• NEW Wedding Ideas

Completely in AWE of this wedding inspiration and the great lengths this team went through to make a wedding in the time of COVID absolutely unforgettable. Moody jewel tones are absolutely breathtaking and the cake is a total piece of art! Love is oozing from this real-life couple and we are delighted to share all the details with you!

Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Stephanie Hopkins Photography and the cake by Emma Cakery. Sydney Camille Events planned every detail and H & J Flowers created all of the amazing florals. You can see all the images in the full gallery.

Choose A Micro Wedding

If there is one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us it is that love cannot and will not be canceled. The pandemic has changed the landscape of weddings for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean that two people in love can’t profess their commitment to one another in front of their closest friends and family. To highlight that enduring love, the kind of love that lasts even in the face of adversity, a global crisis, and a collective feeling of despair, we hosted an autumnal micro wedding styled photoshoot to show that COVID-19 couples can celebrate their beautiful union, even with a limited guest count.

Venue + Details

We chose the stunning Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, California as the site for our shoot. Nestled at the base of the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, stepping onto the grounds of this historic venue feels like traveling back in time, someplace far from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley, to a perfectly situated estate full of rolling, manicured lawns, lush gardens, and beautiful scenery.

For our color palette, we chose a nontraditional take on the rich hues associated with Fall, opting for deep jewel tones instead of the more commonplace oranges and yellows. Sanguineous red, merlot, dark eggplant, emerald, black, and the deepest Brunswick green were just a few of the shades we incorporated into our shoot.

Social Distance

The backdrop for our socially distanced ceremony was the romantic West Lawn where a whimsical open arch framed our models, Andrew and Jacob. A real-life couple, these two gentlemen, who met through a mutual friend, enjoy shotgun shooting and playing with their two cats, Evie and Mr. Noodles. Their love and infectious energy underscored the fact that representation of actual LGBTQ couples in styled shoots, especially two grooms, is, sadly, quite lacking. All of the vendors involved and the staff of Villa Montalvo could not have been more excited and inspired to normalize LGBTQ couples as valued and important members of the wedding community. In an arena that is largely homogenous, our shoot sought to break the mold and show that all are welcome in our industry.

The Tasty Details

Following the ceremony, a delicious meal of charcuterie and appetizers was served on the Terrace. To add warmth to our moody color palette, we included dozens upon dozens of candles, ranging from vintage gold and brass taper holders to votives on our farm-style reception table. Black chairs, black and gold tableware, and flatware, and a decadent black velvet table runner accented our black and burgundy glassware to create the perfect reception tablescape. Handmade menu cards featuring elements of our color palette along with custom etched acrylic nameplates added the final details to each place setting.

The dinner table featured an elevated statement floral piece set atop two gold stands, allowing for easy conversation between guests while adding a touch of drama and the same whimsy featured in the ceremony florals. For dessert, we incorporated a stunning, avant-garde cake design with minimal florals. The dessert table was accented with additional candles and floral elements, along with a donut display and some delicious churros.

After dessert, our couple moved into the stunning Spanish Courtyard to enjoy cocktails in our comfortable lounge space. The tinkling of the two fountains located in the Courtyard created the most beautiful, relaxing atmosphere to enjoy handcrafted Moscow Mules in copper mugs while seated on the gorgeous emerald green loveseat or armchairs. Florals were added to the bar and backbar, the gold and glass coffee table, and framing the larger fountain in the Courtyard. Floating blossoms in the smaller fountain and even more candles were the final touches, along with the lush foliage that grows naturally within the Courtyard, making it the perfect space to round out a beautiful evening.

Love Wins

Our styled shoot at Villa Montalvo was a celebration of love and inclusivity. Even in the most trying of times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, our hope is that future couples of all genders, ethnicities, races, religions and ages will be inspired to add unexpected elements to their wedding, whether they be small, intimate affairs or large, boisterous gatherings. Designed, created and executed by a team of local vendors combining their talents, this unique autumnal celebration is our way of demonstrating that love is love and it will never be canceled no matter the circumstances.

• Cakes & Catering: Emma Cakery
• Cakes & Catering: Catered Too!
• Event Planning & Design: Sydney Camille Events
• Flowers: H & J Flowers
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Bella Nicole Decor
• Photographers: Stephanie Hopkins Photography
• Rentals: Standard Party Rentals
• Venues: Villa Montalvo