Rainy San Francisco Wedding: Candice + Ben

bride and groom

Candice + Ben both love all things vintage, so as soon as they came across Big Daddy’s Antiques (also featured in our Top 26 Coolest Places to Get Married) in San Francisco, they knew it was the perfect spot for their vintage love affair! I love that they even kept the location a secret throughout their engagement – not even their bridal party knew where the reception would take place! For their ceremony, they choose to get married outdoors at Esprit Park. They lived right across the street and would walk their puppy to the park every day, so it was a place that had lots of great memories already for them. The only downside was they didn’t have a backup plan if it rained – so of course it rained but that didn’t stop them from getting married in the park that was so special to them! Their wedding in the rain just shows that rain can’t ruin a wedding day – in this case, it’s just that much more romantic.

Big congrats to Candice + Ben and thanks so much to Paco & Betty for the photos!

bridesmaids

bride

fascinator

black shoes


For our invites, we wanted to let our guests know that this would be a day they wouldn’t forget. From a custom puzzle, hidden messages, a Red Sox/Giants vintage mini poster for fun (most guests were from either Boston or the Bay Area), we put a lot of thought into all the details. It was then delivered in a coffee can with a vintage “Sardella’s Coffee” custom label (a theme we used because we pretty much fell in love over a cup of coffee).

puzzle photo

ring bearer

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Keep Breathing – Ingrid Michaelson

Recessional: Wouldn't It Be Nice – The Beach Boys

First Dance: Reckoner – Radiohead

suitcases

antique doors

antique doors

umbrella ceremony

umbrella ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Candice: There were so many!! The dance with my father. I was a whole head taller than him (haha!) and couldn't stop crying! The dance with my husband was also very emotional. But for me, the most memorable moment was when our officiant was reading the vows during my turn (Do you Candice, take Ben...) before he could finish I yelled out "hell yeah!" and threw my arm up, bouquet in hand. I was so nervous! I could hear everyone chuckling after. I do stuff like that when I let my nerves get the best of me.

Ben: For me it was the nervousness leading up to the ceremony. It was raining pretty bad that day and we had an outdoor wedding with no plan B and no tent. I had a million thoughts and concerns going through my mind but then the music started and my beautiful bride began walking down the aisle – for me time stopped and my focus turned 100% to the excitement I felt knowing I was about to marry my soulmate.

wedding party

bride and groom

bridal hat


Love Candice’s something blue nail polish – with the gold on her ring finger! And how rad is Ben’s steampunk boutonniere?!

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

map


At first we had pictured getting married at one of our favorite wineries in Napa. Instead, we stumbled into Big Daddy’s Antiques and instantly fell in LOVE with what we were surrounded by. Wonderfully rundown pieces of history, cement warehouse walls, sky high ceiling with large obscure pieces hanging from beams (a mini submarine and a gigantic golden crown to name a couple) and a grand entrance (roll out the red carpet!!)! Big Daddy’s suited us perfectly!

antique store wedding

antique store wedding

antique store wedding

antique store wedding

antique store wedding


We tasted some pretty amazing food from a number of caterers but none of them were even close to Gastronaut in terms of our style. We love unique and creative approaches to food and we wanted to provide a food experience that was something no one had ever had before at a wedding. For example, the mac and cheese bar was such a hit we didn’t even end up getting any!

I love that a lot of their guests dressed in vintage attire also! So fun.

antique store wedding

first dance

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Candice: Cherish EVERY moment spent with each other deciding on each detail of the wedding. This wedding is about the LOVE you two have. Don't forget that. Your wedding is a magnificent moment in time where the two of you get to express who you are, together.

Ben: The day goes by so fast. This cannot be overstated. Make sure you continue to remember that this day is about the 2 people getting married and only about them. Take some time out during the event for just the two of you to be together, take a deep breath, & take it all in.

photography: Paco & Betty // ceremony: Esprit Park // reception: Big Daddy’s Antiques San Fransisco, California // florals + coordination: Details by Design // wedding dress: Jinza Couture // hairpieces: Jean Cardinale // black lace garter: Emily Riggs Bridal // shoes: Betsy Johnson // bridesmaid dresses: ModCloth, Ruche // hair: Jennifer DeLaCampa // make-up: Angela Galura // groom suit: Stacy Adams // boutonnieres: Eden Gallery // cinematography: Lumitone // paper goods: Naglee Paper Products // catering: Gastronaut // bar + cocktails: Tonic Bar // cake: Baked // desserts: Gastonaut & Chestnut Bakery // ceremony + cocktail hour music: Solace Trio // dj: Michael Heintz aka DJ Salvo

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