Romantic Berkeley Hills Backyard Wedding

Look no further than the bride’s grandmother’s Berkeley Hills backyard for an intimate wedding! Celeste and Mark exchanged their wedding vows on a foggy fall day in October, with their closest friends and family gathered by their sides. 

For their floral design, I drew inspiration from the beautiful on-site gardens meticulously looked after by the bride’s grandmother. Their garden-side ceremony centered around a focal ground-up installation of antique hydrangea, roses, and autumnal foliage. Dainty centerpieces, bud vases, potted herbs, and plentiful candlelight lined one long family-style dinner that sat beneath market lights. I still can’t get over that powder blue linen table runner from La Tavola.

Apollo Fotografie captured their day so well. Here are some of my favorites.

VENDORS 

Photography: Apollo Fotografie

Planner: KLDC Events

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Rentals: La Tavola Linen

HMU: Marisa Perel

Catering: Anaviv Catering

Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.

How to Plan a Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19, featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

I’ve watched and worked alongside so many couples who have been forced to rework their wedding plans due to COVID-19, whether that be postponing entirely, downsizing their headcount, or hosting their wedding in a loved one’s backyard. I feel for them and the tough decisions they have to make, especially as they grapple with what elements are most important to them. 

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I’m here to say that regardless of your Plan B or C, you can *still* accomplish a killer sense of style for your reinvented wedding day. One way to look at this scenario is to acknowledge that there’s potential for more opportunity to invest in the small, super intentional details that can make a big impact for you and your guests. 

Scroll on to see some examples of ways to do this, including:

• setting the tone for your design from day one 

• nontraditional floral installations that create experiences for your guests 

• how to warmly welcome (cough, spoil) your VIP guests 

• bold moves when it comes to attire and personal flowers 

• smaller but bolder tablescapes to ensure the most memorable celebration meal 

In collaboration with a phenomenal vendor team, I am so excited to share this inspirational editorial feature with you, recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. Read the article How to Plan a Chic, Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19 here for more design tips and inspiration. 

Thank you to the amazing Sarah Eichstedt Photography for capturing these beautiful images.

SET THE TONE EARLY ON 

I love when couples choose an intentional paper suite because it truly kicks off the overall design vibe for their day while getting guests so excited for what’s to come. This clean, modern, and unfussy paper suite from Bourne Paper Co. truly set the tone for this day. 

CONSIDER PETITE PERSONAL FLOWERS 

For an intentional and cohesive wedding day design, keep your color palette simple. For this petite bridal bouquet, I honed in on the palette and the ingredient mix. The anthuriums were bold, but softly contrasted by grasses and yarrow to give this bride an intentional look. The perfect pairing for her more laid back bridal jumpsuit from Amsale. 

A petite arrangement of caramel phlox, smokebush, and grasses dress up the groom's sleek suit and modern turtleneck.

SKIP TRADITION

There’s no wedding rule that says you *must* stick with traditional florals. With this install, Lea Stafford Events and I wanted to work with unexpected plant materials instead of florals to create a natural feeling for an intimate ceremony. The contrast of the soft grassy elements against the concrete pillars made for an impactful moment for guests and grounded the ceremony.

It was really important for me to create something entirely sustainable and foam-free. This was primarily designed using potted grasses and moss, so the install was able to be repurposed (and re-potted!) afterwards.

PUT IT ALL ON THE TABLE 

A smaller table setting does not mean you need to skimp on style! 

For this table setting, I wanted to lean into the contract of these black modern wishbone chairs from Theoni Collection against the soft linens and candlelight. So I added textured flower arrangements in modern shallow black vessels, paired with simple ikebana and bud vase arrangements. The table was the perfect spot to bring the different style elements of the day together for one cohesive design, and floral pieces of different shapes and sizes ensured every guest had something beautiful to sit down to. 

SPOIL YOUR GUESTS 

Favor boxes like these from Bestowe Gifting make the perfect VIP perk to spoil your guests, and are a great way to showcase your unique personality and style. 

LET THEM EAT THREE CAKES 

If dessert is important to you, this is an area you could invest more in with a smaller guest count. These miniature multi-tier cakes from Revelry Cakes made for quite the dessert experience. Accents of peach sweet peas, mauve lisianthus, and grasses added one last touch of micro detail. 

For more design tips and inspiration, read the full article How to Plan a Chic, Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19 on Martha Stewart Weddings here.

Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Floral Design | Anastasia Andenmatten

Photography | Sarah Eichstedt Photography

Planning + Design | Lea Stafford Events

Invitation Suite | Bourne Paper Co.

