Welcome to I Do Venues—your insider’s view into San Francisco and California wedding ceremony and reception venues. The industry’s best wedding photographers provide daily design inspiration with professional photographs from of real weddings in the hottest Bay area venues. You can visualize the best themes, color palettes, and design concepts for your wedding venue.
Our practical information on each wedding venue is based on first-hand experience from industry professionals who have successfully executed real weddings at your selected wedding venue. Since choosing your wedding venue is the pivotal choice for designing your dream wedding, make the best decision with I Do Venues’ insight and insider knowledge and be inspired along the way.
Design Inspiration: Something Blue
Photography By: Zofia Photo
Summary
A blue ribbon winning wedding design does not have to be complicated. Start by surrounding yourself with fun details, choose the perfect color palette, and infuse it with lots of personalized mementos. Shades of navy blue and crisp winter white are an ideal launch pad for many inspired design concepts.
The inspiration board featuring the unique photography of Zofia Photo perfectly depicts how a color palette that combines hints of blue, white, and a snippet of pale pink can wind its way from flirty floral arrangements to a decadent cake display. The traditional bouquet of pale blue hydrangea is given an unexpected twist with a profusion of soft open white roses – giving more texture to the design. The cake has a classic design with a modern spin. The simple blue piping and peal design is wonderful, but I love how they have incorporated the cake topper and the cupcakes together – brilliant and easy!
Color Palette and Details
A rustic wedding that infuses a delicate shade of coral with blue and white is a wonderful design concept for a rustic farmhouse wedding. The designer (A Taste of Nantucket) has tied together beach elements of starfish and sea shells with vintage fishing nets, lanterns, and glass bobbers – how much fun! The antique birdcage is great (designed by Soiree Floral). The couple has used it as a display and, to make it a bit more interesting, they have intertwined twigs and various floral elements to the base – the silk peacock perched on top is a great and unexpected addition.
Design ~ Country Fair
Photography By: Corbin Gurkin
Summary
An old fashioned Country Fair is filled with Ferris wheels, candy apples, and vintage card games. This wedding is so much fun, filled with so many great details setting it apart from the ordinary. To begin, the couple chose a venue perfect for the theme and an aged county barn is a perfect backdrop. Take a look at the bride’s dress – the mid-length dress is not your typical fete but adds a bit of pizazz, and the birdcage veil is a great touch. The color combination of eggplant and dove gray provide sweet and charming accents without being overly feminine. The flower girls and ring bearers are dressed in pseudo vintage attire. The suspenders and caps worn by the boys are a wonderful touch to bring in the overall theme. If you are looking to build on this idea, you may consider bringing in vintage bicycles, playing cards, and ride tickets. Consider having a candy bar that displays cotton candy, miniature caramel and candy apples, or possibly give homemade preserves or spiced nuts as your wedding favors. The use of mason jars to serve up your specialty cocktail is ideal; a refreshing raspberry lemonade with a splash of infused vodka or possibly a mint julep will hit the spot.
Color Pallet and Venue Recommendations
This fun and festive theme is welcomed at any country outdoor setting. The milk barn and carriage house at The Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland will provide a historic and authentic backdrop. If you are city-bound for your celebration, give Stern Grove a look – the authentic saloon will host a great country fair themed wedding.
The Wedding Coordinator of this beautiful wedding was Sweet Emilia Jane and the photography was brought to us by the very talented Corbin Gurkin.
Photography By: Corbin Gurkin
Alicia’s I Do’s: White and Blue Elegance
Photography by: Dorothy Hatchel Photography
Summary
What is the next hot wedding color palette? Who knows?! However, it is a scientific fact that each season there does seem to be a theme and or color palette that dominate the magazines, books, and bridal shows for that year. If you have found your inspiration from design projects you have seen in magazines and print, it is important that you put your own unique touches into play - to customize the design and make it your own.
Last season, one of the most dominant color combinations for my (Alicia Falango) clientele was elegant winter white paired with a midnight blue. The breath-taking wedding pictured above was a glittering crystal inspired celebration at Beaulieu Garden.
When the couple first approached me, they expressed a desire to have a gorgeous and sophisticated wedding, but they wanted to keep things clean and simple, they wanted elegance with some flair but not flashy. The first thing we needed to do was tackle the color pallet. My client was getting married at always stunning Beaulieu Garden. We conceptualized a design using whites, blues, and silver accents. The bride was in love with crystals – wanted everything to sparkle – so we were careful to incorporated different styles of crystal throughout the design without going over the top. The ceremony was show stopping – we created a 9×9 wall of hanging crystals with delicate flowers woven into the blanket of sparkling light. The aisle runner was the perfect “amuse busche” for the dramatic ceremony design. The bridal path was lined heavily with rose petals, tall glass columns marked each row, the cylindrical vases glimmered in the sunlight reflecting the blue water gently resting within them. Each vase held an elegant arrangement of hydrangea, freesia, and garden roses on top – the design was exactly what the bride had hoped for.
