Picnic Wedding and The Palace of Fine Arts, The Hot New Trend!

Nothing is more romantic for an elopement than the Palace of Fine Arts. The Grecian architecture, surrounded by the most enchanting gardens San Francisco has to offer, makes you feel like you could find Aphrodite hiding beneath the columns. The Bohemian arch centered this gorgeous elopement ceremony while swans dipped in the pond behind.

The altar was composed of Turkish Rugs, and the eight guests sat comfortably on their individual Moroccan poufs.  Terra-cotta roses, pampas flowers, and white gauze drapes hung to the arch, creating an enchanted ambiance for the guests to gush over as the sun began to set just as the brides said: “I Do!”

The couple really wanted something unique, intimate, and memorable for their wedding and reception. They had just moved to San Francisco in January 2021, so they were clueless about where to start. Chantel says, “We put all our faith into Rachel at Rachel Levine Photography in San Francisco to plan something amazing and uniquely suited to our new life together. We felt confident that Rachel knew what she was doing! With her insider knowledge and expert skills to capture the moment, we were able to splurge on extras and capitalize on Rachel’s connections by booking Pearl the vintage wedding bus from Painted Ladies Tour Company and adding the extra luxury and charm of The Picnic Plug!” Working together, Rachel and Alex, founders of The Picnic Plug, were able to turn their Pinterest dreams into reality to set the ideal backdrop for a picture-perfect sunset elopement. Alex explains that her pop-up picnics utilize hand-crafted materials; every piece of wood is made to order. The pine wood is ethically sourced and is made from repurposed materials.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their company returned to their stunning reception. Much like the wedding, the reception was also bohemian-styled and intimately sat. Low tables, a natural jute rug, and dried floral arrangements let guests and the couple feel close to one another, allowing shared conversations, wine, and memories.  The incredible rainbow pride cake was a gift from the Noe Valley Bakers in San Francisco. This was an extra special addition, as they only make these cakes once a year during Pride Month. The party ended their evening enjoying an organically sourced charcuterie board filled with their favorite cheese, meats, and macaroons!

Chantel was wearing David’s Bridal from head to toe (veil, pearl top, tulle skirt with pockets, and Blue by Betsy heels). The hoops and pearl headband were from Express (where Monique works). Monique was wearing Express pants and shirt, shoes were Thursdays Boots, and jacket/blazer was by Little Black Tux.

Chantel bought Monique’s band of blue diamonds at a local shop in Santa Maria, and Monique found an Israeli artist for Chantel’s stunning rock. Chantel later told me, “We really didn’t focus too much on the rings, I knew I just had to ‘put a ring on it’ and make her my wife!!!”

Chantel said she seriously did NOT see that secret garden proposal coming! She had first proposed to Monique at Disneyland in front of the castle for her birthday in February of 2018. Finally, having their dream elopement the day before her birthday in 2021 was a long time in the making! Chantel and Monique complimented us, “We will treasure the engagement and our elopement memories for years to come, and we are BEYOND GRATEFUL to Alex and Rachel for making us feel (and look) like Queens!” What does your dream elopement look like? We would love to help make all your wedding dreams come true!