Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding
Tia and Ian held their Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding in Oakland, choosing this gorgeous cathedral in the Oakland hills with one of the nicest ceiling interiors I have seen. The murals on the ceiling above the altar provided a nice centerpiece to focus on, as I was forced to stay in one place the entire hour ceremony!
It was touching to hear that Tia’s sister also had an Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral wedding several years back, so she was happy to give me tips on the wedding ceremony and what to expect during their hour long celebration. She mentioned to me that it is typical for the photographer to stay in one place (her photographer was forced to stay at the same spot also) once the wedding ceremony starts so as not to disrupt the solemnity of the day. The only time I was able to move around would be in the beginning and end of the ceremony, so I definitely tried to take advantage of the situation by first staying in the back balcony for images before coming up front where I would eventually stay.
One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is that I am able to meet new cultures and witness so many traditions that most people never experience. This wedding at the Ascension Cathedral was my first Greek wedding, and I hope it won’t be my last!
If you are interested in other wedding venues, take a look at my San Francisco wedding venues list to help you in your search!

12+ Best Walnut Creek Wedding Venues
12+ Best Walnut Creek Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 12 Best Walnut Creek Wedding Venues (complete with pricing and photos) If you are looking for the best Walnut Creek wedding venues but can’t decide between the variety of venue options available, then you’ve come to the right place! Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County is a dreamy destination with lush greens and panoramic views which has made it a favorite wedding destination for many couples. Read below for the 12 best Walnut Creek wedding venues to help in your wedding planning! The Gardens at Heather Farm Rental fee – $4,500 – $6,000 (depending on the length: 8- or 10-hour rental)Capacity – 150 guests The Gardens at Heather Farm was actually one of the first Walnut Creek wedding venues I have ever photographed in! is a wonderful indoor and outdoor wedding venue with six and a half acres of landscaped gardens surrounding a two-level banquet and meeting facility. The property theme is “Inspired by nature” and helps you to bring that passion to your love. The huge Camellia Room can serve as a great dining and dancing spot post weddings. Venue amenities include ceremony and reception furniture, free on-site parking, and delicious food courtesy. photo by Ian Chin Photography Shadelands Ranch Museum Rental fee – $1500 to $2000 per 50 guestsCapacity – 300 guests Shadelands Ranch Museum is one of the most unique wedding venues in Walnut Creek. Originally an art school, the artistic spirit of the place lingers for your weddings and receptions as well. It is available for rental from April – October only, however. The Ruth Bancroft Garden Rental fee – $165 per hour for non-members Capacity -130 guests The Ruth Bancroft Garden is an open public location. It is an internationally renowned venue for the striking architectural design of its plantings and world-class plant collections. The Garden is available for private rentals and offers many services with a variety of attractive backdrops and distinctive spaces for any event. Indoor facilities are limited but they have spacious outdoor areas to pour some joy for the guests. The Garden Walnut Creek Rental fee – contact for pricingCapacity – 125 guests Located in the heart of downtown, this Walnut Creek wedding venue opened in 2022 where Scott’s Seafood restaurant used to be, transforming the old space into a modern venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. They even offer their own photobooth to make planning easier! The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak Rental fee – $2,750 to $5,250 for 50 GuestsCapacity – 250 guests The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak is located on the Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, adjacent to Arbolado Park. It is one of the more premium Walnut Creek wedding venues in the area with its beautiful vistas, delectable cuisine, and spectacular services. Here, people can enjoy stunning views of the Concord and San Ramon Valley areas with excellent event facilities. It offers both indoor and outdoor events including Ceremony spaces with an open-air patio or a grassy knoll overlooking a beautiful fountain and golfing greens. