Welcome to The Bold Italic’s Wedding Guide — helping you navigate all the local florists, photographers, dress and suit designers, caterers and bakers, jewelers, invitations and stationery makers, musicians, event designers and coordinators, venues, custom DIY element creators, beauty and wellness purveyors, and other essential bits for your big day.
Wedding Guide
Welcome to The Bold Italic’s Wedding Guide — helping you navigate all the local florists, photographers, dress and suit designers, caterers and bakers, jewelers, invitations and stationery makers, musicians, event designers and coordinators, venues, custom DIY element creators, beauty and wellness purveyors, and other essential bits for your big day.
Floral Design
Home Sweet Flowers
Local + sustainable flowers
Home Sweet Flowers uses only California-grown flowers and sustainable materials, which they craft into various arrangements. They can create bouquets wrapped in burlap, seasonal mixed bouquets, table arrangements, living installations, crowns, boutonnieres, and more. The company has DIY roots in the city and is the floral vendor for Off the Grid: Picnic at the Presidio and the Mission Community Market.
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(415) 562–4732
Fig & Twine
Artistic floral designs unique to every event
Fig & Twine is a full-service floral-design company based in San Francisco. Owner Shaelyn Thomson specializes in weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Her approach is collaborative, and she finds inspiration in the unusual, the exotic, and the beauty of nature. She works in the greater Bay Area and can arrange to include other locations.
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(415) 347–1000
Lilybelle
Locally sourced flowers turned into breathtaking arrangements
Lilybelle specializes in unique floral and foliage design. Inspired by open markets in Paris, the Lilybelle Flower Stand found its home in Mint Plaza. Owner Cheri Mims works with an expressive palette of flowers sourced from local growers and farmers. From distinct arrangements to flower-stand hand-ties, Lilybelle offers succinct design with an elegant, rustic aesthetic.
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(415) 519–1657
Duviv Gardens
Specializing in succulents and air plants
The use of succulents, air plants, and dried accents is a creative alternative to cut floral designs. Duviv Gardens uses locally sourced plants and decorative pieces that can last well beyond the average week of a freshly cut bouquet. The succulents for your centerpieces, boutonnieres, and corsages can be reused in your garden or in an interior pot.
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(415) 446–9344
The Wild Ones
Full-service florist and wedding design
The Wild Ones design florals with foraged local materials. They create and inspire by bringing the outside in. They usually listen to Black Sabbath while working. These guys are inspired by the intersection of tough meets pretty, and they believe that all good things are wild. Designing events and florals with this juxtaposition in mind gives their creations a unique edge.
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(415) 672–6858
Photography & Photo Booths
Magnolia Photo Booth
Awesome, one-of-a-kind photo-booth rentals
The Magbooth is a modern, sleek photo booth designed and engineered by Magnolia. The small team of photo enthusiasts creates vintage-inspired photo booths that add an aesthetic element to your event and encourage guests to take classic photos. From DIY to black-tie weddings, nothing brings friends, families, and even complete strangers together like a Magbooth.
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(415) 608–6572
Snap Yourself!
Become the photographer with their wireless SNAP-er!
Snap Yourself! is the company you should turn to when you want an exciting photographic experience unlike any other. They are best known for their Snap Yourself! Photo Booth, an engaging new take on a classic concept. They also offer a host of other photographic services and custom photo solutions ranging from small to huge.
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(323) 596–1456
Monica Roy Photographer
Bringing out the inherent beauty in couples and events
Monica Roy combines a keen design sense with quick intuition to produce polished editorial imagery that captures not just how beautiful everything looks but also how it feels to be involved in your special moment. Among her offerings is the option to have your photos placed in flush mount albums. Monica is available for engagement sessions and weddings throughout Northern California.
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(510) 863–4652
Violets and Sage Wedding Photography
Lifestyle photography with a feeling of optimism and playfulness
Violets, because they stand for happiness, devotion, and loyalty. Sage, because it stands for long life and health. When photographer Adriana Ristau got married, someone shared with her the beautiful meanings of the flowers she chose, and those ideas extend to the aesthetics of her photography business. She loves capturing all the moments and details of someone’s wedding day.
