I am continuously reminded about how lucky we are to live in the beautiful Bay Area. I get to work with awesome couples and in natural locations that are truly unique. Julianne and Will are no exception. The two planned an intimate and meaningful ceremony amongst the pristine redwoods of Muir Woods, followed by a classy and cozy reception at Willow Camp, Stinson Beach. It’s not often you get both forest and beach in the same wedding day! They chose their date on the summer solstice, and so we took in all the gorgeous sunlight filtering in through the tall trees during their ceremony, and the late day golden rays at the beach for their celebration.

Adding to the unique places of their wedding day, the couple and their guests stayed at Willow Camp, an eclectic and historic property with a back gate that leads right out to Stinson Beach. Julianne said, “I wanted a place where our families and friends could gather and celebrate together for a few days. The place was one of the coolest places we had ever seen, with so many historical and fun aspects: the Lodge, the speakeasy, the VIEW, but most of all when I stepped foot into the secret garden and pavilion, I got teary eyed imagining our wedding dinner there. The place is epic.”

The Carriage House, where the bride got ready. And the gorgeous fried egg poppies in full summer bloom.

Adding to the unique touches of their wedding, the full stationary suite was designed by the groom! There were a lot of details and locations for their wedding weekend, and he managed to convey all the details in such an elegant design.

Julianne getting ready! Hair by her friend Dmitri.

Both the bride and groomed carried special mementos for their day. Julianne’s bouquet was pinned by a broach that was her grandmother’s. “Nonnie passed away in 2012, and it was my something blue. It was hand painted by nuns outside of the Vatican, when my grandmother went to meet the pope!” Julianne’s antique ring was a wedding gift from Will, which was a family heirloom.

The groom gets ready up at the Main Lodge and fastens cuff links that belonged to his grandpa.

The couple chose Muir Overlook for their First Look, and took some time to take in the view, be together, and check out each other’s threads! The wedding day can fly by so quickly, but their day had these built-in pauses for them to really take in the moment.

Arriving with the bride and groom, we took our time on the long walk to their ceremony site, stopping along the way to take in the many majestic California Coastal redwoods and lush ferns that carpeted the forest floor. There are different locations in Muir Woods where you can have your ceremony, where you are allowed up to 30 guests. Day hikers passed us along the way, but the ceremony location the couple picked offered some privacy off the trail.

Will’s GREEN suit and Julianne’s gown were stunners!

The flower girl readies the ceremony site.

How did you come to pick Muir Woods? “Muir Woods is a special place for many reasons, not only is it one of the most beautiful places to explore in the North Bay, but it is also a place that is important to us. Will's mother Mary Ann passed away in 2019. Mary Ann was first generation Mill Valley; her father who was an editor for the SF Chronicle used to take her there all of the time, and their family home is not too far from the gates. It was also the last place we took her a few days before her passing. It is the only place she wanted to go, and I think that put her at peace. She put on her eyeshadow and dangly earrings and we wheeled her around. It was our way of having her there, and also why we asked Will's father to officiate our wedding.”

A few favorite moments from the ceremony: “Will's fathers speech was unforgettable, he spoke about the family tree and how they reach their roots out. The entire ceremony was so beautiful, and I am sure my guests will never forget that two hour hike and secretly hating us HAHA.”

Departing Muir Woods and back at Willow Camp, Will’s signage guided the way to all the events.

Julianne said she had come across Willow Camp when we were in the full pandemic, and she and Will were fantasizing about a place where they could have a safe getaway. So the two came and stayed in the Airstream, and immediately fell in love with the place and all its charming historical character and outdoor spaces. They love that it’s a place they can continue to visit over the years.

The bride and groom on the balcony of the Main Lodge.

The pool area off the main lodge was the perfect cocktail hour location. Guests soaked up the afternoon golden rays as they enjoyed refreshing signature cocktails from the bar. The couple arrived on the balcony to toast their guests, kids jumped in the pool, music played, and it was all good summer vibes.

The wildflower theme designed by The Little Flower Shop in Marin, was a perfect match for the setting.

Willow Camp is one of those places that doesn’t present itself as just one thing upon arrival. It requires you to explore its winding paths, lush greenery, flowers all around, little bungalows, an Airstream, lily pond, fire pits, sublime views of the Pacific Ocean, and the historic main lodge with a secret library entrance into a speakeasy. It’s a place to get lost in the magic.

Willow Camp’s Balifornia are a collection of little Balinese huts for lucky guests to get their glamp on.

Dinner was hosted in the pavillion, overlooking the lily pond. Old world rustic met with simple elegance at the reception. The multi-location day transitioned from moment to moment seamlessly— and in brilliant style, thanks to the great Gillian Shenon. Julianne says, “It is no joke once you hire a planner that your budget triples. But in my opinion, it was well worth it. Gillian was amazing, she made our entire vision come to life, and worked her ass off all three days.”

The couple hosted a family style dinner, which was simultaneously casual, cozy, and elegant. Chewy and crispy pizzas were served up from the wood fired, mobile pizza trailer. Pizza was a perfect match for Julianne and Will! Along with being a talented designer, Will (aka DJ Willaa) is also head chef of Pizza & Techno, a collective of music by up-and-coming artists artists, and pizza, of course.

The dinner reception under the pavilion and under the glow twinkling lights.

I snuck the bride and groom out the back gate and suddenly we were on the beach and bathed in a golden haze of glory. Always be sure to work in 10-15 minutes in your timeline for sunset photos. It’s always worth it! These are some of my favorite moments and photos from their day: the two were absolutely present, giddy like kids, loving their time together, and soaking all the good vibes from their guests.

Sunset at Stinson Beach dreaminess on film.

Some favorite moments you’d like to share? “Getting dressed with my sister; she has so much patience for me. Our special moment of her putting me in the car with all of my friends and that big dress as I started to cry. Dancing on the beach, and dancing to Will’s uncle’s band for our first dance. Late night laughs in the speakeasy and playing poker. Getting to float off my hangover in the pool the next day. Will getting to DJ for my family while having a bonfire with smores in the Bali Huts.”

Advice for planning couples? “Spend the big bucks on the photographer. The photos are your memories for you and generations to come, so capturing the moments are non-negotiable. Sonya was flawless and there were many moments I forgot she was there.”

Is there anything else you want to share about your wedding? “I felt like there were things I could have done differently, but at the end of the day, it was the wedding of our dreams. I worked really hard planning every detail, and I love Will so much and feel so lucky that he was able to make it all come true.”

Vendor Team
Planning and Design: Gillian Shenon Events
Ceremony: Muir Woods
Accommodations & Reception: Willow Camp
Photography: Sonya Yruel
Florals: The Little Flower Shop
Stationary Design: Will Newton, the groom
Gown: Rita Vinieris
Make up: @wincartistry, bride’s friend
Hair: Dmitri from Werk Salon, bride’s friend
Suit: Tailor’s Keep
Veil: Toni Federici
Catering: Debonair Events
Rentals: Hensley Event Resources
Film Lab: The Find Lab

A Summer Solstice Wedding at Muir Woods and Stinson Beach