(Photography by Kat Ma Photography)

Wedding Inspiration: A Black Tie Affair in the War Memorial Opera House's Green Room

Aug 24, 2018

A posh celebration at War Memorial's gorgeous Green Room with a bounteous seafood feast and endless desserts?

Wish we were there!

Crystal Gomez and Martin Yerbic, who met over drinks at Union Street's now-closed Notte, found themselves basking in the sun at their favorite Puerto Vallarta resort four years later and decided to make their way to the rooftop for cocktails. Yerbic was rushing her so as not to miss the sunset—and of course it was worth it.

"We had this perfect corner overlooking the ocean with Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries," says Gomez. "The floor was covered with rose petals. There in that moment Martin got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."

Her hubby-to-be had designer her ring, which of course was perfect; since he had a trick finger with a broken knuckle that had never healed properly, they got creative with a comfy black silicone band.

The pair of San Francisco natives wanted to keep their wedding local, and both had dreamed of a black tie fête—something elegant and classy, unlike anything they'd been to before. And since Yerbic's late father had been a foreman on the Golden Gate Bridge, they wanted a quintessentially San Francisco bash, along with a special, surprise officiant: former Mayor Willie Brown Jr. himself.

Gomez describes the decor as modern yet classic and romantic, which matched the venue perfectly with its pastel green walls with crown molding and trim. Adding to the glam factor, they opted presidential chairs, gilded flatware, soft blush table linens, etched wine glasses, and florals paired with pearl reef chargers that resembled luminescent shells—a perfect complement to the fresh seafood bar brimming with oysters and shrimp cocktail.

To ensure their guests were comfortable, they added a lounge area with couches on the veranda for enjoying Irish coffee, waffles, and every imaginable sweet under the sun. The bridesmaids also wore white gowns so everyone could "feel and look pretty," but all were given flip flops to dance in. Buh-bye heels.