Rentals | Theoni Collection

Cake | Revelry Cakes

Bespoke Gifts | Bestowe Gifting

Jewelry | Shop Esqueleto

Bridal Jumpsuit | Amsale

5 Epic and Meaningful Ways to Elope in the SF Bay Area

Jenn Emerling Photography

I think many of us may agree that finding silver linings and creative ways to celebrate love during a pandemic is one of our collective go-to coping mechanisms these days. While wedding plans everywhere are being put on hold for the safety of couples, guests, and vendors, a few silver linings we’ve encountered include:

• love is not canceled

• you two are still perfect for each other 

• there are many things in life, big and small, still worth celebrating 

Couples are finding ways to celebrate each other in ways that fit their styles best -- whether it’s by simply honoring and celebrating their original wedding date, making things legal STAT with a tiny ceremony, or tapering plans to a smaller intimate gathering. 

After so much planning and anticipation, changing your vision to fit a new type of celebration can feel daunting. We’re finding that by tweaking our mindset, intimate gatherings create a whole slew of things to look forward to. They’re the perfect opportunity to finally seize those ideas that never made the cut in your original plans (read: that super amazing but slightly impractical outfit, that wild but totally your style HMU look, not to mention *actually* having time to enjoy your entire meal!?).  

Regardless of which route you choose, know that this celebration has so much potential to be special for you both. The memories made will surely be ones for the books. Trust us here, and read on as we talk to some of our favorite professionals in the Bay Area to bring you inspiration and how-to tips to adapt your Bay Area celebration in meaningful ways.

---

Sarah Eichstedt Photography | Dani Padgett Weddings

1. ON YOUR STOOP 

Have you seen THIS stoop wedding in Brooklyn? What better place to exchange vows than the very spot you call home!? The locale makes it even easier for your friends and family to drive or parade by at a safe distance in celebration of your nuptials. 

PRO TIP: In the event your front stoop lacks curb appeal (hi renters like me!)...turn to flowers. Flowers can be a game changer here, and something the neighbors surely can’t complain about right? Work with your floral designer to create a ground-up or winding staircase installation that will not only create a beautiful backdrop, but will lead visitors and passersby to the very spot of your I Dos. Bonus: ask for loose flower petals and have your drive-by guests help you pull of a ‘toss’ which will make for beautiful (and memorable) photos.

PRO TIP: If you’re opting for professional photos (we hope so and promise it’ll be worth it!), keep in mind that the best time for frame-worthy portraits depends on the direction your house faces and will vary as the light changes throughout the day. Have your photographer scout out your spot ahead of time to help you plan the best time of day to capture beautiful (read: non-squinty) photos! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

PRO TIP: Share something sweet with visiting friends and neighbors. Packaged petite sweets like custom cupcake favors available for curbside pickup will have everyone circling back around the block for more. -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes

PRO TIP: Consider having a photo taken of each of your guests as they stop by your front porch, photo-booth style. These portraits will both serve as sweet thank you gift and an alternative wedding day guest book! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

Jenn Emerling Photography

2 - ON YOUR ROOFTOP

There’s no shortage of epic rooftops in San Francisco. If you’re able to ~safely~ access yours, you can incorporate fresh air and city views into your at-home celebration. Have your friends and neighbors on neighboring rooftops ready to cheer and pop champagne as you say I Do.

PRO TIP: Ask your floral designer to create a tablescape of varied flower arrangements to complement your wedding color palette, for pickup or no-contact dropoff on the big day. Afterward, place the flowers throughout your home to keep the beauty going in the days to come. Or, go big with an arch, arbor, or ground-up installation that complements the vista and serves as a memorable photo opp.

PRO TIP: A tiny ceremony shouldn’t preclude you from sealing the deal with a slice of something sweet. Work with your baker to order a miniature version of your wedding cake. Then maybe take it a step further and add in some wrapped treats such as cupcakes, slices of cake, or mini cakes, to be delivered to your surrounding neighbors. Can you imagine everyone looking on from their own rooftops as you all cut the cake together? -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes 

PRO TIP: Call in the experts! A professional photographer for your rooftop wedding will have the right equipment and lenses to be able to photograph you safely from a distance while still capturing intimate moments and close-up details. -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

Sarah Eichstedt Photography

3- SEASIDE

Sunnier days are ahead and there’s no time like the present to get outside to exchange your vows. Following your nuptials, have a seat and enjoy a private picnic just the two of you, with friends and family stopping by for a celebratory bonfire and s’mores. 

PRO TIP: Tap your caterer to see if they are offering to-go dinners for their couples. Surf & turf anyone?! If that’s not an option, pick your favorite local date night spot and Postmates your favorite dishes. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: Reach out to a trusted floral designer and ask them for their recommendations. We suggest a ground-up floral installation in the shape of a crescent to serve as your altar or ceremony backdrop. Not only can it withstand the ocean breeze, but it will create a photo opp ~moment~. Better yet, ask that your designer incorporate native and seasonal elements that will perfectly complement the seaside landscape. 

