
Nella Terra Cellars in Sunol is an idyllic wedding site surrounded by golden hills and expansive vineyards.
Whether it is the welcoming vibe, diverse cuisine, top-quality hospitality, or fabulous scenery, you can’t beat the East Bay when it comes to hosting monumental occasions. (And don’t forget the much-lauded Mediterranean climate.) Prepare for wedding season with Diablo’s list detailing many of the services, venues, flowers, and fare that make our region such an ideal location for blissful events.
1. THERE ARE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR VENUES
Who wouldn’t want to exchange marriage vows in the most beautiful flower garden in the world? The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery was recently given that honorific based on Tripadvisor user ratings, a sentiment echoed by Diablo’s readers, who declared it the top wedding venue in Best of the East Bay 2024. Ceremonies and cocktail receptions can take place in the dry garden (sit-down meals are now limited to the Plaza or Great Room to protect the plant life), and the succulents, cacti, and blooming natives make a world-class backdrop for photos. For more flowers, Morcom Rose Garden and the Gardens at Heather Farm feature a bevy of blooms and inviting landscapes; the Gardens at Heather Farm also recently redid its indoor reception hall with new flooring and lighting. The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley has two nature-centric facilities: the historic Julia Morgan Hall in the garden and the Mather Redwood Grove and Amphitheater, where couples can wed under stands of towering trees. Other woodsy settings include Redwood Canyon, Wildwood Acres Resort, and Little Hills; the latter is situated in the Las Trampas Wilderness and has a tented reception area with glowing Scandinavian chandeliers and market lights.
Golf course venues such as the Clubhouse at Boundary Oak—where you can hold your ceremony at the renovated Lakeview site, next to a water feature and eucalyptus trees—the Club at Ruby Hill, or Callippe Preserve promise pastoral settings, while Fairview Metropolitan has panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Canyon View Event Center offers hill and valley scenes, along with indoor and outdoor spaces and its new tailored wedding packages. Golden meadows and rows of grapevines add to Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa’s bucolic charm, as do its fountains, rose gardens, and manicured grounds. Exchange rings near a sparkling lake at San Ramon Waters before partying in the refreshed ballroom and cocktail lounge.
- Callippe Preserve Golf Course, Pleasanton, playcallippe.com.
- Canyon View Event Center, San Ramon, thecanyonview.com.
- The Club at Ruby Hill, Pleasanton, rubyhill.com.
- The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, Walnut Creek, playboundaryoak.com.
- Fairview Metropolitan, Oakland, fairviewevents.com/metropolitan.
- The Gardens at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek, gardenshf.org.
- Little Hills, San Ramon, littlehillsevents.com.
- Morcom Rose Garden, Oakland, oaklandca.gov.
- Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa, Livermore, purpleorchid.com.
- Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings, Castro Valley, wedgewoodweddings.com.
- Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery, Walnut Creek, ruthbancroftgarden.org.
- San Ramon Waters by Wedgewood Weddings, San Ramon, wedgewoodweddings.com.
- University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, Berkeley, botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
- Wildwood Acres Resort, Lafayette, wildwoodacres.com.
2. THESE HISTORIC PROPERTIES WILL ADD DEPTH TO YOUR DAY
Honor the past while looking toward your bright future at these storied spots. Claremont Resort and Club marks its 110-year anniversary in 2025, and the landmark property with sweeping views continues to be a sumptuous spot for gatherings. The Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park—dedicated in 1941—was constructed from hardwood paneling that was part of the Brazilian Pavilion featured in the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. The popular venue just replaced its flooring with dark Brazilian cherry wood that complements the historic panels. Architecture buffs will love the Gothic-Moorish ambience of Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, and the Buehler Estate, the only authentic Frank Lloyd Wright property in the East Bay. The site features 400 trees and two waterfalls and was originally landscaped by Henry Matsutani, who helped design the restored Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Morgan also designed the Hacienda del Pozo de Verona estate in Pleasanton, which was the clubhouse for the Castlewood Country Club in the 1920s. Now the Club at Castlewood, the venue specializes in cultural and multiday celebrations, including traditional Indian weddings. Hacienda de las Flores, a historic Spanish-style estate, is equally striking, while Jefferson Street Mansion, built in 1861, features neoclassical architecture, designed grounds, and period decor.
The roots of Murrieta’s Well hark back to 1884, when it was first purchased by Louis Mel, who later sold the property to Ernest Wente. The vineyard estate has natural charm and sophistication, and includes an atmospheric barrel room. Shadelands Ranch Museum is a time capsule reflecting Walnut Creek at the turn of the century but provides a gracious landscape for a modern wedding under large oak trees.
• Berkeley City Club, Berkeley, www.berkeleycityclub.com.
• Brazilian Room, Berkeley, ebparks.org.
• The Buehler Estate, Orinda, thebuehlerestate.com.
• Claremont Resort and Club, Berkeley, claremontresortandclub.com.
• The Club at Castlewood, Pleasanton, castlewoodcc.org.
• Hacienda de las Flores by Wedgewood Weddings, Moraga, wedgewoodweddings.com.
• Jefferson Street Mansion by Wedgewood Weddings, Benicia, wedgewoodweddings.com.
• Murrieta’s Well, Livermore, murrietaswell.com.
• Shadelands Ranch Museum, Walnut Creek, wchistory.org.

Rings featuring an emerald-cut center diamond set off with smaller baguettes are top choices at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon.
