Photography | Brandon Kidd, Videographer | Makai Creative, Flowers | Nancy Liu Chin Designs, Sound | DNA Entertainment, Rentals | Bright Rentals, Linens | La Tavola Linens /BBJ Linens, Paper | Aerialist Press, Hair and Makeup | Dreamcatcher Artistry

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Our Favorite Wedding Venues: Carmel and Monterey

Searching for venues is tough, especially in such a beautiful state! Carmel Valley and Monterey offer a sweet escape for you and your guests, so there is a lot of appeal to get married there. We also love this area and all it has to offer our couples. Here are a few of our favorite wedding venues in Carmel and Monterey:

Gardener Ranch

Capacity: 150 Guests

Notes: Offers overnight on site for up to 51 guests, parking for up to 100 vehicles, 5 gorgeous ceremony locations to choose from (including the lawn below).

Photo : Gardender Ranch

Holman Ranch

Capacity: 350 guests

Notes: Overnight on site with 14 guest room suites, golf carts shuttle guests from parking area to venue, do not need to use Holman Ranch wine at event, but need to buy six cases of wine to eliminate corkage fee. Amplified music must end at 10:00pm sharp.

Carmel Valley Ranch

Capacity: 300 guests

Notes: Boast various activities for your guests onsite including hatchet throwing, beekeeping, cooking courses, various sports, candle-making, and of course, golf. Food served with cheese made on site at the creamery.

Photo: Carmel Valley Ranch *Not our event*

La Playa Hotel

Capacity: 200 guests

Notes: In an amazing central location in Carmel-by-the Sea, guests can stay in the 75 rooms of the hotel, which typically require a minimum two night stay.

Photo: Cassie Valente *Not our event*

The Holly Farm

Capacity: 250 Guests

Notes: Guest rooms for up to 24 people on site, in-house catering with the exception of rehearsal dinner or brunch for up to 40 guests you can bring in your own food.

Bernardus Lodge

Capacity: 150 guests indoors, 200 outdoors

Notes: Lovely garden area for ceremony and/or reception with italian cypress trees or white pergola as backdrop. With 73 guest rooms, suites and villas, all of your guests can stay here for your wedding weekend.

Mission Ranch

Capacity: 180 guests

Notes: A quaint hotel with a lovely view of grazing sheep at ceremony site, overnight on site accomodations for guests, and a barn-type structure (blut slightly more industrial than most) for an indoor dining option.

Photo: Jen Rodriguez

Monterey State Park Gardens

Capacity: 250 guests (in the Memory Garden location)

Notes: Likely the most cost effective option for you in the area, Monterey State Park offers gardens for up to 10 hours. There are various gardens to choose from depending on guest count. See all options by clicking HERE. Guests can park in the Warf Parking lot or downtown’s East or West parking garages. No tenting allowed, and no indoor space available, so if rain comes you are getting married in the rain (or any undesirable weather). The memory garden is filled with magnolia trees that offer a romantic bistro light ambiance over dinner and dancing

Photo: Source Unknown

Club Del Monte

Capacity: 600 guests indoors, 150 guests outdoors

Notes: Lovely interior ballroom with chandeliers and large mosaic to fram cake, head table, etc.

Photo: Mandy Ford *Not our event*

Los Laureles Lodge

Capacity: 200 guests

Notes: Wood pews under large oak tree at ceremony site. Can stay on site over night, get ready at Hill House. Natural light, white and dark green buildings. Clean hotel rooms but pretty dated. This venue is a great option for those considering a “rustic charm” theme.

Photo: Amy Little Photography *Not our event*

Carmel Mission

Capacity: 450 guests

Notes: There are many notable guidelines that must be adhered to, which you can review HERE. Please note that this is a ceremony-only venue and you must get married at 11:00am, 1:00pm or 3:00pm services. For large weddings requiring additional set up time you may need to buy out an additional time slot or both.

Photo: Source Unknown

Club at Pasadera

Capacity: 300 guests

Notes: With indoor and outdoor reception options, and a whole lot of spanish-style charm, this golf club has a lot to offer. The ceremony space has a large oak tree overlooking the rolling hills of the Carmel Valley. Certainly worth a look!

