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.
Alicia’s I Do’s: Breakaway from Tradition
Photography by: Jessamyn Harris
Summary
Recently, Alicia Falango of Alicia K Designs had the opportunity to work with the amazing Jessamyn Harris on an unusual wedding. The theme was breaking away from tradition. I (Alicia) 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 couple 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 Angeles. 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!
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 is 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.
Alicia’s I Do’s: Everyday Inspiration
Everyday Inspiration…
Couples have a tendency to over think when it comes to their wedding. There is a perception that every detail should have a story behind it. The truth is, I find my most outstanding design ideas have been inspired by simple every day items. If you are struggling to find your own wedding style or unique theme, take a leisurely stroll around your house and re-examine the items you cherish the most – the first item you bought together as a couple, the painting you had to have, the worn blanket that sits on the couch. What are the textures, colors, and patterns that made these items a must have? What images and feelings are evoked when you think about them? Use that as your starting point and go from there.
The wedding featured above is a great example. The bride was mad about Dahlias and the color pink, while the groom was holding out for navy. I wanted to make sure all of these elements would come into play, ensuring the over-all feel of their wedding would represent them both. After searching my usual haunts for a spark of inspiration, I came across a great bedspread that had all three elements.
First we played with the colors to make sure they were perfect and complimentary, then we examined fun patterns and shapes to accentuate the design. The couple was immediately smitten with the concept – the Dahlias (in shades of pink) would be heavily represented in the floral arrangements, and a unique Dahlia graphic was created to be used on invitations, menus, and escort cards. The table arrangements and lounge furniture incorporated several shades of pink with navy blue accents. The cake was just really fun – the polka dots and stripes worked great and played amazingly well into other parts of the design. All of these different elements combined created a fun contemporary look with a splash of whimsy – just what the bride and groom were looking for! Remember to have fun and think outside the box!!
Wedding Venue: The Aqua Hotel Sneak Preview
Photography by: Bill Smoot Photography
The Aqua Hotel in Mill Valley is a breathtaking setting that reflects the tranquil connections that exist in nature between water, wind, and land. The well-known Marin hotel is located at the water’s edge and gives brides an amazing visual impact for their ceremony with the dark blue waters of the San Francisco Bay lapping up on the shores, and the majestic Redwood forest of Mt. Tamalpais as their panoramic back drop.
The Aqua Hotel is part of the Joie De Vivre family of boutique hotels and is a perfect location for the couple who is passionate about sharing the wonders of the outdoors with their guests. Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge are all within a fifteen minute drive and make for show-stopping photography options to create timeless memories of your wedding celebration. More to come!!
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Bill Smoot Photography, Designer/Coordinator – Alicia K Designs.
Wedding Venue: Headlands Center For The Arts Be Spontaneous
Photography by: Kate Harrison
Summary
Your wedding is the perfect opportunity to show your personal style. It’s also the ideal time to have fun and be spontaneous. This couple has seized the moment by creating a fun and eclectic party that everyone will enjoy and remember for decades.
The Headlands Center for the Arts is the perfect location to express your DIY talents. Showcase your fresh ideas and attention to detail. Look at how this couple used the monogrammed tea cups as flower vases to spell out LOVE — so cute and so easy. You do not have to go overboard with your design in order to showcase your personal style. Instead show off your favorite details in a way that makes them stand out!.
Ask the expert!
Don’t forget to include your DIY personality in you photography. Maximize your setting through spontaneity. Show off those sneakers or document a stolen kiss. Let your pictures capture all the memories that your guests don’t witness. Your goal should be to capture the emotion of the day — not just the facts.
Photography by: Kate Harrison
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Kate Harrison, Flowers – SF Flower Market, Catering – Katie Powers.
Wedding Venue: Trentadue Flower Power
Photography by: Meg Perotti
I Do Flowers
Before you tie the knot, you have to tie together all the details of your wedding celebration. I can’t imagine a more talented team to accomplish this task than the amazing combination of Alicia K Designs (Alicia Falango) and Meg Perotti. This white on blue floral theme was a perfect fit for Trentadue Winery. Alicia used an approach that incorporated clean, modern lines with fun flirty bursts of color and cascading flowers. The design elements are simple, yet by using different textures, colors, and heights in the vases and finished arrangements, a layered effect of understated elegance was flawlessly created.
