Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Setting: City Hall
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: Around 260
Wedding theme/style: Timeless but with a twist.
In the hallowed halls of the San Francisco Art Institute, Kathryn and Nolan’s love story began to unfurl, painted with the strokes of their Master’s degree pursuits. Enraptured by the nuances of Art History, Kathryn and Nolan, exploring the realms of Art itself, embarked on a journey of love and creativity. The serendipitous encounter at the institute laid the groundwork for a connection that would metamorphose into a love as rare as a masterpiece. From the very beginning, it was apparent that Kathryn and Nolan not only shared a profound affection but also cradled within them a unique and treasured vision for the tapestry of their wedding day.
Enchanted by the diverse works of artists throughout history, Kathryn’s profound appreciation became the muse for the wedding planner at All Set Events. From the outset, the vision was to craft a wedding that seamlessly traversed the realms of classical to modern, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of the arts. The first whispers of this artistic journey were shared with wedding guests through the save-the-date announcements. Crafted by Robinson Creative House, the custom stationery adorned with a floral border in soft hues and medieval-inspired script provided a tantalizing glimpse into the forthcoming celebration. This delicate introduction stood in elegant contrast to the sleek invitations, where gold illustrations of the ceremony and reception venues adorned bold black paper, setting the stage for an artfully curated celebration.
Sherrie Long, Kathryn’s makeup and hairstylist, artfully curated a vision that transformed her with blonde, curly locks framing her face. The result was nothing short of a living rendition of a Leonardo da Vinci painting, where every strand of hair seemed to be meticulously placed like strokes on a canvas. Sherrie Long’s expertise not only complemented Kathryn’s features but also elevated her appearance to a level reminiscent of timeless artistic beauty, capturing the essence of a masterpiece come to life.
Kathryn, a genuine enthusiast of Art, eloquently conveyed her passion for enduring elegance by selecting a gown meticulously crafted by Vera Wang. Resembling a living masterpiece, she adorned the occasion in a dress that transcended mere fabric, much like an ancient statue brought to life. The gown draped Kathryn in an ethereal charm, skillfully capturing the essence of classical beauty. With each step she took, Kathryn personified the grace of an artful creation, serving as a poignant testament to the harmonious fusion of timeless style and her profound love for the arts.
Nolan opted for a classical smoking ensemble, epitomizing the quintessential black-tie attire. His choice exuded an ideal blend of sophistication and timeless elegance. With its sleek lines and tailored fit, the classical smoking became the epitome of a perfect black-tie look. Nolan’s attire not only adhered to the formalities of the occasion but also embodied a refined aesthetic, making him the epitome of sartorial grace and contributing to the overall timeless allure of the event.
The couple sought a profoundly traditional ceremony venue in the form of the Saint Ignatius Church, a place intertwined with Kathryn’s personal history, as it was where she graduated from high school and served as a gallery manager for several years. Desiring to accentuate the venue’s romantic Baroque style, Kathryn and Nolan collaborated with the talented florists from Tango and Foxtrot for the ceremony design. The result was a breathtaking display of subtle and graceful aisle accents, crafted from delphinium and Italian ruscus, cascading down the rich wood pews. Set within the Saint Ignatius Church, a gorgeous, amazing, beautiful, and epic cathedral, these artful arrangements not only enhanced the inherent beauty of the venue but also warmly invited guests to traverse the aisle and find their seats in this sacred space.
As Kathryn, adorned with elegance, embarked on the aisle escorted by her father, the air was charged with an overflow of emotions. Kathryn’s eyes, reflecting heartfelt sentiments, met Nolan’s gaze, creating an ethereal connection that spoke volumes. The vows exchanged in the sacred space were more than words; they were profound declarations wrapped in emotion, making the ceremony an exquisite tapestry of love. Every step down the aisle felt like a delicate brushstroke on a canvas of feelings, rendering the ceremony beautiful and a profoundly moving testament to the love shared between Kathryn and Nolan.
San Francisco City Hall, chosen as the perfect reception venue for our lovebirds, is a testament to architectural magnificence. With a significant portion of Kathryn’s family hailing from San Francisco, the venue embraced a familial connection and boasted a rich historical tapestry. Modeled after the grandeur of Saint Peter’s in Rome, City Hall stands as a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, adorned with classical features such as majestic columns, grand archways, and a stunning dome that pierces the sky. The awe-inspiring design and its historical significance transformed the reception into a celebration within a living work of art, embodying the essence of San Francisco and timeless architectural brilliance.
