Sophisticated Glamour: Jane and Greg’s Wedding at the Julia Morgan Ballroom

Last Sunday, I had the honor of coordinating (alongside famed onsite coordinator Linda Hylen) a glamorous evening wedding at one of San Francisco’s most prestigious venues: the Julia Morgan Ballroom in the Merchant’s Exchange Building, in the heart of the City’s Financial District. For their ceremony in the presence of 120 guests, the elegant couple, Jane and Greg, chose the impressive lobby, with neoclassical accents and a soaring barrel ceiling:

Cellist Suellen Primost set the festive mood before the ceremony, and the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers performed throughout – filling the immense space with truly glorious sound. Towering arrangements of white phalaenopsis orchids and branches (by Deidre Rastelli of Tutti Fiori) adorned the ceremony site where a radiant bride and groom exchanged vows and rings.

Ceremony arrangements – photo by Jessica Stout

Down the aisle – photo by Jessica Stout

The bride, in a stunning backless gown (by Jin Wang) walked the aisle accompanied by her two sisters.

“I do!” – photo by Jessica Stout

And here they are – Mr. and Mrs.!! The bride carried a precious bouquet of pink peonies and succulents….

… and the bridesmaids with their rose-and-succulent bouquets…

Bride and bridesmaids – photo by Jessica Stout

dazzled in pale pink and silver flapper dresses, lending the evening a distinctive Art Deco touch.

Following the ceremony, the couple had their official wedding photos taken by photographer and personal friend Jessica Stout …

Mr. and Mrs. – photo by Jessica Stout

“The Streets of San Francisco” – photo by Jessica Stout

The bridal party – photo by Jessica Stout

while guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the lounge of the 15th floor where vibrant floral arrangements, again by Tutti Fiori, signaled the “fun part” of the evening:

Reception arrangements – photo by Jessica Stout

Exotic flowers – photo by Jessica Stout

Succulent centerpieces – photo by Jessica Stout

And then the doors opened to the Grand Ballroom, outfitted with a central dance floor and surrounding seating areas of elegant lounge pieces and casual dining tables (by Hartmann Studios Rentals), inviting guests to dine, drink and dance all evening.

One of the highlights of this festive night was, hands down, the beautiful cake by Gerhard Michler of Creative International Pastries – decorated in keeping with the Art Deco design theme:

Wedding cake in Art Deco design – photo by Jessica Stout

And this cake was not only beautiful, but also incredibly delicious!

Cutting the Cake – photo by Jessica Stout

DJ Brent Hall kept the dance floor going…

First Dance – photo by Jessica Stout

and guests took breaks only to stop by the bar and the Snap Fiesta photobooth which was a great hit – lots of funny props, big photos to take home and online photos to download later!