3. TRUSTED JEWELERS WILL HELP YOU PUT A RING ON IT
Marking betrothals and weddings with rings is a tradition that stems back to the Roman Empire, but designs and materials have evolved over the centuries. Engagement rings in particular may highlight a variety of jewels, cuts, and settings, though the pear-shaped diamond solitaire is still the most popular option, says Sarah Heller, director of operations and branding for Heller Jewelers in San Ramon.
“Everyone wears a ring on the same finger to symbolize their love, but people can take the ring in so many different directions and make it their own,” says Heller. “We love being a part of that process. We pride ourselves on being a trustworthy member of the East Bay community and making people happy.”
Heller has seen a move away from delicate, thin bands that were popular during the last two years, with customers now preferring more sculptural-looking or heavier, wider bases. Round brilliant cuts remain classics for a reason, but ovals and other fancy cuts are increasingly taking center stage. Recent trends include three-stone rings—with one center diamond and two smaller jewels on either side—and pieces featuring multiple stones in intricate designs.
“Diamonds are still the most popular, but every now and then we work with a bride who wants to use different gemstones. We just did a custom piece for a bride who repurposed a family heirloom emerald ring. It’s always exciting to do something a little different and help somebody match their vision,” says Heller.
The second-generation, family-run business frequently designs custom rings, and all their diamonds are ethically sourced.
When it comes to the wedding band, most women tend to select a diamond band that stacks with their engagement ring or a plain gold or platinum band. Grooms often want their ring to match the bride’s ring, though others go for their own unique look. “Some men want diamonds or black diamonds, or etching, or engraving, or millegrain—things that add detail and interest to the ring,” says Heller. “There’s no right or wrong answer.” hellerjewelers.com.
- Barons, Dublin, baronsjewelers.com.
- Brilliant Earth, Walnut Creek, brilliantearth.com.
- Davidson and Licht, Walnut Creek, davidsonandlicht.com.
- Diablo Fine Jewelers, Alamo, diablofinejewelers.com.
- Dioro Jewelers, Danville, diorojewelers.com.
- The King’s Jewelers, Walnut Creek, www.thekingsjewelers.com.
- Tiffany and Co., Walnut Creek, tiffany.com.

Pleasanton’s Palm Event Center in the Vineyard has many impressive party spaces.
4. YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED A WINERY WEDDING
Why not take advantage of the East Bay’s very own wine country with a fete among the vines? As the oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the nation, Wente Family Vineyards is a grande dame in the Livermore Valley scene. It’s also a premier venue that features gorgeous views, exceptional service, and well-appointed spaces. Operated by Beets Hospitality group, Palm Event Center in the Vineyard has long been a favored venue, but a recent remodel added contemporary updates to the floors, sconces, windows, and paint. The new candle wall is a dramatic background for photos, while the Vineyard Terrace is a picture-perfect ceremony site. Sister venue Casa Real at Ruby Hill provides high romance in a grand setting, including a newly refurbished bar with bronze and metal accents and a quartz countertop.

Get a beautiful start to married life at Wente Family Vineyards, one of many winery venues in the region.
Drink in the striking surroundings at Bella Rosa at Garré Vineyard and Winery, or vineyard views at Del Valle Winery. The family-owned Del Valle has beautiful outdoor spaces, including a charming secret garden adjacent to the bridal suite. Elliston Vineyards was built in 1890, but there is a timeless feel to the stone manor, which has appealing outdoor spaces and a stately interior decorated with antique accents. Enjoy views of the Sunol highlands from Nella Terra Cellars. The private estate promises a quintessential California experience and now offers multiday events on site, including a hibachi rehearsal dinner and a farewell breakfast after the wedding.
- Bella Rosa at Garré Vineyard and Winery, Livermore, garrewinery.com.
- Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, Pleasanton, casarealevents.com.
- Del Valle Winery, Livermore, delvallewinery.com.
- Elliston Vineyards, Sunol, ellistonvineyards.com.
- Nella Terra Cellars, Sunol, nellaterra.com.
- Palm Event Center in the Vineyard, Pleasanton, palmeventcenter.com.
- Wente Family Vineyards, Livermore, wentevineyards.com.
5. YOU CAN BOOK A CAKE PRO
Mitra Asgari’s wedding cakes are more than mouthwatering confections—they are artistic masterpieces. Asgari, who has been in the culinary industry for 25 years, designs custom cakes that are influenced by her longtime love of the visual arts.
Most of the cakes Asgari sculpts at Mitra Art Cake feature three to four tiers in a round, square, or unique shape. Each is made from scratch and features high-quality ingredients from brands such as Ghirardelli Chocolate and IfiGourmet. Asgari is well-versed in all the classic flavors, but among her most-requested offerings are chiffon vanilla cake with strawberry cream mousse and fresh strawberries, devil’s food chocolate cake with dark chocolate cream mousse, and red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Many clients also add fruit, caramel, nuts, or whipped cream.
“It’s not routine,” says Farhad Panbehchi, Asgari’s husband, who handles marketing for the company. “We can do [anything with] design and flavors. She can deliver.”
Asgari works with clients from different cultures and is passionate about learning new traditions, which influence each cake’s presentation. Her embellishments are what truly shine, however, as she adds flowers, fondant designs, and 2D and 3D features to her creations. Over the years, she’s crafted cakes shaped like bridal gowns and castles and featuring religious iconography. (Cakes for other occasions have been shaped like sports gear, luxury shopping bags, and a knight’s shield—there’s even been one with a Godzilla figure.)
