About Filoli Gardens

Filoli Gardens is a historic estate located in Woodside, California, just a short drive from San Francisco. Known for its breathtaking gardens, grand mansion, and rich history, Filoli offers visitors a unique experience with its perfectly manicured landscapes and seasonal floral displays. The estate does requires basic entry ticket to take engagement or proposal photos ($36/person). The gardens are open year-round, with each season offering a different look and feel. Whether you’re capturing proposal photos at Filoli or planning a romantic garden engagement photoshoot, this venue provides a stunning and versatile setting.

For couples looking for a timeless and elegant engagement session, Filoli Gardens is truly unmatched. If you’re ready to book your Filoli Gardens engagement session, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help create a session that reflects your love story in the most beautiful way.

Why You Should Do an Engagement Shoot at Filoli Gardens

1. Breathtaking Scenery

Filoli Gardens offers lush, manicured gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant seasonal blooms that provide a naturally stunning backdrop for engagement photos. The combination of colorful flowers, towering trees, and classical elements makes every shot effortlessly beautiful.

2. Variety of Photo Locations

From flower-filled pathways and grand staircases to reflective pools and wooded trails, Filoli has an incredible variety of settings, making it feel like multiple locations in one session. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate, dreamy garden engagement session or a more dramatic, editorial-style shoot, this venue provides endless options.

3. Timeless, Elegant Aesthetic

The European-inspired gardens and historic mansion create a romantic, old-world charm that adds a classic and sophisticated touch to engagement photos. Filoli Gardens engagement photography captures the essence of elegance and romance, making it ideal for couples who appreciate fine art imagery.

4. Seasonal Beauty

No matter the time of year, Filoli is always beautiful. Spring brings colorful blooms, summer offers lush greenery, fall showcases warm foliage, and even winter has a unique charm with misty landscapes and evergreen accents. A Filoli Gardens couple photoshoot will always be stunning, no matter the season.

5. A Peaceful, Private Feel

Unlike crowded public parks, Filoli offers a more intimate setting. By booking in advance, couples can enjoy a quieter experience without distractions. This makes proposal photos at Filoli even more special—imagine popping the question in a secluded garden surrounded by breathtaking views.

6. Natural & Architectural Elements

From the grand columns and stone archways to the sunlit orchards and reflective pools, Filoli balances stunning nature with elegant architecture, giving couples a variety of backdrops. Whether you’re drawn to dreamy garden engagement sessions or want a mix of structured elegance, this venue has it all.

7. A Unique Engagement Session Experience

Shooting at Filoli isn’t just about the photos—it’s an experience. Couples get to explore the gardens, soak in the beauty, and make memories together before their wedding day. The combination of nature, history, and stunning scenery makes it a truly special place for Filoli Gardens engagement photography.

8. Perfect for Light & Airy or Moody Styles

Filoli’s setting works well for different photography styles—whether you love soft, airy romance or deeper, dramatic tones, the gardens and golden-hour light complement both beautifully. As a Bay Area wedding photographer Filoli Gardens sessions allow me to tailor the look to each couple’s unique vision.

9. Ideal for Nature-Loving Couples

For couples who love being outdoors but still want a refined, curated environment, Filoli is the perfect blend of natural beauty and structured elegance. If you’re searching for romantic photoshoot locations near San Francisco, Filoli offers both lush greenery and timeless architecture.

10. A Meaningful Location to Revisit

Since Filoli is open to the public, couples can return for anniversaries, date days, or even future family photos, making it a sentimental and timeless choice. A Filoli Gardens engagement session becomes more than just a photoshoot—it’s a cherished memory that couples can relive for years to come.

If you liked this blog, you might also want to consider an engagement session at The Arizona Cactus Gardens!

