Oh my gosh! This wedding was the PERFECT way to kick off 2010. Sarah and Anthony are one of those couples I just get giddy about when  I meet. Stylish, young, fun and so adorably cute! Plus, they are both artists, and have a great aesthetic. Once they explained to  me the “look” they were going for, I felt really inspired. Sarah really wanted an organic, natural feel to her images. And Anthony liked the minimalist element that the Winter season provides. Where some couples (and photographers) might wish this were a Spring or Summer wedding, I loved the fact that they actually liked the Winter feel.

The day started when I met Sarah and Anthony at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa, which if you don’t know, is a fabulous place in Oakland, Ca. The hotel was established in 1915, and I just love the vintage feel.

From the Claremont Hotel and Spa, we went up into Tilden Park to the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, where an intimate ceremony was held. Even in the “off’ season, this garden was gorgeous, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there already.

After weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun came out this day for Sarah & Anthony.This is Anthony’s Nana, Hazel. If I could adopt her as my grandmother, it’d be a done deal!Anthony, smiling.This is the fabulous outfit of one of Anthony’s good friends. I just loved the juxtaposition of colors, patterns and texture.Topping off the outfit was the sneakers. Sweet!I LOVE the trees in the background. Yay for Winter!Everyone just looks so incredibly happy.I really like this photo. Something just so sweet about this picture of a father and his daughter.Cheers to mother and daughter matching cowboy boots!Sweet sisters.Trees!I love the tattoo. Nice shot by my assistant, Breck!I love this shot. So serious, but it totally works!From serious to silly! How cute are these ladies?Such beautiful eyes! I’m officially jealous.Rock those cowboy boots, girl!Proof they’re really married!I love Anthony’s look in this photo.Sarah is so pretty. Wow.Snapped this just as the Parks Authority asked us to stop. Oops. Still, a nice shot tho, eh?Sarah smiling for Breck.After these fun shots at the botanical garden, we rounded out the day with a dinner and celebration at Oliveto Restaurant in the Rockridge district of Oakland. The food was great and the space reserved for the group was perfectly cozy.After listening to Anthony’s impromptu speech at the end of the night, where he told Sarah what she meant to him, I gotta admit, I got a little teary.Shot this while eating dinner in the next room. Camera in one hand, fork in the other. Yeah, that’s how I roll.I like the expression on Sarah’s face that Breck captured. She’s having a blast!
Here we go!I noticed Mom’s tattoo as I went over to Sarah to say goodbye.

Sarah and Anthony were just such a pleasure to work with. I really enjoyed meeting their family and friends. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly. It’s clear, Sarah and Anthony are very loved. And, the love they have for each other is very inspiring. Sarah and Anthony’s wedding was the perfect reminder why I photograph weddings. So for that, THANK YOU, Sarah and Anthony. It was such an honor to capture these moments on your special day. Enjoy!

Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000
http://www.claremontresort.com

East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 544-3169
http://www.nativeplants.org

Oliveto Restaurant
5655 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 547-5356
www.oliveto.com

Ok, ok. So, normally, it takes me a wee bit to get my most recent wedding images on the blog. But this wedding was just so great, I just couldn’t wait to put these up.

What can I say about Nat & Ty? They are FABulous. (I can’t believe I just used that word either, but there you have it, I did.) Working with them over the past few months has been a sincere pleasure, and I was so looking forward to photographing their big day.

The day started off with Natalie getting ready at her home in Russian Hill, with her mom and close friends by her side. Once we hailed a cab, we were off to Ina Coolbrith Park. From this cozy park you get an amazing view of the downtown skyline!

The ceremony was intimate….just under 50 close friends and family. The Blue Angels were out practicing this day, but stopped just long enough for everyone to hear the touching ceremony. I particularly liked the part where Natalie and Tyler nailed shut a wooden box, which held love letters to one another. When Natalie wiped away a tear, and then Ty followed suit, my own glasses started to fog up! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. (Note, photographing a wedding with foggy glasses is not advised!)

After the ceremony, there was a champagne and cigar reception, which made for some great photo fun. Then we were off to catch the sunset at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, where Natalie often swims.(You’re brave girl….burr!!!)

