A Whirl of Romance Under the Redwoods: Ellen & Eli’s Berkeley Wedding
July 2, 2022
Ellen and Eli Fox celebrated their love beneath the towering trees of Tilden Regional Park, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the warm embrace of friends and family. Their venue, the charming Brazilian Room in Berkeley, set the perfect stage for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, movement, and meaningful moments.
Ellen’s gown—found at Janene’s Bridal Boutique in Alameda—was the final dress she tried on, and the only ballgown of the bunch. She knew it was the one the moment she saw it move. “It felt like a dream when I walked,” she recalled. But the ultimate seal of approval came from her grandmother, a former seamstress, who immediately recognized its magic.
Among Ellen’s most cherished memories? Her first dance with Eli. The couple surprised their guests with a lively salsa to the original version of Despacito—a vibrant, joyful moment that perfectly captured their connection.
To make the day even more unique, Ellen and Eli incorporated After the Tone, a service where guests left heartfelt voicemails on a vintage rotary phone. They’re saving the audio to listen to together on their first anniversary—a love letter from the voices of their wedding day.
After the celebration, Ellen chose to clean and preserve her gown with Elegance Preserved, not to tuck it away forever, but so she can revisit it on their 10-year anniversary. “I want to appreciate it—and wear it again,” she smiled. From twirling in it beneath the trees to storing it safely for the future, the gown continues to hold beautiful meaning.
{ D E T A I L S }
Photography: Cherlyn Wagner | Catering: Montperi Catering & Events | Florals: Momo’s Flowers & More | Videography: Miguel Ontiveros | Cake: A Girl Named Pinky | DJ: DJ E.T. Hazzard | Dress Preservation: Elegance Preserved — Cleaning, Preservation, Preservation Boxes
