Temescal Beach House Wedding
Sarah and Chris held their Temescal Beach House Wedding in Oakland in front of 60 of their closest friends and family. They wanted to acknowledge their Japanese and Jewish roots in the Ceremony with hundreds of handmade cranes for the chuppah and the breaking of glass.
They opted to do their family formals before the ceremony, which gave me my first impression of these two goofballs. When Chris was added into a group family photo on Sarah’s side, they immediately started making crazy faces and biting each other without me even directing them! This initial impression let me know that he was so welcomed into their family and that their personalities matched perfectly. It was nice foreshadowing into what turned out to be such a memorable day!
I always love personalized ceremonies in the décor, but especially in the actual ceremony. This particular wedding was interesting because they involved more audience participation that what I normally see, asking a handful of the guests to share an anecdote about the couple, based on their own personal stories. It made for touching moments that showed how much the two were loved by everyone.
During the reception, after the standard parent and sibling speeches, they allowed for an open invite for the microphone and ten different people stood up to share their well wishes and stories, which further complemented the fact that they were a very loved couple. It was great to get different viewpoints from various guests and I felt that I knew them my whole life from the stories and moments that were shared about the two.
Once the music started playing for the group dancing, this group continued on in their goofy ways, encouraging Chris to do his famous monkey dance to everyone’s delight. If you can find the photo, Sarah’s brother ended up mimicking this famous dance move, almost performing it with as much character and emotion as the Groom! 🙂
Sarah and Chris’s Temescal Beach House Wedding will be one to remember!
If you are interested in discussing your wedding, please CONTACT ME to chat details!

How to Plan an SF Botanical Garden Wedding
How to Plan an SF Botanical Garden Wedding Ultimate Guide for Planning an SF Botanical Garden Wedding(complete with pricing and photos) Interested in having a SF Botanical Garden wedding? This wedding venue, in the heart of Golden Gate Park, offers multiple backdrops and settings for your day whether it is for several hundred or a few handful. Read below to see why this is one of the best locations for a wedding in Golden Gate Park. Why an SF Botanical Garden Wedding A San Francisco Botanical garden wedding offers a stunning backdrop for your day, with over 8,000 varieties of plants from all over the world surrounding you. Whether you’re a nature lover, a plant enthusiast, or simply seeking a beautiful outdoor venue, a botanical garden wedding in San Francisco will surely exceed your expectations. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, the SF botanical garden also offers a range of venues to suit your style and preferences. Each venue has unique features and capacities, ensuring you will find the perfect setting for your special day. How to Rent the Garden Email: info@sfbg.orgPhone: (415) 661-1316Website: https://www.sfbg.org/event-rental SF Botanical Garden Wedding Cost Rental Fee: ranges from $875 to $10,000 depending on location SF Botanical Garden Wedding Locations Celebration Garden Capacity: Up to 400 seated, 600 standing The Celebration Garden is SF Botanical Garden’s largest and most versatile outdoor venue. It was newly renovated in 2019 and features an amazing array of iconic plants worldwide. Located by the Main Gate, the Celebration Garden offers an expansive manicured garden that can accommodate a variety of events for the largest of celebrations. Garden of Fragrance Capacity: Up to 100 The Garden of Fragrance is a romantic venue perfect for smaller weddings or commitment ceremonies. It features a large green lawn surrounded by an expansive collection of uniquely scented flowering plants. Moon Viewing Garden Capacity: 15 Standing Only The Moon Viewing Garden offers a zen-like atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a perfect setting for couples to exchange their vows in a more intimate setting. Redwood Grove Capacity: 60 The Redwood Grove is a tucked-away gem in the middle of the Garden, surrounded by towering redwood trees that create a setting similar to a Muir Woods wedding. It is currently only available for weekend ceremonies. Zellerbach Garden of Perennials Capacity: 150 With an abundance of pastel flowering perennials, stone columns, and three wooden arbors, this venue provides a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and light cocktail receptions. Its adjacent green lawn also allows for grander events. Best Time for a San Francisco Botanical Garden Wedding SF Botanical Garden Photos Conclusion From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, the Garden has a variety of venues to choose from to cater to most every couple. By following the tips and choosing the best location for you, you can ensure a successful and memorable wedding day that captures the natural beauty of the Botanical Garden as well as the love of the people present. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335 ianchinphotography@gmail.com Related Posts on the Blog

14 Best Wedding Venues in Oakland CA
14 Best Wedding Venues in Oakland CA The Ultimate Guide to the 14 Best Wedding Venues in Oakland CA(complete with pricing and photos) If you are considering an Oakland, CA wedding, you will want a venue that can perfectly turn your wedding dreams a reality. Here’s a round-up of popular wedding venues in Oakland CA to help in your planning! Chabot Space & Science Center Rental Fee : $10900Capacity : 300 guests The Chabot Space & Science Center offers a spot-lit stage under cover of sky. The mesmerizing planetarium offers a front-row seat to indulge your love for astronomy. There is also an observatory deck, but the highlight is, without a doubt, night viewing in the historic telescopes. Chabot Space & Science Center provides ample indoor and covered outdoor wedding spaces, which are also handicap accessible. It can be used for an event of up to 300 guests. Check out my post on planning a Chabot Space & Science Center wedding for more info Preservation Park Rental Fee : $490 – $1325Capacity : 150 – 300 guests Preservation Park is a throwback to old-time Oakland and sits on two blocks just a short drive from downtown Oakland. It is a gorgeous Victorian-themed park with 16 expertly restored Victorian houses, wrought iron fencing, antique benches, and old-fashioned street lamps. It can hold indoor weddings in the English country style home and can host outdoor weddings on the pavilion. Check out this full gallery from a Preservation Park wedding photo by Ian Chin Photography Preservation Park Wedding Slideshow The Brazilian Room (Berkeley) Rental Fee: Starting around $935+ for weekday evening rentals; rates vary by date, duration, and event type.Deposit Fee:– Initial payment: $1,000 required to reserve a specific date (for events booked more than 180 days in advance). This payment is applied toward the total rental fees.– Cleaning & Damage Deposit: Required and due 180 days before the eventCapacity:Up to 150 guests for seated receptions and approximately 225 guests for cocktail-style events. The Brazilian Room is a historic wedding venue located in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, California. Surrounded by forest views, landscaped gardens, and hillside scenery, the venue offers a beautiful nature-inspired setting with a large flagstone patio, hardwood interiors, and a warm fireplace. Its combination of indoor elegance and outdoor scenery makes it a popular choice for Bay Area weddings and private celebrations. Check out my Brazilian Room wedding guide for more info photo by Ian Chin Photography The Terrace Room at Lake Merritt Rental Fee : $2500Capacity : 200 guests The Terrace Room is a historic wedding venue that has been hosting weddings since 1920. It is a luxurious yet characterful space that offers majestic views of Lake Merritt, a bright interior, and a blank canvas to make the wedding of your dreams happen. It needs minimum décor and will hold up to 200 guests in its Art Deco ballroom. Camron-Stanford House Rental fee: $6000 for a 10 hour blockCapacity: Up to 125 The Camron-Stanford House is a
