Electric, Joyful & Completely Unforgettable | A Wedding at Bloc15 | Oakland

Mar 21

Oakland showed up for Camille and Azkia. So did practically everyone else.

Bloc15 is one of those venues that earns its reputation the moment you walk in. Over 10,000 square feet of sophisticated, dual-level event space in the heart of Oakland — high ceilings, exposed beams, enormous colorful canvases on the walls that gave the ceremony backdrop an almost painterly quality. The whole place has an energy to it, like it was built specifically to hold celebrations that mean something. The ceremony was beautiful — Camille radiant in her off-shoulder lace gown, bouquet of deep pinks and purples, black hair swept up with a crystal clip, smiling like someone who knows exactly how good this day is going to be. Azkia, in a sharp black tuxedo with a gold bow tie and embellished loafers — effortlessly put together and completely at ease. The ring exchange happened in front of that massive, colorful painting, draped fabric on either side, the whole room holding its breath.

After the ceremony, we slipped outside into Oakland for portraits — the city doing what cities do, giving you interesting light and interesting texture and a couple who moved through it like they owned every block.

The reception entrance came down the lit staircase, and Camille descended in a floor-length sheer lace embroidered jumpsuit with cutouts, gold glitter boots catching every bit of the purple uplighting. The jumpsuit was extraordinary, and she wore it like a second skin — confident and beautiful and entirely herself.

Chef Marky D — Portland's own, a culinary force — was in the building and exactly as much fun as you'd hope. And then there was Steve Kerr. Yes, that Steve Kerr. Basketball coach, five-time NBA champion, legend. This was not a crowd that stood politely at the edges. This was a crowd that came to celebrate and did exactly that, with complete and total abandon, well into the night.

The first dance was everything — Camille and Azkia on that wide open floor, purple light wrapping around them, looking at each other like the rest of the room had gone quiet. Then the music got louder, and the night took off and never looked back.

Camille and Azkia — what a day. What an absolutely electric, joyful, unforgettable day. Oakland felt it.

Venue: Bloc15 | Oakland, California