Becoming Housemates-for-Life at the Piedmont Community Hall

Devin and Jade met as so many San Francisco-transplants do: via a Craigslist ad for an open room. Devin came away from the roommate interview excited about the apartment, but smitten with one of the housemates. He told his sister that night: “She’s smart, outdoorsy, and gorgeous. Do you think this is a problem?” Devin kept it cool for months, but over many a trip to the farmers market, they moved from housemates to boyfriend/girlfriend to fiances and now, housemates-for-life!

They choose the Piedmont Community Hall for its vicinity to San Francisco and lush green backdrop. The ceremony and toasts from siblings and friends were personal and touching. Jade’s mom and stepfather built the alter, hanging a candle to represent Devin’s late brother, and Devin’s high school teacher performed their marriage. The pair wanted a fun and joyful wedding, nothing stuffy and even entertained bringing in food trucks. In the end, they decided on a sit down meal enjoying a warm Piedmont night, a wild dance party, and an ice cream bar for dessert.

Venue: Piedmont Community Hall | Planner: Two Friends Events | Florals: Brothers & Sisters | Makeup: Madison Kahuli | Gown: Emerald City Gowns | Catering: California Rose | Dessert: Mitchell's Ice Cream | DJ: Sutherland Entertainment | Rings: DePrisco and Brilliant Earth

Dazzling Persian Tradition at the Green Room

Tina and Karim met as children in Tehran and years later were reacquainted over hookah and a rousing game of Apples to Apples. Karim was taken by Tina’s quick wit and contagious laughter and soon they were flying between LA and SF to be together. When they started planning their wedding, they knew it would be rich in Persian tradition, family, and laughter.

In Zoroastrian wedding tradition the couple sit before a Sofreh Aghed, a table set with herbs, pastries, decorated eggs, candles, and coins: symbols of light, fertility, prosperity, and spiciness in their marriage. Karim and Tina’s Sofreh was designed by the bride’s sister and aunt and included many items brought over from Iran by family members, including books of Persian poetry and delicate gas lamps. After exchanging rings and reciting their vows while looking at the reflection of themselves in the mirror, Tina and Karim fed each other honey, an act to symbolize that they will feed each other sweetness and sustenance throughout their lives together. The flowers are symbols of life, spring, and beauty, and their florist, Rito Ito, included pomegranates in their centerpieces for a joyous and fruitful future.

The Green Room, with its elegant pillars and gold leaf, made a gorgeous backdrop for their San Francisco celebration. On the dance floor, the chic couple looked like they belonged in an Old Hollywood motion picture. After a welcome and thank you, in both English and Farsi, they invited guests to the loggia overlooking City Hall for a gorgeous Persian meal overflowing with fresh herbs, and afterwards, a very festive dance party.

Venue: Green Room, San Franicsco War Memorial | Coordinator: Riley Loves Lulu | Florist: Rito Ito | MUAH: Urban Beauty Loft | Rentals: Theoni Collection, Napa Valley Linens, Standard Party Rentals | Sofreh: Jaleh Bakery | Catering: Orchid Persian Catering | Cake: Masse’s Pastries | Sweet Trays: C'est Si Bon | Paper Suite: Bride’s Sister + Minted

Intimate Afternoon at Holman Ranch

Cathleen +DJ meet in in college in Maine and recently moved to San Jose together. Their extensive venue hunt included Boston, Maine, and Florida, where their friends and family live. When they saw Holman Ranch, it was the venue they’d been picturing without knowing it existed. They knew they wanted to share their new home and this beautiful setting with their loved ones.

Their guest list included 70 family members and close friends; and the intimacy of Holman Ranch provided the close-knit atmosphere they’d hoped for. After sharing a gorgeous dinner of seasonal California cuisine, the bride's 93-year-old Papi gave a deadpan toast that had the crowd in stitches. This, followed by the bride and groom’s dance moves complied from YouTube videos of middle school ballroom classes, had everyone falling head over heels.

Venue: Holman Ranch | Catering: Paradise Catering | MUAH: CarmelBlo | Florals: Swenson & Silacci Flowers + Mother and Aunt of the Bride | DJ: Belmont Entertainment | Gown: BHLDN | Bridesmaids Dresses: Alice Walk | Favors: Carmel Honey Company | Officiant: Brian Lyke

Private City Hall Wedding + Cocktails

Cory + Jerime opted to have just their witnesses present for a quiet ceremony at City Hall, but followed up with a private cocktail party for all their friends at Avenue SF across town.

VENUE: San Francisco City Hall and Avenue SF