This day was just beautiful, and Nat and Ty were absolutely gorgeous to photograph, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

Days like this remind me how lucky I am to have the job that I do. A big thanks goes out to Nat and Ty for making my job one that I love so dearly.

Congratulations you two! xoxoxoxo

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Ina Coolbrith Park
Taylor & Vallejo Streets
San Francisco, CA 94101

San Francisco Aquatic Park
Beach Street and Hyde
San Francisco, CA 94133

P.S. I can’t forget to give a big shout out to my assistant photographer, Diana. She captured the great, colorful shots of the boys before the ceremony.

If you haven’t been to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, then you MUST go. I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding here recently, and can’t believe I had forgotten how incredibly gorgeous this hotel is. They seriously don’t make buildings like this anymore. If you can appreciate art and architecture, it’s a must see. And even if you don’t, you will appreciate the amazing views from the Top of the Mark Lounge at the top.

Max and Alyson were the lucky, and incredibly cute, couple to be wed at this palatial venue. Alyson is this wonderful mix of cute, warm & fuzzy, and saucy. As soon as I met her, I felt incredibly at ease….her whole presence was really wonderful to be around, and made photographing her a joyful experience.

Max, the lucky groom, was just as great. A warm, welcoming smile, friendly eyes, and such a gracious and helpful nature. Wow. This couple embodied all the greatest qualities you could hope for.

To make my day even better, they were super FUN to be around. Laughing, joking, smiling. Taking everything in stride. So incredibly friendly. Max and Alyson are obviously special people, as evidenced by the family and friends that attended the wedding. I can honestly say, each and every guest I met was just so incredibly warm, welcoming and friendly. What a blessing to have such a great group of family and friends!

This wedding was not only fun and gorgeous to photograph, but I actually felt like a guest…..a friend who just happened to have a couple really big cameras around my neck all day!

So, thanks SO much Max and Alyson for putting on such a wonderful event, and for allowing me the honor of photographing your important day. I hope it is just one of many incredible days on your journey together!

Here’s a teaser. More on the blog soon….stay tuned!

I’m a nerd when it comes to learning about the history of San Francisco, so I researched the history of the Mark Hopkins. Turns out it has a wonderfully rich story, and it’s no wonder so many important folks, from celebrities to dignitaries, make this their first choice when visiting San Francisco.

If you wanna know more about the Mark Hopkins InterContinental read the excerpt below from the Intercontinental website. I’ve also included links at the very end so that you can contact them for your next stay in San Francisco. Believe me, after you read the excerpt and see the images, there will be no other place you’d want to stay!

“The Mark Hopkins Hotel opened on December 4, 1926. Located at One Nob Hill (California and Mason Street), the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco stands tall at the crest of Nob Hill, several hundred feet above San Francisco’s downtown business and shopping district.  The 19-story hotel’s architecture is a combination of French chateau and Spanish Renaissance, embellished with elaborate terracotta ornament.  Because the hotel consists of a tall central tower and two wings outstretched like arms, the rooms offer spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the city, the surrounding hills and the ocean.

Of these homes on Nob Hill built by such magnates as Stanford, Crocker, and Huntington, none was grander than the gabled Victorian mansion of Mark Hopkins, a founder of the Central Pacific Railroad.  Hopkins’ wife, Mary, was given free reign in the mansion’s design which included: a built-in pipe organ, oak paneling inlaid with ebony, and several-story-tall entry hall/art gallery.

Mark Hopkins died just before completion of the grandiose structure.  In 1878 his widow moved into the multi-turreted $3 million Gothic castle built entirely of redwood.  Several years later, Mary Hopkins moved to the East Cost and married Edward Searles, her interior designer and junior by 30 years. After Mary Hopkins death in 1891, Edward Searles donated the long-unoccupied Nob Hill mansion to the San Francisco Art Association, which converted the building into classrooms, studios, and galleries.

The mansion burned in the fire, which followed the 1906 earthquake, and only the hillside property’s mammoth granite retaining wall remained.  One night in 1910, mining engineer George D. Smith and a friend were strolling past the modest Art Association building when he said, “Someday, I’m going to build a hotel there.”

