I do Venues ~ Planning Guide ~ The Secret Garden
Photography By: Kristen Gardner
Summary
Fall is here and as you plan your wedding for next year, you may be considering an outdoor affair. Whether you choose to have an intimate outdoor ceremony or throw a grand garden party, September and October are the best months to consider in the Bay Area.
For the East Bay (Contra Costa and Alameda Counties), the summer heat will have passed, leaving the pleasantly warm summer evenings with their cool breezes.
In San Francisco, the heavy fog layer we experience in June and July will have traveled down coast - leaving crisp blue skies in their absence. The list for great outdoor venues in the Bay Area is endless, so I'll highlight a few for fall consideration:
North Bay - Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, Marin Art and Garden Center, and The Olema Inn
East Bay - Dunsmuir Hellman Estate, the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Wente Vineyards, and Concannon Vineyards.
San Francisco - 1 Fort Mason, Conservatory of Flowers, and the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park.
Details
This example of an outdoor wedding is spectacular. What I love most is that it could be held at any number of Bay Area locations with little modification.
The dramatic Persian-style rug is fit for a queen. The "pop" you get from this simple element creates a surreal contrast between the elegance of the rug and natural outdoor setting. And of course, it also looks great in photography.
Another great design choice is the rustic lanterns. As hanging elements, they bring your eye into the trees - creating a high focal point. Additionally, they are just as effective after the sun sets as a lighting element.
The woodsy, floral theme is perfect for this celebration. The profusion of different colors, flowers and textures is complimented by the soft and flowing ferns used as greenery.