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(310) 430–9856
A. Rockefeller Wedding Photography
Specializing in cross-cultural, destination, backyard, and artistic weddings
Airyka Rockefeller offers customizable, affordable photography packages. She uses both film and high-end digital equipment, believing that film offers distinctive qualities particularly suited for weddings. Rather than directing photographs, Airyka works gracefully and candidly to capture the day as it naturally unfolds. You can order high-resolution files, custom prints, and customized online slideshows from her.
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(206) 852–4258
arockefellerweddingphotography.com
Vivian Chen Photography
Wedding photos true to who you are as a couple
Vivian Chen’s wedding and engagement photos are genuine reflections of the couples she shoots. She especially loves working with down-to-earth folks who have a sense of humor. Vivian believes weddings are celebrations of love and commitment, not over-stylized magazine photo shoots. You’ll cherish her photos for generations not only because of her classic and clean style, but because they’ll always feel true to your personalities.
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(510) 579–3477
Wild About You Photography
Evocative images from a husband-and-wife team
Wild About You Photography believes in telling the story of your day while letting your personalities shine. Their wedding collections include an engagement shoot so you can perfect your come-hither stares. Most packages also include a custom “wildbooth” (portable photo studio). They can skillfully assemble your photos into custom-designed photo books and albums, fine-art prints, or mounted laminated prints.
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(510) 684–2851
Zoe Lonergan
Adding extra romance to your wedding photos
Using both digital and medium-format film cameras, Zoe Lonergan creates a look that is soft, light-filled, and romantic. Inspired by outdoor locations and natural light, she loves to capture her subjects in moments of warmth and sincerity. She applies her expertise in fine art and lifestyle photography to weddings.
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(415) 368–9305
Attire
Artful Gentleman
Fine made-to-measure suits, formal wear, and separates
Artful Gentleman offers a full range of items that are perfect for weddings, including fine shirts and made-to-measure tuxedos and suits for men and women, plus accessory packages that are perfect for brides, grooms, and groomsmen. Give Artful Gentleman your inspirations and interests, and in return they’ll highlight you on one of the most important days of your life.
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(415) 527–7611
Trish Lee Bridal San Francisco
Vintage-inspired wedding dresses and gowns
The Trish Lee Bridal collection reflects a timeless, tailored, and vintage aesthetic, with an emphasis on the old-school mantra of great fit and quality fabric. Inspired by vintage silhouettes from the 1920s to the 1950s, the locally made couture dresses and gowns feature backless necklines, beaded straps, and delicate cap sleeves, providing an alternative to strapless wedding gowns.
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(415) 562–6553
ModCloth
Online retailer of women’s clothing and decor
ModCloth is the destination for brides, guests, and everyone in between. Their vast selection of unique styles comes in a full range of sizes. And there’s more than just delightful dresses for the big day — find accessories, shoes, gifts, and decor for everything along the way. Say “I do” to their swoon-worthy styles.
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(888) 495–9699
Daughters of Simone
Romance and antique lace, blossom trees, and billowy sleeves
The San Francisco–based company has gotten great press based on its vintage- and bohemian-bride-inspired designs. Named for French visionary Simone de Beauvoir, the company has become a hit with women seeking lacy, billowy-sleeved, ’60s and ’70s looks. Designer Brit Castanos was inspired to start her bridal line by her mother’s shoulder-revealing wedding gown.
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(559) 355–6500
Zelma Rose
Handcrafted bow ties, pocket squares, and custom jewelry
Zelma Rose was established in 2010 by designer Lisa Anderson Shaffer and inspired by the Anderson family tradition of skilled American hand craftsmanship. Their goods are handmade in their Northern California studio in limited editions using the highest-quality new and vintage materials. Their designs and materials reflect the classic beauty and unique style of Northern California.