After the ceremony, the guests were greeted by a crystal wishing tree. Impressive and chic winter white branches holding various shimmering crystals floating in the cool breeze were encased by a modern vase. The guests were encouraged to take a few moments and give the newlyweds wedding blessings. A tabletop design requiring thousands of white rose petals intertwined with crystals resting in a custom-made 6 ft. clear tray was a stunning addition for the carefully displayed escort cards.
The arbor at Beaulieu Garden is the perfect place for a memorable wedding feast and no-one does it better than Paula LeDuc Fine Catering. The guests were treated to a 4-course meal and each bite was positively decadent and as always the presentation was perfect. The arbor was adorned with silver and gold gilded crystal chandeliers creating the perfect balance of sparkle and light. The guests were truly surrounded by luxury at every turn.
Trying to keep the design true to my client’s wishes of simple, clean, and chic while incorporating specific elements such as crystals and chandeliers was a challenge. In order to accomplish this and keep the focus on elegant and away from “whimsical,” we focused on the use of white, silver, and shimmering crystals. The midnight blue acted as a perfect compliment – we were able to emphasize it in subtle ways, such as the silk chair pads on the chiavari chairs, an elegant wrap on the napkins, and the wonderfully displayed candy bar waiting to greet the guests after dinner. By paying attention to the use of color, we were able to create a very clean and elegant design.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Dorothy Hatchel Photography; Designer/Planner – Alicia K Designs; Catering – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering.
Wedding Venue: Beaulieu Garden Sneak Preview
Photography By: Alisha and Brook Photographers
Summary
In France, Beau Lieu would refer to a beautiful place and I must admit the proprietors of Beaulieu Vineyards (BV), home to the gorgeous Beaulieu Garden, are keeping true to their French heritage. Beaulieu Garden is the oldest continually operating winery in the Napa Valley. With over 100 years of history, this pristine property is an ideal location for a fairytale winery wedding. More to come!!!
Desing Inspiration: Daffodil
Photography by: Yvonne Wong with Event Design by Good Taste
Summary
Historically daffodils have always symbolized friendship and the beginning of spring. I can’t think of a better wildflower to use for a wedding design concept. The flower is so unique – the trumpet-shaped flower is off-set by a star-burst shaped petal pattern and available in hundreds of warm yellow hues. I can’t get enough of this wonderful wedding brought to us by Yvonne Wong! The overall concept starts with a deep daffodil yellow paired with soft heather gray. The swallow graphic provides great symbolism representing the idea of marriage as our human need to return home.
Take a look at the paper collateral suite – the swallow graphic is subtle but the use of various fonts, from elaborate scripts to simple type, make them unique and get your attention. The swallow graphic is a great DIY element – as you can see a simple cut graphic makes for great signage and can be used as escort cards and programs. The use of yellow petals simply scattered among candles is a simple way to get a bit of color onto your tables. The dress - I love this dress and Yvonne Wong has done an amazing job of photographing the bride. The dramatic ball gown style dress is superb and when photographed against a neutral canvass, the resulting photos are ethereal.
Venue Suggestions & Color Palette
We love the outrageously fun details of this warm and lovely yellow inspired celebration. This great color pallet and overall design concept would work well at Healdsburg Country Gardens, Solage Calistoga (throw in some chocolate brown and natural elements) and I’d love to see a similar design at the Dunsmuir Hellman Estate and Gardens in Oakland or Headlands Center for the Arts.
Wedding Venue: Asian Art Museum Sneak Preview
Photography By: Kevin Chin Photography
Sneak Preview
Before it was titled the Asian Art Museum – the historic structure at 200 Larkin Street was a bustling part of the Civic Center. Originally San Francisco’s main library, the Asian Art Museum took over this prestigious address in 2003.
The grand hall (commonly known as Samsung Hall) is an experience in refinement and elegance. The walls and floors are adorned in white Tavertine, while the high ceilings, masterfully carved arches, and columns are a grand testament to the Beaux Arts era, when this structure was built. Weddings at the Asian Art Museum are magnificent. Whether you are offering your guests a posh modern aesthetic, or you prefer the flavors of vintage grandiosity, you will find a home at this gorgeous venue.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Kevin Chin Photography, Designer/Planner – Couture Wedding Design.
Wedding Venue: City Club Photography
Photography by: Daniela Degrassi Photography
What I Love About This Facility
The City Club is one of the best locations in downtown to shoot a wedding. The architecture and styling of the interior are gorgeous and can add so much to the photos. The gold gilded ceilings, ebony windows, and vintage lighting allow for a period wedding theme. The original Diego Rivera is outstanding!