Asgari worked at a Sunnyvale bakery and with Katrina Rozelle for several years in Alamo before founding her home business. Prospective clients are encouraged to set up a cake tasting, held Monday through Wednesday, where they can sample eight to ten flavors, sip tea, and chat about their vision. Mitra Art Cake also provides transportation and setup services on the big day.
“We hope the cake becomes a memorable centerpiece that not only looks beautiful but also brings joy and excitement to our guests,” she says. “We want it to reflect our story and style—something unique, delicious, and unforgettable that ties everything together with sweetness.” mitraartcake.com.
- East Bay Cakes, Pittsburg
- Full Belly Bakery, Oakland, fullbellybakery.com.
- Glass Slipper Gourmet, Walnut Creek, glassslippergourmet.com.
- Goddess Noir Cakes, San Leandro, goddessnoircakes.com.
- Lavender Bakery and Café, Berkeley, lavenderbakeries.com.
- Le Gâteau Élégant, Walnut Creek, legateauelegant.com.
- Ma Petite Maison Cake Design, Danville, mpmcakes.com.
- Marvel Cake, Walnut Creek, marvelcake.com.
- Old Towne Danville Bakery, Danville, danvillebakery.info.
- Renaissance Specialty Cakes and Desserts, Oakland, renaissancespecialtycakes.com.

Swimming fish add serenity to celebrations at the California Academy of Sciences.
6. YOU’D LIKE TO EXCHANGE VOWS IN A UNIQUE SPACE
For a truly memorable wedding, consider a venue that goes beyond the ordinary. You can create a celestial event at Chabot Space and Science Center’s updated ceremony space in the full-dome Planetarium. Advanced digital projection capabilities allow couples to set the stars to the date and time they met and have the moonrise as a background for their vows or colliding galaxies overhead during their first kiss. Those who prefer a marine theme might exchange promises in front of the colorful swimming fish in the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences and hold their reception in the Tusher African Hall, complete with penguins. Go nautical sans wildlife at the Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina, a waterfront oasis on the Carquinez Strait. Outdoor spaces such as the East and West Gardens give tropical vibes, while the Waterfront Banquet Room’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the marina. Oakland Zoo also hosts events at the Snow Building; the historic venue is away from the animal residents but promises panoramic views.
Write your own storybook romance at Children’s Fairyland, with an Ever After Grand Experience, which grants access to the park’s 10 acres for a six-hour party, or its new Ever After Intimate Experience for those who want a magical microwedding (three hours). Add a whimsical note with a magician, puppet, or fairy as your officiant. Or transport your guests to a French château while staying close to home at Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa, where venues such as the Wishing Well Courtyard and Independence Ballroom are perfect for chic gatherings of varying sizes. The Contra Costa County Clerk’s office also hosts quarterly destination weddings at sites around the region; recent locations have included the summit of Mount Diablo and the Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez.
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, calacademy.org.
- Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, chabotspace.org.
- Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, fairyland.org.
- Contra Costa County Clerk, Martinez, contracostavote.gov.
- Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa, Lafayette, lafayetteparkhotel.com.
- The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina, Glen Cove, thelighthousegcm.com.
- Oakland Zoo, Oakland, oaklandzoo.org.
7. BECAUSE LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS
Plan a flawless event from start to finish with particular attention to the invitations and party favors for attending guests. Bourne Paper Co. uses modern typography and organic textiles to create harmonious paper suites that cover everything from save-the-date cards to invitations to thank-you cards. Bourne Paper prioritizes sustainable and recycled materials. Sweet Penelope specializes in illustration, with colorful, polished, and often playful designs on a custom or semi-custom basis. It also offers a range of items for the event itself. Dos Flores Designs is all about love, starting with the husband-and-wife team who founded the calligraphy services company after their own wedding experience. Dos Flores does hand-lettered wedding invitations, signs, cards, and other paper goods.
Send your guests home with a sweet taste in their mouths with fancy party favors from Leonidas~ Love + Chocolate; the company features beautifully packaged chocolates and fruit jellies in boxes of various sizes, as well as individual bags of buttery toffee that is handmade in Southern California. Bring your guests good luck with customized fortune cookies from Oakland Fortune Factory. The business offers a range of designs, dips, and colors, and you can craft your own message for inside the cookies, which are baked in Oakland. Should you prefer a takeaway treat that leans toward the savory, consider Auntie Viv’s Artisan Furikake Snack Mix. A collection of sweet, salty, and crunchy items in a caramel glaze and topped with furikake seasoning, the mix is also available in a gluten-free version.
- Auntie Viv’s Artisan Furikake Snack Mix, Dublin, auntievivs.com.
- Bourne Paper Co., Lafayette, bournepaper.co.
- Dos Flores Designs, Fremont, dosfloresdesigns.com.
- Leonidas~ Love + Chocolate, Walnut Creek, loveandchocolateshop.com.
- Oakland Fortune Factory, Oakland, oaklandfortunefactory.com.
- Sweet Penelope, Pleasant Hill, sweetpenelope.com.

Find the wedding dress of your dreams at Kinsley Couture in Walnut Creek.
8. YOU DON’T HAVE TO STRESS OVER THE DRESS
Whether you’re dreaming of a flowing princess dress, a crisp white pantsuit, or garb befitting a warrior queen for your wedding day, local bridal shops can help. Choose from gorgeous gowns by top designers in a range of styles at Blossoms Bridal and Formal or Joanna’s Bridal Boutique. Both retailers also stock bridesmaids, mother of the bride or groom, and flower girl dresses, providing a one-stop shop for the bridal party. Plus-size brides can find their dream dress from collections at Kinsley Couture, Flares Bridal and Formal, and J’aime Bridal (a Stella York and Essense of Australia’s EveryBody/EveryBride program exclusive partner). Dancing with the Stars’ dresser Riki Dalal also has an outpost of her bridal boutique in Walnut Creek.
