Sequoyah Country Club, Oakland Wedding: Natalie & Rafael

It was a perfect sunlit day. After weeks of non-stop downpour in the Bay Area, the day dawned on Natalie and Rafael where they would get married. I’d describe it as a winter wonderland wedding tale.

It was perfectly designed from hand-picked red roses, burgundy dresses, and elegant tuxedos to the delicate lace details in Natalie’s gown. It was as if June peaked in for a brief 24-hour moment to spotlight their day just a couple weeks away from Christmas. Natalie was getting final touches done and Rafael put on his white jacket on with the help of his father. They were both all smiles as time neared for their long-awaited ceremony.

Her friends and mother helped her get dressed, and as the last button was clasped, her father walked in to take the first look. Rafael took in the view from his room where he waited for 3:15 to strike. Life as they knew it was about to turn into one and it couldn’t feel anymore easier and more ‘meant to be.’ Rafael’s pastor married them in the Skyline Community Church adorned with the perfect view from the Oakland hills. They held their leather-bound journal that locked their promises. Rafael uttered his promise by alluding to the care and time a flower takes to grow. As such, he vowed to help their love grow to its destined resilience and beauty. Natalie’s eyes glistened silently while she listened intently to his vows. They prayed the last prayer and were pronounced ‘husband’ and ‘wife.’

Soon after their Ceremony, we kept our eye on the clock expecting sunset at any minute. Natalie and Rafael scurried down the hill to the Sequoyah Country Club, for the bright sun-kissed pictures of just them two. As always, Rafael was all smiles, and he was right on cue in the many ways to make Natalie burst out with joy. The Christmas lights started to shine while the Sun slowly set, and they remained still in each other’s arms. The night drew near, and they dined with friends and family from all over. It was the perfect blend of families, the smell of Chardonnay in the air; wreaths were the right accent to the love that camped that night. Rafael and Natalie were able to fit in a dance or two with each of their happy guests and young ones too. Their life together had officially launched that December 3rd day and it was the beginning of everything.

Natalie and Rafael, we can’t put into words everything and everyone that made your day so special, the least of all how special the two of you are. Witnessing your heartfelt vows and personal stories on this day was the best way to finish our wedding season this year. We have a lasting impression with Natalie’s ability to put a picture-perfect event together while Rafael was making you smile through all of it. We’re forever grateful for you and your families. We hope this first Christmas as husband and wife is merry and more!

sequoyah-country-club-wedding-oakland-natalie-and-rafael-01 natalie-and-rafael-married-53 Natalie and Rafael’s wedding day was elegantly put together by: