The Haven at Tomales: A Wedding In The Round
Early September at The Haven at Tomales is golden — literally. The hills roll out in every direction, sun-bleached and open, with almost no other buildings in sight. The property feels quietly removed from the rest of the world, a rare kind of seclusion that made Sasha and Tobias’s wedding feel both expansive and deeply personal.
That spaciousness set the tone for the day. Instead of a traditional wedding party, Sasha and Tobias got ready with a small group of close friends. The mood was relaxed and easy — no timeline panic, just real joy and calm before everything began. It was a thoughtful, low-pressure way to handle things without the structure of a wedding party, and it made space for genuine moments. Their group portraits reflected that: casual, colorful, and full of the kind of laughter that happens when you’re surrounded by people who know you well.
Sasha and Tobias saw each other for the first time on their wedding day down the road at Elephant Rock. It was a windy, magical, sweet moment between the two of them. The wonderful rock formations lent a whimsy to their portraits, and the view of the mouth of Tomales Bay added grandeur.
The couple envisioned their ceremony “in the round,” with guests seated in four curved sections surrounding them — an inspired idea brought beautifully to life by wedding planner extraordinaire, Nicole Taylor. This layout created an intimate atmosphere where everyone felt connected and close. A single eucalyptus tree marked the entrance to the processional.
The processional was made up of family. A close family friend officiated in a flowing pink gown that glowed against the yellow grasses. Sasha made her entrance in a minimalist, strapless gown — a clean silhouette that left room for her striking gold monstera-leaf earrings to shine. They caught the light every time she turned her head and paired effortlessly with her legendary warm smile.
After the ceremony, Sasha and Tobias recessed together through the fields as guests tossed dried lavender into the air. Then came one of the day’s quiet highlights: a slow, beautiful walk up the hill to the reception barn. The lines of guests moving through the landscape — their colorful clothes against the golden grass — created a scene that felt cinematic and completely grounded in the place.
The reception was held in the barn, where the late-afternoon light cast angular shadows across the walls and tabletops. Golden hour came right on time — the sun popped over the ridge and lit the fields once more, turning everything warm and honey-colored.
Sasha and Tobias brought pieces of their life in Oakland into the celebration: beer from Ghost Town Brewing, a live set by their favorite Bay Area musician, La Doña, and dramatic florals that included monstera, alstroemeria, and dahlia. Their sense of humor showed up too — they handed their planner a bag and said, “Here’s a bag of 100 sheep. Do with them what you will.” The result? Tiny sheep scattered throughout the reception space, like an impromptu game of Where’s Waldo.
It was the kind of day that felt both effortless and full of meaning — shaped by the landscape, the light, and the people Sasha and Tobias love most.
Planning and Design: Nicole Taylor Events
Photography: Hazel Photo
Venue: The Haven at Tomales
Catering: Sage Catering
Florals: Golden Fields Floristry
Band: La Doña
DJ: Dart Collective
Lighting: Got Light
Rentals: Standard Event Rentals, Bright Event Rentals
Beauty: Ritual Salons
