Foggy Summer Marin Headlands Center for the Arts Wedding » Sausalito, California

As a big fan of the foggy California coast, I was excited when Clair and Clinton reached out to me about their wedding at the Marin Headland Center for the Arts. In addition to sweeping views of coastal terrain and the Pacific Ocean, the weddings at the old army barracks turned event space and art gallery maintain some of the decay from its previous life. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and natural.

On the day of their wedding, the summer fog hung low blanketing the headlands in a cool mist and filtering the sunlight into a diffuse soft grey. In the West Wing, Clair was putting on the finishing touches of her wedding outfit which included a dramatic cape with the sweetest buttons. In the side gallery, Clinton’s mom was helping him pin his boutonnière while Clinton nervously waited for the day to begin. For their first look, I took them into the East Wing where the window light was just dreamy. Afterwards, the couple tucked away while their guests gathered outside in The Commons for the ceremony. The couple’s good friend officiated as Clair and Clinton shared moments and stories from their eight years together before sealing the nuptials with a kiss. During cocktail hour, I took the couple for a few portraits around the property, using the lush landscape as a backdrop (this is where Clair’s cape really showed off). For dinner, everyone gathered in the mess hall and were treated to a delicious family style dinner while Clair’s father and a few friends toasted the couple. When the meal was complete, everyone went upstairs to the East Wing where China Cats, one of Clair and Clinton’s favorite Grateful Dead tribute bands was set up. As a special retro treat, they had Lance Gordon of Mad Alchemy providing a stunning live analog liquid light show that was projected on to the walls. The festivities continued on into the night as the band kept the crowd dancing and partying. As I left the venue, I looked back to see the light show illuminated by fog peeking out through the windows. Truly a magical day!

Wedding Venue: Headland Center for the Arts // Wedding Planner: Riley Loves Lulu Weddings // Floral Design: Farmgirl Flowers // Caterer: Katie Powers Catering // Dessert: Bob’s Donuts // Clair's Dress: Reformation // Clair's Cape: BHLDN // Clair's Shoes: Bryr Clogs // Grateful Dead Tribute Band: China Cats // Liquid Drip Light Show: Mad Alchemy