At once, the hotel became a leading social center of San Francisco.  In the 1920′s, 1930′s and 1940′s, the glamorous Peacock Court hosted such memorable dance bands as Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Anson “Dancin’ -with-Anson” Weeks, Xavier Cugat, plus the era’s top supper club entertainers like Betty Grable, Dorothy Lamour, Rudy Valley, Hildegarde, Dorothy “The Broadway Hillbilly” Shay, and exotic Peruvian songbird Yma Sumac.  The banquet rooms were filled with debutante balls, wedding receptions, and glittering dinners, sometimes served on the hotel’s 24 -carat gold dinner service.

The Mark Hopkins’ guests included US. Presidents, statesman, international royalty, and Hollywood celebrities.  Twenties and thirties film idol John Barrymore was a frequent guest.  His pet monkey, Clementine, was less welcome at the hotel after she climbed the curtains in Barrymore’s suite, shredding the brocade as she went.

In 1939 hotel owner George D. Smith created a sensation at The Mark Hopkins Hotel when he converted the 11-room penthouse on the hotel’s 19th floor into a glass-walled cocktail lounge featuring a 360-degree view of San Francisco.  This became known as the Top of The Mark.

Although Smith later told friends he wasn’t sure that people would ride an elevator 19 stories just to enjoy a drink and the view, the Top Of The Mark was an immediate hit after it opened on May 11, 1939.  That year, San Franciscans and visitors alike flocked there to view the twinkling lights of the Golden Gate Bridge International Exposition on Treasure Island.

During the Second World War, The Top of the Mark was a favorite spot for Pacific-bound servicemen to enjoy their last liberty before shipping out.  As the ships left the Golden Gate, anxious wives and sweethearts often gathered in the Northwest corner to watch the departure, earning that section the nickname, “Weepers’ Corner”.

After the Second World War, The Mark Hopkins remained one of San Francisco’s most fashionable sites for dancing and supper club entertainment, debutante balls, weddings, and banquets. Its guests included the leading statesmen, royalty, and celebrities such as Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower, Prince Philip of Great Britain, Queen Juliana of Holland, Emperor Hailie Selassie, ElizabethTaylor, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson (who required a personal chef to prepare his vegetarian meals) and The Rolling Stones (who took two entire floors for themselves and their entourage).

During his 1961 visit to America, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev stayed in the Mark Hopkins’ 17th floor Presidential suite.  For the duration of his visit, the suite boasted a one-button black telephone with a direct line to The Kremlin and Russian security guards that periodically paced the rooms with Geiger counters looking for any sources of radiation.

In 1973, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, commenced a painstaking several-year renovation of The Mark Hopkins.  This project included the restoration of the landmark facade and its elaborate ornamentation, redecoration of the lobby and all public rooms, redecoration of all guest rooms, and installation or upgrading of all mechanical and safety systems.

In 1987, a 10 million renovation gave The Mark a new, fresh look.  All 391 guestrooms and suites were remodeled in the neoclassic style employing custom designed furnishings and plush fabrics.  Also included were the Lobby, Lower Bar Lounge, and the Nob Hill Restaurant.

During 1995 the Mark unveiled the historic renovation of The Peacock Court and Room of the Dons. Highlighted by a dazzling display of intricate colors and design, the Peacock Court’s impressive ceiling holds its esteemed place as the focal point of the ballroom.

During the summer of 1996, The Mark Hopkins redesigned it’s legendary “room with a view”, The Top of the Mark. San Francisco’s famous sky lounge made its reopening debut in the fall, after a three month, 1.5 million-dollar renovation. The change was significant. The bar, once located as a focal point of the room, has been moved to a corner over looking the Golden Gate Bridge. An elevated mahogany dance floor surrounded by conversational seating, featuring comfortable modern sofas, classic settees, and upholstered chairs with “Bay Area Legends” signature plaques, has replaced this. Alabaster and sculptured metal chandeliers; Italian banisters, beveled mirrors wall and European-style plaster prepare this lounge for the next century.