PRO TIP: We recommend doing some research to find the best beach, or better yet, tap your photographer to scout locations ahead of time. The perfect spot will feel secluded yet easily accessible (especially when considering older family members) and have some tall trees nearby helpful for blocking unexpected wind. Since some beaches can get very windy around sunset, check the weather app to see what the wind mileage will be that day. Usually anything above 15-20mph will be uncomfortable. -- Monica Lam Photo 

Jes Workman Fine Art Photography

4. UNDER THE REDWOODS

With a minimized guest list, take advantage of peace and quiet and go the extra steps into nature. Exchanging your vows underneath the trees will do just that. Just be sure to check your local park to make sure the park is open!

PRO TIP: Tap your wedding DJ for a custom playlist that you can use for a silent disco under the trees. If you have friends and family who couldn’t make it, send them that playlist or invite them to join in remotely from their homes! -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: We trust this is going to be a day that you, your loved ones, maybe even your future children, and your grandchildren will look back on for years to come. Hiring a professional photographer will allow you to capture the people, moments, and details that matter the most! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

PRO TIP: For flowers, try something you weren’t considering before. Ask your floral designer for ideas for ‘wearables’ such as a fun floral headpiece, floral scrunchie, or floral tattoo. These are all items that won’t break the bank, but will make a statement. Many florists can accommodate a hassle-free dropoff or pickup for small orders.

PRO TIP: A smaller celebration gives you lots of opportunity to get extra creative with your vision for the day. If you need ideas, lean on your vendors! Be sure to communicate your ideas and share your pinterest boards with your vendors so they can run with it. -- Monica Lam Photo 

Jamie Street Photography

5. IN YOUR BACKYARD 

If you have one, chances are your backyard is looking better than ever thanks to DIY home projects and gardening while staying at home. Reap the benefits of your hard work and host an intimate celebration, for just the two of you or with any quarantine buddies. Stir up your signature cocktail, cue your wedding playlist, and dance that first dance like nobody’s watching. Pssst: lighting is everything! Add string lights and candlelight for a boost of intimate ambiance.

PRO TIP: Work with your wedding florist to create something that conjures up your original wedding vision, such as a ground-up floral installation surrounding your sweetheart table or a cozy tablescape with mixed flower arrangements or a bountiful fresh garland. 

PRO TIP: Tap whoever was going to give a speech at your wedding to share a brief toast, either in-person or remotely via Zoom. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: A dessert station is perfect for maintaining proper distance among attending guests. To make the dessert station that much more personal to you and your spruced-up garden, consider signature sugar flowers that coordinate with the flowers growing in your yard or neighborhood. -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes 

Monica Lam Photo | Sarah Eichstedt Photography

SOME PARTING ADVICE…

We know that upending your plans can initially feel daunting, uncertain, and just downright sucky. But you have a community around you that is here to support you and whatever your visions may now be. As you navigate this, here are some parting words from professionals in the Bay Area community. 

Know that despite a smaller guest list, there’s no need to sacrifice big ideas. An elopement may be small in size, but you can make it as big and bold as you’d like. Remember to be your most romantic, adventurous, and silliest selves on your special day, and the memories will surely last a lifetime. -- Monica Lam Photo 

At the heart of what we do is honor life’s most special moments. The challenges we’re facing has realigned our hearts and perspective on just how sweet the simple things are. While we encourage all of our clients to take all the time they need to grieve their original wedding date and take a break from planning, we love seeing you get back to daydreaming about your special day. Because at the end of the day, you still get to marry the love of your life and you still deserve that dream-worthy wedding. LOVE STILL WINS. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

Look inward and really think about what’s most important to the both of you and what will make you happiest and start there! Reach out to your vendors and see how they might be able to make your vision work -- whether that’s an epic floral installation on your front yard, an over the top outfit, a summer dress and makeup free look, or something in between; you’ll never regret listening to your heart instead of just doing what’s trendy. -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

And a note from me: Your celebration is *meant to be*. Regardless of date, time, location, and guest count. My goal is to make it extra special for you, and support you along the planning process. Contact us here to chat all-things elopements and small celebrations. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, head to my Pinterest page here for more ideas!

Thank you to these helpful vendor contributors! Each offer a unique collection of elopement services and we can’t wait to see the magic they create.

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten (website / instagram)

Cake Artist: Samantha Mayfair Cakes (website / instagram)

Planning: Hitched by Haley (website / instagram)

Photography: Monica Lam (website / instagram)

Photography: Sarah Eichstedt (website / instagram)

Note: As government-mandated guidelines vary state by state and change often, be sure to follow your state guidelines and do what feels safe for you, your guests, and your vendors. For more up-to-date guidelines, check the CDC as well as your state’s website.