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[note: no phone number]
Recapture Designs
Vintage bridal couture
Recapture offers a wide range of authentic vintage bridal gowns and accessories from the ’20s through the ’70s. They specialize in restyling gowns to fit your personality and your figure. In addition to vintage accessories, they offer custom designs to match your attire. They have a vast collection of laces and trims to add that vintage style to any dress.
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(510) 931–9173
Cakes & Catering
Fogcutter Catering
Unique, eclectic, and inspired food
Fogcutter provides easygoing, fun catering service for weddings. The owners, Guillermo and Caroline, have worked in the food industry for 25 years. Guillermo was the executive sous chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant for five years. They love working with couples to mold a menu that fits with their individual love story. They also offer a fully licensed bar service.
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(415) 260–8979
Nopalito
Traditional Mexican cookery with local, organic ingredients
Whether you’re planning an elegant or simple wedding (or a rehearsal dinner), Nopalito is an authentic choice everyone will love. Festive and seasonal, simple yet inspired, Nopalito Catering follows the same principles as the restaurant. Its versatile menu can accommodate any crowd. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available. Nopalito Catering also offers bartending, planning, and rental coordination services.
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(415) 300–0029
Oakland Bakes
Organic cakes from farm to oven
Oakland Bakes’s custom cakes are 100% organic and free of fondant or artificial dyes. The natural hues in their tasty creations are derived from fruits, vegetables, and flowers that are seasonal and locally sourced from farms in the greater Bay Area. Oakland Bakes also offers seasonal pies, tarts, cookies, and candies.
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(510) 698–2253
La Méditerranée
Middle Eastern specialties from the family-owned and family-operated restaurant
La Méditerranée, a Bay Area institution since 1979, offers casual and full-service catering for weddings of all sizes. Its budget-friendly options are easily customizable to fit your vision, including dishes for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, and meat lovers. This isn’t your typical (boring) wedding food! La Méditerranée’s Mediterranean cuisine has consistently earned awards from the local weeklies.
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(415) 921–2956
LulaMae Bakes
Conventional, vegan, and gluten-free desserts
LulaMae Bakes is a queer-women-of-color-owned business with a commitment to community. They use locally sourced organic ingredients, and many of their items can be made vegan or gluten-free. They can create a tiered cake for your wedding, but they also specialize in grooms’ cakes and nontraditional wedding desserts such as dessert tables, pies, cookies, and cupcakes.
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(408) 706–0311
Chef Stephanie
Sustainable, seasonal, contemporary California cuisine
From intimate to larger scale weddings, Chef Stephanie specializes in making your vision a reality. She will work with you to create a delectable menu and design the look of your tables. Her team also handles the practical details that make your event seamless, providing professional servers, bartenders, and equipment rentals.
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(415) 810–2433
Jewelry
Endswell
Marrying traditional craft with today’s technology
Endswell sells rings they’ve designed while also offering custom ring-design services. They cast solid-gold rings from three-dimensional prints and hand-finish them to perfection. Each Endswell piece is designed with precision, without any compromises. Your piece is made unique to you in solid gold of any color, karat, and finish.
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(402) 321–2196
Sharon Z Jewelry
Modern jewelry with a modern conscience
Sharon Z Jewelry offers beautiful fine jewelry crafted from the best ethically sourced materials. They sell custom men’s and women’s wedding rings and engagement rings. All their jewelry is created from recycled gold, palladium, and silver; recycled and upcycled diamonds; and lab-created precious gemstones so you can feel good about what you’re wearing in every way.
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(415) 894–9466
Hansdotter
Adding an artistic statement to your wedding
Designer Siri Hansdotter’s jewelry is inspired by the 1920s, a sense of adventure, and a “yes” attitude. Her rings, earrings, and bracelets are all one of a kind and are limited in supply. She sells hand-built statement pieces comprising raw and sustainably sourced materials. Siri embraces both primitive and modern aesthetics in her work.
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(507) 269–0886
IMPRESSED by nature
Handmade pressed flower and leaf jewelry
A great jewelry source for brides, bridesmaids, mothers, and grandmothers IMPRESSED by nature creates necklaces and earrings using real, locally harvested flower petals and leaves. They also offer floral wedding-day accessories as well as the option to preserve wedding memories by creating jewelry using the flowers from your wedding day.