Photo: Source Unknown

Joullian Vineyards

Capacity: 250 Guests

Notes: Smaller spaces available for 20-50 guests, stunning views of Carmel Valley and both vineyards and oak trees. Chairs, bistro lights, dance floor, tablels, linens, flatware, glassware, bar, wine barrel cocktail tables, and market umbrellas.

Client Review: Mrs. M

Thank you so much for the sweetest review Mrs. M! I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to let other couples know about your experience working with us.

Pick Sealed With A Kiss Events and stop looking for anyone else.

“It can be super challenging to read reviews on wedding websites and to be able sift through what is honest and what isn't. In all honesty, if you are on the fence about picking Sealed with a Kiss against another company, you need to choose this company. Erika, simply put, is the best. She is the best because she is honest, detail-oriented, and is calm. Our wedding day was one of the most relaxed and calmest days of my life partially because Erika had every detail nailed down ahead of time, and I truly did not have to worry about a thing. If there was a detail or problem on our wedding day then I couldn't tell you because Erika handled everything so seamlessly. We used the Sealed with a Kiss team for month-of coordination and it was the best decision we ever made. I love that she works with her mom and sister because they definitely treat you like you are part of their family. While wedding planners are pricey, their work is truly priceless and Erika is the best. Truly, you won't be sorry when you have her team plan your wedding.”

Top Father Daughter Dance Songs 2020

Father-daughter dances can be a really lovely moment for the bride and her father. Sometimes picking a song can be tough, so here is a list of songs our clients have picked in the past few years:

Father Daughter Dance Songs

“Daughter’s Love”- John Mayer

“The way you look tonight” Frank Sinatra -OR- Steve Tyrell

“Have I told you lately” - Rod Stewart

“Till there was you” - Beatles

“Daughter Turn Me Loose” - Loudon Wainwright III Loverboy

“My Wish” - Rascall Flatts

“Colors” - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

“Sweet Child O Mine” - Guns N’ Roses

“Unforgettable” Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole

“I Loved Her First” Heartland

“Dance With My Father” Luther Vandross

“Brown Eyed Girl” Van Morrison

“When You’re Smiling” - Louis Armstrong

“Hija Mia” Abraham Velazquez

“Butterfly Kisses” Bob Carlisle

“Young At Heart” - Frank Sinatra

“My Girl” Temptations

Vintage Estate, Yountville | Wedding

A+W had an amazing day with a multicultural ceremony and reception at The Vintage Estate in Yountville.

Venue | The Vintage Estate, Photography | Andrew and Ada, Flowers | Bewilder Floral Co., Invitations | Minted, Rentals + Tent | Encore , Vintage Rentals | Found Rentals, Dessert Display | Kitty Wong Pastry Shop, Videography | Amor in Motion, Officiant | Halal Weddings, Hair | Hair by Anaa K , Makeup | Beauty By Lela, DJ | DJ Sir Edgar, Hookah | Cloudz Hookah Lounge, After Party | Ottimo

A Wedding Inspired by a House Party: Gallery 308 Fort Mason, San Francisco

When I first spoke to L+A, they were such a fun a CHILL couple. We talked about what their dream wedding would look like, and the word they both mentioned was “comfortable”, so I focused the design on colors that made them happy, and we invited the guests to experience their wedding day in a cocktail style reception with a ceremony where almost all the guests stood around them and various lounges were set up in the space. We had tacos from their favorite restaurant (Nopalito) served in vintage chaffing dishes, and used custom graphics created by the groom to make it feel even more “them”. We brought in (rented) house plants and the bride chose not to carry a bouquet, so no fresh flowers were needed.

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VENUE: Gallery 308, Fort Mason | PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenn Emerling | CATERING: Nopalito SF | PLANTS: The Plant Library | RENTALS: The Wild Ones Rentals & Bright Rentals | DJ: Heart of Gold DJs | PAPER: Dependable Letterpress | BALLOONS: The Balloon Man | DRESS: Loho Bride | SUIT: Spoon Tailor

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A Modern Garden Wedding: Aracely Cafe, San Francisco

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C+A had the most lovely wedding at Aracely Cafe this past June. It was a slightly foggy day in the city, but nothing could put a damper on their day. The design thoughtfully combined modern details with a traditional garden wedding theme. It turned out amazing! One of my favorite details was the booklet style menu with their emblem on the front, and menu printed inside, wrapped in a white silk ribbon.