The post 10 Reasons to Book a Filoli Gardens Engagement Session appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

About My Fun couple…

Erin and Alyssa are the type of couple everyone wants at their party—energetic, loving, and full of joy. They didn’t stress the small stuff; they simply wanted to throw an incredible party for their closest friends and coworkers. Their laughter and connection made them an absolute joy to work with. Capturing their special day felt more like hanging out with longtime friends than working. I also want to give an honorable mention to Dewey, their Golden Doodle. AKA the fried chicken dog 😀

Wedding Day Highlights

A Stunning Modern Theme

The theme was a perfect blend of modern sophistication and playful charm. I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Tawny and her team at One Sweet Soirée for putting it all together- including this super star vendors team I got to me part of. To comply with the museum’s strict floral restrictions, their florist, Zaddy Blooms, created stunning arrangements using lush greenery and pine trees. These elements elevated the timeless ambiance of the venue while keeping the design simple and chic.

Emotional Moments

While the couple opted into just a reception party, their party didn’t hold back on intimate moments. Special highlights included Alyssa’s dad during the family formals saying how proud he was of her. On the dance floor, so many happy moments there as well! Erin’s dad would come up and start dancing with the newlyweds. It was really sweet…

Museum Photo Tour

One of the best parts of hosting their wedding at the Legion of Honor Museum was exploring its breathtaking spaces for photos. We started in quiet, empty rooms, making our way to the grand gallery housing Monet’s masterpieces. The museum staff kindly closed off the area for five minutes, allowing us to capture magical, private moments. We then made our way outside after the museum had closed to the sides where the sun peaked through the cypress trees. These locations made their museum wedding photo gallery truly unforgettable.

Cocktail Hour in the Galleries

Cocktail hour was hosted in the upstairs galleries, where guests mingled among the artwork while enjoying live music from Lucky Devils Band. This unique experience set the tone for the reception, blending elegance with the vibrant energy of the day. Guests loved taking pictures with the sculptures and paintings, making it a lively start to the evening.

Dinner and Dancing Under the Stars

The dinner reception took place in the intimate, candlelit setting of the museum’s cafe. Guests indulged in international food stations prepared by Global Gourmet Catering, ensuring a dining experience as diverse as it was delicious. Later, the dance floor was moved to the outdoor terrace, where lounge areas and bars on either side created the perfect party atmosphere. Erin and Alyssa’s guests danced the night away under the stars, surrounded by the magic of the museum.

Legion of Honor Wedding info: Everything You Need to Know

The Legion of Honor Museum is one of San Francisco’s premier venues for a stylish and unforgettable wedding. This iconic SF museum wedding location features elegant architecture, stunning art galleries, and expansive gardens. The Legion of Honor wedding price starts at around $11,000 for venue rental, with additional costs for catering, lighting, and setup. Capacity is limited to about 150-450 depending on they type of wedding you book here! You can get married at the court of honor, or on the lawn. My couple decided to host a reception party, which took place in the Rodin Galleries and the Terrace. But with the elegance and class, the true Legion of Honor wedding price is priceless in my book.

It’s important to note that the venue has strict rules for load-in times, security, and decor, including a restriction on florals. Couples should plan ahead to work within these limitations. Be prepared with a plan B for rain, as the outdoor dance floor and terrace areas are weather-dependent. If you need more Legion of Honor wedding Info, here is a very useful link! Or I can reach out to my couple for more wedding information as well.

Additional Legion of Honor Info

1. Court of Honor

• Rental Fee: $18,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $20,000 (Friday–Saturday)
• Tenting Fee: An additional $32,000 is required for tenting, except for wedding ceremonies.
• Seated Capacity: 450 (with tenting)
• Reception Capacity: 600
• If you are just shooting engagement sessions, or portrait sessions. It is available for free during museum hours!

2. Balustrade Lawn

• Rental Fee: $500
• Note: This space is only available for ceremonies and must be rented in conjunction with another event space.
• Seated Capacity: 250

3. Rodin Galleries

• Rental Fee: $10,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $12,000 (Friday–Saturday)
• Seated Capacity: 80 (Gallery 10)
• Reception Capacity: 200 standing or 80 seated

4. Terrace Level

• Rental Fee: $7,000 (Sunday–Thursday) / $9,000 (Friday–Saturday)
• Seated Capacity: 150 inside café with dancing area; 180 inside café with dancing on the terrace
• Reception Capacity: 350

My Tips for This Venue

As someone who loves museums, the Legion of Honor Museum was a dream venue for me to shoot at. If you’re planning your wedding here, I recommend scheduling an early start around 4:30 PM to take advantage of the museum passes provided by the staff. This allows time for beautiful photo opportunities in the galleries and garden before your reception kicks off.

