A Romantic & Moody Wedding at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, CA

B&B had the pleasure of catering an unforgettable wedding at the historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California. Built in 1914, this 100-year-old mansion has a storied past and remains one of the most cherished venues in the Bay Area. Originally commissioned by the affluent Kohl family, the estate was designed to evoke the grandeur of European castles and has since become an iconic landmark with its unique architecture, grand ballroom, and gardens. Over the years, the mansion has been home to a series of prominent gatherings, making it a venue that is rich in history and elegance. This wedding, designed by Leanne Lane Weddings, embraced the mansion’s elegant charm and incorporated moody, romantic design elements that perfectly complemented its timeless beauty. With an outdoor ceremony on the lawn and an indoor reception in the grand ballroom, the event showcased the mansion’s versatility as both a ceremonial and reception space.

Photographs by Megs Marvels Photography

An Outdoor Ceremony with Bold Florals

The ceremony took place on the mansion’s front lawn, framed by towering trees and vibrant greenery. To complement the outdoor setting, the floral arrangements by H&J Flowers were nothing short of breathtaking. Eye-catching red, blue, and blush blooms adorned the aisle, creating a striking contrast against the natural surroundings. A circular arch at the altar, draped in roses, delphiniums, and eucalyptus, provided an intimate and organic focal point for the couple’s vows. The floral palette, featuring deep reds, soft blushes, and pops of blue, introduced a moody yet romantic vibe that set the tone for the evening’s celebration.

A Bite to Remember, Cheers to the New Couple

After the couples said their “I Do’s”, guests made their way to the outdoor courtyard overlooking the grand lawn. Guests enjoyed B&B’s delectable hors d’oeuvres featuring Turkish Style Lamb Meatballs & Caprese Kabobs, paired with the bride & grooms favorite cocktails crafted by Twist of Lime. The cocktail reception space also featured a grand seating chart display with wine bottles and more eye-catching red, blue, and blush blooms.

While guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, the couple made use of the mansion’s scenic grounds for their wedding photos, taking advantage of the lush hedges and ivy-covered staircases. The afternoon sunlight streaming through the leaves added a magical touch to their portraits, capturing the beauty of the venue and chic style of their wedding day.

Reception in the Grand Ballroom: A Moody Masterpiece

Guests moved indoors to the grand ballroom, where the reception decor truly captured the essence of moody elegance. Kohl Mansion’s dark wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and historic detailing created an atmospheric backdrop for the event. Leanne Lane Weddings worked closely with the couple to ensure that the decor complemented the mansion’s old-world charm while adding a modern twist.

Set-up in long rows, the large dining tables were draped in deep blue tablecloths, creating a bold foundation for the table settings. Each place setting featured matching linen napkins and gold-rimmed plates, exuding a luxurious and sophisticated look (all rentals by: Chairs for Events). Centerpieces, again featured by H&J Flowers, were lush, overflowing blooms in deep reds, blush pinks, and hints of blue echoing the ceremony’s floral arrangements. Housed in simple vases, the flowers brought a warm glow to the tables; delicate greenery softened the arrangements, adding texture and depth, while the deep hues contributed to the overall moody aesthetic.

Gourmet Family-Style Catering with a Personal Touch

For the reception, the bride chose a family-style dinner, creating a dining experience that emphasized the importance of togetherness and community. Family-style dining involves serving dishes on large platters and bowls, placed in the center of the table so guests can help themselves and share, similar to a home-cooked meal. This style encouraged guests to interact and connect, passing plates and savoring each dish together, adding a warm, communal feel to the elegant evening.

B&B’s Event Specialist, Megan, arranged for extra-wide queen’s tables to ensure they offered plenty of space for all table-top items: floral centerpieces, plates, chargers, glassware, and all the family-style serving dishes. This allowed everything to fit comfortably without crowding the dining space.

The thoughtfully curated menu included Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Chicken Marsala, and Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushroom as main dishes, ensuring a variety of options to please every palate and dietary preference. Each dish was prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the family-style setup allowed guests to enjoy hearty portions of each selection. The Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender, the Chicken Marsala offered a savory flavor with its mushroom wine sauce, while the Stuffed Portobello provided a satisfying vegan option that was both hearty and delicious.

To keep the celebration going, the bride and groom also arranged for a late-night snack to be served after hours. Mini sliders and fries were brought out, delighting guests with a fun, casual treat to refuel them as they continued dancing and enjoying the evening. The late-night snack added a playful, relaxed element to the event and allowed guests to indulge in a delicious comfort food moment as the night wound down.

B&B worked closely with the couple to bring their vision of a family-centered, gourmet experience to life, making sure every detail enhanced the mood and feel of the evening. Through a mix of elegant, elevated dishes served family-style and thoughtful late-night treats, the catering truly helped make this wedding celebration unforgettable.

Capturing Memories

This wedding at Kohl Mansion was a beautiful example of how moody design elements can create an atmosphere of romance and sophistication. With rich floral arrangements, dramatic decor, and a gourmet dining experience, the entire vendor team helped create an unforgettable celebration that will be remembered by all who attended.

Vendor Team

Photographer: Megs Marvels Photography

Wedding Planner: Leanne Lane Weddings

Caterer: B&B Catering & Events

Bartending Co: Twist of Lime

Rental: Chairs for Events

Florist: H&J Flowers

Venue: Kohl Mansion