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!

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A scenic proposal at Ina Coolbrith Park!

As a photographer, there are moments that stand out in your career, and Chris and Danielle’s proposal was definitely one of them. Chris had meticulously planned every detail, and I had the honor of capturing it all unfold.

The location, Ina Coolbrith Park, offered a breathtaking view of San Francisco, providing the perfect backdrop for this special moment. Despite the rain in the days leading up to the proposal, Chris had visited the park to ensure everything was just right. And on the day of the proposal, the weather cleared, setting the stage for a magical evening.

Danielle thought they were attending their niece’s birthday party, so both were dressed to the nines. As they walked towards the spot, following a trail of rose petals lovingly placed by Danielle’s cousin, the excitement was palpable. When they reached the perfect spot, with the city skyline behind them, Chris dropped to one knee and asked Danielle to be his wife. It was a moment of pure joy and emotion, and I was honored to capture it all on camera.

After the proposal, we headed to Bernal Heights for a photo shoot to celebrate their engagement. This was a special moment for me as well because I decided to use my film camera. There’s something about shooting on film that adds a timeless quality to the photos, capturing the raw emotion and intimacy of the moment in a way that digital photos can’t quite replicate.

As the sun set on their special day, Chris and Danielle were beaming with happiness, surrounded by their loved ones and looking forward to their future together. It was a privilege to capture such a beautiful and heartfelt moment, and I’m thrilled that the photos will serve as a lasting memory of their love story.

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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.

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Stylish, Retro Engagement Session at Jack London Square!

Check out Tia and Michael’s engagement shoot at Jack London Square in Oakland, California! Before I first discussed our session plans and location with Tia and Michael over Zoom, she had sent me inspo pictures. These inspo pictures included many magazine/editorial and retro, urban city vibes. I had never done anything in this style before and I was SO excited for it. It was almost as if this was a styled session with models, but it wasn’t the case because Tia and Michael were actually getting married! The couple also wanted a location that was of course, city, but I did not want to shoot at a busy city like San Francisco due to car and foot traffic. I checked out the Jack London Square area in Oakland because it was nice yet not too crowded during the day! It ended up being perfect. We first started by the docks with the boats and made our way around the block. The boats behind Tia and Michael created a lavish, high-end look with their outfits. Also, I want to point out that Tia’s power suit was such a VIBE! I loved it. Additionally, something different about this shoot was the time we shot at. We met at around 11AM, where the sun was pretty high up. I typically shoot at 5PM or later because I like a low sun. However, this shoot worked out so well because I had put the sun behind the couple. In addition, I used a closer lens to crop in more, hiding the sun in frame. After finishing up at Jack London Square, we walked around the block to find more industrial, urban looking buildings. We came across this cool apartment complex with an interesting pattern. The pattern reminded me of a 1960’s/70’s wallpaper so I figured that it would create that old retro look! It turned out great. Just around the corner we ran into the movie theater, which also screamed old but retro! Since the sign was pretty big, I didn’t want to make the couple look small. To prevent this, we walked across the street so the theater would be in the distance behind them! Finally, we ended our shoot back at the docks with a bottle of champagne for the “celebration” shots! This is always a fun experience for myself and the couple! Overall, Tia and Michael were SO fun to work with. They definitely knew how to work it!!! Congrats Tia and Michael! I wish you both the best!

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A Desert Engagement Shoot… in the Bay Area?!

Check out the photos from Brinna and Jon Michael’s engagement shoot at the Arizona Cactus Garden located in Palo Alto, CA! When I first spoke with Brinna and Jon about their engagement shoot, they wanted a dessert vibe, something that wasn’t so Bay Area or California. I knew exactly where to shoot! I absolutely love shooting at the Arizona Cactus Garden, the dessert vibe looks so beautiful in photos. Despite what it says on Google and Yelp, this location is open to the public 24/7! Whenever I shoot at this location, I always aim to go here an hour or two before sundown. Why? Because when the sun hits the white sanded ground, it will look too overexposed in photos. Since we shot at a good time, where the sun was pretty much gone, I was able to utilize the whole garden without worrying about sun spots! It was a perfect night with perfect weather and a perfect couple to work with.

Brinna and Jon were amazing to work with! They have been together since HIGH SCHOOL so it was obvious how comfortable they were with each other. There were lots of moments where they’d look at each other and start bursting into laughter. So glad I was able to capture some of these! They took direction really well and eventually got the hang of it. They then got comfortable enough to start doing their own thing during the session, I love when this happens during my shoots. Congrats Brinna and Jon, I cannot wait to celebrate with you both in September!

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Blake Garden Engagement Shoot. Kensington California, UC Berkeley

Here are pictures from Brittany and Brandon’s engagement shoot held at the Blake Garden in Kensington, which is located right next to UC Berkeley in the Bay Area!  This, being my first time shooting at the Blake Garden, was such a refreshing experience. When Brandon first contacted me and told me about this hidden treasure, I was so excited to shoot- It is always nice when clients show me new spots! Since we shot their engagement session in the middle of a sunny afternoon, there were plenty of nicely shaded areas. For those that know me, I LOVE shooting in the shade!

Brittany and Brandon were fantastic to work with. Can you believe that this was their first shoot together?! I wouldn’t believe it…They took direction into their own hands and the shots came out GREAT. On top of that, they were fun to laugh and hang with. Shooting at Blake Garden was also a very special moment for the couple because that is where Brittany took Brandon on one of their first dates… it’s also where Brandon proposed to her. He even had the park closed off during the pandemic just to propose! I am so grateful I was able to capture such an intimate moment with Brittany and Brandon, congrats you two!!