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(510) 899–9814
MXM Jewelry & Design
Meaningful jewelry that’s handmade and hand-designed
The story of MXM Jewelry is borne from the nexus of two artists, jewelry designer Derek Miao and his girlfriend, graphic designer Peizhu Huang, and their passion for nature’s infinite beauty. They founded MXM Jewelry in Oakland in 2009. Their one-of-a-kind jewelry is an expression of the alchemy of their union.
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note: no phone number
Kate Ellen Metals
Handcrafted, ethical jewelry from Oakland
Custom engagement and wedding jewelry made from recycled and ethically sourced metals and diamonds. Kate Ellen is an independent jewelry designer and metalsmith based in Oakland, California. She works out of her studio above her flagship jewelry boutique and art gallery, Crown Nine. Using techniques arching back through history, Kate intentionally crafts her work to look and feel handmade.
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510–507–0789
Stationery & Invitations
Anthem Screen Printing
The Bay Area’s premier printing source
Did you know that the popular San Francisco print shop’s services extend into wedding packages? Anthem Screen Printing creates customized, screen-printed wedding stationery and apparel, and offers design and packaging services. They also provide DIY kits for the adventurous couple who wants to design and execute everything themselves.
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(415) 400–5466
Lilikoi Design + Letterpress
Printed by hand on an 1889 letterpress
Lilikoi Design + Letterpress offer letterpress greeting cards, gift tags, and other items made by hand. They design and print custom save-the-dates, wedding invitations, wedding-day materials, announcements, and thank-you cards, and they run their antique press manually. This sustainably minded company also hand-mixes their inks, which are vegetable based and printed on reclaimed cotton paper.
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(213) 798–4502
Western Editions
Western Addition BFFs who believe in the magic of letterpress
Western Editions is a small studio focusing on custom design and letterpress printing. Driven by a love for vintage artwork, wood type, special paper, they customize their work to fit the dreams of their clients. If you’re working within a specific budget, they’ll do their best to design and source materials accordingly while still creating a unique, handcrafted invitation suite.
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note: no phone number
Butterbean Studios
Where art and farming collide
Run by an artist named Erin and her farmer husband, Kenny, Butterbean Studios tags itself as “the only place you can buy your wedding invitations and a cow at the same time.” Erin uses her Japanese Gocco silkscreen printer and her 19th-century Kelsey letterpress printer to create one-of-a-kind paper goods. A good choice for couples who love vintage ephemera, hand-drawn typography, and atelier craftsmanship.
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(805) 736–8897
Music
Heart of Gold DJs
All favorite dance gems with none of the gimmicks
They put their 100+ hours of wedding experience to use, working closely with clients to develop an event timeline and a song list that incorporate toasts, family traditions, and, of course, favorite songs. Heart of Gold DJs stay away from tired wedding gimmicks (line dances, props, unnecessary emcee chatter) in favor of a unique mix of cocktail, dinner, and dance-floor gems.
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(415) 935–0744
The Dusty Stax Gold Star Soul Revue Band
Bringing golden soul classics to your dance floor
There’s nothing more impressive than a big band covering old soul and ’60s girl groups fronted by amazing singers with dancing girls and a horn section. This 12- to 15-piece soul powerhouse is famous around San Francisco for its parties at the Verdi Club and for ringing in 2014 at Bimbo’s 365 Club’s NYE celebration.
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[note: no phone number]
Panique
The soundtrack to smoky bohemian jazz clubs
Panique is a gypsy jazz band from San Francisco specializing in Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli’s music of the ’30s and ’40s. With members hailing from such prestigious local acts as Gaucho and Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, they are experts in danceable swing, passionate ballads, dazzling French waltzes, and exotic Latin music.
