Blog Masonry – Hazel Photo Weddings

Mill Valley Community Center Wedding

I’ve had the honor of shooting several weddings at Mill Valley Community Center, some paired with ceremonies at the nearby Old Mill Park. These venues offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities along with great value and accessibility.

The Mill Valley Community Center

The Mill Valley Community Center is a modern, versatile venue that caters to weddings of various sizes and styles. Opened in 2001, the center is designed with a contemporary aesthetic that complements the surrounding natural landscape. The center features a spacious event hall with high ceilings and large windows that offer stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and the nearby redwoods. This hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner, making it ideal for large celebrations.

In addition to the main event hall, the Community Center boasts several smaller rooms that can be used for more intimate gatherings or as breakout spaces for various wedding activities. The venue also includes a professional-grade kitchen, allowing caterers to prepare and serve gourmet meals on-site.

One of the standout features of the Mill Valley Community Center is the outdoor patio area. This space can host the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or dinner, while providing a serene atmosphere with the sounds of the adjacent creek and the scent of the towering redwoods. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces at the Community Center ensures that couples have flexibility in planning their wedding day, regardless of the weather.

Your Special Day in Mill Valley

The Mill Valley Community Center provides the convenience of modern facilities alongside the charm of historic natural settings. Guests or the wedding party can easily stay in the nearby Mill Valley Inn, which also is among the redwoods and photographs beautifully. There are plenty of fantastic eateries in the area (a local favorite is Sol Food for Puerto Rican!). Even better, being in this area positions you for fantastic sunset photoshoots in the hills, whether it be from a lookout point at Muir Beach to Mt. Tam, the options are endless. Be sure to check out what the Mill Valley Community Center has to offer for wedding events!

Venue: Mill Valley Community Center

The following vendors are associated with the first couple pictured.

Coordination: Tiffany Won

Catering: Cater Marin

DJ: Heart of Gold

Sommelier: Andy’s Local Market

Lighting: Marin Event Lighting

Florist: Jeffie Khalsa

wedding party, cocktail wear portrait old mill park redwoods

Old Mill Park Wedding Ceremony

I’ve had the honor of shooting several wedding ceremonies and portraits at Old Mill Park, all with their own flair. Many ceremonies are held in the park with the reception to follow at the Mill Valley Community Center, a mere five minute drive away. These venues offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities along with great value and accessibility.

Old Mill Park

Old Mill Park is a historic and enchanting location for wedding ceremonies. Old Mill Park is named after the Old Mill, a sawmill built in the late 19th century, which played a pivotal role in the development of Mill Valley. The ceremony space offers an elevated stage ringed by trees, with a gentle creek flowing in the background. A natural cathedral-like setting that feels both intimate and grand. The dappled sunlight filtering through the redwoods creates a romantic ambiance, ideal for stunning wedding photographs. Annie and Connor, as well as Zoë and Joe, held ceremonies here.

I’ve also seen Old Mill Park used as a private ceremony place. Here I photographed Anna and John exchange vows privately, followed by a photoshoot in the redwoods. It was wonderful to slow down with the couple. They were able to experience and soak in the calmness of the redwoods before they moved on to their ceremony at the Sausalito Women’s Club.

Your Special Day in Mill Valley

Many couples host the reception at the nearby Mill Valley Community Center. Together with Old Mill Park, these venues provide the convenience of modern facilities alongside the charm of historic natural settings. Guests or the wedding party can easily stay in the nearby Mill Valley Inn, which also is among the redwoods and photographs beautifully. There are plenty of fantastic eateries in the area (a local favorite is Sol Food for Puerto Rican!). Even better, being in this area positions you for fantastic sunset photoshoots in the hills, whether it be from a lookout point at Muir Beach to Mt. Tam, the options are endless. Be sure to check out what the Old Mill Park has to offer for a romantic and quaint redwood wedding ceremony.

Venue: Mill Valley Old Mill Park

Planning (first couple pictured): Tiffany Won

Florist (first couple): Jeffie Khalsa

Planning (last couple pictured): Limelight Productions

How to Get Married at the Berkeley City Club

Dreaming of a wedding that’s as enchanting as it is accessible?

Look no further than the Berkeley City Club—a mini Hearst castle in the heart of Berkeley, boasting a million nooks and crannies, breathtaking light, and unexpected beauty around every corner. Here’s how to get married at the Berkeley City Club:

Step 1: Appreciate the Architecture

About the Berkeley City Club: Designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, the Berkeley City Club opened its doors in 1930 as a social club for women. Known as the “Little Castle,” the building showcases a unique blend of Gothic and Moorish architectural styles. Over the decades, it has become a cherished landmark in Berkeley, celebrated for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Step 2: Relax in Style

Where to Stay: Whether you choose to get ready in one of the Club’s luxurious rooms or opt for the nearby Claremont Hotel, you and your guests can conveniently start the day in comfort and elegance. Coffee spots and pastries are plentiful in this Berkeley-Elmwood area.