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WALNUT CREEK WEDDING VENUES The Bridges Golf Club (San Ramon) Rental fee – $500 and onwards per eventCapacity – 300 guests The Bridges Golf Club is one of the more popular Walnut Creek wedding venues with its dramatic views and superior service. It is known to have celebrity guests including Niners legend Jerry Rice as a regular! Fairview Oakhurst (Clayton) Rental fee – $2000 per weddingCapacity – 200 guests Fairview Oakhurst makes an unforgettable experience for you and your better half. The place will make you fall in love with the gorgeous views of Mount Diablo’s cascading mountains. Guests will enjoy cocktails on their elegant terrace while you and your better half create photo memories with lush backdrops around you. Round Hill Country Club (Alamo) Rental fee – $6500 per wedding (during peak season) Capacity – 300+ guests Situated in Alamo, Round Hill Country Club features some pristine grounds and beautiful, picturesque backdrops that offer an ideal setting for couples to create some of life’s most memorable moments. The Vista Ballroom with a Capacity of 250+ is mostly suitable for large events. The garden-style setting features glorious views of the Rolling Alamo hills, manicured fairways, and a Tuscan-style fountain built for an unforgettable life moment. Civic Park Community Center and Gazebo Rental fee – $105 and onwards per event Capacity – 300 guests Civic Park Community Center is a wonderful wedding venue in Walnut Creek. It’s one of the multiple event spaces that the city has to offer. The Civic Park Community Center offers a romantic gazebo and surrounding lawn for your ceremony. They also offer a Social Hall, Conference Room and Lounge for double celebrations along with an accommodating staff to help customize events to your taste. photo by Ian Chin Photography Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel Rental fee – $2000 per wedding (during peak season) Capacity – 150 guests Renaissance ClubSport is one of the best hotel accommodations in Walnut Creek. It comes along with an exciting fully operational sports club, an extravagant bar & restaurant, and a relaxing day spa. All of this at one wedding venue creates a one-of-a-kind experience. Invite your guests and plan your itinerary at Renaissance Walnut Creek for an all inclusive weekend. Walnut Creek Marriott Rental fee – Contact the property for detailsCapacity – 400 guest There’s nothing like a hotel to offer as a Walnut Creek wedding venue that you know offers competitive rates and an experienced staff to cater to your needs. The place has a beautifully designed three-course dinner availability, and fabulous room options for your rehearsal dinner. If you are flexible with location, check out these Livermore wedding venues or the best Fremont wedding venues Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335 ianchinphotography@gmail.com

Wedding Venues in Fremont
Wedding Venues in Fremont The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Fremont(complete with pricing and photos) Are you looking for wedding venues in Fremont? This little big town in Northern California has much more options than you would expect, and this guide will highlight some of the best wedding venues in Fremont and nearby cities. Whether you are looking for a small or large wedding venue the locations below should offer a wide variety to choose from to help make wedding planning easy! Ardenwood Historic Farms Rental Fees: $14,000 – $16,000Capacity: 200 guests Ardenwood Historic Farm is the ideal location for a vintage-style wedding. The monument holds a great historical significance, and it was established in the 1800s. So, if you are a history buff, you will fall in love with this place. It’s a massive property with 240 acres of land. It is without a doubt regarded as one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Fremont. This picturesque wedding venue’s breathtaking view will captivate the hearts of all your guests! Check out my guide on an Ardenwood Historic Farm wedding for more info Paradise Ballrooms Rental fee: Depends on the wedding packageCapacity: 50 to 1300 guests Paradise Ballrooms provide services comparable to those found in high-end hotels. This is one of the more regal Fremont wedding venues with its ballroom, adorned with a dazzling collection of chandeliers, to make your occasion magnificent. Palm Event Center (Pleasanton) Rental fee: $16k – $21K for 100 guestsCapacity: Up to 300 guests At the Palm Event Center you can exchange marriage vows in the sweet smelling vineyards of the Livermore Valley Wine Country. After the ceremony, you can dine in high style in the Ballroom or outside on the Vineyard terrace, and then dance the night away under the glow of a thousand twinkle lights. For the sophisticated wine loving couple, Palm Event Center in the Vineyard is a delightful option and one of the best Fremont wedding venues. Check out this Palm Event Center wedding for inspiration Century House and Gardens Rental Fee: you can contact the venueCapacity: 250 guests Century House and Gardens is one of those wedding venues in Fremont that has its own elegance, as it has been around for over 120 years. It is suitable for both indoor weddings in the Ballroom (known for its massive chandelier) and outdoor weddings, with its gazebo in the