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(510) 828–5353
29th Street Swingtet
Ceremonial and dance music from gypsy jazz to current pop
The 29th Street Swingtet is a jazz band that has been playing in the Bay Area since 2010. Specializing in gypsy jazz, the Swingtet has performed at music venues around the Bay Area. An extremely versatile ensemble, the group can also play pop, reggae, and funk in order to fit the musical needs of any couple.
$$$$
(925) 548–3922
DJ Greg Gioia
Great indie tracks and lesser-played gems
Greg avoids the cliché party hits, unless you specify that you want to hear them, of course. Instead, he specializes in great indie tracks and lesser-played gems that build momentum and keep guests happy. Years of experience have allowed him to develop a style that includes dance-floor energizers without relying on tired old tracks.
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(415) 683–1404
The Klipptones
Sinatra-era standards mashed up with pop classics
The Klipptones, San Francisco’s hottest new crossover band, configure to meet any wedding volume, ambiance, or need, from ceremony to cocktails to dinner to dancing. They’ve been featured at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Union Square’s Jewels in the Square performance series, and the Starwood Hotels Luxury Collection Mixer. They’re currently the landmark Palace Hotel’s resident band.
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(415) 265–0901
All Ears DJ
No cheesy wedding DJs in ruffled tuxedos here
All Ears DJ specializes in custom playlists, classy emceeing, and live acoustic performances for your ceremony. Their quotes ($1,250 to $1,750) depend on whether you’re interested in live music or just DJing. Owner Richard Gintowt is a DJ, musician, and music journalist who has performed at more than 200 weddings and received numerous five-star reviews.
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(785) 766–2596
Event Design & Coordination
Chantal
Contemporary glam with an edge
Chantal specializes in weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and parties being planned for no particular occasion at all. Owner Susanne Capello values creatively repurposing materials with an eye on high quality. She can take care of everything from planning to design and production, creating unique and imaginative experiences for all her clients.
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(415) 857–5515
Lily Spruce
Go green without sacrificing glamour
Lily Spruce owner Genevieve Roja is an environmentally- and budget-conscious wedding planner whose offerings range from hourly consultations to full conception-to-production services. She helps create fun weddings with great eats, beats, design, and details that speak to who you both are. It’s wedding planning with heart and soul — hold the cheese.
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(415) 265–6205
Vibrant Events
Local, organic, socially sustainable and stylish solutions
Vibrant Events brings your dream green wedding to life. Owner Corina Beczner and her team can be there from the moment you get engaged or to help take a load off when you’re deep in planning mode and need savvy experts in wedding design and management to step in and help.
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(415) 613–3778
One Big Fish
Connecting you with sustainable, local, eco-friendly resources
One Big Fish works in partnership with you to find the perfect vendor team for your special day. From executing budget planning to selecting your caterer, they possess experience you can rely on. Their business network includes experienced professionals committed to reducing environmental impact. Let them take the stress out of your wedding planning.
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(415) 264–3810
Venues
W San Francisco
Celebrate your wedding in beautiful downtown San Francisco
From offering a romantic place to propose to a fabulous honeymoon, the W San Francisco is a vibrant setting for your wedding or commitment ceremony. The hotel has 12,000 square feet of high-style event and banquet space, including their Great Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breathtaking terrazzo overlooking the heart of San Francisco.
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(415) 817–7881
Terra Gallery & Event Venue
Accommodating all your wedding-venue needs under one roof
Terra Gallery & Event Venue offers two levels that can be connected or kept totally separate. You can have your ceremony, reception, and dinner all in one convenient location. The spacious open upper level has 5,000 square feet of hardwood floors and soaring 20-foot ceilings, while the lower level has inlaid-glass-tile serpentine bars and a built-in oak stage.
$$$
(415) 896–1234
Firehouse 8
A historic Russian Hill firehouse
Previously vacant for 30 years, Firehouse 8 is now available for private gatherings. At over 8,000-square feet spread across three floors, the venue can hold between 20 and 200 people with complete flexibility. Firehouse 8 can be thought of as your blank canvas. The proceeds from your booking will go directly toward keeping this special public-turned-private landmark going.
