Spring & Summer Wedding inspo for Sacramento and Bay Area Couples
Bold & Bright: A Spring/Summer Wedding Color Palette for the Redwood Grove at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
If you're dreaming of a vibrant spring or summer wedding surrounded by nature, the Redwood Grove at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is an absolute gem. With its soaring redwoods, soft filtered light, and tranquil forest setting, it's one of the most unique outdoor wedding venues in the Bay Area. As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right color palette can elevate this space—and this one was unforgettable.
This couple’s wedding embraced a bold, joyful color story that perfectly matched the season and setting. If you're looking for wedding color palette ideas for a forest or garden venue, here's why this one works so well:
🌿 The Color Palette: Warm, Vibrant & Elevated
🧡 Goldenrod & Marigold – These sunny yellows add warmth and glow beautifully in natural light. Perfect for bridesmaid dresses, florals, and even small details like napkins or boutonnieres.
🧡 Clementine Orange – A deeper orange brings richness and energy, creating a stunning contrast with the greenery of the redwoods and highlighting the summer season.
💗 Hot Pink – Unexpected and modern, this electric pink adds a fun pop to bouquets, accessories, and stationery. It’s a bold statement that photographs beautifully.
💙 Indigo Navy – Deep navy brings sophistication and balance. It’s ideal for suits, table linens, or even signage, especially when paired with brighter accent colors.
🌼 Why This Palette Works for a Redwood Grove Wedding
The Redwood Grove is naturally earthy and neutral, so vibrant colors really shine without competing with the background. This particular palette felt fresh, seasonal, and organic, making it ideal for a spring or summer wedding in a forest or botanical garden setting.
As a Berkeley wedding photographer, I always recommend using color intentionally to tell your story—whether through wardrobe, florals, or décor. These colors weren’t just pretty—they created a joyful, cohesive visual experience from start to finish.
💡 Wedding Planning Tips for This Color Scheme
Florals: Opt for seasonal blooms like dahlias, garden roses, ranunculus, and zinnias in hot pinks, corals, and yellows. Add pops of lavender or succulents for texture and contrast.
Wardrobe: Encourage your wedding party to mix and match dresses in this palette. Navy suits pair perfectly and give the entire look a polished finish.
Lighting: Golden hour is magic in the redwoods—schedule portraits right before sunset to capture that soft, glowing light through the trees.
Decor: Let the scenery shine and keep your decor playful but minimal—think colorful taper candles, organic floral installations, and whimsical signage.
📸 Looking for a Bay Area Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning your wedding in the redwoods, at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, or anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’d love to be part of your day. I specialize in photographing vibrant, heartfelt weddings in natural settings—from redwood groves to beach cliffs and beyond.
💌 Ready to bring your wedding vision to life with beautiful, story-driven photography?