In 1997, understanding the needs of the discerning business traveler, the Mark Hopkins launches 22 guest “Business Rooms” and a Business Center. Rooms were designed to include a combination printer/fax/copier, large surface desk, ergonomic work chairs, halogen lighting, and multi- line telephones with voice mail services and data port. The Business Center provides secretarial and copying services, computer stations with Internet capability, supplies, and delivery/telecommunication services.

During 1998, adding to the numerous other environmental programs that the Mark Hopkins and Inter-Continental Hotels & Resorts have initiated over the years, the Mark becomes the first major luxury hotel in San Francisco to offer a charging station for electric cars. The electric vehicle-charging unit is located in the hotel garage and available 24 hours a day.

A multi-million dollar restoration was completed in 2002, with restorations enhancing the hotel’s original character of old-world luxury and style, with new-world amenities and services.

Mark Hopkins InterContinental
999 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434
http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

As I began editing the photos for this wedding, I remembered something. That is, what it feels like to be in the presence of two people who have so much respect, admiration, and love for each other that it is thick in the air. Krista and Tim are one such couple. Not only did their verbal expression of their feelings for each other bring tears to my eyes, their non-verbal expression and connection touched in me a very deep way.

While every wedding I have the honor to photograph is joyful and beautiful in its own unique way, this one will hold a special place in my heart. Photographing their wedding was a great experience not only because they are a fun couple, and BoaVentura de Caires Vinyeard in Livermore, CA is a beautiful place, but also because their love for each other left me happy, energized and inspired. To Tim and Krista: thank you for choosing me as the lucky person to document your very special day!

There were just too many special moments from the day to post them all here, but here are some of my favorite wedding photos from our day at Boa Ventura de Caires Vineyard:

The grounds at BoaVentura Vineyards are perfect for a wedding. Just large enough for a nice sized wedding (125 people), yet small enough for an intimate feel. And, what a great view….vineyards filed with ripening grapes and the Livermore Valley.

Tim and Krista’s first sighting. Boy, were they excited to see each other!

Krista and her lovely ladies, shot behind the rustic barn at BoaVentura Vineyard.

Tim and Krista having a moment alone after the ceremony, tucked in between the lush rows of grapes in the vineyard on the grounds of BoaVentura.

Some of the greatest flamenco dancing I’ve seen!

A great shot of the cupcakes by my Associate, Alex!

Vendor List:

Venue: Boa Ventura Vineyard
9309 Tesla Rd.
Livermore Valley, California 94550-9748
925.606.9672
http://www.boaventuravineyard.com

Cupcakes: Whiskie Bits Bakeshop
PO Box 3748
Oakland, CA 94609
510-658-8284
http://whiskiebits.com/

Caterer: Venga Paella Catering
453 66th Street, #C
Oakland, Ca 94609
415-377-6392

http://vengapaella.com

I hope you enjoyed this wedding. Click here if you’d like to  see photographs from other San Francisco (and beyond!) Bay Area weddings, View My Portfolio or  Contact Me.

Jamie and Mike are an incredibly fun couple, and I think it shows in their wedding photos. Their wedding was held at the lush estates of Wente Vineyards in Livermore, CA. The grounds are gorgeous, and Jamie was just stunning! I had a blast photographing them, as well as their guests, especially during the reception. This couple knows how to have a good time!

To make the day even better, Jamie and Mike chose Wente Vinyards at their venue. BEAUTIFUL! Founded 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California wine-growing under ownership and management by the fourth and fifth Generations of the Wente family.  Blending traditional and innovative wine-making practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf. In addition to hosting weddings and concerts, Wente also offers wine tastings, an award-winning restaurant, and a destination championship 18-hole golf course.

Wente Vineyards
5050 Arroyo Road
Livermore, California 94550
925-456-2400
http://www.wentevineyards.com/

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more of my San Francisco Bay Area (and beyond!) weddings, View My Portfolio or Contact Me.