- Blossoms Bridal and Formal, Pleasanton, blossomsdress.com.
- Flares Bridal and Formal, Walnut Creek, flaresbridal.com.
- J’aime Bridal, Pleasanton, jaimebridal.com.
- Joanna’s Bridal Boutique, Danville, joannasbridalboutique.com.
- Kinsley Couture, Walnut Creek, kinsleycouture.com.
- Riki Dalal, Walnut Creek, rikidalal.com.
9. YOU CAN BOOK YOUR OWN GLAM SQUAD
Feel your most beautiful with the help of local hair and makeup experts. Book the Agency Suite at Status Salon for an upscale experience with views of the Livermore skyline, or contract Changes Salon and Day Spa or Netanya Lynn Beauty to travel to your beauty prep location. The team at Limón Salon can give their full focus to your haircut and styling, while the Glam Bar offers four makeup packages in addition to their updos and curls. South Asian women can get a contemporary look from the stylists at M-Sutra Bride. Avital Beauty Lounge takes a broad approach, with waxing, lashes, makeup, and hair services for the bridal party.
- Avital Beauty Lounge, Walnut Creek, avitalbeauty.com.
- Changes Salon and Day Spa, Walnut Creek, changessalon.com.
- The Glam Bar, Walnut Creek, theglambarwc.com.
- Limón Salon, Walnut Creek, limonsalon.com.
- M-Sutra Bride, San Ramon, msutrabride.com.
- Netanya Lynn Beauty, San Ramon, netanyalynnbeauty.com.
- Status Salon, Livermore, statusalon.com.
10. THERE IS A WORLD OF CATERING AVAILABLE
Prepare for your future while honoring your family’s heritage or personalize the occasion with your preferred cuisine. Serve up delicious Italian entrées from Locanda Ravello and Locanda Positano (which have sister restaurants throughout the Bay Area), or indulge in Vietnamese flavors courtesy of Alameda’s Bacogai. Did the two of you grab tacos on your first date? Tacos Sinaloa and Taqueria Los Gallos Express can bring things full circle with authentic Mexican eats. Taqueria Los Gallos Express provides four catering packages—but if you simply can’t pick, consider a customizable option, with tacos, salsas, and sides. Blue Heron Catering Inc. goes global, providing everything from Moroccan meatballs to empanadas to a sushi and sashimi bar. You can even find options that blend your favorite flavors; La Fresca Taqueria’s taco truck serves up Mexican-Indian fusion dishes like tandoori chicken quesadillas. (And, of course, if you would like to stick with a classic plate, Salt and Honey Catering and Events has grilled skirt steak, pan-roasted duck breast, and other dishes that are sure to elevate your gathering.)
- Bacogai, Alameda, bacogai.com.
- Blue Heron Catering Inc., Hayward, blueheroncatering.com.
- La Fresca Taqueria, Hayward, lafrescataqueria.com.
- Locanda restaurants, Brentwood, Danville, Lafayette, Livermore, and Pleasanton, locandarestaurants.com.
- Salt and Honey Catering and Events, Oakland, saltandhoneycatering.com.
- Tacos Sinaloa, Berkeley and Oakland, tacossinaloaoakland.com.
- Taqueria Los Gallos Express, Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Pittsburg, taquerialosgallosexpress.com.
11. YOU CAN INVITE YOUR NO. 1 DINING SPOT TO THE PARTY
Our favorite restaurants are our favorites for a reason, and often become the site of our life-changing moments. You can bring those menus to you, as many of the area’s most beloved restaurants offer catering services for weddings of varying sizes. Hazy Barbecue’s brisket and tri-tip have helped earned the restaurant prizes in Diablo’s Best of the East Bay for the last three years, while Sauced BBQ and Spirits can tailor its Southern barbecue to fit your guest list and budget. Rodney Worth’s restaurants—think the Peasant and the Pear and the Little Pear—specialize in intimate weddings and can bring appetizers and buffet dishes to your venue. (The Peasant and the Pear and the Little Pear also have large event spaces ideal for a rehearsal dinner.) On the Vine, a fixture at local events, crafts seasonal family-style and plated dinner menus complete with cocktail bites and desserts—plus a list of late-night snacks like Bavarian pretzel sticks and a french-fry bar for those in need of an evening pick-me-up.
- Hazy Barbecue, Danville, hazybarbecue.com.
- On the Vine Catering, Livermore, onthevinecatering.com.
- Sauced BBQ and Spirits, Livermore and Walnut Creek, saucedbbqandspirits.com.
- Worth Group restaurants, Alamo, Danville, Livermore, and Walnut Creek, rodneyworth.com.
12. CUSTOM BEVERAGE PROVIDERS RAISE THE BAR
Say cheers to brand-new beginnings with a specialized drink experience that echoes your personal aesthetic. Tap Truck East Bay pours beer, champagne, wine, and cocktails out of a classic 1957 Chevy dubbed Babs (plus nonalcoholic options such as lemonade, soda, and more), while Liquid Shakers Mobile Bartending can craft signature cocktails that commemorate you and your new spouse. Mitik adds a tropical touch with cocktails and mocktails rooted in the founders’ Caribbean history and seasonal recipes.
- Liquid Shakers Mobile Bartending, Concord, liquidshakersbartender.com.
- Mitik, Berkeley, mitikmobilebartending.com.
