Intimate Oakland Private Home Wedding
Planning a wedding in the midst of a pandemic is a challenge, which is definitely an understatement! Jennifer and Jamir had many hurdles but this lovely couple maintained a clear focus on their wedding day goals, and although their wedding wasn’t what they had initially planned, it came together wonderfully with beauty, fun, and love.
The two got engaged on January 1, 2020. They immediately began the process of finding and securing a venue. They selected an east bay venue for a fall wedding date, and paid the deposit. Then several weeks later the Bay Area went into shelter-in-place, and the world as we knew it went topsy turvy. Jennifer said, “We remained optimistic that things would reopen, we even sent out save the date cards in hopes of giving everybody (including ourselves) something to look forward to. Unfortunately as the months went on and we got closer to our wedding date, that optimism started dwindling as the reality was setting in that we likely would not be able to safely have the wedding we originally had planned. Luckily all of our vendors, including our event location, were very open with us about our options. Jamir and I had weekly check-ins months prior to our wedding to talk about our options, and ways we would have to pivot.” Pivot is indeed the wedding word of 2020!
The bride gets ready with help from her sister and mom.
“As our wedding date approached, we took the biggest pivot and decided to pull out of our original venue and have our wedding in our backyard- we had the space, and with the unknowns of what would be open come October, it just seemed like the best plan for us. Our wedding was intimate (everybody was literally hand picked- we had to disinvite 75% of our original guest list, but everybody was super understanding and supportive) and even more special because it was in our own backyard- a place where we can look out our window and see everyday. We ended up hiring a fantastic caterer that helped plan everything for us from the food all the way to the floral arrangements and table linens. We were even able to save some money by cutting down the guest list and switching venues- this was my favorite part because it allowed us to spend less on certain items, but splurge more on the things that really mattered to us.”
The handsome groom and the couples’ wedding rings.
Carrie Dove Catering and Events was a super team in planning the day, coordinating the space and furniture rentals, flipping the ceremony space to reception, of course preparing delicious food on site!
A wedding welcome table in Covid times, with custom masks for the guests.
A special memorial in the front row of the ceremony for the bride’s father.
The ceremony arch and wedding vows.
The ceremony arch made a beautiful focal point for the ceremony and reception, and was decorated with flowers from the talented east bay florist, Katharina Stuart.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from Jennifer and Jamir to planning couples in both pandemic and non-pandemic times was: “During our weekly check-ins with each other, we really made a point to focus on the top three things that really mattered to us. A friend gifted us a wedding planning book when we got engaged, most of it went out the window when the pandemic hit, but this one exercise we did helped a lot. We individually wrote down five top things we wanted out of our wedding. Then we came together, discussed them, and picked three for the both of us. Whenever we had to make a decision about the wedding, we'd go back to that list of our top three priorities. We also made it a point to remember that our wedding day was for us! Luckily both of our families were very supportive in our decisions which made planning that much easier.”
The smiling bride walks down the aisle, surrounded by family and friends. I loved this moment!
“We individually wrote down five top things we wanted out of our wedding. Then we came together, discussed them, and picked three for the both of us. Whenever we had to make a decision about the wedding, we'd go back to that list of our top three priorities.”
“Having a more intimate wedding, especially in a space where there was no time limit, allowed us to have an even more unique and memorable day. Towards the end of the night after all of the dancing wore off, we had an impromptu open-mic session where our family members each went around, my favorite being our 11 year old niece, Kaela, and shared a story, a good memory and well wishes to us. Our neighbors even helped to celebrate us by making signs and posting them in front of their house for everyone to see when they drove up.”
Just married!
Formal family photos were taken right after the ceremony. As a photographer, I really love these “in-between” candid moments with family!
The groom with his parents.
The bride with her sister and mother.
Top button only! The groom with his brother in their dapper tuxedos from Oakland’s House of Black Balloon.
The wedding party takes a stroll out in the neighborhood.
We made sure to have some times to take photos of just the happy newlyweds!
Cocktail hour!
The tables ready for the reception. I loved these fall florals!
The sweet wedding cake and bud vases.
Thank you to the couple for having me there to capture and document their very special wedding day, and for sharing their wedding planning journey and advice!
Vendor Love:
Planning and Catering: Carrie Dove Catering & Events
Rentals: Standard Party Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Linen
Lighting: Quantum Party Productions
Flowers: Katharina Stuart
Bridal Gown: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Tuxedo: Mr. Smith of House of Black Balloon
Make-up: POE Brow & Skin Studio
Hair: Carmen of Strut Oakland
Cake: Cupcakin’s Bake Shop
Custom Masks: Etsy
Photography: Sonya Yruel
Photographic Film Processing & Scanning: The Find Lab