Why This Wedding Stands Out

For Erin and Alyssa, the Legion of Honor Museum wedding was a perfect match for their vibe—modern, elegant, and brimming with fun. Whether it was their private garden stroll, the lively cocktail hour in the galleries, or the late-night terrace dance party, every moment was special. It was an honor to capture their day, and the stunning setting only added to the magic.

Scroll below to check out my shots of Erin & Alyssa’s legion of honor wedding photos to see how this incredible celebration came to life!

Interested in another elegant venue?

Check out my City Hall page. It’s not only affordable, but it is just as classy and timeless!

The post Erin & Alyssa’s Stunning Legion of Honor Wedding appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

As a Bay Area-based wedding photographer specializing in editorial and documentary-style photography, I had the privilege of capturing Annalise and Adam’s wedding on September 29, 2024. Their celebration took place at two stunning venues: Hastings House wedding venue in Half Moon Bay for the ceremony and La Costanera for the reception. This day was a perfect blend of coastal charm, boho vibes, and heartfelt moments. Check out this blog on their Hastings House wedding!

About the Hastings House wedding venue in Half Moon Bay

The Hastings House wedding venue is a hidden gem for couples seeking an intimate, nature-inspired wedding venue. Nestled along the coast, it offers a serene garden setting complemented by the gentle sounds of the ocean. Its rustic charm and lush greenery make it an ideal backdrop for romantic ceremonies.

Why Hastings House is Ideal for Weddings:

• Intimate Atmosphere: Perfect for small gatherings with close family and friends.
• Stunning Backdrops: From shaded garden paths to open spaces, there are countless photo opportunities.
• Practical Tips: Limited parking can be a challenge, so consider organizing a carpool or shuttle service for guests. Afternoon ceremonies are especially beautiful, with soft, diffused lighting for photos.

About the Couple

Annalise and Adam’s love story began on the East Coast, where they met after Annalise saw Adam perform at a gig. Adam’s passion for music and Annalise’s easygoing nature made them a perfect match. Now living in San Francisco with their beloved dog, they brought their laid-back energy to their wedding day, making every moment feel effortlessly joyful.

Wedding Day Highlights

Getting Ready

The morning was as relaxed as Annalise and Adam themselves. Adam prepared with his friends at their home in San Francisco, where tying the perfect knot on his tie turned into a fun group effort. Over in Pacifica, Annalise got ready at a charming Airbnb. While kids enjoyed cartoons in the background, Annalise and her closest loved ones shared laughs and quiet moments before the garden venue ceremony.

The Ceremony at Hastings House

Annalise and Adam chose to keep their ceremony traditional, with no first look. This made their walk down the aisle even more emotional and impactful.

Memorable Ceremony Moments:

• Unique Traditions: Guests passed their wedding rings around, blessing them with love and good wishes.
• Heartfelt Words: Adam’s father and Annalise’s brother-in-law shared moving poems and advice, creating a deeply personal ceremony.

The couple’s vibrant red and maroon bouquet by Diosa Blooms added a stunning contrast to the venue’s natural greenery, making it a standout feature in the photos.

Portraits in the Garden

After the ceremony, we had the opportunity to explore the many hidden nooks of Hastings House for portraits. With their guests off preparing the reception, Annalise and Adam had some quiet time to enjoy each other’s company. Their natural chemistry and comfort in front of the camera made capturing these moments a breeze. Being that this was a garden venue, the walk with the newlyweds was special and calm.

Reception at La Costanera

The reception at La Costanera, a coastal venue known for its delicious cuisine and ocean views, was a lively celebration.

