Summer Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Wedding

Clare and Mark hosted their summer wedding at Bodega Bay Secret Gardens. Prior to the wedding day, Clare communicated that she cared more about us capturing people’s faces than any detail photos. With that in mind, we planned to arrive a little later than usual and stay through the end of the celebration. It was a beautiful day in Bodega Bay; sunny yet a little chilly once the sun disappeared. Both Clare and Mark were happy and excited. They had their crew with them and laughter was abounding. A non-traditional bridal party was their choice; Clare selected all her brothers to be by her side, in addition to a best friend. Mark had a mix of family and his sister by his side. It’s never a bad thing to break from tradition if it is more authentic to you!

The couple lives down in SoCal, which made their gathering in the secret gardens extra special. The venue made the vibe of the wedding very private and intimate. They were focused on getting to talk and connect with their guests and they made that happen! We spent a short time on couples portraits so they could get back to their cocktail hour for guest greetings. The dance floor was a place for young and old to connect; lots of group hugs, loud singing, and laughter!

The more weddings I photograph, the more weddings like this mean to me. Having everyone you love together for a day only happens once or twice in a lifetime; I appreciate couples who prioritize people over details. That’s exactly what Clare and Mark did and their guests were able to share in their love together. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Enjoy some highlights from Clare and Mark’s Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Wedding!

Big thanks to the vendor team that made their day so special and beautiful:

Venue: Bodega Bay Secret Gardens

IG: @bodegabaysecretgardens
Coordinator: YBarra Events

IG: @ybarra_events
Hair: Santa Rosa Powder Room

IG: @santarosapowderroom
Florals: Vandal Floral Design

IG: @vandalfloraldesign