A Storybook LGBTQ+ Wedding at Fairyland

By Christina Klingenberger-Valdez–

My wife and I have deep roots in the Bay Area. I grew up here, it’s where I met my wife Emily, and it’s where we live today. Coincidentally, our families are from the same town—Fremont—even though Emily actually grew up in Bakersfield.

We both have sweet childhood memories of Fairyland and collecting those iconic keys: me with my parents and younger sister, and her during visits to her grandparents. So, when it came time to plan our wedding, we knew we wanted a venue that was unique and connected to the Bay Area community we love so much.

We were lucky enough to be married by Sister Kay Sera Sera of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and the whole day turned into the colorful, whimsical disco wedding of our dreams. Our family and friends embraced it fully, unleashing their inner child and dancing the night away.

Oakland-based photographer Lindsey Shea is a lover of all things film and the outdoors. Her images reflect inclusivity, experiences over things, quality over quantity, and nature whenever possible. Shea says, “Foremost, I am interested in creating magic. The kind of magic you associate with nostalgic film photos from your grandma. I love to create and capture artful moments—both for relationships and intimate portraits.” Here at the San Francisco Bay Times, we believe she created just that with her photoshoot of the Klingenberger-Valdez wedding at Fairyland. https://www.lindsey-shea.com/

Christina Klingenberger-Valdez is the Senior Manager of Advertising and Promotions at the California Academy of Sciences.

Once Upon a Time in Oakland…
Published on August 28, 2025