Jim Vetter Photography just photographed a wedding at Preservation Park in Oakland for Katie and Paul.  What a fabulous location!  Who would ever guess that this little preserve even existed right there in downtown Oakland?  Preservation Park is a fully restored victorian neighborhood that feels a little like Disneyland when you enter – it is just pristine.

Katie and Paul both had rooms at the Marriott just a block away where they got ready before the late afternoon wedding.  Paul and his four groomsmen were so much fun to hang out with for the day.

Katie and her girls had a sweet suite at the Marriott with great window light which allowed me to get these beautiful getting-ready shots before the ceremony.

Katie’s hair was done by Mitzi at the BarberElla Beauty Lounge of Berkeley, CA.

Katie and the bridesmaids clearly are very close and have a long history of laughter together.  They made each other laugh so much that I seldom saw a straight face and I LOVE that!

The flower girl was too cute for words.  Seriously, I can’t think of any words…  just ADORABLE.

Katie and Paul took my advice and did their First Look before the ceremony.  This is such a great way to get great photos of the moment the bride and groom first see one another. The light was great and the moment was very special.

The bouquets and floral arrangements were provided by D’jour Floral.  Check out Katie’s waterfall bouquet above.

This is certainly a couple and a wedding party that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.  This made them all a great deal of fun.  Check out their Zombie Formal Photo coming up below… “BRAINS!!! Must eat brains….”

Preservation Park really is a cool location.  This is the outdoor space where ceremonies are held.  In an evening photo you can see the view from the stage.

A beautiful ceremony was performed by Reverend Jane Ramsey.

Attached to Nile Hall (the reception space) is Ginn House.  Built around 1890, Ginn House has two large parlor rooms and this amazing window flanked by old book cases and fitted with a large marble bench.  Such a cool space for a bridal portrait.

The music at the wedding was provided by San Francisco’s own DJ Mancub.  He does only a few weddings a year and it was awesome to hear great mixes and mashups at this wedding.  Thank you Mancub!

An incredible buffet dinner was provided by Katherine and her staff from Royal Raspberry.    And of course the gorgeous and tasty cake was made by Eve Samonsky.

Below is the view from the stage where Katie and Paul took their vows.

Super fun wedding with a great group of people.  Thanks for making us part of your day, Katie and Paul!!