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.

As a wedding photographer in the SF Bay Area, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories, but Alyssa and Paul’s Stable Cafe Wedding at Stable Café was something special. The entire day radiated love, connection, and intimate vibes that were unmistakably them.

Morning Vibes in Pacifica before their stable cafe wedding

The day began at a foggy but lively Airbnb in Pacifica, where Alyssa and Paul’s closest loved ones gathered for their intimate Stable Cafe wedding. Laughter and heartfelt moments filled the morning, creating a sense of something truly special. It was filled with laughter and some of those little moments that make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Alyssa and Paul kept the morning personal, writing their vows separately. Their son, glued to Baby Shark, watched as Paul got ready in his suit. The sweetest moment? Alyssa’s bridesmaids teared up when her son walked in and saw her in her wedding dress—pure magic.

For the first look, Alyssa and Paul met outside while family and friends watched through the windows, tearing up at the sight. They chose to keep their vow exchange private, asking even the photographer and videographer to step away. Though I didn’t capture it, those moments were undoubtedly raw and full of love.

Intimate Rustic Vibes at Stable Café

After those heartwarming moments in Pacifica, we headed to San Francisco for their intimate wedding at Stable Cafe. With its perfect mix of rustic charm and intimacy, it was exactly what Alyssa and Paul envisioned. The cozy atmosphere with just 50 guests made the day feel even more special.

Tawny and her team at One Sweet Soirée created a stunning moody chic, modern romantic design. Llave Florals’ breathtaking arrangements added the perfect touch. The dream team truly brought this vision to life, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.

We embraced the venue’s rustic charm, capturing cozy moments by the fireplace and romantic shots in the gallery space. One favorite memory was Alyssa and Paul bathed in golden light, creating timeless images that perfectly complemented the venue’s textures. It was pure magic

Flipping the space!

What really made Stable Café stand out was how smoothly the space transitioned throughout the day. After the ceremony, Tawny and her team transformed the ceremony site into the dinner area during cocktail hour. It was almost like magic- the couple and I had left for maybe 15 min max and came back to a completely different set-up! Guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres in a different area while the team worked behind the scenes to reset the space. By the time the couple and guests were ready to sit down for dinner, the site had been beautifully reimagined into an intimate dining area, complete with candle light, rustic tables, and a cozy atmosphere that matched the whole vibe of the day. In addition to it’s already intimate atmosphere, DJ Eternal and his team, the Crowd Uplifters, provided the right music and audio to make everything perfect! To end the night, the dancefloor was also truly something special.

The Dance floor!

Despite the size of the wedding, this was probably the most energetic, open dance floors I’ve got to shoot! EVERYONE was in the gallery room getting down. Check out this sweet video of the couple by the videographer, Chase Daley.

As the day unfolded, it was clear that Alyssa and Paul’s wedding was about more than just celebrating their love—it was about the bonds they’ve built with their friends, family, and each other. From the foggy Pacifica morning to the sunlit moments at Stable Café, their wedding was a beautiful reflection of who they are as a couple: grounded, deeply connected, and full of love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with intimate vibes, heartfelt moments, and a venue that blends rustic elegance with warmth, Stable Café is the spot. As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to capture days like this, where love takes center stage in such a personal way.

Looking for a wedding photographer for your own intimate celebration? I’d love to chat about how we can make your day just as special.

A Dream Team of Vendors!

Photo- @jacob.cabral
Planning/coordination- @onesweetsoiree.sf
DJ – @itsdjeternal
Florals- @llavefloral
Makeup- @nubiabeautyonline
Rentals/furniture- @abbey.party.rents
Venue- @stablecafe
Videography – @heyitschasedaley

The post Moments of pure love: Alyssa and Paul’s Stable Cafe Wedding appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

Sarah & Menur’s Intimate Wedding at Shelldance Gardens in Pacifica, California.

