Northern California Wedding Planner | Keeping it Intimate - Ceremonies & Pop-Up Weddings

We're Loving Intimate Weddings - Here's Why: 

Instead of being lost in seating chart land or worrying over shuttles for 140 guests, couples can focus on their vows, experiencing the dining experience along with their guests, visiting and truly being in the moment.  Not to mention the budget can often be allocated on enriching your guests experiences with welcome bags, custom stationery at their place settings, or live music for example.  

Photos Courtesy of  Amanda Wei Photography

laura-and-leah_SF Wedding Day_the-530-bride

Many of our couples reside outside of Northern California, and are planning their weddings remotely so having us in the area to go on site walks and meet with their event team saves them a lot of the leg work while giving them peace of mind.   After-all for most, this is the first time planning an event of this size so it can seem overwhelming when they first set the date. 

Recently, we've had the pleasure of working with couples who are really looking to streamline their wedding day experience and are looking for an all inclusive approach.  This can mean finding a venue who provides many of the amenities such as the event space, tables, chairs, food & beverage, etc and we contract the event team to complete the must-haves including florals, sound & photography to name a few.  
 

laura-and-leah_the-530-bride
foriegn-cinema-wedding_san francisco_The-530-bride

If you are curious about Pop-Up Weddings and how they differ between an intimate wedding or elopement, here is a comparison:

Elopement - The couple + witness(es) + officiant

Pop-up Wedding - One venue decked out with all of the wedding goodies + multiple couples at various times during the day, night or throughout the length of the event + 15-20 guests typically and can include some of the essentials like officiant, photography, champagne, appetizers, music and dancing depending on the package you select.

Intimate Wedding - The couple + 20-60 guests + officiant and venue which could be a back yard, restaurant or small venue.

Creating an intimate experience with only a few of your closest friends or family members allows you to focus on the elements that matter most to you.  Surprise your guests with your choreographed first dance? Yes!!

Foreign-cinema-reception_the-530-bride

Through our experience of planning intimate weddings we've honestly enjoyed such genuine connections with our couples and even their families who we get to know in the process.  We are so thankful for these amazing couples and for the opportunity to witness such joy and happiness!

~ Happy Planning~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | Laura and Leah ~ S.F City Hall & Foreign Cinema

From our fun phone sessions to visiting them in San Francisco to walk their space with them, we've been pretty hooked on Laura and Leah from the start.  If there is one thing that keeps us so passionate about what we do, it would definitely be the connections that we make with our couples.  Our glimpse into their world was cozy, energetic and so genuine. 

Photo by Amanda Wei Photography

Photo by Amanda Wei Photography

It was no surprise that Laura and Leah's engagement shoot was featured in the Knot Northern California edition, shot by Amanda Wei Photography.  We knew their photos would be super adorable.

When it came to planning details with Laura and Leah, they were quick to make decisions and knew just what they wanted.  They had already selected their date and ceremony location, and we were so excited to be a part of a ceremony at the San Francisco City Hall.  The architecture and the romantic buzz of couples getting married all around us was so fun.  Next, they chose Foreign Cinema for their reception and it couldn't be more perfect for an intimate event.

Their day was captured beautifully by Amanda Wei of Blueberry Photography

Their day was captured beautifully by Amanda Wei of Blueberry Photography

Our favorite part of the evening had to be Laura and Leah's salsa dance that was so perfectly them, and their smiles just showed how in love they are!  

Foreign Cinema blew us away with their amazing staff & service not to mention the passed appetizers followed by a four course meal with delicious dessert.  Guests did not leave hungry, and they danced the night away.  We couldn't have loved their wedding day more, just an absolute joy to share in the love between the two of them and their beautiful family & friends.

Creative Partners:
Planning & Styling: The 530 Bride // Photography: Amanda Wei Photography
// Ceremony: San Francisco City Hall // Reception: Foreign Cinema // Florals: Ampersand SF // DJ: Sunny Dawn // Linen Runner:  WeDo Designs // Hair and Make-up: Lavish Hair and Make-up Studio