Anniversary Celebration at Terrace Room on Lake Merritt | The Celebraton DJ
This was no normal wedding. This was a celebration of a married couple who had honored their promises to each other for ten full years, and who were ready to celebrate that truth with everyone they love.
Sachin and Jenn marked their 10th wedding anniversary at the Terrace Room on Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland with a gathering that felt intentional, joyful, and deeply earned. The energy of the day reflected not just a milestone, but a relationship built with good nature, care and commitment.
The guest list spanned generations, from young children starting around age three through guests in their seventies, with most attendees in their forties. Many were local to the Bay Area, with others traveling in from North Carolina and several other states. Because kids were present through the early evening, the entire event was designed to be clean, inclusive, and welcoming for all ages.
As a DJ and MC in Oakland, celebrations like this stand out. When a room is filled with people who truly know each other and are celebrating something real, the energy carries itself.
Celebration at the Terrace Room on Lake Merritt
The Terrace Room is one of Oakland’s most beautiful and versatile waterfront venues. Overlooking Lake Merritt, the space is filled with natural light during the day and transforms into something truly magical in the evening.
The glass walls frame the lake and surrounding string lights beautifully, while the interior maintains a classic and refined feel. It is a space that works equally well for family friendly daytime celebrations and high energy evening dance parties.
For milestone celebrations in Oakland, the Terrace Room at Lake Merritt offers a rare balance of elegance, warmth, and atmosphere.
A Family Focused Celebration With Kids at the Center
With so many children in attendance, the event was intentionally designed to keep kids engaged while still feeling fun and relaxed for adults.
Throughout the afternoon and early evening, kids enjoyed games, painting, and balloons. One of the most joyful moments came during a daytime cocktail hour dance party, where music filled the room and kids immediately took over the dance floor. Dancing in the sunlight with Lake Merritt just outside the windows became an unforgettable part of the day.
Designing events that truly work for multiple generations is something I prioritize as an Oakland event DJ, and this celebration was a perfect example of how well that approach can land.
Cocktail Hour and Dinner Music Choices
Cocktail hour featured 90s R&B, creating a smooth, soulful groove that felt relaxed and upbeat at the same time. The music encouraged movement without pulling focus away from conversation and connection.
For dinner, we shifted into 70s and 80s funk, keeping the groove alive while complementing the Terrace Room’s classic aesthetic. The music added warmth and energy to the room while still allowing guests to enjoy each other at the table.
This consistent musical thread helped the celebration feel cohesive from start to finish.
A One of a Kind Shoe Game Led by the Crowd
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was Sachin and Jenn’s unique version of the Shoe Game.
Rather than using prepared questions, I moved through the room with a microphone and invited guests to ask their own questions. Sachin and Jenn sat back to back, barefoot, each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s shoes. They answered by holding up the shoe that best fit the question.
It was a bold choice, since we did not know what the crowd would bring. What happened next was incredible.
The questions, especially from the children, were honest, thoughtful, and absolutely hilarious. The room was filled with laughter, surprise, and genuine emotion. It became a shared moment that felt unscripted, personal, and deeply human.
Photo Booth With a Classic, Golden Touch
The photo booth stayed busy throughout the celebration. Guests of all ages gathered to take photos, laugh together, and capture memories from the day.
The sparkle gold backdrop paired perfectly with the Terrace Room’s classy, classic decor. It added just the right amount of celebration and shine while fitting seamlessly into the space.
Photo booths are especially powerful at family centered events, giving guests another way to connect beyond the dance floor.
Working With Photographer Jade Lin
It was a pleasure working alongside Jade Lin, (whose photography supplied the awesome photos in this blog) captured the spirit of the celebration beautifully. Jade has a strong eye for candid moments, natural light, and emotional detail, which was especially evident throughout the daytime celebration and into the evening dance party. From kids dancing in the sunlight to the energy of the room once the lights came up, her images reflect the warmth, joy, and authenticity of the event. Having a skilled photographer who knows how to document both people and atmosphere makes a huge difference, and these photos truly tell the story of Sachin and Jenn’s celebration.
When the Sun Set and the Dance Floor Took Over
Once the sun set and the main dance party began, this crowd did not hold back.
Ten years of buildup, anticipation, and love poured straight onto the dance floor. What had been a joyful daytime celebration transformed into a full blown release of energy and celebration.
Through the Terrace Room’s gorgeous glass walls, the string lights surrounding Lake Merritt glowed in the background. Inside, the level two dance floor lighting and twelve uplights that Sachin and Jenn selected brought the room to life. The lighting elevated the energy without overpowering the space, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt the celebration fully.
The combination of music, lighting, and shared history created a moment where everything clicked. Everyone in the room felt it. This was not just a party. It was a release, a reward, and a celebration of love that had stood the test of time.
Why The Terrace Room Is Perfect for Milestone Celebrations
The Terrace Room is blessed with an unbelievable view and incredible accessibility. Lake Merritt remains one of Oakland’s most iconic gathering places. Its beauty, accessibility, and community energy make it ideal for celebrations that bring together people from many chapters of life.
Venues like the Terrace Room allow milestone events to feel elevated without losing warmth, which is especially important when celebrating family, history, and long term commitment.
As an Oakland DJ and MC, these are the celebrations that stay with me.
Planning an Anniversary or Wedding in Oakland
If you are planning an anniversary party, wedding, milestone celebration, or family focused event at the Terrace Room at Lake Merritt or anywhere in Oakland, I would love to connect.
My approach centers on thoughtful music selection, interactive MC support, and creating an environment where guests of all ages feel included, energized, and celebrated.
Reach out anytime to talk through your vision or check availability.
