Where do I even start with the cuteness of this bookstore wedding? Everything about this sweet and unique wedding is a wonderful story in and of itself, but for the sake of not writing a novel I’ll keep it brief.
“I had been on the lookout for a simple, off-beat venue”
It all started when Lauren chanced upon Owl & Company Bookstore on Piedmont Ave, Oakland. She and her fiancé Scott had just moved to Oakland from Atlanta GA in search of new opportunities and a new church to pastor.
Lauren says:
“I was exploring in Oakland and wandered into the enchanting Owl & Company.
I had been on the lookout for a simple, off-beat venue but that was not on my mind when I went in there, I just love books and immediately loved it.
As I was leaving and chatting with Jerry, it hit me how amazing it would be to have an intimate wedding there, and I asked and he seemed open to the possibility.
And he mentioned that a photographer had done a bridal shoot there.”
That bridal shoot was this quirky 1950’s style one, which was featured on Offbeat Bride.
Once Lauren Googled and found me, she reached out excitedly informing me about her burgeoning wedding plans.
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An unusual & unique Bay Area wedding venue
Shoots and weddings were not really on Owl’s radar until I wandered in there in April 2017! Now they had a wedding styled shoot followed by an actual wedding.
It was actually almost exactly one year to the day between the two!
I’d never even heard of a wedding taking place in a bookstore before!
You can have your pick of places, even very unusual ones
This is one of the GREAT things about intimate weddings You can have your pick of places, even very unusual ones, which was what Lauren was on the lookout for.
You aren’t limited to venues where they can cater a 150-person sit-down plated meal. Let’s face it – there are only so many of those. With small weddings, the world is your oyster!
Simple wedding ceremony in a bookstore
Lauren and Scott opted for a simple ceremony officiated by a fellow pastor friend who traveled down from Sacramento.
The ceremony took place early in the morning before the bookstore started welcoming customers. The couple even had a sweet first look, surrounded by books.
After the short ceremony and a few couples’ portraits, the newlyweds headed outside to the very cute back patio of the bookstore where the small party shared champagne and nibbles.
The bride’s mother, a talented floral designer, had set up beautiful floral displays both inside and out.
She used her skills to highlight the natural charm of the bookstore and patio to make it the perfect wedding venue.
A friend of the bride, graphic designer from Nashville TN, Natalie Diaz, created beautiful wedding announcements. She also designed matching beautiful framed keepsakes with inspiring messages about love from works of literature.
A relaxed post-wedding brunch
After informal toasts of celebration, the troupe headed to Cato’s Ale House just a few doors down Piedmont Avenue for brunch and naturally, ale.
A beautiful, intimate & truly unique celebration.
What’s most evident from Lauren and Scott’s bookstore wedding is the absolute determination to do things their way, to walk the aisle less traveled.
It ended up being a beautiful, intimate & truly unique celebration that will stand out in the minds of their 17 guests forever.
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Vendor love
Venue Owl & Co Website
Photography Zoe Larkin Website / Instagram
Florals Kim Van Bavel Patrus (bride’s mom) Instagram
Dress boutique Curvique Bridal Boutique [closed down]
Dress designer Elegant Designs by Candace Louise Website
Tux Men’s Wearhouse Website
Hair Toni Schafer
Beauty Tiffany Chavanne Shelton
Musician Cellista Website / Instagram
Paper goods Natalie Diaz / Dribbble
Engagement Ring Cumberland Diamond Exchange Website / Instagram
Wedding Rings Zale’s Website / Instagram
Cufflinks Grateful Gadgets Etsy / Instagram
Officiant Rev. Will Norman
Handmade ring book Bluish Studio Etsy / Instagram
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