- Tap Truck East Bay, East Bay, taptruckeastbay.com.

Gio Gelati will bring hand-crafted cool treats to your reception with its catering cart.
13. GUESTS CAN ENJOY ONE-OF-A-KIND TREATS
Indulge in something sweet while giving your dancing feet a break. Doughnut walls are trendy wedding go-tos, and Yellowcake Custom Cakes and Dessert Tables and Elegant Occasions Catering and Event Planning can provide the sugar rush. Elegant Occasions will add pizzazz with a cheesecake station, cupcake tower, or chocolate fountain. Or double down on doughnuts with Johnny Doughnuts; based in San Francisco and the North Bay, the company will bring its brigade of doughnut trucks to your venue.
For more expansive dessert offerings, try a cupcake bar featuring a selection from Jenn’s Cupcakes and Parties’ 35-plus flavors, a macaron spread or boba drinks from Always Yours Bakery Cafe, a cheesecake array from Crumble and Whisk Patisserie, or a dessert platter that includes artisan Rice Krispies from Glass Slipper Gourmet. Hayward’s the Cake Whisperer can provide specialty treats like Indian mithai or a French St. Honore. SF Candy Bar and Sweet Events Bay Area will bring custom candy combos and treats to East Bay receptions. If ice cream is your favorite guilty pleasure, Gio Gelati’s catering cart will serve authentic, handcrafted Italian gelato for as long as eight hours during your festivities.
- Always Yours Bakery Cafe, Castro Valley, alwaysyoursbakerycafe.com.
- The Cake Whisperer, Hayward, thecakewhisperer7.com.
- Crumble and Whisk Patisserie, Oakland, crumbleandwhisk.com.
- Elegant Occasions Catering and Event Planning, Martinez, elegantoccasionscatering.com.
- Gio Gelati, San Ramon, giogelati.com.
- Glass Slipper Gourmet, Walnut Creek, glassslippergourmet.com.
- Jenn’s Cupcakes and Parties, Castro Valley, jennscupcakesandparties.com.
- Johnny Doughnuts, San Francisco, johnnydoughnuts.com.
- SF Candy Bar, San Francisco, sfcandybar.com.
- Sweet Events Bay Area, San Mateo, mysweeteventsbayarea.com.
- Yellowcake Custom Cakes and Dessert Tables, Concord, yellowcakedesserts.com.
14. THERE IS PLENTY OF EXPERT ADVICE
Chanda Daniels has come a long way from cutting bridal party paper dolls out of the pages of her grandmother’s JCPenney catalog when she was a little girl. These days, the Oakland-based wedding planner creates luxurious celebrations in the East Bay and beyond, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ couples.
“I’ve always been a person who wanted to break out of expectations,” says Daniels, who has been working as a wedding planner since 1999. “I want people to see that, regardless if I come from Oakland, I can do a wedding that costs over $750,000 and encourage others [in the industry] to know that they can do it too.”
She works closely with her clients during the planning process, getting to know them, their love story, and their preferences, along with their budget for the wedding weekend. Daniels recommends that couples hire a professional and start planning their celebration at least a year and a half before the big day. Do some independent research and get an idea of costs before meeting with a wedding planner.
“Weddings are so complex now. They are bigger and require larger investments,” she says. “You cannot trust [your wedding] to someone who has never done it before.”
Among her favorite venues in the East Bay are the Bridge Yard and Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland, the Piedmont Community Hall, and the Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. “[The latter two] are places where people, regardless of their investment, can have an amazing, sweet, intimate wedding and reception,” adds Daniels.
Her clients typically spend upward of $800,000 for a full weekend of events, including a welcome party, the wedding day celebration, and a farewell brunch or activity. No matter what budget a couple is working with, Daniels encourages everyone to be true to themselves.
“I’ve had a lot of couples who didn’t want a traditional reception; they just wanted to have a party and a good time,” she says. “I love how this industry is opening up to allow all humans to do what they want to do, moving away from garter and bouquet tosses. Do what speaks to you.” chandadaniels.com.
- Blooms ’n Bliss, Concord, bloomsnblissdesign.com.
- Events by Pins and Petals, Danville, pinsandpetals.com.
- An Everlasting Moment, Pleasant Hill, aneverlastingmoment.com.
- Heart and Arrow Weddings, Livermore, heartandarrowweddings.com.
- Savvy Weddings California, Danville, savvyweddingsca.com.
- Truly Loved Events, Walnut Creek, trulylovedevents.com.

Berkeley swing band Cosmo Alleycats sets the soundtrack for your celebration.
15. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC
DJ or live music. String quartet or swing band. Choosing the right sound for your reception is about personal taste. If you do go for live entertainment, consider the following tips from the experts at the Knot: Book early, as bands may fill their schedules faster than DJs, and prepare to pay a little more. Look for an act that reflects your musical preferences and consider any restrictions set by your venue. Work with your band on songs you really want to hear. You can book the act for the full event or a set period of hours. West Berkeley swing band Cosmo Alleycats has a large repertoire of special-moment songs for couples to choose from, but they also love learning new numbers. Dance band collective Hella Fitzgerald plays everything from soul to jazz to Top 40 and more; members include musicians who have played tours with national acts.
- Cosmo Alleycats, Berkeley, cosmoalleycats.com.
- Hella Fitzgerald, Oakland, hellafitzgerald.com.