Last Saturday I got to meet Inken and Andrew, a really cool couple who’s wedding I was able to photograph when my colleague Alex asked me to 2nd shoot with him. Their wedding ceremony and reception were held at the gorgeous Hamlin Mansion in San Francisco. This reception was one of the most fun I’ve photographed lately….it seemed everyone was happy to get on the dance floor and boogie, including the mom of the bride and the officiant! Here are some of my favorite wedding photos from the day:

Hamlin Mansion
2120 Broadway Street
(at Buchanan St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 389-8069

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more of my San Francisco Bay Area (and beyond!) weddings, View My Portfolio or Contact Me.

Alice and Stan are such a cute couple. Both originally hail from Russia, but now call San Francisco home. Alice and Stan are actually having 3 wedding ceremonies, with the first marriage ceremony held at San Francisco City Hall. By the time they have their big ceremony in Thailand next fall, this couple will have those wedding day nerves completely in check! Practice makes perfect

I had so much fun working with this couple. They were incredibly cute, really easy going, and completely open to my suggestions. I particularly like the images that capture the way they look at each other….such sweetness in their eyes! Oh, and be sure to check out the incredible blue color of Alice’s eyes. WOW! Who needs Photoshop when you’ve got knock out features like that? Lucky girl!

The best part about working with Alice and Stan was how nice they were. They even brought us healthy snacks for the car ride to Cafe Volare in North Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge near Baker Beach. Thanks for driving Stan! I hope you two had a wonderful night out after the ceremony.

Here’s a sneak peak of some of my favorites from our day together:

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San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA
http://www.sfgov.org

Volare Trattoria Caffee
561 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-2774
www.volarecafe.com

Transamerica Pyramid
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA
http://www.transamerica.com/

Special thanks goes out to my assistant for this wedding, Mischa. Click here if you’d like to see more San Francisco City Hall Weddings, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me. Have questions about getting married at San Francisco City Hall? Check out my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Now, I know I say this a lot about my clients……but, Nicole and Johnathan were so incredible to work with. This couple was not only cute and stylish, but they were so laid back, funny, and willing to have a great time. Now, that’s my kind of couple!

I can’t say enough how much fun I had with these two. They had constant smiles on their faces, and when they weren’t smiling, they were smooching or making goofy faces at each other. I LOVE IT!

They came all the way from Texas to get hitched in San Francisco’s gorgeous City Hall. They’ve been to the City several times before and fell in love with it (can you blame them?).

After some fun shots at City Hall, we hopped in their limo and headed for Alamo Square for some quick shots in front of the famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses.

The only bad thing about this wedding was that it didn’t last nearly long enough! Honestly, I could have hung out with this great couple and their family all day.

Here’s a few favorites from Nicole and Johnathan’s big day.

Facade of San Francisco City Hall San Francisco City Hall family portrait 003_IMG_6896rw 004_IMG_7097rw 005_IMG_6905rw 006_IMG_6858rw 007_IMG_6875rw 008_IMG_6849rw 009_IMG_6880rw 010_IMG_6904rw 011_IMG_7108rw 012_IMG_4229rw 013_IMG_6937rw 014_IMG_6929rw 015_IMG_4264rw 016_IMG_4238rw 017_IMG_4240rw 018_IMG_4247rw 019_IMG_7114rw 020_IMG_7139rw 021_IMG_7123rw 022_IMG_6681ac 023_IMG_6698ac 024_IMG_7137rw 025_IMG_4217rw 026_IMG_6960rw 027_IMG_6969rw 028_IMG_7073rw 029_IMG_6973rw 030_IMG_6980rw 031_IMG_4155rw 032_IMG_6996rw 033_IMG_7000rw 035_IMG_7008rw 036_IMG_7021rw 037_IMG_7045rw 038_IMG_4162rw 039_IMG_7041rw 040_IMG_7042rw 041_IMG_7036rw 042_IMG_4159rw 043_IMG_4193rw 044_IMG_4161rw 045_IMG_7055rw 046_IMG_4171rw 047_IMG_7063rw 048_IMG_7084rw 049_IMG_7057rw 050_IMG_7066rw 051_IMG_4224rw 052_IMG_4281rw 053_IMG_7164rw 054_IMG_7179rw 055_IMG_7191rw 056_IMG_7193rw 057_IMG_6754ac 058_IMG_7183rw 059_IMG_4284rw 060_JY8A0057ac 061_IMG_7199rw 062_JY8A0062ac 063_IMG_7202rw 064_IMG_7208rw 065_IMG_4288rw 066_IMG_7217rw 067_IMG_7235rw 068_IMG_7262rw 069_JY8A0137ac 070_IMG_6792ac 071_IMG_7273rw San Francisco City Hall exit City Hall San Francisco entrance San Francisco City Hall entrance San Francisco City Hall Fascade Leaving City Hall San Francisco City Hall wedding 5 San Francisco City Hall wedding 4 San Francisco City Hall wedding 3 San Francisco City Hall wedding 2 Nicole & Johnathan's Wedding Limo Ride to Alamo Square Wedding ring and purse Painted Ladies in San Francisco Destination wedding at City Hall San Francisco Elopment at San Francisco City Hall Wedding Ring at San Francisco City Hall San Francisco City Hall plaza Wedding at San Francisco City Hall San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photo San Francisco City Hall plaza

