San Francisco City Hall is one of the most magical venues in all the land. The architecture and grand sweeping staircases are beyond breathtaking all on their own but when you add a team of wedding masterminds to the roster, it’s downright majestic. That team includes Laurie Arons, Honey of a Thousand Flowers, Paula LeDuc and Jose Villa just to name a few. See how they transformed this gorgeous venue — and the bride’s family home in Piedmont — into a stunning garden in the city.
From the planner… Early in their engagement, Michelle & Paul dreamed of a San Francisco City Hall ceremony, followed by a reception at her family’s home in Piedmont. But as the planning got underway, the couple had an even better idea. They switched venues, instead hosting a beautiful garden ceremony in her parents’ backyard, with the celebration to follow at San Francisco’s stately City Hall. The bride’s love of botanicals became the inspiration for the wedding design. Her sister designed the save the dates and invitations featuring hand-drawn florals. Floral designer Sarah Winward took that floral inspiration to abundance, creating a wild & romantic chuppah and free flowing bouquets for ceremony. To make room for 155 guests, we covered the family’s swimming pool and arranged the ceremony chairs on three sides for an intimate feel. Not wanting to leave that natural beauty behind when we moved to the indoor reception, Sarah’s team brought towering trees and plants into the City Hall Rotunda, with spilling centerpieces on every table. Amber Moon Design wrapped each guest’s menu in a light leaf print vellum, for another touch of greenery. But perhaps my favorite botanical influence were the escort cards — framed and pressed flowers penned with Roman numeral table numbers site by Curlicue Designs.
Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Wedding Planner : Laurie Arons Special Events | Floral Design : Sarah Winward | Dress : Oscar De La Renta | Ceremony Venue: Private Residence | Reception Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Hair and Makeup: Mimi & Taylor Salon | Calligraphy: Curlicue Designs Calligraphy | Lighting : Illusions Lighting | Favors : Laura Zindel | Grooms Attire : Tom Ford | Ceremony Music : Synchronicity Strings | Additional Paper Products: Amber Moon Design | Catering and Croquembouche: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Cocktail hour catering : Manzare Events | Invitations and save the dates: Seaview Studio | Reception Catering and Croquembouche wedding cake : Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Reception Music: West Coast Music | Rentals : Classic Party Rentals | Trees and Plants : The Plant Library