These days there are so many different ways to celebrate a marriage: from eloping or having a small civil ceremony, to a large estate wedding or just a party! I love how every couple’s day is unique to them! Brandon and I chose to have our small wedding in the mountains on a Tuesday. It fit with our love of the outdoors, our small network of close friends/family, and our constant desire to avoid crowds. 🙂 This sweet couple, Joy + OT, had their wedding at San Francisco City Hall last year and celebrated with their friends and extended family this year on their 1 year anniversary! I love the idea of throwing a party to celebrate that first year of marriage!
We enjoyed the most beautiful evening at the Temescal Beach House in Oakland, and all of the colors popped in the soft evening light. They chose to put up cafe lights, which I think really added to the magical quality of the party (I’m always for cafe lights!), and their guests matched the colorful and fun decor with their vibrant outfits. But by far my favorite part of the night was their Jumping the Broom Ceremony!
If you’re unfamiliar with the tradition, Jumping the Broom is an African American wedding tradition in which the bride and groom jump over a broom to symbolize a new beginning and sweeping away of the past. It also signifies the joining of two families and offers a respectful nod to the past. Before Joy + OT jumped the broom, they had all of their guests circle around and pass the broom around while saying something to the couple. From advice, to blessings, and humor, each person shared something unique and it made the ceremony even more personal (and fun)!
After cocktails in the courtyard and the Jumping the Broom Ceremony, guests made their way indoors for an intimate dinner followed by a few toasts and of course, dancing! Keep scrolling for some highlights from this special anniversary celebration and to see Joy + OT jump over the broom!
Venue | Temescal Beach House, Oakland CA
Planner | Alika Andres, MKA Productionz
Caterer | Blue Heron Catering
Joy + OT: It has been such a pleasure to get to know you both and to celebrate your marriage with your friends and family! May you always be as happy together as you are today!
Looking for more receptions and events? Check out this San Francisco City Hall wedding and Presidio reception!
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