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Here are some pictures from Trish and Sannie’s wedding at St. John in east San Jose, California. Since this wedding took place during the pandemic, Trish and Sannie made it a small wedding with their close family and friends. Because it was smaller sized wedding, it was such an intimate day!

A few months before shooting their wedding, I had also shot their engagement shoot. During this time, I also got to know Trish and Sannie a bit more- They are awesome people and I still keep in contact with them today. Since both of them are film photographers, we connect and vibe very well! I was so excited to shoot their big day.

On the day of their wedding, they kept it very simple where I only shot their ceremony and some bridals right after!  Fortunately, the sunny San Jose weather provided a good amount of light inside St. John Vianney. Everything worked out perfectly! Following the ceremony and alter photos, the couple  came up with a good idea for an exit. Usually couples will use rice, bubbles, or sparklers, but Trish and Sannie came up with an idea of STREAMERS!!! This was awesome! Sometimes, bubbles and rice cannot be seen in camera due to it’s size, but the streamers were PERFECT. Another cool idea was to incorporate Sannie’s BMW! Since he is a car guy, we used the car for some shots at the very end. Congrats Trish and Sannie! You both are awesome!

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Pacifica California Coastal Engagement Session. Pacifica Photographer, Jacob Cabral, Shoots Engagement Session at the Pacifica Coast

Sarah & Brian’s Engagement Session: The Hidden Beauty of Pacifica

Check out some of Sarah and Brian’s engagement session, taken on the stunning coast of Pacifica, California! We spent the day at one of my absolute favorite spots—Mussel Rock. This park is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and that perfect blend of tranquility and beauty. As someone who was raised here, I’m a bit biased, but trust me when I say that you can never go wrong with a coastal session in Pacifica. Whether the skies are sunny, foggy, or full of that classic coastal gloom, Pacifica always adds an extra layer of magic and mood to your photos. I feel like every session here has its own unique vibe, and the weather only enhances it.

When Sarah first reached out to me, she was dreaming of a coastal engagement session. Like many couples, she had her mind set on places like Big Sur, Half Moon Bay, or even Petaluma. Those are all amazing locations, no doubt about it, but I suggested Pacifica as an option, knowing it’s an underrated spot that doesn’t get the same hype. Once I described the vibe and shared some past sessions, Sarah and Brian were totally on board.

And let me tell you, when they arrived, they were blown away! Pacifica is seriously a hidden gem, and it was exactly what they had imagined when they thought about coastal engagement photos—dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and that cool coastal breeze. I could see the excitement in their faces as they took it all in, and that energy came through in their session.

We spent the afternoon exploring different spots around Mussel Rock, capturing moments with the ocean as a backdrop, with its soft waves crashing against the rocks and the golden light peeking through the clouds. Sarah and Brian were so natural and easy to work with—one of those couples who just click in front of the camera. We laughed, walked along the cliffs, and caught those sweet, candid moments where they were fully in the moment, just enjoying the day together.

One of my favorite things about Pacifica is how versatile it is. You get that dramatic, cliffside beauty but also intimate, quiet moments where it feels like it’s just you and the ocean. For Sarah and Brian, this was the perfect setting for their engagement photos. The backdrop gave their session that moody, romantic coastal vibe they were after—exactly what they had envisioned, and more.

If you’re considering coastal locations for your engagement session, don’t overlook Pacifica! It’s the underdog for sure, but once you’re here, you’ll see why it’s a favorite of mine for Pacifica engagement photos. It’s a place with a lot of character, and every session feels like a new adventure.

Working with Sarah and Brian was a total pleasure, and I’m so excited for them as they head into this next chapter of their lives together. Congratulations to you both—wishing you nothing but love and happiness!

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Who Knew That Virtual Weddings Could be so Intimate?!

Check out some of the photos from Viv and Fern’s San Francisco Virtual City Hall Marriage! During the height of the pandemic, San Francisco’s City Hall stayed closed. No one but city officials were allowed inside, but more importantly, this meant that no one was able to get married inside the famous San Francisco landmark. However, to make things work, they started doing virtual weddings! YES, like through Zoom…I was so excited to see how this would go!

When I arrived at Viv and Fern’s place, it was like they were ready to get married inside City Hall; they were dressed for it and even had the florals (Diosa Blooms) down. The space they created was also so intimate, I was in for a beautiful moment. The overall process was very smooth! They got online with a judge and the ceremony immediately started. “I didn’t think I’d get this emotional”, is what both Viv and Fern said when the judge started going into the “I do’s”. We all thought that because this was a virtual marriage, it would be fast and easy, but to our surprise it was just as intimate than an in person ceremony! After they had made it official, we had a beautiful time walking around San Francisco and shooting some bridal portraits! We first walked near City Hall and then drove to the China Town gate. Here are highlights from Viv and Fern’s San Francisco Virtual City Hall Marriage. At the end of the day, I was so grateful to have experience and capture this beautiful marriage between two amazing people! Congrats Viv and Fern!! Side note- Look out for part 2, Viv and Fern’s Luminary Farm Wedding!!!

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Montara Beach, Half Moon Bay Engagement Shoot

Check out some of the pictures from Stephanie and Jon Michael’s Engagement Shoot at Montara Beach in Half Moon Bay! When we first discussed a location, they wanted a beach session since they plan on having a destination wedding in Florida. Montara was the perfect beach because of its low foot traffic and beautiful sand. Though it was not sunny, the light was diffused perfectly for good lighting. This created more of that “fine art” look. Both Steph and Jon were amazing to work and talk with. They have never had photos taken as a couple, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at their gallery! They took my directions in their own hands and made every moment/picture unique. Congrats Steph and Jon Michael, I had a wonderful time at Montara with you both! 

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