Andrew Weeks ~ “Just the look and feel of this place!! The art deco décor really takes you back to another time. The setting is great for photographs. It is dark in there with some subtle lighting, it makes everything look gorgeous, but be sure your photographer is up to shooting in low light.”
Don’t Miss Shots
Andrew Weeks ~ ” You’re in downtown SF! So take advantage of the City, be sure to take the Bride and Groom out to the streets. During the day, take them just around the corner to the staircase and pillars of the old Stock Exchange and at night, explore the hustle and bustle of the streets. Your couple can be photographed in the glow of the city with cars streaming by in the background. Also, in lobby of the building there is a set of small steps that lead to two huge beautiful doors – you cannot miss it!!”
Wedding Venue: Haas Lilienthal House Sneak Preview
Photography By: Billy Winters Photography
Sneak Preview
Transport your guests to a simpler time when hosting an elegant wedding celebration at the Haas Lilienthal House in San Francisco. Renowned for its 18th century Victorian architecture, this amazing Presidio Heights address has been named the Best Preserved Victorian in San Francisco. The lavish home was originally built in 1866 and has undergone minimal modification over the past 200 years. The floor plan offers multiple rooms and three floors, ideally designed for an intimate wedding celebration and vintage soiree. More to come!!!
Wedding Venue: Terra Gallery Sneak Preview
Photography by: Tanja Lippert Photography
Summary
A modern and creative approach to your wedding design is waiting to meet you at Terra Gallery in San Francisco. A fresh design pairing vibrant red with classic gossamer white and a dabble of basic black make this modern wedding a show stopper. The soaring ceilings and 20ft windows make Terra the perfect location for a downtown “loft” ceremony – add the sophisticated and chic club aesthetic of the newly renovated lower level and you have a great party in store. More to come!!!
Alicia’s I Do’s: Breakaway From Tradition
Photography by: Jessamyn Harris
Summary
Wedding planners are a rare breed. What other job lets you be ultra creative, but also requires that you be uber organized, as well as insightful? If you think about it, we basically help complete strangers plan the most important day of their lives. It takes a unique talent to be able to recognize an individuals likes and dislikes, pin-point what makes them tick, and then wrap it all up into a killer party that is completely reflective of their personality.
Yep, it’s not an easy job.
Alicia Falango of Alicia K Designs is unusually talented. But her clear claim to fame is her insight into her client’s unspoken wishes. Her clients often talk about how it feels as if Alicia has known them all of their lives. She completely “gets them.” Recently, Alicia had a the opportunity to work with the amazing Jessamyn Harris on an unusual wedding.
The theme was breaking away from tradition. I (Alicia Falango) was given the challenge to create a “traditional wedding with nothing traditional,” to which I first responded with “Huh?” After discussing the idea at length, it was obvious that the clients loved the idea of marriage and the usual pomp and circumstance. But as fun, laid-back people, they wanted to put their own personal spin on the event.
Details
In order to put a personal spin on the celebration, we tried to incorporate elements unique to their personalities and relationship. The groom was an avid collector of vintage cars which provided a great foundation and first step. The bride is a former professional roller skater in a roller derby league in Los Angels. Retro car guy meets roller derby queen is a one-of-a-kind wedding concept.
This quirky wedding was all about the unique and unusual details we used to make it personal. As the guests arrived, they were ushered to their seats by lovely usherettes – wonderfully shod in a cool pair of vintage roller derby skates. They literally rolled you down aisle. So much fun! To tie in the car collection, we used hub caps for the platters and place card holders. The table numbers were designed as vintage hood ornaments and the candy bar had a great collection of miniature antique cars interspersed among the jars. A great chalk artist made a mural on the brick wall, paying tribute to the theme. Having addressed their individual personalities, we also incorporated several things that defined them as a couple. The couple owned a great pair of dogs. We went beyond just a clever bow tie, and donned them in a complete tuxedo. Neither the bride nor groom have a sweet tooth, but they did both share a love of aged cheeses. So instead of a traditional cake, we displayed three enormous wheels of amazing cheese – tiered to resemble a more traditional cake. Magnificent!
However, the prize for the most creative wedding element is the bouncy house. The couple did not want to have a first dance so they rented an enormous bounce house and had a first bounce. I have never seen a crowd of wedding guests be more enthusiastic about a new tradition. They loved it! With all the rules and protocol of wedding etiquette, it is easy to forget that it your day. You can make your own traditions. If you want to have a wedding that is truly reflective of you and your spouse, consider elements that define you, and incorporate them. You can see more great photographs from this wedding on Jessamyn Harris’ blog !!
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