I cannot sufficiently convey my love for this wedding in words. Kendra and Peter got ready together at home, exchanged vows barefoot under a canopy of nearby redwoods, and danced before dinner in a parade around their neighborhood led by the exuberant Gumbo Band. What really spoke to me above all else was that they created an intentional, embracing, and joyful celebration with warmth and focus on community connection.
One of the cool things about Joaquin Miller Park is the access to redwoods and forest in such a dense urban area. It's only minutes from downtown Oakland yet feels immersed in nature and far from city life. The redwood grove is an amazing location for a ceremony, not only to be surrounded by the beauty of ancient trees while still in close proximity to the city, but also for the sense of calm that can help offset the nerves of a wedding day. For me, there’s nothing more grounding and healing than the energy of giant redwoods. Kendra and Peter stood barefoot on soft earth within a circle made of fallen branches. Their small gathering of community stood supportively in a larger circle around them.
After the ceremony, it was a quick drive back to Jingletown Art Studios where they hosted a sweet outdoor dinner. This was the most DIY reception in the history of weddings, considering that the courtyard was previously an unused junk yard, and they spent months hauling stuff away and clearing the space before it could even begin to be set up for a dinner party. When they arrived, the marching jazz band started playing and headed out to the street where they led a parade around the block with everyone following and dancing behind. Kendra and Peter made the day exactly what they wanted their wedding to be, and I was smitten.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES ♡ ceremony location: Joaquin Miller Park ~ reception venue: Jingletown Art Studios ~ music: The Gumbo Band ~ Kendra’s outfit: Venezuelan designer Efrain Mogollón ~ photography: Rachelle Derouin [p.s. If you're planning a wedding at Joaquin Miller Park, contact me and I’d be happy to share more about my experience there.]