From the outset, Katy and Cam envisioned a wedding weekend that felt like a grand celebration for friends and family traveling far and wide. The festivities began with a luxurious fair experience on the first night, setting the stage for an epic weekend.
Embarking on the enchanting journey into the dinner reception, guests are welcomed by the grandeur of the staircase, creating an arrival experience that rivals royalty descending a magnificent staircase. Accompanied by the melodic tones of the Synchronicity Strings, the atmosphere exudes sophistication and grandeur. As guests step onto the Rotunda ground floor, they are greeted by the artistry of custom hand-sewn place cards and menus, courtesy of Robinson Creative House, each piece a testament to meticulous craftsmanship.
The tables, adorned with rich ivory velvet linens from La Tavola, serve as the canvas for a symphony of romantic florals and candles of varying heights, skillfully arranged by Tango & Foxtrot. Every element converges to create centerscapes that are breathtaking and authentic works of art. The subtle introduction of a modern theme is discerned through the matte black Heath plates and the opulence of black velvet chairs, seamlessly blending light and dark, feminine and masculine—a reflection of the unique essence of Kathryn and Nolan. The entire scene unfolds as a harmonious dance, capturing the essence of their distinctive style and refined taste.
As the couple entered the dining room, they exuded an epic presence, complementing the venue’s exquisite beauty with their elegance. It was a mesmerizing sight that took your breath away—a moment that promised the entire evening to be both unique and enchanting.
The Pretty Please Bakeshop culinary artisans crafted a masterpiece cake for Kathryn and Nolan—a stunning black canvas adorned with delicate white flowers. This exquisite creation showcased their exceptional baking skills and artfully embodied the union of feminine and masculine elements, perfectly mirroring the couple’s essence. The cake symbolized Kathryn and Nolan’s unique love story, a delectable centerpiece that added a touch of sophistication and personal meaning to their celebration.
The inaugural dance between Kathryn and her father was deeply emotional, marked by shared laughter and an outpouring of pure love. As her father tenderly escorted Kathryn toward her husband, the atmosphere was charged with sentiment, creating a poignant moment that resonated with the profound emotions of the occasion.
During Kathryn and Nolan’s first dance, time seemed to stand still as they swayed to the music, wrapped up in the moment’s magic. The dance floor transformed into their private universe, a space where laughter, love, and the promise of a lifetime together harmonized in every graceful movement. In the twirls and embraces, you could feel the profound connection shared between them, turning the dance into a beautiful manifestation of their journey and the start of a new chapter as a married couple.
Following the delightful dinner, the melodic allure of the Walk Ons, an exceptional 8-piece band, beckoned guests to the dance reception. Transitioning from a poetically whimsical atmosphere, attendees found themselves in a vibrant space adorned with colorful lounges, pool tables, and whimsical giant inflatable gummy bears. Inspired by a 70’s futurism vibe, particularly the interior and furniture designs of Verner Panton, the ambiance exuded a retro-futuristic charm. Late-night snacks and custom cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s favorite Yoko Ono poems added a touch of personal flair. The black and white dance floor remained a lively hub until the very moment the lights dimmed, yet even then, the celebration endured. Kathryn and Nolan skillfully curated an environment that captivated and authentically reflected their unique style and spirit.
It was a genuine honor for All Set Events to contribute to the curation of such a magical day, ensuring that every detail played a part in making the celebration truly exceptional.
PHOTOGRAPHER Larissa Cleveland | WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGN All Set Events | VIDEOGRAPHER Elysium Production | VENUE Ceremony: Saint Ignatius Church, Reception: San Francisco City Hall | MUAH Sherrie Long | DRESS Vera Wang | CATERING McCalls Catering & Events | LIGHTING Got Light | FLORIST Tango & Foxtrot | RENTALS Standard Party Rentals, Theoni Collection, Blue Print Studios Events | LINENS La Tavola | BAND Elan Artist | QUARTET Synchronicity Strings | CAKE Pretty Please Bakeshop | PRINTED MATERIAL & DESIGN Robinson Creative House | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Floraison Design Co.
