The Lyford House Love Story - Blue Note Weddings

Blue Note Weddings Lyford House

The story of how the Lyford House came to rest on the cliffs of Richardson Bay entails a romantic unrequited love story. This Victorian mansion was built in 1876 by Benjamin Lyford. Lyford’s son, John Paul Reed, fell in love with Rose Rodrigues da Fonta, the daughter of a man in his employ. They were never able to marry due to their class difference, but on his death bed, as a token of his love for her, John Paul gifted the Lyford House to his beloved Rose.

Later in 1957, to save the house from destruction, a volunteer brigade was raised to move the house across the Bay on a barge to where it now rests proudly on 10.5 acres overlooking Richardson Bay and the stunning views of San Francisco.

When I first saw the Lyford House it took my breath away. Being a romantic at heart, I knew I wanted to create an inspirational styled shoot that felt like we were stepping back in time and honoring the love Story of John Paul and Rose. It was important to me to create beautiful wedding imagery that was timeless and elegant.

I teamed up with Kandis of Blue Daphne Events to create a painterly piece of art that would celebrate the history and love story of the majestic mansion. Shooting film gave this inspirational shoot the old world touch. In wanting the gallery to feel timeless, painterly and harmonious with a modern touch to the colors in the photographs. We decided on a color palette with soft hues of creams and antique whites, delicate blush and apricots and a contrast of navy blue for the accent.

Each vendor we partnered with was hand selected for their complimentary style. The fully restored 1954 MG matched perfectly in color and style for the Lyford House romance, adding to the ambiance and essence of the shoot. Kandis created the exquisite floral design using lots of dried floral accents for a more antiquated vibe. Our table decor was designed using antique floral inlayed dishes accompanied with silver chargers, goblets and crystal wine glasses.

The bride was dressed in a gorgeous yet simple A-lined tulle and lace gown. Added Puff sleeves were the perfect romantic touch to keep in line with that era. Of course no gown could be complete without the Bella Belle shoes that dazzled. The groom was a dapper compliment in a slim fit royal navy velvet Manhattan Tuxedo from Stitch and Tie. We set up a small cocktail station on an old antique wooden dresser that felt enticing for an after dinner drink paired nicely with the parfait desert cups by Sarah Metahi. And our three tiered cake she designed was a breathtaking sculptural piece with accents of marble and hints of gold leaf. Nothing is complete without an incredible invitation suite and artwork sent in from South Africa by Papier Handmade were the perfect touch of old world stationary and added artwork of the house. The calligraphed love letter by Caitlin O’bryant designs added the perfect touch to the story of our shoot.

Every detail made me entranced with the Lyford House and the historical love story that existed within it. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to help bring my vision of the recreation of this love story to fruition.

Lyford House on the cliff with an old car Lyford House Wedding Balck and white Film