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(415) 890–4800
Maple Lawn
A historic estate in Marin County
The historic Maple Lawn Estate is located in the middle of San Rafael. It’s easy to access from all over the Bay Area but is still in a very private, quiet setting. The grounds include the Magnolia Terrace and two Grecian-style fountains surrounded by plush green lawns that make for an ideal garden wedding.
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(415) 295-LAWN
Customized Elements
Umami Mart
One of a kind wedding registry
Individualize your wedding registry with beautiful handpicked kitchen and barware from Japan. Umami Mart Registry, an offshoot of the popular Oakland outpost for gorgeous household goods, offers a local alternative for couples wanting to avoid big chain store wish lists. Function, design, and quality of life are all part of Umami Mart’s shop philosophy and product selection.
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(510) 250–9559
The Poetry Store
One-of-a-kind poems typewritten on demand
The Poetry Store’s wedding poetry booth is a unique experience your friends and family won’t soon forget. Poet Silvi Alcivar sits in her charming vintage setup, and your guests choose from a selection of beautiful papers matched to your wedding’s theme. They then give Silvi a theme, and she crafts a poem for them in three minutes or less!
$$$$
(814) 330–7270
Gift•ify
Local and artisanal products handpicked for your wedding guests
Gift•ify helps you say thanks or to offer memories of your special event with local artisanal goodies that make great welcome bags or wedding favors. They handpick sweet and savory food products and other special gifts that you can offer as travel-friendly presents to your loved ones. Help your wedding guests take a little piece of the Bay Area home.
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(415) 902–2034
Frances Marin Art
Personalized artwork celebrating the one you love
Frances Marin creates personalized, custom artwork that acts as a modern heirloom. Celebrate your love with a couples portrait, honeymoon travel painting, or object portraits to symbolize how you feel. Small couple portraits, painted on wood, can be displayed at the guest sign-in table or near the cake. Honeymoon travel paintings capture all the best memories of your trip in one watercolor portrait.
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(408) 835–3027
11stories
Beautiful custom books for your wedding
Celebrate your love story, and share that tale with friends and family. The 11stories Wedding Book is a personalized book that explores how you fell for each other, in your own words. 11stories incorporates treasured photos, the wedding invitation, engagement photos, and more to design a one-of-a-kind memento. Their books also make for a wonderful wedding gift to the happy couple.
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(510) 847–5917
MelodyWed
Customized first-dance songs
Imagine the first dance at your wedding, swaying with your sweetheart to a custom song with lyrics and melody that capture the essence of your love story. MelodyWed is a boutique wedding vendor providing a custom songwriting service and a professionally recorded love song for a couple’s unique first dance. What does YOUR love sound like?
$$$$
(805) 500–6933
Beauty & Wellness
SenSpa Wellness Center
Offering release, restoration, and revitalization for your big day
SenSpa is the perfect venue for hosting a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or a day of pampering for your VIPs. Its 13,000-square-foot facility is located in a historical Presidio building with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The spa also offers chic, luxurious lounges to relax in, including a cozy sitting area with a fireplace and a beautiful indoor garden.
$$$$
(415) 441–1777
Fox & Doll
Vintage and classic makeup and hair
Fox & Doll loves working with brides who have an individual style and unique vision for their special day. Owner Shana Astrachan comes from a DIY crafting and maker background and very much relates to individuals with a similarly creative sensibility. Her services include a full style consultation to bring clients a cohesive look that fits their vision.
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(415) 420–0527
Katie Nash Beauty
Wedding makeup and hairstyling
Katie Nash is a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist living in San Francisco. A Bay Area native, her approachable demeanor reflects her California roots. She is passionate about all things creative and her natural yet refined style focuses on bringing out the unique beauty in each individual. She works with both local and destination weddings.
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(530) 400–9468
Your SF Wellness
Personal wellness coaching
Have a different kind of bachelorette party, or take some time to recharge mentally and physically with Your SF Wellness’s mind and body healing services. They offer private yoga classes, stress-management training, weight-loss management, and wellness coaching as well as personalized programs to fit your individual needs.
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(410) 206–8114
