Meaningful California Inspired San Francisco Wedding

One of the things I love most about weddings are the personal touches. The real meaningful details. The decisions that have purpose.

Not only does it just mean so much more, but it’s what also makes your wedding YOURS.

And that’s really the point, right? Not just to have a wedding. Not just to get married.

You want to get married in a way that feels like you. In a way that feels authentic.

Patrice and Nick’s wedding was just that.

It included not only very personal family touches, but also their loves. It had a Cali vibe that was simultaneously elegant and traditional, but also very laid back, approachable and fun.

Come and join us in the story of this meaningful California inspired San Francisco wedding.

Being both from California, Patrice and Nick have a strong love for Cali which found its way through many things through out the wedding.

And family is hugely important to them and played a big part in their wedding.

So, naturally the wedding day starting with their family. Both family by blood and their chosen family.

Patrice’s mom and grandma got ready with her in the morning. They helped to get her dressed and got to spend time together.

Nick spent some time with his father getting ready in the morning.

Nick’s mother unfortunately has passed, but she was remembered and honored in many ways. The first was with a small butterfly on Nick’s lapel. 

The couple also spent time with their chosen families, their closest friends.

And celebrating iconic San Francisco in this wedding also meant a trip to the Ferry Building, a favorite spot of the couple’s.

The ceremony took place in Patrice’s family church, the impressive St. Dominic’s Catholic Church.

For the ceremony, we wanted to celebrate not only the beautiful architecture, but the outdoors. We did this by creating a garden like wedding indoors.   

A traditional Catholic ceremony with Filipino traditions brought these two together with many family members participating and celebrating their union.

After the ceremony guests headed to the iconic Bentley Reserve. A beautiful, iconic and classic San Francisco wedding venue.

To help bring the outdoors in, live trees lined the columns and lush garlands decorated the tables.

The garlands included two very important family flowers, roses and orchids. In addition, peonies were incorporated, the bride’s favorite flower.

As guests entered the Bently Reserve, they found their tables named after Los Angeles studios.

Patrice and Nick are TV writers and they wanted to bring that into the wedding in a fun and subtle way.

Nick changed into his signature sneakers and a custom baseball cap for the reception as they kicked off the evening with a fun first dance.

Guests were treated to a California style surf and turf meal. With two variations on the theme, guests could choose the version they loved most.

A close friend of the couple made the wedding cake. They love her cakes, so it was not only was it tasty, but really special.

The evening was filled with meaningful toasts and lots of dancing to 90’s hip hop.

Guests also enjoyed mini cake donuts (an SF nod) and ice cream sandwiches (a fave of the couple’s).

So, lovely, right?! Creating a meaningful wedding is really the way to go.

Because you can go nuts on decor. You can make things over the top. But, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t mean anything.

Weddings are all about meaning.

So, they should be equally meaningful!

If you want a meaningful wedding and you need some help to make it come to life, contact us today.

Much love to the team that helped to make this San Francisco wedding possible:

• Wedding planner and designer: Yours Truly!
• Ceremony Venue: St. Dominic’s Catholic Church
• Reception Venue: Bently Reserve
• Caterer: Elaine Bell Catering
• Photographer: Sabine Scherer Photography
• DJ: Mix Different
• Florist: Violetta Flowers
• Rentals: Standard Party Rentals
• Lighting: Got Light
• Photobooth: Giggle and Riot
• Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Quis
• Bar: Best Beverage Catering
• Alcohol: Mills Wine Group
• Cake: Couple’s friend
• Transportation: Pure Luxury, Corinthian Transportation
• Stationery: Minted