Intimate Fall Wedding at Cavallo Point Lodge by the Golden Gate
Planning and having a wedding in general can be a rollercoaster! But managing to have one that is both beautiful and safe during these pandemic times, was exactly what Victoria and Brendan did. Their intimate wedding at the historic Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito was not their Plan A, nor even their Plan B, “but it truly felt like the way it was meant to be,” says bride Victoria. As they navigated the hurdles of Covid-19, ever-fluctuating guidelines and safety measures, they decided to hold their October 2020 wedding at this elegant resort, nestled just over the Golden Gate Bridge from their hometown of San Francisco. “Having a much more intimate wedding (30 people compared to 230 people) really allowed us to flow through the day at our own pace. With the pandemic, I think we have all been forced to reexamine our priorities at different times. Having a pandemic wedding allowed us to recenter on the true priority of that day - to get married!”
Their wedding rings and invitation, and the bride’s bouquet with rich fall tones and sprigs of mint, created by Two Birds Artistry.
Their day began in classic San Francisco weather, with Karl the Fog rolling over the bridge with a mix of sunshine. If you haven’t yet been to Cavallo, the venue has both modern rooms up on a hill and overlooking the Golden Gate, and it has historic lodgings that were once officer’s quarters when it was an army post at Fort Baker. It’s now a lovely blend of contemporary with the historic, with sweeping vistas of the bridge and the sparkling bay. It’s an easy getaway and respite from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, but also an easy ride back over the Golden Gate Bridge when you want to jump back into the city.
The bride gets ready with help from her bridesmaids.
The bride walks down the hill to meet her father, who then walked her down the aisle to the ceremony.
Cavallo Point has lots of choices on their large property for where you can hold your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. One of my favorites is the Mission Blue lawn, with its stunning vistas.
The beautiful ceremony flowers designed by Kate’s Blossoms on the Mission Blue lawn, and safety packs for each guest.
Just married!!!
The bride with her flower girl and niece.
Having a more intimate sized wedding, the day never really felt rushed or hectic. It had a nice pace and gave time for the couple to soak in moments, and have time to take some photos around Cavallo. And they had ample time to visit with all their guests during the reception.
An Old Fashioned for cocktail hour, and the reception on the terrace.
“Having a much more intimate wedding (30 people compared to 230 people) really allowed us to flow through the day at our own pace.”
A fuzzy blanket for each guest, including the cutie flower girl! Also the heat lamps on the patio helped keep guests warm.
“With the pandemic, I think we have all been forced to reexamine our priorities at different times. Having a pandemic wedding allowed us to recenter on the true priority of that day - to get married!”
Congratulations to Victoria and Brendan! I am looking forward to photographing their larger wedding celebration later this year in San Francisco.
Quarantined for life! Congrats to the happy couple!
Vendor Love:
Venue, Catering, & Cake: Cavallo Point
Bride’s Bouquet: Two Birds Artistry
Wedding Dress: Wtoo by Watters
Dress Alterations: Papers & Petals
Wedding Florals: Kate Blossoms
DJ: Four Leaf Entertainment
Photographer: Sonya Yruel
Hair Stylist: William Cary
Make-up: April Hartzell
Tuxedo: Mens Wearhouse
Blanket Favors for Guests: North East Fleece
Personalized Blanket Bands: Reception Flip Flops
Custom Masks: For Your Party
Inquire about your wedding photography at Cavallo Point here.