During Pacifica’s peak fog season, July, Sarah and Mensur tied the knot at Shelldance Gardens in the beautiful coast side city of Pacifica. Photographing this Shelldance Garden Wedding hit home for me because it was literally home. I grew up in Pacifica and am always grateful for its surrounding nature all around. It made me into the person I am today. This tale unfolds in the scenic beauty of Shelldance Orchid Gardens, a haven where love blossomed amidst the orchids and greenhouses. Come checkout some of Sarah and Mensur’s photos from their beautiful Pacifica wedding that day!

A Cloudy Morning by the Pacifica Pier

In separate Airbnbs, anticipation filled the air. Mensur, surrounded by his family who had traveled from Europe, shared a quiet moment with a gift from Sarah – a timeless watch, a symbol of their shared moments. The cloudy skies painted a serene backdrop as Mensur’s brother arrived in a vintage Mustang to sweep him away.

Meanwhile, in her own private haven, Sarah reveled in the thoughtful Tiffany earrings from Mensur. A handwritten card held the essence of their love, setting the tone for the day. At Sarah’s Airbnb, intimate moments were shared between her and her mom after seeing her in the wedding dress for the first time. After everyone was ready, it was time to make our way to Shelldance for the ceremony and celebration.

The Transformation of Shelldance…

Caitlin McDonald Events and H&J Flowers orchestrated a symphony of beauty at Shelldance. What was once a gravel parking lot transformed into an extravagant dreamscape. The ceremony, held inside the greenhouse, bathed in natural light and adorned with air plants, offered an intimate setting for the 80 cherished guests.

Family formals and bridal party portraits unfolded against the verdant backdrop. Amidst hundreds of plants in the greenhouse, Sarah and Mensur stole a moment for themselves, surrounded by the quiet beauty that mirrored their love.

Choosing Shelldance spoke volumes about the couple’s shared passions, turning their wedding day into a reflection of their unique story.

A Moment for the Bride & Groom

The Fog-Kissed Reception

As the day turned into night, the reception kicked off in the cool Pacifica fog. The air buzzed with laughter, music, and dance. Halfway through, Sarah donned Mensur’s traditional wear, adding a cultural touch to the celebration. The fog couldn’t dampen the warmth of their love, and the revelry continued.

The finale featured a spectacular streamer exit, leading the couple to a vintage Mustang waiting to carry them away. A private rendezvous at Mussel Rock Park allowed for late-night photos, capturing the essence of their love against the backdrop of the vintage Mustang and the starlit sky.

And so, under the Pacifica fog and the twinkling stars, Sarah and Mensur’s wedding day concluded – a timeless tale of love, laughter, and the beginning of a new chapter.

If you are interested in a coverage for a Shelldance wedding, please feel free to reach out to me! This is a venue that I absolutely love shooting at due to its intimacy, lighting, and being close to home where I grew up. Thank you!

The Finale at Mussel Rock

As they drove into the night, the vintage Mustang carrying their laughter, love, and dreams, Sarah and Mensur embarked on the journey of forever, leaving behind echoes of joy at Shelldance Orchid Gardens. And in the embrace of the Pacifica fog, their love story continued, a tale written in the heart of nature, sealed in the beauty of Shelldance.

The post Shelldance Orchid Gardens Intimate Wedding, Pacifica // Sarah & Mensur appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

I finally shot a styled wedding session! Photography aside, I was always into editorial photos. Whether it was in magazines, the web or social media, editorials have always caught my eye. Why do I like them so much? It’s the creativity I see that makes it so great. One person has a vision for the shoot and puts everything into place. However, like most creative processes, this requires a team of creatives with good chemistry.

When I first started thinking about what I wanted to do, I must admit, it was pretty intimidating. It was a big, blank canvas, and I didn’t want to mess it up! So to calm myself down, I went to my inspo board. This includes checking out my favorite photographers on Instagram, notably Jeremy Chou, and also Pinterest. I want to add that Pinterest was SUPER helpful finding images that match my vision. My inspiration for the styled session was high end with a hint of boho, or ruins. Why this? I feel like this has good contrast and resembles me. One side of me loves the high end film, classy look, but at the same time, I like a hint of “bad”. These elements were achieved by collaborating with an AMAZING team!

