Sylvia and Frank married on June 30, 2012, at the Berkeley City Club in Berkeley. Julia Morgan built this 1929 landmark, nicknamed “the Little Castle.” Their day moved from quiet getting-ready details to an outdoor ceremony under a flower-strewn canopy, portraits around the building’s Moorish courtyard, and a reception full of dancing in its historic ballroom.
Getting Ready
The morning started with quiet details. Sylvia’s lace gown hung on its hanger next to a pair of teal-trimmed satin heels and the wedding invitation, tied with ribbon. A relative fastened the back of her gown, and Sylvia added a necklace with a green gemstone pendant. Down the hall, Frank pinned on a green orchid boutonniere and a teal pocket square to match.
A First Look and Portraits
Frank waited for Sylvia in the building’s courtyard, framed by Moorish arches and palm fronds. The two shared their first look there, laughing together before the ceremony ahead.
Wedding Party Portraits
The couple continued their portraits inside, in a vaulted Gothic-style room with tall arched leaded-glass windows. Afterward, the full wedding party gathered in the club’s wood-paneled library for a group portrait, surrounded by red velvet sofas and built-in bookshelves.
An Outdoor Ceremony
Sylvia walked down the aisle beneath a vine-draped canopy strung with red fabric. She met Frank in front of family and friends, seated on petal-strewn chairs. Their officiant centered the ceremony on quiet ritual rather than a religious rite. Sylvia and Frank shared their first kiss, then walked back up the aisle together as newlyweds.
Reception in the Ballroom
The celebration moved into the club’s grand ballroom, beneath its Gothic arched windows and exposed wood-beam ceiling. Guest tables stood ready in teal linens and candlelit floral arrangements, with place cards marking each seat and a three-tier cake with teal scroll piping nearby. A violinist played as guests mingled, and later in the night, Sylvia tossed her bouquet to a crowd of hopeful guests.
Dancing the Night Away
Guests filled the dance floor as the night went on — one even wore a full horse-head mask. Sylvia and Frank closed out the celebration together, dancing cheek to cheek among family and friends.
Getting Married at the Berkeley City Club?
The Berkeley City Club is one of the Bay Area’s most distinctive wedding venues. Architect Julia Morgan built this 1929 landmark, blending Moorish and Gothic architecture around a grand ballroom. It’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. If you’re planning a wedding at the Berkeley City Club Ballroom, I’d love to talk with you about photographing it. You can get in touch here, or read our full guide to the venue.
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