We love a modern, classic wedding done in black and white. The style-forward day was planned by Vanessa Pence Events, and filled with crisp white blooms by Blooms by Morgan. Personal touches and carefully curated details make the celebration stand out, and all the fun is beautifully documented by Olivia Marshall Photography. Visit the full gallery for endless inspiration.
From Vanessa Pence Events… This wedding brings a fresh take on a classic, brimming with florals, lots of laughs, and a lighthearted and playful flair. What was set to be a wildly windy day (up to 30mph!) turned into blue skies and sunshine – the most perfect fall weather you could imagine here in the Bay Area. The bride and groom enlisted Vanessa Pence Events to pull off their dream celebration overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge with lush florals of soft whites and greens by Blooms by Morgan. The beauty and pure joy of the day radiates in the images captured by Olivia Marshall Photography.
From the bride… We met on Bumble. Matt’s profile said he needed someone to split a wine membership with and I just had to make the first move. Turns out we lived a block away from each other but never crossed paths! On our first date, we met in the Marina for a wine flight. We hit it off so well we didn’t want the night to end so we made a quick stop for some ice cream and then had a night cap at our soon-to-become favorite bar in the city (the bartenders used to know us by name). Three years and two cats later, Matt proposed on a weekend getaway to Mendocino, a place we’d go to often. He planned a dinner and suggested we go to a bar before but while driving there, he missed the turn to the restaurant and instead suggested we walk out to the bluffs overlooking the ocean. When we got to the bluff, he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. It was an immediate YES! For their wedding day, Eliza and Matt knew they wanted a destination that was close to their hearts and also easy for their non-local family and friends to get to from the airport. They toured Cavallo Point Lodge and after seeing the magical view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline, it was love at first sight. The venue was the perfect mix of California coastline, San Francisco history, and modern elegance. They wanted the day to feel modern traditional, warm, and most importantly they wanted to host an epic party – tons of lush soft white blooms with meandering greenery, black tie optional attire, warm candlelight, and a ‘Club Savage’ theme (taking after their new joint last name). As Eliza laughingly said, Of course I’m taking his last name. Savage is too good to pass up! Their ultimate wedding day goal was to spend as much time with their friends and family as possible, dance a lot, laugh even more, and eat great food. Eliza wore a simple yet stunning Carolina Herrera dress from Jin Wang Bridal that, very importantly, gave her a little wiggle room to dance the night away in while Matt sported a bone white dinner jacket, classic black tuxedo pants, and black velvet loafers. The ceremony took place on the Cavallo lawn overlooking rolling hills and the bay. We pivoted the aisle on the slightest angle so that every guest had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Eliza’s oldest brother officiated the wedding and the couple exchanged personal vows that made for a few tears and a lot of laughs.
After the ceremony, the couple surprised guests with a marching band trio who led everyone down to cocktail hour, with an even better view of the bridge. Guests sipped on spicy margaritas and old fashioneds, named after Eliza and Matt’s two cats. Dinner took place in the ballroom covered in lush blooms, dripping greenery, and black and white design elements created by Aerialist Press to make it feel classic, warm, and personal. The toasts really took the cake at this wedding – specifically Eliza’s other brother who took his title as Matron of Honor very seriously – and were filled with lots of laughs, childhood stories, and happy tears. The night progressed into an epic dance party where guests of all ages were moving and shaking along to the Sounds Elevated crew that fused dj’ing with a live band. Between dancing and taking polaroids at the ‘Club Savage’ photo booth, guests munched on Johnny Doughnuts, specially brought in as a nod to the couple’s love of donuts.
Photography: Olivia Marshall Photography | Event Planning: Vanessa Pence Events | Floral Design: Blooms by Morgan | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Cake: Johnny Doughnuts | Invitations: Aerialist Press | DJ: Sounds Elevated | Groom's Attire: DG Custom Suits | Wedding Venue: Cavallo Point Lodge | Beauty: Raven Reed Makeup | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals