I’ve known John and Veronica from different parts of my life for almost 10 years, only to find out they were teen sweethearts, grew apart, then came back together and got engaged. Swoon! I love them both dearly, so when they asked me to shoot their Olympic Club wedding, my heart was full!
Planning an Olympic Club Wedding in 6 Weeks
John and Veronica’s love spans twenty years, so naturally, their ceremony and reception had to be somewhere amazing, hence their Olympic Club Wedding in San Francisco. It’s got beautiful views overlooking the ocean on one side and the city of San Francisco on the other. They have excellent staff, delicious food and a beyond romantic vibe in the clubhouse. Think classy meets grand meets timeless. Oh and did I mention they planned this little, 20 years in the making shin-dig in just six weeks?!
Classic, Vintage Vibes
Both bride and groom looked like they came straight out of the Great Gatsby, seriously. Kerry Patten Hair took Veronica’s naturally thick. long and blonde locks and curled, pinned and sprayed them into a Holywood worthy up-do she rocked. Then there was John’s dapper beard and hair done by Silvaggios Barbershop as a perfect addition to his debonair tuxedo.
Guests arrived dressed in their black-tie best which worked well with the black, white, and purple colors of the wedding. Floral arrangements by Sharla Flock Designs adorned the event space, made breathtaking bouquets and were just perfect for a winter wedding.
Before the ceremony, we went out to the golf course for first looks. John and Veronica promised me he would cry. Sure enough, the instant he turned around to look at his bride, it was instant tears. I may have shed a little tear behind the lens when I saw how he looked her up and down with such deep love in his eyes while Veronica wiped his tears, hugged him close and giggled just a bit.
An Olympic Club Wedding for Five
John wasn’t the only one tearing up. This Olympic Club Wedding focused on the union and celebration of family, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the room. Veronica’s daughters and John’s daughter were part of the ceremony as bridesmaids to momma, which pulled on everyone’s heartstrings.
Veronica told me how important it was to have the girls by their side during the ceremony. She said, “It was a challenge for John and me to figure out how we could truly express the weight of this decision. We wanted to show our girls that this union was forever, beyond just showing them what a loving, respectful relationship looks like. Having our three daughters standing by my side is the best decision I ever made as they are almost as much of this marriage as we are.”
The bond this family of five shares was the focal point of the whole evening. You can feel the love they have for each other with the looks they exchanged at various points during the ceremony. It was simply beautiful!
And a Choreographed Dance Too?
After the ceremony, John and Veronica performed a choreographed first dance. Which was impressive. because when you plan a wedding in six weeks, making time to practice a dance should be impossible. Afterwards, guests got down to the musical stylings of Brick House and enjoyed the cake by Mazzetti’s Bakery.
Veronica expanded upon their love with this beautiful sentiment, “Being married FINALLY after 20 years is like a dream. When you meet as children (16) and you fall in love, you think it is just those silly first love feelings. Now, I get to go to sleep every night next to the man of my dreams still feeling like a giddy 16-year-old girl.”
Congratulations to John, Veronica, and the girls. I’m so happy for this beautiful family.
Photo Inspirations for Your Olympic Club Wedding
If you’re planning your own Olympic Club Wedding, you’ve chosen a stunning and special venue. You’ll see below that even on a cloudy day, the lush golf course and view of the city sets a vibrant backdrop to the event.
I hope these photos from John and Veronica’s special day—from barbershop cuts to flashy socks and shared umbrellas—spark some fresh ideas for your own celebration.
For more San Francisco wedding venues…
- Xan & Kim’s Fort Mason Wedding
- Black Tie Wedding at the SF Asian Art Museum
- Ben & Bella’s Winter Wedding at Dogpatch WineWorks
- Shawn & Lina’s Intimate SF Zoo Wedding
Vendors:
Venue: The Olympic Club
Hair: Kerry Patten Hair
Barber: Silvaggio’s Barbershop
Cake: Mazzetti’s Bakery
Florals: Sharla Flock Designs
Officiant: Maggie Beretz
Band: Brick House
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Brad Bann