VENUE: Aracely Cafe, San Francisco | PHOTOGRAPHER: Megan Robinson | FLOWERS: Petite Petal Co. | PAPER: Aerialist Press | HAIR AND MAKEUP: Dreamcatcher Artistry | DJ: Heart of Gold DJs | Shoes: Bella Belle | BRIDESMAID DRESS: BHLDN | RENTALS: FOUND, BRIGHT | LINEN: La Tavola Fine Linen | PHOTO BOOTH: The Booth Bus

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A Foodie Wedding With A View: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga California

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These two were one of the most thoughtful couples I have had the pleasure of working with. A small guest list and a seven course dinner made it so intimate and all about the FOOD! I loved being there to witness it, and oh my STARS look at the view from Auberge du Soleil’s ceremony spot!

VENUE: Auberge du Soleil | PHOTOGRAPHER: Amanda Wei | FLOWERS + RENTALS: Rion Designs | VIDEOGRAPHER: Apollo Fotografie | DJ: Wine Country Entertainment | HAIR AND MAKEUP: Skyla Arts | STRING QUARTET: Bellarosa String Quartet

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A Wedding in the Redwoods: Nestldown Los Gatos, California

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A + H were married on the most beautiful day in the California redwoods. With bridesmaids in various shades of blue, they kept things classic and simple. Much of the design was unknown to the bride, a doctor, who didn’t have much time to think through the details. She was SO HAPPY the entire day, and everything was much more beautiful than she had originally imagined.

VENUE: Nestldown, Los Gatos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Megan Robinson | FLOWERS: Michelle Lywood | HAIR AND MAKEUP: Skyla Arts , Cheryl Lam | CATERING: Toast Bay Area | DJ: BIG FUN DJs | CAKE: Gerhard Michler | TRANSPORTATION: Corinthian Parking | LINEN: La Tavola Linen |

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Things you should know: Wedding Photographers

I would say of all the people groups in the wedding industry, my absolute favorite people are wedding photographers. I follow them by the hundreds, love a new one every day practically... their work is art. How they capture love is beautiful to me. 

Since I am not a wedding photographer, this article stems from knowing a lot of them as friends, colleagues, and even family members. I think brides and grooms get overwhelmed in the search because these days there are SO many options, but hopefully this post will help you think through a few things while you look. 

photo by Hannah Suh

Experience.

the great photographers i know focus on experience of their couple. the photographer should be someone you connect with personally because you see them MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE on your day, and I am not exaggerating. You should actually like them as a person beyond just liking their photographs. I also really suggest doing an engagement shoot before the wedding so you can familiarize yourself with how they pose you, and even better, you will see images before the wedding day to know you picked the right person!

Pricing. 

The headline above is a big thing to think about. Depending on the market you are planning your wedding in, pricing can vary. The best advice I can give you is to really investigate your preferred photography style via a full gallery from the photographers you are deciding between. Are the images from all parts of the wedding appealing to you? Do they tell a story? Do they feel posed in a way that makes you uncomfortable? Ask them about the timeline for that specific wedding too, did they have enough time to shoot everything they wanted to? These are good things to ask! Another important reason to ask for a full gallery, is that you may like the single best shots they post in their Instagram account, but do you like the other images they delivered?

Please do not ask for discounts. 

Photographers price themselves at a point where they are covering their overhead costs, paying for their rent or mortgage (and other bills), and sometimes studio spaces. Let's not forget advertising, which is likely how you found them in the first place. They know how many weddings they can book in a season, and price themselves as such. Please respect that, and do not ask for a discount. 

Deliverables.

Make sure you know how many wedding photos to expect when all is said and done. Make sure it is clear how long you should expect before they arrive in your inbox or are shared in some other fashion. If your photographer is a film shooter, they need to send the film to labs to scan and it may take longer to get back. Some photographers aim to send sneak peaks (1-5 photos) from your day within a few days of your wedding for you to post on social media or share with your friends. It all depends, so again, just ask them. 

Film vs. Hybrid vs. Digital.

Wow I hope I cover this correctly. Again, I am not a photographer but have had experience with all of these different formats as a planner:

Film - There is a level of artistry and technical detail that goes into this style of shooting that should not be overlooked. Also, film you may have purchased as Walgreens when you were a kid off to summer camp is not the film these folks are using. There is serious overhead for film shooters. Not only do they pay a pretty penny for each roll of film, they also pay the labs to develop them, and have to pay for shipping in addition to that. I have a very high level of respect for these folks and think they are worth every penny if you can afford them. They do best with natural light and outdoor events. There is a color tone in film that is just so beautiful and rich compared to digital photos.