First off, this would not be possible without the help of mentors. Naba and Kilen, a wedding photography and videography team, from Oregon and Washington helped me put everything together. They took my inspo board and put the team and location together. With their amazing help, I was able to see how the whole process works, from renting the dress to choosing the right models and vendors. Through them I was able to meet the amazing Suzanne Florals and model couple, Keri and Nick!

The “hard” part was putting everything together. I picture the process as a mountain. The haul going up the mountain is the creative process and getting people together, and the fun part, coasting down the mountain, is the day of shooting! That’s exactly how it went. When I was shooting, I felt so free. I had all the time in the world to be creative while Nick and Keri knew exactly what to do with the directions they were given. It was an amazing day.

The post High End Styled Wedding Shoot // Portland, Oregon appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

1. • Golden Gate Park 

     If you are unfamiliar with San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is like Epcot. It has so many varieties to the park, from a Dutch windmill, to Bison…yes, the big animal, roaming around.

   • Marshall Beach

     Marshall Beach has a very nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge. However, there is a small downside. It is about a 15 min walk from the parking lot. But because there is a small hike, this beach is less likely to be crowded.

   • Legion of Honor

     Legion of Honor is great if you are looking to shoot more of that “fine art”, light and airy look. It’s high columns and open courtyard are reminiscent of a French chateau.

   • Mount Davidson

     Mount Davidson (pictured above) has a giant cross and is full of hiking trails and tall trees. This is a great spot if you want to feel like you’re somewhere in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, but  in reality, you’re literally in the middle of one of San Francisco’s residential areas!

   • Bernal Heights

     Bernal Heights is known to have a beautiful hill that overlooks the side of San Francisco including the Bay Bridge. I prefer this hill over Twin Peaks due to less tourism and foot traffic.

   • Conservatory of Flowers

     The Conservatory of Flowers is located in Golden Gate Park. Like I mentioned earlier, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH GGP! You might have to pay a small fee to enter, but trust me, it’s worth it. The plants and soft light creates such a mood. I recommend going on a weekday during midday to avoid too much foot traffic.

   • Sutro Baths

     Sutro Baths is a very unique spot due to its abandoned, rustic look. You can achieve a lot of nice reflection photos here with the open “pools”.

   • Palace of Fine Arts

     Palace of Fine Arts is a great place to shoot due to its art-deco styled dome and pond. You can get some really “dreamy” looks by shooting at this location. However, it is always packed with tourist. So that would be something to look out for.

   • Fort Point/Presidio

     Fort Point is an old, colonial fort located right under the Golden Gate Bridge. It is made of brick and has that rustic look if that is something you look for in your photos. It is free and open to the public, so again, try to find a good time on a weekday to do your photoshoot.

   • Battery Spencer

     Battery Spencer is located on a hill in Marin and overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. This is, in my opinion, the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a perfect spot to during sunset to get a money shot in front of an iconic San Francisco Landmark.

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Here are 15 Bay Area Wedding Venues!

Nothing is more exciting than planning out your wedding in the Bay Area. I know, there are SO many placed to choose from! Well, let me help you out with this list. Though there are a TON, I specifically added these ones due to their unique properties. This list will be updated more so in the future.

1. Filoli Gardens(Redwood City) 
2. Scribe winery (Sonoma)
3. Olympia’s Valley Estate (Petaluma)
4. Wine & Roses Hotel (Lodi)
5. Bernardus Lodge (Carmel)
6. Calistoga Ranch (Calistoga)
7. Holly Farm (Carmel)
8. San Francisco Film Centre (SF)
9. Cliff House San Francisco (SF)
10. Sir Francis Drake hotel (SF)
11. The University Club of San Francisco (SF)
12. Rengstorff house (Mountain View)
13. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon-Bay
14. Kohl Mansion (Burlingame)
15. City Hall San Francisco (SF)

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