16. TOP PROFESSIONALS WILL HELP CAPTURE THE MOMENTS FOREVER
It’s a cliché, but a picture really is worth a thousand words—and local photographers can help tell your love story for years to come. Adam J. Clark Photography has received accolades from the Knot, Wedding Wire, and other marriage-minded resources, while Jessamyn Photography has captured individual images of Sully Sullenberger and Michelle Obama, putting you in good company. A Lovely Photo, Amber Rivas Photography, E&B Photography, and Duende Photo can preserve the elegance and joy of both your engagement and your wedding day. Connie Leal Photography, Nightingale Photography, Ryan Sin, and Nat Dolan Photography will be sure to secure the perfect shot no matter the wedding location, while Gabriel Harber Photography focuses on spontaneous, candid memories. LGBTQ+ couples may want to give special consideration to Avya Photography, which offers 30-minute shoots for same-sex couples for free (while those who are eloping might appreciate Becca Henry Photography, which is open to elopement sessions for smaller budgets).
Some photography companies double as videographers, including Discovery Bay Studios, FilmmanVideo, and Ian Chin Photography, recording every moment of your ceremony and reception in real time. Or La Luna Productions, Featherstone Wedding Films, and Reel Motions focus primarily on your wedding video.
- Adam J. Clark Photography, Livermore, adamjclarkphotography.com.
- A Lovely Photo, Pleasant Hill, alovelyphoto.com.
- Amber Rivas Photography, Livermore, amberrivas.com.
- Avya Photography, Fremont, avyaphotography.com.
- Becca Henry Photography, Oakland, beccahenryphotography.com.
- Connie Leal Photography, Brentwood, connielealphotography.com.
- Discovery Bay Studios Photo and Video, Discovery Bay, discoverybaystudios.com.
- Duende Photo, Oakland, duendephoto.com.
- E&B Photography, Oakland, enbphotos.com.
- Featherstone Wedding Films, Benicia, featherstonefilms.com.
- FilmmanVideo, Dublin, filmmanvideous.com.
- Gabriel Harber Photography, Oakland, harberphotography.com.
- Ian Chin Photography, Dublin, ianchinphotography.com.
- Jessamyn Photography, Pleasant Hill, jessamynphotography.com.
- La Luna Productions, Alameda, lalunawedding.com.
- Nat Dolan Photography, Martinez, natdolanphotography.com.
- Nightingale Photography, Oakland, nightingalephotos.com.
- Reel Motions, Discovery Bay, reel-motions.com.
- Ryan Sin, Oakland, ryansinphotography.com.
17. YOU LOVE HEARTS AND FLOWERS
“[Flowers] give the space movement and [bring] life to the tables, [engaging] all the senses,” says Jinger Leonard-Norton, owner of the Flower House in Livermore. “Honestly, I think flowers make or break an event.”
Leonard-Norton was an event planner when she started part-time admin work at the Flower House, but immediately knew she’d found her calling. “I started in May 2005—and by June, I fell in love with it,” she says. “I owned it by October 2005. … I’d never touched flowers before—never wanted to be a florist. It just fell in my lap.”
Today, Leonard-Norton and her daughter, Michaela, create stunning floral arches, bouquets, centerpieces, installations, and more for weddings across Northern California. In recent years, they have seen clients’ tastes move from a rustic, eucalyptus-heavy aesthetic to lush, garden-like pieces. Now couples seem to be favoring a minimal look, with smaller centerpieces and microbouquets.
Leonard-Norton sends prospective clients a questionnaire to get a sense of their vision before starting her designs. “Because we are a preferred vendor in the majority of the venues surrounding the Tri-Valley area, I have a lot of photos of their specific venues, so we’re able to really articulate and imagine [the final look],” she says. “Then we put together a portfolio of inspirational photos of stylings and colors.”
Optimally, Leonard-Norton says, couples should reach out to begin the process of securing their floral vendor nine months to a year before the big day. The flowers are ordered 21 days in advance of the event to ensure peak freshness. The Flower House team will also deliver and set up installations at the venue (and remove them at the end of the night).
Leonard-Norton’s favorite projects often involve ceiling installations or broken altars, floral structures that frame the couple during the ceremony that are then placed near their table for the reception. Aside from the floral arrangements, she recommends using complementary linens on the tables; they are an easy and affordable way to decorate the spaces that are often overlooked in favor of the venue’s default white or ivory offerings.
“I always say your shoes should match the dress. I can spin the most amazing florals and luxury items all together, but if I am wearing Crocs with this gorgeous dress, it just falls flat,” she adds. “[I suggest couples] put the whole outfit together. Make sure everything—from the florals to the table linens—gives textures and patterns.” theflowerhouse.com.
- A Loves in Bloom, Martinez, alovesinbloom.com.
- Brother and Sisters Flower Shop, Oakland, brotherandsistersflowers.com.
- Busy Bee’s Floral, Danville, busybeesfloraldesign.com.
- Central Florist, Alameda, alamedacentralflorist.com.
- Danville Florist and Gifts, Danville, danville-florist.com.
- Events by Young, Fremont, eventsbyyoung.com.
- Floral Arts Florist, Lafayette, floralartsflorist.com.
- Florali, Walnut Creek, florali.com.
- Flower Bowl Florist, Walnut Creek, flowerbowlflorist.com.
- JJ Studio, Pleasanton, jjstudioflorist.com.
- LC Floral Design, Danville, lcfloraldesign.com.
- Meraki Wreath Company and Floral, Clayton, merakiwreathcompany.com.
- Mona Floral Design, Martinez, monafloraldesign.com.
- Pairs and Pieces, Danville, pairsandpieces.com.
- Red Bud Florals, Oakland, redbudflorals.com.