A heavy smattering of white rose petals against the lush green lawn and contrasting Redwood trees leads the way to the start of your life together. The simple addition of a duo of white silk orchids complements the soft romantic up-do chosen by the bride and is a stunning alternative to the more traditional veil. Escort cards are effortlessly displayed alongside rows of monochromatic petals, softening the display without the need for any additional expensive design element. The flowers and design you choose can make a dramatic statement about your wedding, since they set the mood for your celebration and inspire your guests. Creating an overall theme doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. In fact, the key to successfully executed, good design is to weave simple elements into all areas of your celebration, thus creating a cohesive feel throughout your entire party.
Design Inspiration: Embrace your Natural Surroundings
Photography by: Bella Rose Photography
Summary
The primary theme of this celebration is a wonderful combination of complimentary soft greens paired with chocolate and wheat. The bridal bouquet combines pale green orchids, tulips, and nurines in a classic bouquet. Modest table arrangements of a similar style are neatly bound by organic twine – a twist to your classic white satin ribbon. I love the use of the artichoke as a vessel for candles – this unique and fun element also looks great when added to formal flower arrangements. Rustic lanterns surrounded by river rock are a great functional accompaniment to this overall design. The table arrangements are comprised of drift wood with cattails, bouvardias, and viburnums. These clever arrangements surround a trio of pillar candles and votive. The detail in the guest book is wonderful, the ultimate message in a bottle. This creative and unique idea makes a great “mantle” decor until you are ready to read all the well wishes from your wedding guests.
There are so many different ways to style a color pallet primarily consisting of Moss Green, Granny Smith, and Coco Brown. These colors look amazing in any garden setting accented by ivory and ecru. There is a current trend leaning towards a “barn” wedding and these colors will blend seamlessly. The Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club features these colors well and they would look great at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Park. You may also consider a similar style at Barn Diva or The Headlands Center for The Arts.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Bella Rose Photography, Designer/Coordinator – Salt Harbor Designs.
Wedding Venue: 1 Fort Mason The Perfect Fall Soiree
Photography by: Jessamyn Harris
Summary
Vintage details find themselves at home inside the historic walls of 1 Fort Mason. The building was originally constructed in 1877 and embodies a Victorian feel from head to toe. The architectural elements both inside and out are true to their nineteenth century roots and give an amazing foundation for throwing an exquisite vintage-style gala. 1 Fort Mason is best suited for an outdoor garden ceremony followed by a grand gala inside.
Once you have officially tied the knot, bring your guests into the main building to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Your guests will be stunned by the incredible panoramic, never-ending view from the bar. The bar itself will remind you of a period speakeasy, and the room surrounding it has a remarkable crescent-shaped wall of floor to ceiling windows which allows guests to keep watchful eyes on the gorgeous San Francisco waterfront. Consider this location for a collection of small cocktail tables and comfortable seating as these little vignettes can later serve as the VIP lounge once the party ensues. Tie in your Victorian vintage theme by covering your tables in neutral and muted colors. Soft shades of white, ecru, champagne, honey, or gold give warmth and set a great tone. While vintage-style fabrics in damask or brocade complete the look, they also add depth to the tables. Small, single-flower arrangements in antique silver or etched glass vases make an amazing compliment. Consider using mix-and-match votive candles throughout the lounge area, allowing their warm glow to create a relaxed, romantic ambiance to the space.
Photography by: Jessamyn Harris
Jessamyn Harris has captured the beauty and details of this wedding so well. We love how this wedding used every room at 1 Fort Mason and allowed their guests to really experience the beauty that is San Francisco. The Vintage details of the facility create a playful canvass for this couple’s vision of a glamorous period gala. Got Light is one of the best lighting companies in the area and this wedding definitely shows why. If you’d like to see more photos from this gorgeous fall themed celebration, check out Jessamyn’s blog.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Jessamyn Harris, Lighting – Got Light, Venue – 1 Fort Mason.
