Sandhya and Sean decided to get married the simple way – in the redwood forest of the East Bay, California! These two thoroughly down-to-earth humans chose to celebrate their recent City Hall ceremony with an outdoor reception. The spot they chose for their Roberts Redwood Regional Park wedding was the Huckleberry site.

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Outdoor redwood reception ideas

This regional park itself is a beautiful East Bay redwood park just east of Oakland. Sandhya and Sean live in Concord, so this was a super convenient place for them and their family & friends.

It really was perfect setting for an outdoor Bay Area wedding reception surrounded by about 50 closest friends and family.

About this wedding couple

The couple met at work and ended up becoming friends for 10 years, while they were still with other partners. They dated for 2 years before Sean popped the question.

As it was a second marriage for both of them, they favored simple and relaxed as the themes of the day. Having done it all before they mindfully chose to skip many of the typical wedding day traditions.

They both had bigger weddings the first time around, so it made sense to keep things intimate and non-traditional.

About their redwood wedding

The picnic, catered by Simple Elegance in Danville, was such a hit. Great food, great times, surrounded by some of the tallest and most sweet-smelling trees. The weather cooperated beautifully!

Lawn games were set up so guests of all ages could try their hand and be entertained in between munching on the delicious buffet and yummy cakes.

The couple had decided on a “loose Star Wars theme”, with matching t-shirts proclaiming ‘Married we just were’. Their theme continued with galactic tablecloths. ; )

The casual approach to their wedding reception meant the day felt like a great party. It was more of a ‘come as you are’ kind of feel.

This Roberts Redwood Regional Park wedding came a few days after their City Hall celebration which had a more formal, dress-up feel.

There was no ceremony or any formal events for this more relaxed reception in the redwoods.

Sandhya and Sean fed each other cupcakes and they had a guestbook set up with advice cards to collect guests’ pearls of wisdom.

They paid table visits to each group during the buffet meal, spending time and taking selfies with each group that had come out to celebrate.

Congratulations, Sandhya and Sean!

If you are looking for a photographer for your California redwood wedding or elopement, get in touch! I’ve a ton of resources to help you plan and create the unique, relaxed wedding that feels like you.