- 2 Friends Weddings and Events, Clayton, 2friendsevents.com.
- Walnut Creek Florist, Walnut Creek, walnutcreekflorist.com.
- The Wild Fleur Co., Pleasant Hill, thewildfleurco.com.
18. BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES ARE AN EASY FLIGHT AWAY
A wild night in Las Vegas might fit into many pre-wedding plans, but try heading further south. Oakland Airport introduced three new nonstop destinations in Mexico this summer, including daily flights to Cabo San Lucas on Volaris, Mexico’s largest airline. Volaris also added service to Zacatecas and Monterrey, but Cabo is a prime party place with beaches, bars, and breweries. iflyoak.com.
19. YOU CAN HOST A FAB BRIDAL SHOWER, REHEARSAL DINNER, OR WELCOME PARTY
Kick off a memorable weekend by gathering your loved ones for a rehearsal dinner or invite your guests to mingle and get to know each other during a festive welcome party. Beets Hospitality Group’s two spaces in Livermore wine country—Palm Event Center in the Vineyard and Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery—both offer upscale experiences with multiple spaces of varying size, with views of the vines. For a big-city feel, the Hillary Tenzing Room at the Claremont Resort and Club offers San Francisco Bay vistas in Berkeley in a cerulean-walled space—a one-of-a-kind spin on a bride’s “something blue” before the ceremony. Go back in time at Bull Valley Roadhouse, enjoying the pre-Prohibition nostalgia in its recently revitalized patio garden and a new private bar. Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard and Revival Bar and Kitchen both offer tasty menus in private dining spaces, while Plank adds some fun with bowling, an arcade, and more, available alongside a variety of party menus for as many as 1,500 people.
- Beets Hospitality Group, Livermore, beetshospitality.com.
- Bull Valley Roadhouse, Port Costa, bullvalleyroadhouse.com.
- Hillary Tenzing Room at the Claremont Resort and Club, Berkeley, claremontresortandclub.com.
- Plank, Oakland, plankoakland.com.
- Revival Bar and Kitchen, Berkeley, revivalbarandkitchen.com.
- Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard, Livermore, uncleyusvineyard.com.

Travel in style with a luxury charter from Golden State Trolley.
20. THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO ARRIVE IN STYLE
Make a bold statement with your wedding transportation, whether you arrive in a Cadillac Escalade from Altamont Limo or a classic car from Vintage Mustang Rentals. Black Tie Transportation’s chauffeur-driven shuttles, sedans, and SUVs can take care of groups of various sizes. To really bring the party, try Golden State Trolley Company. The 26-passenger option, the company’s most popular trolley, has an elegant wood-and-black interior, an advanced sound system, cushioned seating, and a photo-ready back balcony. Or channel your inner princess or prince with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage from Grand Carriages.
- Altamont Limo, Livermore, altamontlimo.com.
- Black Tie Transportation Worldwide, Pleasanton, blacktietrans.com.
- Golden State Trolley Company, Livermore, goldenstatetrolley.com.
- Grand Carriages, Livermore, grandcarriage.com.
- Vintage Mustang Rentals, Oakland, vintagemustangrentals.com.

Das Bus’s vintage VW-bus-turned-photo-booth makes a fun and unusual backdrop at your event.
21. YOU WANT TO SAVOR THE MEMENTOS
Yes, all your guests will be chronicling the occasion with their phones, but why not put a twist on those snapshots? Das Bus has turned restored 1960s VW buses into snazzy photo booths, with touches such as vintage surfboards on top of the roofs and wooden guest books; they also supply a variety of props and instant photo prints. Pop Life Photo offers a selection of photo and video booths, including a 360-degree version. Book the black-and-white booth for some high-fashion flair. The rentals from So Good Photobooth come with studio-grade cameras and flashes and a range of backdrops.
- Das Bus, Oakland, das-bus.com.
- Pop Life Photo Booth, Walnut Creek, poplifephotobooth.com.
- So Good Photobooth, Berkeley, sogoodphotobooth.com.
22. YOU’LL FIND COOL DECOR
Your wedding and events are blank canvases, just waiting to be tailored to your specific style. Sculptural balloon arches and photo sets can uplift any function. Enterprises such as Poptastic Parties; Up, Up and Amaze; and Balloon Thrills will design lovely pieces that complement your color scheme, and RSN Creations has decorative products for both purchase and rental. In addition to its balloon services, La Vie Posh Event Styling rents out a variety of statues and decor. If your wedding has a Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland theme, or you’ve always wanted Darth Vader at your reception, this is the business for you. Rather than having your loved ones write well-wishes in a traditional guest book, consider Bay Valley Booth’s audio version, where they can use a rose gold, white, or black vintage rotary phone to record a message. Keep attendees occupied with lawn games from Piedmont Party (the company also rents out practical items like linens, food service equipment, and canopies), and complete the picture-perfect scene with a frosty sculpture from Chisel-it Ice.
- Balloon Thrills, Walnut Creek, balloonthrills.com.
- Bay Valley Booth, Castro Valley, bayvalleybooth.com.
- Chisel-it Ice, Concord, chiselit.com.
- La Vie Posh Event Styling, Hayward, lavieposh.com.
- Piedmont Party, Oakland, piedmontparty.com.
- Poptastic Parties, Pleasanton, poptasticparties.com.
- RSN Creations, Hayward, haywardballoonarrangements.com.
- Up, Up and Amaze, Danville, upupandamaze.com.