Hybrid - These shooters typically have a film and digital camera with them. Since film picks up so well with detail shots and outdoor daytime shots they might take those extra special photos on the film, but then whip out the digital for things like family photos, dancing, cake cutting, etc. Some will bring a second digital shooter to cover all aspects of the wedding while they shoot film. Each has their own system!

Digital - Don't discount the artists that shoot digital! They aren't paying the overhead film photographers are, bit still have some. I know a lot of digital-only shooters who do a great job, it really just depends on the style you are looking for.  Because they don't have a ton of pure overhead like the film shooters, these are often the most affordable of the options, but not always. I have worked with high-profile digital shooters who charged double what the film shooters were charging. It all depends! You do typically get more images when you hire a digital shooter though, so that can be a great reason to hire a digital photographer. You also need to be slightly less delicate with the timeline for these shooters, They can usually take every photo you were hoping for with less adjusting in the schedule.

It might offend them if...

"Culling" is the term they use for going through every single photograph to decide which they feel best represent the beauty of your day. They tell a story. They share a perfect glimpse of a moment. It can really insult them if once you get your galley back you ask them to see ALL of the photos they took on your day. Most will kindly decline. They have spent the time to go through every photo to give you the very best ones. That is part of their job! Please hire a photographer you TRUST!

Travel. 

I would say 90-99% of the photographers I know would LOVE to travel for your wedding. There is a misconception that vendors need to have seen the location you are getting married to do a good job there, not true. If you are hiring a good photographer, and can afford to pay for their travel costs in addition to the cost of their wedding package, you should absolutely consider them. Always ask about travel fees upfront, you never know who might be itching to get away to your wedding destination!

photo by Megan Robinson Photography

Publishing.

Do you want your wedding to be published? What does "published" mean? Well, when you have looked on Pinterest or blogs to see what you are hoping for in your big day, or purchased a magazine to cut out or show your parents... those are published weddings. Some photographers are great at getting weddings published and it is a focus of their attention. If it is important to you to get your wedding published, you should expect the timeline to be adjusted slightly so the photographer has time to get detail shots... and you need tho think about details a little bit more than you would if being published wasn't on your radar. Detail shots include: 

• A styled invitation suite - Make sure to order 2 extra invitations for the photographer and planner to style. Sometimes its nice to order extra flowers for this as well, and if you are going with a color theme, searching for old stamps to compliment the suite for this photo is a great idea!

• A full ceremony AND reception shot with no catering team, no guest coats or purses on the chairs, and all candles lit.

• A first look - unless you or your partner is against it, both planners and photographers alike usually recommend doing a first look. Not only does it sometimes allow for the couple to actually attend cocktail hour, it also gives the photographer some extra time for portraits, which of all photos from your wedding, this group and the sunset photos (see below) will be your "wall hangers"

• Sunset photos - you can see what time the sun sets in the city on your wedding date and plan accordingly. Photographers love as much portrait time as they can get in what they call "golden hour" the hour before the sun is set (and sometimes a few minutes afterwards)

REVIEW: A SWEET NOTE FROM MRS. G

Erika is a godsend and is exactly who you want behind the scenes at your wedding - Calm, intelligent, confident, detail oriented and not overbearing. Erika helped me one month out with my wedding on Memorial Day weekend at the St Francis Yacht Club. In hindsight, I wish we had spent the money to hire her earlier on instead of doing heavy lifting on our own. She has exceptional judgement and helped create our wedding – not a cookie cutter template, or a way to give money to preferred vendors. Actually she saved us money on wine, vendors and more.  From her masterful google doc with 18+ tabs to keep us organized, to the hour by hour planner which was sent to all the key members of the wedding party so they/we knew where to go, to pro tips on colors and last minute details we had forgotten she made our event seamless.  Most importantly, my mom, husband and I enjoyed our wedding and did not have to manage any problems the day of the event because of Erika. She went to the venue early, coordinated with all the vendors and left us free to do what we wanted – enjoy ourselves! Also it turns out that my husband would have forgotten the rings if Erika had not gone through a last minute check list with him. LOL! Thank you Erika. I would recommend you to family, friends and hopefully my own children in the future.