Step 3: Capture the First Look and Pre-Ceremony Moments

Photo Ops: Consider a first look in the main courtyard, a moment of anticipation and emotion set against the backdrop of this historic building. It’s a private and intimate moment before the whirlwind of the day begins. You can also take advantage of the pool area for beautiful and unique portraits.

What’s in the Neighborhood: The Berkeley City Club is located one block away from the UC Berkeley campus and downhill from wonderful sunset opportunities and Botanical Gardens so you can slip away to capture more images in other nearby iconic locations.

Step 4: Explore the Castle

A Lovely Patina: Built in 1927, the Berkeley City Club’s stunning architecture offers a plethora of picturesque spots for your special day. From its wonderful high ceilings to its three courtyards and balcony, outdoor space abounds for ceremonies and receptions alike.

Capture Family Portraits: Take advantage of the courtyards for family and friend portraits. There’s ample space for large groups and intimate corners for couple shots.

Step 5: The Ceremony

Say “I Do” in Style: Exchange vows on the second-floor balcony space, a picturesque setting that combines grandeur with intimacy. The draped ceilings and open archways add an air of fluttery romance to the event.

Step 6: Celebrate in Grandeur

The Cocktail Room: After the ceremony, immerse yourself in the ambiance of the cocktail room, where two grand pianos and a library set the stage for group portraits and intimate moments. Let your guests wander and enjoy the high walls, open air, and winding staircases.

Step 8: Dance the Night Away

The Grand Ballroom: The grand ballroom sets the mood for dancing, with its elegant stage lending itself to bands and performances. Breakdance, boogie, or do the horah, creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose the Berkeley City Club

With its rich history, exquisite architecture, and enchanting ambiance, the Berkeley City Club offers a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. The elegant combination of Gothic and Moorish design elements creates a romantic and timeless setting. From the enchanting courtyards to the grand ballroom, every corner of the venue provides breathtaking photo opportunities. Additionally, its prime location in the heart of Berkeley offers convenient access to nearby hotels, restaurants, and amenities, making it easy for your guests to enjoy the celebration and explore the vibrant local area. The Berkeley City Club is the perfect venue for a wedding that is both classic and extraordinary.

Photographer: Hazel Photo
Venue: Berkeley City Club
Planner: Events by Courtney Ann
Florals: Violet & Aster
Band: Golden Bell Music
Hair & Makeup: Triple Twist
Cake: Love Natty Cakes
Rentals: Joe Squared Productions

couple kissing on tank hill in San Francisco for an engagement session

24 Hour Engagement Session San Francisco

So, you are probably curious… What on earth is a 24 hour engagement session? and we will get there… I promise. Stick around for a bit, spend some time with the images, I think you will start to understand and understand again…

It was after noon on a Tuesday in the early spring of 2024, I found myself in a meeting with a couple (Olivia & Stu) whose wedding I was scheduled to photograph in the Fall. The purpose of our call was to explore options for our scheduled engagement session. I was probably drinking a lemon seltzer. I do that on most occasions.

I felt a funny feeling, and then I said…”So, we have two options: Option A is a normal engagement session. We meet somewhere meaningful, or beautiful, or both about 90 minutes before sunset, and we make photographs in 1 or 2 locations. Option B is the 24 hour engagement session.”

Now, to be honest, I wasn’t completely clear on what a “24 hour engagement session” was at the time, but I knew it sounded fun to me.

Olivia & Stu showed immediate and universal excitement about the idea, even though they weren’t exactly sure what it was either. I think I said, “Are you sure?” multiple times.

We began by saying yes with wild eyes, and then, through a series of discussions, we formulated a plan.

In my head it always started and ended with the wisps of steam from a coffee cup. There was always a diner, there was always a convertible, there was always ice cream, there was always the beach, but there was so much more to fill in. So many more beautiful places to explore in the San Francisco Bay Area…

After the gallery below there is a list of locations and a bit more on my inspiration.

This project, in the end, is about time, about how it speeds up and slows down, about habituation, and dishabituation, the glorious surprise, days that never end, days that begin and begin again. And what it is to be young and head over heels in love in the Bay Area, one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world.

Enjoy! We certainly enjoyed the process of making this project.