Special thanks goes out to my assistant for this wedding, Alexis. Click here if you’d like to see more San Francisco City Hall Weddings, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me. Have questions about getting married at San Francisco City Hall? Check out my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA
http://www.sfgov.org

I’m happy to share that recently I was asked to participate in, and photograph, an event at Oakland’s Lake Chalet. I go past the Lake Chalet several times a week while going running around Lake Merritt, and I’ve always wanted to peek inside as I’ve heard the restaurant is just great!

The green event was put on by the Lake Chalet, in conjunction with Karine Brighten of Karine Brighten Events, and Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green. Karine specializes in coordinating ‘green’ events, both private and corporate. Pilar offers wonderful eco-friendly gift, decor and floral arrangements, both for events and through her retail boutique in Berkeley.

The Lake Chalet has been working towards greening its facility, and is now available to host green events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, and more! I was really excited and honored to be chosen to be on the Lake Chalet’s “Preferred Vendor’s” list, as their only green-certified photographer…woo hoo!

Here are some fun photos of the event. I can’t wait to do more at this great venue. Oh, and they do a awesome 3-6-9 Happy Hour in the Pumphouse, and a great Taco Tuesday that you can enjoy right out on the dock when the weather is nice. Be sure to check them out, and commission a Gondola Ride on the Lake after dinner!

Event photographer for Lake Chalet Oakland Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Eco-friendly wedding flowers Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Sustainable Wedding Flowers Oakland Green Event Coordinator Oakland Green wedding flowers San Francisco Gorgeous and Green Weddings Berkeley Blue and Green wedding flowers San Francisco charity event photographer San Francisco private party photographer Green Wedding Coordinator San Francisco San Francisco gala event photographer Corporate event photography San Francisco Corporate Event Photography Oakland Oakland event photography Oakland Event Photographer Berkeley event photographer

A little history on the Lake Chalet (in case you didn’t know….I sure didn’t!)

Originally a tidal estuary formed by several creeks, Lake Merritt’s gets its name from former Oakland Mayor, Samuel Merritt, who proposed to dam and clean up the estuary in 1868. After funding the project with his own money, Merritt laid the groundwork for the urban sanctuary we know today as Lake Merritt.

The Lake was further transformed into a recreational park around the turn of the Twentieth Century as the roads and paths were built and in 1925 the Lake got its Necklace of Lights.

Municipal Boat House - The Lake Chalet building began life in 1909 as a high-pressure salt water pumping plant for the Oakland Fire Department; John Galen Howard designed the original concrete building.

In 1913, Walter D. Reed designed the two building wings to serve as a municipal boathouse. The building hosted excursions, regattas, locker rooms, a tea room and several restaurants.

The original pump station remained in operation until 1955 when building was converted to offices by Superintendent of Parks William Penn Mott Jr. to move parks staff there from downtown. The Lake Merritt Rowing club has used the lower south wing for their activities since 1961.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill – The restaurant, which opened in August of 2009, was created by veteran restaurateurs Gar and Lara Truppelli (Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant and Park Chalet Garden Restaurant in San Francisco) working with Executive Chef Jarad Gallagher.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see my Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.