Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Setting: Backyard and Social Club
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 35
Wedding theme/style: Modern Romantic garden.
Chantal Otum and O’Neil Bailey’s wedding is a true testament to the power of love and family. As Michael J. Fox once said, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” And for this couple, family played a central role in their wedding celebration.
With an intimate guest count of 35, the couple was invited to spend a 4-day weekend in a whirlwind San Francisco tour hosted by Chantal’s sister and captured by inimitable Erich McVey.
As an act of love to unite the families, the bride’s sister planned the affair to include family and friends from Canada, the East Coast, and the West Coast. Despite being planned in under 3 months during the height of the Delta Variant and after over a year of not seeing each other (in some cases never having met), 100% of the guests traveled in for the affair, making it a true reunion and cause for celebration.
Guests were greeted after their travels to a welcome cocktail hour at the historic Chateau Tivoli, followed by a sunset cruise the next day around the bay with an impromptu fireworks display as we docked next to Oracle Park, celebrating the Giants claiming victory against the Dodgers in Game 1 of the MLB Playoffs.
The following day the intimate group set off on a historic tour of San Francisco’s most iconic sites from Chinatown to the Painted Ladies, trekking up Lombard Street and, of course, the Golden Gate.
Upon returning, guests were invited to an intimate evening and light bites at the home of Chantal’s sister to end the evening.
Chantal and O’Neil tied the knot in the Victorian home of Chantal’s sister, which was nestled in a neighborhood around the corner from Alamo Square Park in San Francisco.
The wedding theme was a modern romantic garden with a nod to the classic touches and a city flair inspired by the Bridgerton series. Their planner, Lea Stafford from Stafford Creative + Co did an incredible job with this task incorporating florals by Max Gill Design and hiring musicians from Honey and Vinyl.
The stunning split corset bridal gown was custom-made.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds strolled through the city, relishing their first moments as husband and wife.
The festivities continued with a reception at the Presidio Social Club, nestled in the beautiful Presidio National Park, serving a classic Northern California vibe.
It was more than just a day of celebration and connection. The families had the opportunity to celebrate with one another for 4 consecutive days enjoying an organized City adventure, sailing around the bay, welcome reception, and wedding day taking in iconic San Francisco landmarks at every turn.
PHOTOGRAPHER Erich McVey | PLANNER & DESIGNER Stafford Creative + Co | FLORALS Max Gill Design | TABLETOP & LINENS Hensley Event Resources | CATERING Presidio Social Club, The Red Door Catering | ENTERTAINMENT Honey and Vinyl | MAKEUP Artists by Sherri Long
