A Redwood Canyon Wedding in Castro Valley — East Bay Wedding Photographer
A Redwood Canyon Wedding in Castro Valley
Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings sits tucked into the East Bay hills in Castro Valley. Castro Valley is close enough to the Bay Area to be convenient, yet far enough from it to feel genuinely removed. The ceremony site is surrounded by towering redwoods that filter light in a way that slows everything down. It’s one of those venues that does a lot of the atmospheric work before you even pick up a camera.
This couple had known each other since high school. By the time their wedding day arrived, the nerves were real but so was the ease. This couple was completely themselves, and the love was palpable. The palette was olive green, white, and soft powder pink, understated and organic, exactly right for the redwood setting.
The day started before the ceremony with a first look of just the bride and her dad, alone, before anything else happened. Those are the frames that tend to matter most years later. First looks with dads are usually tear-jerkers (for the dads) The ceremony itself moved through every beat with intention: the processional, Connor’s reaction at the altar, rings exchanged in both directions, communion, the kiss, and a dip at the end that the whole room felt.
For portraits, we worked the bridge on the property and the tree-framed areas rather than the open golf course. It was very important for the bride to have natural backdrops instead of the golf courses and there are some amazing spots for this. I shot the day on digital, 35mm film, 120 medium format, and Polaroid. The redwood light is soft and directional in a way that renders beautifully on film. The greens stay rich, the skin tones stay warm, and the whole day takes on a quality that feels more like memory than documentation.
The florals were split between two vendors: Dana’s Florist handled the ceremony arrangements, while Fionna Floral designed the reception florals, bouquets, and boutonnieres. The result felt cohesive and personal in a way that rarely happens when florals are divided. Inside, the details were worth documenting on their own. There were so many amazing details, including the invitation suite, custom matchbox favors, cake from Old Towne Danville Bakery, and a reception that moved from table visits to dancing to a private last dance while guests lined up outside with light-up tinsel wands. The exit ended the night, which was such a blast because it was an old car of the groom’s dad. It made it a fun family affair.
If you’re planning a wedding at Redwood Canyon or anywhere in the East Bay and looking for a photographer who shoots in a hybrid film and documentary style, I’d love to hear about your day.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
Vendor Credits Venue: Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings
Officiant: Officially Yours Weddings
Hair: Studio W Salon
Florals: Dana’s Florist & Fionna Floral
Dress: Vow’d Weddings
Cake: Old Towne Danville Bakery & Cafe
DJ: iMobile DJs