23. CRAFT COFFEES ADD FLAVOR TO THE RECEPTION
Give your guests an extra boost with next-level coffee, whether it’s a cappuccino from Maya Espresso Catering or a mocha from Espresso Station. Tellus Coffee and Motivat Coffee Roasters both caffeinate private events, and Market Hall Caterers offers rejuvenating Airpots (which provide drinks for 8–10 people) and Large Cambros (which cover 50–70 guests). Travelin’ Joe Espresso serves coffee alongside Belgian waffles topped with Nutella, preserves, maple syrup, or whipped cream. Queen Bean Espresso Catering can provide chai lattes, hot cocoa, and a selection of teas in addition to coffee drinks.
- Espresso Station, Richmond, espresso-station.com.
- Market Hall Caterers, Oakland, markethallcaterers.com.
- Maya Espresso Catering, Oakland
- Motivat Coffee Roasters, Oakland, motivatcoffee.com.
- Queen Bean Espresso Catering, East Bay, qbespresso.com.
- Tellus Coffee, Walnut Creek, telluscoffee.com.
- Travelin’ Joe Espresso, Berkeley, travelinjoeespresso.com.
24. GUESTS WILL RELISH REHASHING THE EVENT AT A POST-WEDDING BRUNCH
Relive the occasion—and gather your wedding party for a final time before everyone heads home—with a morning-after brunch. The regional brunch scene has blossomed over the last few years, with a range of eateries—from Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen to Zephyr Grill and Bar—adding flair to the dining experience. Indulge in a breakfast pizza—available in veggie or meat varieties—at 1515 Restaurant Lounge or try the Brass Door’s Cowboy Breakfast, which adds a nine-ounce New York steak to your eggs. Class up your a.m. meal at Bridges Restaurant and Bar or Baci Bistro and Bar, delve into the beignets or chorizo hash at Sabio on Main, or order a refreshing mimosa with your crab cakes Benedict at Scott’s for an extra celebratory touch. Take things global with dim sum at Koi Palace, huevos rancheros at Wence’s, chilaquiles at Cielito Cocina Mexicana, or ropa vieja at Havana. Batch and Brine, the Hideout Kitchen, and Metro Lafayette feature spacious patios that are perfect for bringing groups of loved ones together. And for breakfast classics, you can’t beat the Benedicts at the Breakfast Club at Midtown, French toast at the Cooperage, or breakfast sandwiches at the Press.
- Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, Berkeley, angelineskitchen.com.
- Baci Bistro and Bar, Pleasanton, bacibistroandbar.com.
- Batch and Brine, Lafayette, batchandbrine.com.
- The Brass Door, San Ramon, brassdoor.com.
- The Breakfast Club at Midtown, Castro Valley, Lafayette, Livermore, and Walnut Creek, bcmidtown.com.
- Bridges Restaurant and Bar, Danville, bridgesdanville.com.
- Cielito Cocina Mexicana, Danville, cielitodanville.com.
- The Cooperage, Walnut Creek, thecooperagewc.com.
- 1515 Restaurant Lounge, Walnut Creek, 1515wc.com.
- Havana, Walnut Creek, havanarestaurant.net.
- The Hideout Kitchen, Lafayette, hideoutkitchen.com.
- Koi Palace, Dublin, koipalace.com.
- Metro Lafayette, Lafayette, metrolafayette.com.
- The Press, Livermore and Pleasanton, thepressartisancafe.com.
- Sabio on Main, Pleasanton, sabiopleasanton.com.
- Scott’s, Oakland, scottsjls.com.
- Wence’s, Pleasant Hill, wencesrestaurant.com.
- Zephyr Grill and Bar, Livermore, zephyrgrilllivermore.com.
25. THE HONEYMOON STAGE AWAITS
What could be better than celebrating a union with your soulmate in front of family and friends? How about taking your first trip as a married couple to an exotic locale where your only task is to relax, rest, and explore?
Some newlywed couples prefer a minimoon (typically lasting under a week) after their big day, saving the major trip for a later date when they might have more time and financial resources available, says Meg Kan of MK Travel in Danville. Kan is a certified wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons. Her first step when helping couples with their honeymoon is determining what exactly they both want in the travel experience.
“Everyone has their own vision,” says Kan, who works with clients in Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and Danville. “Are they picturing it as a once-in-a-lifetime trip … or a chance to decompress and just be with each other?”
When it comes to minimoons, luxurious, all-inclusive resorts in locales such as Mexico or the Caribbean are popular, while Kan says private African safaris, expedition cruises to Antarctica or the Galápagos Islands, and tropical destinations such as the Maldives or Fiji are favorite bucket-list picks.
Japan was a top spot last year, with many couples mixing cultural and historical itineraries with hot springs or beach time. France and Spain offer a similar combination of relaxation and cultural opportunities, while Thailand is also trending in 2025. Looking ahead, Kan anticipates couples opting for locations such as Scotland and Ireland. “Not everyone likes the beach,” she says. “You can get that laid-back country feeling. When you stay at a manor or a castle, you can do falconry, go horseback riding, go fishing, play golf. You get to pretend that you’re a country lord and lady.” The Philippines and Vietnam may also attract more honeymooners next year. “People are looking for lesser-known places and unique experiences,” adds Kan. “My clients don’t want cookie-cutter [trips].” mktravelinc.com.
- Alamo World Travel and Tours, Alamo, alamoworld.com.
- Modern Romance Travel, San Ramon, modernromancetravel.com.
- Travel Adventures Unlimited, Walnut Creek, traveladventuresunlimited.com.
- TravelCenter Tours and Travel, Pleasant Hill, travelcentertoursandtravel.com.