Some weddings are all about tradition. Others break the mold entirely. Christina and Rick’s Julia Morgan Ballroom wedding did the latter—with an edgy, Renaissance-inspired vibe, immersive guest experiences, and deeply personal details that made their celebration feel like an extension of their creative lives.

Both working in the video game industry, Christina and Rick brought a strong artistic vision to the planning process. Blending gothic elegance with warm, moody tones and a dose of playfulness. “Even though we come from completely different cultures and live thousands of miles apart, we instantly connected with them,” shares Junebug vendor Studio Fotografico Bacci. “That’s one of the most beautiful things about this job—meeting kindred spirits in the most unexpected places.”

What We Love About This Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding:

• The seamless blend of minimal ceremony decor and bold, atmospheric reception styling
• A pair of distinct bridal looks, including a gothic-inspired black dress for the after-party
• Tarot and palm readers, plus an interactive guest canvas 
• A venue that offered flexibility and timeless elegance

Featured Vendor:
Studio Fotografico Bacci

Finding the Perfect Venue in the Heart of San Francisco

Located in the city’s Financial District, Julia Morgan Ballroom offered distinct spaces for the ceremony and reception, along with a neoclassical backdrop that balanced grandeur with intimacy.

“It’s a venue with a lot of soul,” the photographers said. “Its architecture naturally complemented the couple’s aesthetic—classic but with room for mood and atmosphere.”

The ceremony took place in the main hall downstairs, while the reception moved upstairs, allowing each part of the celebration to unfold in its own unique way.

A Minimal Yet Meaningful Ceremony at the Julia Morgan Ballroom

Christina and Rick never set out to have a themed wedding, but “edgy” was a consistent thread throughout—starting with the ceremony. Held in the elegant lower-level hall of the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the setting was kept intentionally minimal. Rows of dark wood chairs lined a candlelit marble aisle, leading to a softly draped ivory backdrop accented with a wild, asymmetrical floral installation of seasonal greenery and deep-toned blooms. This stripped-back design allowed the emotional core of the day to shine through, especially during their intimate ceremony officiated by one of Rick’s closest friends.

The focus was entirely on the couple and their words. “It was short, heartfelt, and full of small moments that made it theirs.” With soft lighting and simple styling, the space created the perfect atmosphere for vows that were touching, funny, and deeply personal.

Showcasing Personality Through Wedding Fashion

Christina wore two custom looks from Atelier des Modistes. A more classic ensemble for the ceremony and dinner, and a striking black gown for the party. Bridesmaids were dressed in shades of green, adding to the earthy richness of the reception color palette, while the groomsmen wore timeless tuxedos.

An Immersive, Renaissance-Inspired Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding Reception

When guests moved upstairs for the reception, the mood shifted entirely. The Julia Morgan Ballroom was transformed into a lush, immersive experience. Dramatic florals spilled across long tables, anchored by ground arrangements and softly glowing candles. The room’s dark wood paneling, moody uplighting, and ornate ceiling added depth and richness to every corner of the space.

Each place setting featured a velvet napkin, a wax-sealed scroll, and a tarot card, which tied into a custom seating chart inspired by the Major Arcana. To make things even more interactive, tarot and palm readers offered mystical insights, and guests were invited to contribute to a collaborative canvas. Each guest painted brushstrokes on a colorful, evolving piece of wedding-day art.

Later in the evening, Christina changed into a dramatic black gown that perfectly matched the celebration’s moody elegance. The formal dinner gave way to a high-energy dance party, and just when it seemed the night couldn’t get more memorable, a glowing McDonald’s sign lit up the room. Guests were treated to a full late-night spread, served with a side of pure nostalgia. 

Trusting the Right Vendors to Bring Their Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding Vision to Life

The couple’s strong creative instincts helped them curate a team that truly understood their vision. “They actually found us through Instagram and immediately felt that our style matched what they were imagining,” the photographers shared. “That intuition carried through every choice they made. They really nailed it when it came to choosing collaborators.”

A Final Piece of Vendor Advice

From the perspective of a team that’s captured weddings all over the world, Studio Fotografico Bacci offered one standout piece of advice: “Relax and enjoy it.”

“Christina and Rick were clear about their vision, but once the day came, they trusted their team and let go. That’s what made the energy so special. It’s something we always try to tell our couples—don’t get lost in the details when the moment arrives. Live it. It might sound simple, but that mindset is key to truly making the most of one of the most meaningful days of your life.”