Reception Highlights:

• Speeches That Tugged at Heartstrings: Toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man were equal parts heartfelt and humorous, reflecting the couple’s personalities.
• Family Dance Party: Annalise’s immediate family kicked off the dancing with a surprise routine, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
• Parent Dances: These tender moments highlighted the deep bonds they share with their families.

Why This Wedding Was Special

As a musician myself, I felt an instant connection with Annalise and Adam. Their wedding day reflected who they are—authentic, creative, and deeply connected. It was also my first time photographing at Hastings House, and I was blown away by its beauty and versatility. The soft, diffused light that afternoon created the perfect conditions for capturing their love story.

Tips for Future Couples Getting Married at Hastings House

• Plan for Parking: Limited parking means it’s wise to encourage carpooling or arrange a party bus for guests.
• Optimal Lighting: The shaded garden is ideal for afternoon ceremonies when the sun is lower in the sky. Photographers will love the natural light!
• Enjoy the Space: Take time to explore the venue’s many unique spots for portraits—it’s a photographer’s dream!

Vendor Team for Annalise & Adam’s Wedding

• Florist: Diosa Blooms
• Caterer: La Costanera
• Venue Coordinator: Linda at Hastings House

This talented team helped bring Annalise and Adam’s vision to life, making the day seamless and unforgettable.

Why Choose Me as Your Wedding Photographer

As a young wedding photographer in the Bay Area, I bring a fresh perspective and an editorial, film-inspired style to my work. My goal is to capture not just how your wedding day looks, but how it feels—those candid, in-between moments that tell your story. Whether it’s a small intimate ceremony or a lively reception, I’m here to document it all with care and creativity.

If you’re planning a wedding at Hastings House or anywhere in the Bay Area, I’d love to help tell your story.

Interested in another intimate, garden venue? Check out my blog on shelldance garden in Pacifica!

The post Anna & Adam’s intimate love captured: a Hastings House Wedding appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

Gill & Jared: A Transcontinental Love Story at San Francisco City Hall

In the heart of San Francisco, where the iconic City Hall stands as a symbol of love and unity, Gill and Jared embarked on a journey that transcended borders. As a San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer, capturing their special day was not just about documenting moments but also about immersing myself in their unique love story.

Love Across Borders: Gill from Canada, Jared from San Diego

Gill, hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Canada, and Jared, a sun-kissed Californian from San Diego, found themselves in the vibrant tapestry of San Francisco. Their love story unfolded against the backdrop of this eclectic city, a meeting point of diverse backgrounds and shared dreams.

San Francisco City Hall: A Timeless Union

San Francisco City Hall, with its grand architecture and timeless elegance, served as the perfect setting for Gill and Jared’s union. The majestic beauty of the building mirrored the grandeur of their love, a love that blossomed in the midst of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Immersed in Their Story: A Photographer’s Joy

As a San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer, I find immense joy in not just capturing images but in listening to and understanding the love stories that unfold before my lens. Gill and Jared’s story, a tale of two souls finding each other in the City by the Bay, resonated deeply with me.

Families United: Canada, Florida, and San Diego Meet in San Francisco

What made Gill and Jared’s day even more special was the union of their families, representing different corners of North America. Gill’s family traveled from Canada and Florida, bringing with them a touch of international warmth. Jared’s family made the journey up from San Diego, adding the sun-soaked vibes of Southern California to the celebration.

A Transcontinental Celebration of Love

The marriage of Gill and Jared was more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of love that spanned continents. San Francisco City Hall, with its historic charm, witnessed not only the union of two individuals but also the merging of diverse cultures and traditions.

San Francisco City Hall Marriage: A Love Letter to Diversity

For couples seeking a San Francisco City Hall marriage, Gill and Jared’s story is a testament to the city’s ability to embrace love in all its forms. The iconic City Hall serves as a canvas for love stories that unfold against the backdrop of San Francisco’s rich history.

Contact Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a San Francisco City Hall marriage and want your love story to be captured with a blend of artistry and passion, I would be honored to be your photographer. Contact me to embark on a journey of creating timeless memories against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco City Hall.

The post San Francisco City Hall Wedding // Gill & Jared appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.