Design Inspiration: Seaside
Photography by: Bella Rose Photography
Summary
It is a challenge as a DYI bride to incorporate all three key components into a wedding design: Color, Theme, and Detail. Designers love going over the top – they know how amazing the outcome will be when you embrace more than one design element into your celebration. Most DIY brides have a tendency to be cautious, unsure of what the finished product will look like. The wedding pictured above (brought to us by the talented Bella Rose Photography) used wonderfully creative details to incorporate all of these elements. Raspberry and lime green may not be your standard beach colors; however, as you can see, by drawing inspiration from the beautiful seaside location, this wedding has introduced bright colors and beach elements – creating a great cohesive theme.
Raspberry, lime, and white are a great seaside combination. These powerful colors can be used to augment an already colorful garden setting or they can create a statement in a simple room with neutral colors and simple lines. The Beach Chalet in San Francisco is a great location to incorporate these bright colors and playful theme. The Pavilion By The Bay on Treasure Island with its amazing bay views would also be a fun location to turn into your own personal beach party.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Bella Rose Photography, Florist – A Beautiful Event.
Wedding Venue: Trentadue Winter White and Blue
Photography by: Meg Perotti
Summary
Before you tie the knot, you have to tie together all the details of your wedding celebration. I can’t imagine a more talented team to accomplish this task than the amazing combination of Alicia K Designs (Alicia Falango) and Meg Perotti Photography. This white on blue floral theme was a perfect fit for Trentadue Winery. Alicia used an approach that incorporated clean, modern lines with fun flirty bursts of color and cascading flowers. The design elements are simple, yet by using different textures, colors, and heights in the vases and finished arrangements, a layered effect of understated elegance was flawlessly created.
A heavy smattering of white rose petals against the lush green lawn and contrasting Redwood trees leads the way to the start of your life together. The simple addition of a duo of white silk orchids complements the soft romantic up-do chosen by the bride and is a stunning alternative to the more traditional veil. Escort cards are effortlessly displayed alongside rows of monochromatic petals, softening the display without the need for any additional expensive design element. The flowers and design you choose can make a dramatic statement about your wedding, since they set the mood for your celebration and inspire your guests. Creating an overall theme doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. In fact, the key to a successfully executed, good design is to weave simple elements into all areas of your celebration, thus creating a cohesive feel throughout your entire party.
Photography by: Meg Perotti
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Meg Perotti, Designer / Coordinator – Alicia K Designs, Venue – Trentadue Winery.
Wedding Venue: Paradise Ridge Winery Something Blue
Photography by: Andrew Weeks
Summary
Paradise Ridge Winery is a small boutique winery a short drive from downtown San Francisco and lies just outside of downtown Santa Rosa. The classic Italian-style winery incorporates fun artistic and architectural elements from which you can draw inspiration for your over-all theme and design plan. The champagne cellar, decorative arches, and slate Poetry Patio are the perfect classical reflections of the surrounding wine country landscape. The unique four acre sculpture garden gives the winery a uniquely avant garde, bohemian twist, and these amazing works of art sit juxtaposed against the unspoiled country vineyard surroundings. If you are looking for a traditional location that allows you to surprise your guests with a bit of whimsy, this provides the perfect opportunity.
Ceremony
The Poetry Patio is the quintessential wine country location for your ceremony. With sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, the richly hued patio exudes an aura of casual sophistication. The rich terracotta and stucco tones of the building are complimented well by elegant, dark wood chiavari chairs accented with ecru, champagne, or gold-colored cushions. If you are looking to have a more casual feel, then dark wood or classic white folding chairs suit the space beautifully as well. The elevated stage can be adorned with a variety of structures to frame in your ceremony, like large Italian-style urns or a traditional trellis decorated with vines and billowing fabrics. Build an aisle with a stark white runner that will pop against the deep colors of the slate patio. We suggest using a color palette of cranberry, chocolate brown, burnt orange, and mustard for late summer and fall, as bright florals in warm tones work excellently in this space. The use of natural elements like willow branches, twigs, and moss will tie together the unique rustic feel of the winery while keeping an air of elegance. The artisan feel given by the adjacent Marijke’s Grove sculpture garden allows a bold bride to have fun and make a statement. Express yourself with exuberant, daring color combinations: teal, plum, vibrant blue, apple green, and hints of gold are show-stoppers!
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