Loop Date Itinerary:

Oceanview Diner
Shorebird Park
Berkeley Marina
Indian Rock
Live Oak Park
UC Berkeley Campus
Elmwood
Ferry Building
Palace of Fine Arts
Lollyland Mini golf
Crissy Field
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Legion of Honor
Seacliff
Haight Ashbury
Amoeba Records
Escape from New York
Seward Street Slides
Tank Hill
Toy Boat Ice Cream
Green Apple Books
Nopa
City View Metreon
SOMA
North Beach
Vesuvio
Ina Coolbrith
Bob’s Donuts
The Castro
Orphan Andy’s
Grandview
The Tiled Steps
China Beach
Oceanview Diner

Thank you for inspiration to Christian Marclay for his video piece, ” The clock” and to Danny Rubin & Harold Ramis for the movie, “Groundhog Day.” Thank you to Olivia & Stu for all your planning, your stalwart affability, and for staying strong all 24 hours.

Barndiva Wedding

A Barndiva wedding is a journey into a world where rustic charm meets Michelin-star sophistication. Located in downtown Healdsburg, Sonoma, Barndiva’s dynamic use of space takes wedding guests on a memorable journey.

Lena and Matt got ready down the road with their respective parties, and, forgoing a first look, the couple saw each other for the first time at the altar.

The ceremony unfolded under a living structure of heritage trees, braided together over years of growth and reminiscent of grape vines. Behind them was an antiqued corten steel wall which leant an industrial chic vibe as a contrast to the natural beauty of the arbor.

Dinner followed, a culinary masterpiece in the patio garden, under a vast arched trellis of wisteria adorned with bistro lights. The toasts ended with a traditional banzai toast to honor the groom’s father. From there, the party moved into the art gallery where bespoke cocktails and carefully selected wines from the region flowed along with everyone dancing.

The art gallery’s rustic, shabby chic vibe made a lovely backdrop for the bridesmaids’ floral, color coordinated dresses. Lena was stunning in a classic and minimalist Suzanne Neville gown. She elegantly accessorized with earrings reminiscent of plumeria flowers as a reference to Hawaiian roots.

It was a lively and animated party. In place of a guest book wedding-goers signed their best wishes on bottles of wine, to be enjoyed by the newlyweds during a future anniversary.

It was a treat to capture the magic of this night at Barndiva. The amazing food and drink, intimate and unique spaces, and overall flow of the evening were memorable and exceeedingly photogenic. I hope to be back under that arbor again soon!

Photography: Hazel Photo Weddings

Venue: Barndiva

Caterer: Barndiva

Florist: Dragonfly Floral

Hair & Makeup: Contour Bridal

Lena’s Dress: Suzanne Neville

Matt’s Tux: Suit Supply

DJ: DJ Jeremy

two men holding hands during sunset at straus home ranch

Straus Home Ranch Wedding

Route 1 up the coast makes for an especially magical introduction to Straus Home Ranch, a working farm directly on the shores of Tomales Bay, in western Marin County. The Tomales Bay views, rustic barn, and grand cypress trees delivered an exceptionally special setting for Tom & Austin’s wedding.

The wedding day started off with Tom and Austin getting ready together at BayMod – a stylish and modern vacation home rental just across the street from the Ranch. This vacation property was airy and chic with large windows that brought the Bay into the living spaces. Family and close friends got ready at the big house on the Ranch where Tom & Austin joined them for portraits.

The ceremony site, a short walk uphill past a charming eucalyptus grove, offers breathtaking views of Tomales Bay. The well-trodden paths wind through the property and boast peeks and glimpses of a red barn, grazing cows, flower fields, and a grand view of the water. Tom was, shall we say, excited about feeding a cow, but the cows kept their distance.

A highlight of the Ranch is its renovated 160-year-old hay barn. Light filtered through the barn doors beautifully during dinner. Guests dined at long banquet-style tables and a small loft in the barn provided a bird’s-eye view of the festivities below.

A fire pit behind the barn added a warm campfire touch, and a photobooth truck was stationed next to it. A two-piece hybrid band/DJ from Sounds Elevated created an outsize sound, blending live music with recorded tracks. Bistro lights were strung in front of the house on the lawn adding some romantic ambiance.

Beyond the beauty of the venue, the hospitality of the staff, particularly Michael, leaves a lasting impression. Their warmth and friendliness ensure that couples and guests alike feel welcomed and cared for throughout the day.

Straus Home Ranch is a wonderful canvas for creating unforgettable wedding photographs. From the stunning views, to the rustic charm and warm hospitality, it’s a photographer’s paradise and a couple’s dream wedding destination.