Bay Area Weddings

Wedding at Shelldance Orchid Gardens

Ever dream of getting married in the company of lush and vibrant plants? Kate and Michael lived the dream at their gorgeous wedding at Shelldance Orchid Gardens. Shelldance is a magical place tucked away just south of San Francisco on Highway 1 in Pacifica and while it may be a bit off the beaten path it is well worth the trek.

Kate and Michael were a super fun, vibrant couple with a vibe that matched the colorful display of plants on view in the assortment of greenhouses on the Shelldance property. The couple exchanged vows beneath of canopy of hanging plants and delicate paper lanterns, a site that was later filled with round tables for the intimate reception. There were so many wonderful small details that are woven into the décor of this venue, including the sparkling lights woven in to the arch behind the couple as they said their “I dos. Shelldance has the versatility for all season and we love how this October wedding was decorated with touches of rich autumn colors, including centerpieces that incorporated flowers but leaves, plants and also a pear or two! We also appreciate the commitment to the plant theme throughout the event as even the wedding cake featured an assortment of succulents.

These two also brought us a very different idea for a reception by moving the whole kit and caboodle over to the local bowling alley that "rolled" the party into the evening. It was great to be able to shoot photos of the couple and their friends in a more relaxed atmosphere. We loved to see how people really come alive while bowling! This a group of people that really has fun together and this really shows in the images that were captured.

Though this was our first experience at Shelldance and it quickly made it one our list of favorite wedding venuesom/blog/bay-area-outdoor-wedding-venues.

Shelldance Orchid Gardens in Pacifica, CA
Bride walking down aisle with father at Shelldance Orchid Gardens wedding
Wedding at Shelldance Orchid Gardens
Bride and Groom during wedding ceremony at Shelldance Orchid Garden
Wedding in orchid greenhouse
Bride and Groom inside greenhouse in Pacifica, CA
Portraits of Bride and Groom at Shelldance Orchid Gardens
Cocktail hour at Shelldance Orchid Gardens
Large group portrait of wedding guests in front of colorful building
Sunset portraits of bride and groom in Pacifica, CA
Sunset wedding portraits at shelldance orchid gardens
Wedding cake and orchids
Detail of table flower arraignment
Wedding table arraignment
Wedding reception inside greenhouse
Father of bride giving toast in greenhouse
Bride bowling in Pacifica, CA
Groom celebrating during bowling in Pacifica, CA
Wedding guest bowling in Pacifica, CA

Wedding at the Camron-Stanford House

This one was as close to home as they come! Marko and Nicole had their wedding at the Camron-Stanford House in downtown Oakland over looking Lake Merritt. The couple was a referral from a friend of Chris' and it turns out Christian’s kids and Nicole's kids go to the same school!

The Camron-Stanford House, in our opinion, is one of the best outdoor wedding venues in Oakland. It’s a beautiful 19th century mansion situated on the shores of Lake Merritt with lakeside views to boot. Wedding ceremonies take place outside on the lawn overlooking the lake and come reception time guests enjoy the romantic lights and the sunset glow of the Oakland hills. The best part, we think, is that weddings at this historic gem help preserve the mansion for years to come. What better way to truly appreciate our awesome town and celebrate a piece of history.

Marko and Nicole’s wedding was a beautiful day with friends and family, good food, and lots of dancing. We really loved being part of their special day and we wish this great Oakland couple all the best.

Bride and Groom on the porch of the Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Bride and Groom on the porch of the Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Wedding bouquet on grass near Lake Merritt

Wedding bouquet on grass near Lake Merritt

Bride and Groom at Lake Merritt in Oakland

Bride and Groom at Lake Merritt in Oakland

Detail of Groom's blue suit with pink tie

Detail of Groom's blue suit with pink tie

Bride coming down aisle at Lake Merritt wedding

Bride coming down aisle at Lake Merritt wedding

Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Wedding at the Camron-Stanford House in Oakland

Wedding at the Camron-Stanford House in Oakland

Camron-Stanford House wedding

Camron-Stanford House wedding

Wedding at Lake Merritt

Wedding at Lake Merritt

Bride and Groom walk down the aisle after ceremony at Camron-Stanford House

Bride and Groom walk down the aisle after ceremony at Camron-Stanford House

Detail of wedding rings on stone

Detail of wedding rings on stone

Wedding toast at Lake Merritt

Wedding toast at Lake Merritt

Wedding guests listen to toast at the Camron-Stanford House

Wedding guests listen to toast at the Camron-Stanford House

Guest giving speech at Lake Merritt wedding

Guest giving speech at Lake Merritt wedding

Wedding guests during reception at Camron-Stanford Wedding

Wedding guests during reception at Camron-Stanford Wedding

First dance at Camron-Stanford House in Oakland

First dance at Camron-Stanford House in Oakland

Dancing shoes at Lake Merritt wedding in Oakland

Dancing shoes at Lake Merritt wedding in Oakland

Detail of DJ and dancing at Camron-Stanford wedding

Detail of DJ and dancing at Camron-Stanford wedding

Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Camron-Stanford house in Oakland

Bride and Groom walking along Lake Merritt in Oakland

Bride and Groom walking along Lake Merritt in Oakland