gardens. With natural decor from the garden this is a perfect summer time venue. Elliston Vineyards (Sunol) Rental Fee: $20K- 27K for 100 guestsCapacity: 200 guests Vineyards are ideal locations for weddings since the beauty of any vineyard is unrivaled, and Elliston Vineyards is no exception. The massive mansion will astound you from the moment you arrive, and provide an awesome backdrop for some photos. This is one of the few vineyard Fremont wedding venues in the area. Check out this guide on Elliston Vineyards weddings for inspiration Crow Canyon Country Club (Danville) Rental fee: $300K-1800/eventCapacity: 330 guests Who wouldn’t want to marry with a view of the magnificent Mount Diablo highlands as a backdrop? If this is your desire, your hunt for wedding venues in Fremont should end. With views of the mountain and a golf course, Crow Canyon Club is the ideal setting. The staff is really pleasant and willing to assist you with any needs you may have. The lounge and lobby area are connected to the reception area, and it looks beautiful with natural light streaming in through the windows. No matter where you sit, you will always enjoy a great view. Nella Terra Cellars (Sunol) Rental Fee: $23K for 50 guestsCapacity: up to 300 guests This is one of the few wedding venues in Fremont that offers a winery view. As a result, this is one of the more popular Fremont wedding venues that boasts lovely, well-kept gardens with a spectacular view of the vineyards. Check out this guide on Nella Terra Cellars weddings for more info CONTACT YOUR FREMONT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Callippe Preserve Golfcourse (Pleasanton) Rental Fee: $2000- $2500Capacity: up to 200 guests This lovely golf course is located above the Tri-Valley area’s golden hills. As a result, you will get a one of the best wedding venues in Fremont offering breathtaking views of the mountains and rich greenery. Check out this guide on Callippe Preserve weddings for more info TPC Stonebrae Country Club (Hayward) Rental fee: Contact for the pricingCapacity: 200 guests It is a magical location that will assist you in creating magical memories. This is one of the more scenic Fremont wedding venues as it offers a panoramic view as it sits atop a mountain. Casa Bella (Sunol) Rental fee: $15K- $17K for 100 guestsCapacity: 250 guests This scenic wedding venue in Fremont is located between Fremont and Pleasanton. It is a charming venue with a vintage vibe and a touch of old-world glitz. Every couple has a vision of how their wedding should be and this is one of those wedding venues in Fremont will help you achieve your vision. The Club at Ruby Hill (Pleasanton) Rental fee: $15K- $19K for 100 guestsCapacity: 230 guests Ruby Hill Golf Club is a Tuscan-style wedding location that will take your breath away the moment you walk in. The region is surrounded by forests, creating the ideal environment for your wedding. The Bridges Golf Club (San Ramon) Rental fee: $13K-$17KCapacity: 300 guests You will be treated to breathtaking views of the sun setting, which will leave you speechless. The outside clubhouse is built on a grass terrace and has a stunning appearance. Check out this guide on Bridges Golf Club Weddings for more info Little Hills (San Ramon) Rental fee: $2K- $6.5KCapacity: 150 guests This location provides an intimate environment for your wedding, as lovely as its name suggests. If you want to tie the knot in one of the more picturesque Fremont wedding venue, here is the place to do it. With trees, birds, and butterflies around, this place is a paradise for nature lovers. Four Points by Sheraton (Pleasanton) Rental fee: $3500- $4750Capacity: 250 There are approximately 10 suites and around two

17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues
17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 17 Best Livermore CA Wedding Venues(with pricing and photos) Why Choose Livermore CA Wedding Venues If you plan on having your wedding in the Tri Valley area, there are plenty of Livermore wedding venues to choose from to add to your celebration. For starters, you have to consider the style of wedding you want to have and the aesthetic. Do rolling hills, vineyards, or ballrooms catch your eye? Below are some of my favorite options for Livermore CA wedding venues to help you in your wedding planning. Palm Event Center (Pleasanton) Rental Fee + F&B Min: $39,000+Capacity: up to 300 guestsHours: 6PM – 12AM (end by 11PM) Check out this Palm Event Center Wedding for more info Casa Real (Pleasanton) Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery is one of the most popular Livermore CA wedding venues, so you know you will have a stunning wedding. Surrounded by vineyards, this venue is an exquisite collection of beautiful indoor spaces with fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and a courtyard filled with lush foliage and sparkling fountains. photo by Ian Chin Photography Murrieta’s Well Murrieta’s Well radiates a uniqueness and timelessness that makes it ideal for weddings with