Intimate Family Style wedding at The Little Kitchen, Oakland
Recently I photographed an intimate family style wedding at the Little Kitchen. The Little Kitchen is a part of Jessica Laskey’s catering business. Located in Montclair in Oakland and featuring the most adorable round yellow windows. Zoe and John decided on having a small family oriented wedding. Instead of a more traditional bigger event. About 20 of their family members joined for the celebration. Some came from the Bay Area, others from as far as upstate New York where John is from. Their ceremony was short and sweet, focusing on what matters most to them. They held the ceremony in the patio space of the Little Kitchen. It is a beautiful space with a garden that feels so very Oakland. The sun shines through the trees. The space feels peaceful with the blue gray walls of the The Little Kitchen. While the yellow accents pop and feel happy.
The cozy patio garden was the perfect space for their ceremony.
As their family gathered around, Zoe walked down the little isle, her arm linked with her dads. Their entire guest list fit onto a few chairs and benches, they all were able to be present for the ceremony. Without the distraction of phones. Zoe & John opted for live music, they chose Jules Leyhe from Ivy Hill Entertainment. He played for the procession and during the cocktail hour that followed.
During cocktail hour staff from the little kitchen passed out appetizers and drinks. Including fried cheese balls which I’d like to point out were absolutely delicious. On a side table guests snacked on the cheese board, pretzel sticks, and charcuterie. Each beautifully presented, and I imagine all tasting as good as it looked.
As the sun fell further behind the trees Zoe and John and their family went inside. They gathered around a long family table. They ate, laughed, and celebrated the coming together of family, and love. It was exactly what you would expect from an intimate family style wedding.
The long table was beautifully arranged. With vibrant rust colored napkins. A rich purple runner, and simple yet elegant plates, glasses and flatware. Throughout the table flower arrangements added more color and life.
Now, I have to take a minute to talk about these flowers.
Each arrangement was unique, vibrant, and had beautiful textures. Colors included burnt reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and rich purples. I spotted roses, dahlias, and oak leaves that are starting to turn colors.
The floral magic created by Brian from The Flower and the B extended beyond the dinner table. Over the garden entrance the gate had a fall arrangement on the top. It included berries, dark greens, purples, and oak leaves. My words don’t give it justice, you’ll just have to look at the photos.
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
Dinner consisted of cheesy creamy pasta. Salmon, salads, and expertly seared tender steaks. I can say with confidence that the food tasted as good as it looked and smelled. Lucky me. Bethany who was managing the wedding at The Little Kitchen sent me home with a to go box with a little of each dish.
Know someone getting married?
I love capturing the people, love, laughter, and decor at intimate weddings. If you are eloping in the bay area I’d love to chat with you about photographing your awesome day. And yes, I’ll go on an adventure with you!
The awesome Bay Area Vendors for this intimate wedding include:
Photographer: Ella Sophie
Venue: The Little Kitchen
Florist: The Flower & the B
Music: Jules Leyhe from Ivy Hill Entertainment
Cake: Katrina Rozelle
Stationery: Minted
All Images © Ella Sophie
Ella Sophie is an artist and photographer living in Oakland California. She specializes in creating images that empower women. Through portraiture, boudoir photography and ethical fashion photography. Ella strives to change the perception that women have of themselves one photo at a time. When she isn’t working you can find her volunteering at the local animal shelter. Encouraging fellow entrepreneurs and artists. Or traveling and taking in the beautiful wilderness.
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