up to 100 guests. A fascinating destination, this historic stone vineyard is a stunning example of California architecture in the early time. Check out my guide on planning a Murrieta’s Well Wedding for more info Garre Winery – Bella Rosa If you want an indoor and outdoor wedding venue set in the middle of vineyards and Italian cypress trees, then the Garre Bella Rosa Winery is the venue for you. It is one of the larger Livermore wedding venues that can host up to 370 guests. Check out my Garre Winery Wedding Planning Guide for more info Check out my Garre Winery wedding video for a real wedding Wente Vineyards Established in 1883, this wedding venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers full service. You can conduct your wedding on a beautifully kept lawn for an outdoor ceremony or inside a mission-style event space. Check out my planning guide for a Wente Vineyards Wedding Poppy Ridge Golf Course Poppy Ridge Golf Course offers an outdoor ceremony location with rolling hills and a golf course in the background. Check out my planning guide for a Poppy Ridge Golf Course wedding The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa Rental Fee + F&B Min: $23,000+Capacity: up to 120 guestsHours: 2PM – 10AM (20 hours) In California’s wine country, you might still want to have a resort-style wedding, and The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa offers you just that. It is available for outdoor ceremonies and offers tranquil surroundings for your wedding. The olive orchard provides the perfect backdrop to say your “I Do’s,” and its orientation in the sun makes for some fantastic sunset shots. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS LIVERMORE WEDDING VENUES Reinstein Ranch With dreams of a barn wedding, turn to Reinstein Ranch to make it happen for you. It is one of the few Livermore CA wedding venues that offer sprawling acreage on a woodland and rolling hill for the perfect blend of urban and country charm. There is plenty of space for outdoor ceremonies, and a 600-year oak tree sounds like the perfect place to say your vows under. Del Valle Winery If you’ve always dreamed of having a lovely vineyard wedding, this place is ideal for you. The winery invites weddings, parties, and rehearsal dinners with breathtaking views of the vines and event rooms surrounded by beautiful flora. Up to 120 guests can be seated in the Barrel Room without feeling crowded. Check out this Del Valle Winery Wedding Planning Guide Rios Lovell Winery It’s time to fall in love again, but with this lovely setting. This location is surrounded by the breathtaking Merlot Vineyard and is located in Livermore Valley’s Wine Country. It makes the ideal backdrop for your wedding. Check out this Rios Lovell Winery Wedding Planning Guide The Bridges Golf Club (San Ramon) The Bridges Golf Club is the ideal California location for a quiet wedding or a lavish celebration, with facilities that can accommodate 25–300 people. It offers magnificent views, a warm ambiance, and exceptional service. Check out my planning guide for a Bridges Golf Club wedding Concannon Vineyard Concannon Vineyard in Livermore sits along the popular Tesla Rd, where it is hard to miss! They have a limited number of dates available for weddings so contact them sooner than later! Check out this planning guide for a Concannon Vineyard wedding The Club at Ruby Hill (Pleasanton) The Club at Ruby Hill offers award winning service and gorgeous green vistas for your wedding ceremony and reception. Rolling golf courses and picturesque vineyards form the backdrop outdoors, and beautiful hardwood and tile welcome you indoors. This is a sister company to Casa Real so you know with two locations, this is one of the best wedding venues in Livermore area. Elliston Vineyards (Sunol) Built-in 1890, this lovely wedding location is lovely as it presents an ideal location for an event to remember with its picturesque surroundings, stylish decor, and helpful staff. Couples can savor richness and charm on their wedding day thanks to the venue’s historic surroundings. Check out my guide on Elliston Vineyards weddings for more info photo by Ian Chin Photography CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS LIVERMORE WEDDING PACKAGES Callippe Preserve (Pleasanton) Callippe Preserve in Pleasanton commands an incomparable view of the gently sloping hills and vineyards of northern California. The venue is set primarily outdoors against green lawns and white lawn chairs and an elegant arbor. Check out this planning guide for a Callippe Preserve wedding Crow Canyon Country Club (Danville) Located within a gated community, this Danville wedding venue offers a lush golf course, perfect for wedding photos. When you enter the club’s stunning foyer, the high ceiling with its sparkling crystal chandelier first catches your attention. The club can accommodate up to 400 guests indoors and 300 outside. Retzlaff Vineyards Retzlaff Vineyards offers a limited booking season for weddings, since it offers outdoor spaces for

