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.

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.

SAMANTHA AND LUKE’S SF CITY HALL WEDDING BLOG…

When Sam and Luke reached out to me to shoot their city hall ceremony, I was so excited! Luke, being another talented photographer in the bay area, has been a friend of mine for quite sometime and when another photographer reaches out to me to shoot their wedding, I get excited and nervous at the same time! However, when I FaceTimed with the couple prior to their wedding, that nervous feeling went away and I was filled with excited to shoot Sam and Luke’s wedding. They were just my type- chill, out-going, but more importantly, they trust me and my craft. On the day of the ceremony, they both looked absolutely stunning! I was greeted with not with just their close friends and family, but their German Shepard…If you don’t know me, I love dogs! Shooting Sam and Luke was a blast. We went all around city hall and the lighting was perfect. Something new this time for me was shooting the ceremony on the balcony by the window. This was great because I did not have to use flash this time under the usual ceremony spot at the top of the staircase. At the end of day, I am so happy with how everything turned out! Sam and Luke were amazing to work with, they did exactly what I ask and expect- take me direction into their own hands and be in the moment. Congrats to the newlyweds, Sam and Luke!

The post San Francisco City Hall Ceremony // Sam & Luke appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

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.

The post Ina Coolbrith Park Proposal // Danielle & Chris appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

In the heart of Sonoma’s vineyards, Cline Cellars witnessed a celebration that not only united two souls in love but also honored the rich heritage of Triza and Miggy. As a Fil-Am photographer based in the Bay Area, this wedding held a special place in my heart—an intricate dance of tradition and modern romance against the scenic backdrop of Cline Cellars.

Cline Cellars: Where Love and Vineyards Intertwine

Cline Cellars, renowned for its rustic charm and sprawling vineyards, provided the perfect canvas for Triza and Miggy’s love story. The Bay Area’s natural beauty combined with Cline Cellars’ timeless allure set the stage for a wedding that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity.

Fil-Am Fusion: A Photographer’s Perspective

Being a Fil-Am photographer in the Bay Area, capturing Triza and Miggy’s Fil-Am themed wedding felt like capturing a piece of my own journey. The infusion of Filipino traditions, from the vibrant decor to the traditional attire, resonated with me on a personal level. It was more than just a job; it was a celebration of shared roots and cultural pride.

Bay Area Elegance: A Fil-Am Photographer’s Playground

As a Bay Area wedding photographer, the allure of Cline Cellars extended beyond its scenic beauty. It offered a sense of home, a familiar backdrop against which Triza and Miggy’s love story unfolded. The venue, being outdoors, was the perfect vibe that would seem like we were a tropical paradise of the Philippine Islands. The Bay Area, with its diverse communities, provides a unique canvas for Fil-Am couples seeking a wedding that reflects their heritage.

Vendors with Heart: A Fil-Am Collaboration

Collaborating with a team of Fil-Am vendors, we brought Triza and Miggy’s vision to life. From traditional Filipino cuisine to modern decor inspired by Bay Area trends, each vendor contributed to a wedding that echoed with the harmony of cultural elements. It was a testament to the thriving Fil-Am wedding industry in the Bay Area, a community I proudly belong to. These Fil-Am vendors that I worked with included: The amazing Bay Area, award-winning restaurant Abaca. Florist, Nurture State Floristry. And Fil-Am Videographers, FYLM media.

Capturing Fil-Am Love: More Than Photography

As their Fil-Am photographer, my lens wasn’t just a tool; it was a storyteller weaving narratives of love, heritage, and cultural significance. The moments shared between Triza and Miggy resonated with the echoes of my own journey as a Fil-Am individual in the Bay Area. From the inside jokes from family and their friends, I felt a presence of connection with everyone at the wedding. It was a comfortable feeling and I was grateful to be there to capture it all!

A Forever Filled with Bay Area Love

In the embrace of Cline Cellars’ vineyards, surrounded by the love of family and the beauty of tradition, Triza and Miggy embarked on their journey as a married couple. Their Fil-Am theme added an extra layer of warmth and cultural pride to their celebration—a sentiment that mirrored my own experience in the Bay Area.

In Collaboration with a Fil-Am Photographer

For couples seeking a Fil-Am themed wedding in the Bay Area, consider the unique perspective and personal resonance that a Fil-Am photographer can bring. Contact me, your Fil-Am photographer in the Bay Area, and let’s embark on a journey to capture your love story against the backdrop of Cline Cellars and the vibrant Bay Area.

The post Cline Cellars Wedding, Sonoma // Triza & Miggy’s Fil-Am Themed 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.

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!

The post Jack London Square Engagement Shoot // Tia & Michael appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

Check out some of Nico and Sharmane’s photos from their big day! We started off at their houses and ended the day at Mussel Rock in Daly City.

Getting Ready

When I first arrived at Nico’s house for the getting ready shots, his family was very welcoming and were eating a good, home cooked breakfast for the big day ahead of them. Fortunately, I didn’t have to worry about a big bridal party since he and Sharmane planned on a small, intimate wedding with only their immediate family! Everything was fast and fairly easy for me at Nico’s place. I started off with the detail shots in the backyard- Since it was SUPER sunny outside, I found a nice shaded area to provide even lighting. Max, the family German Shepherd, was making sure I had good company while I took the detail shots hehe. A cool little detail is Nico’s engagement band, it represents the infinity stones from the Avengers! Sharmane gave it to him as a gift since he is a big Marvel fan. Once I finished with the details, I started to shoot Nico getting ready shots. His brother and best man, Rich, helped Nico put on his jacket to get him ready for the big day. (You can find Rich’s wedding blog here!) Once Nico was ready, we took pictures with his brother and father! After finishing up Nico’s getting ready pictures, I started to make my way to Sharmane’s Airbnb. 

The ladies house was so poppin’ when I got there! Music was loud, Sharmane was getting her hair done, and her family was eating and taking selfies. Sharmane even had the details laid out already, this saved me SO much time! Once I got there, I again took more detail photos, Sharmane’s dress and the details she had laid out herself. I also took some pictures of the flowers that Sharmane’s mom did! They looked so GOOD. After doing the detail shots, I took photos of Sharmane in her makeup chair and the ladies in their robes as well. Once the ladies were dressed in their dresses, they awaited Sharmane for the first look. When they saw Sharmane in her dress, they were astounded by her in her dress! Sharmane looked so good and they loved it! She was so ready for the big day. 

St. Augustine Church Ceremony, South San Francisco

The wedding ceremony took place at their parish, St. Augustine in South San Francisco. There weren’t a lot of people because Sharmane and Nico wanted to keep it small just for immediate family. A little fun fact about me and St. Augustine- St. Augustine was the church I shot my very first wedding! It’s also my home parish as well- I got baptized, did first communion, and got confirmed here as well. After shooting here numerous times, I had an idea of what my camera settings should be, I felt very confident shooting here! Some highlights I really enjoyed were Nico’s reaction to Sharmane walking down the aisle, it’s always emotional for everyone, myself included, to see and capture the first look happening at the church. Additionally, towards the end of the ceremony, Nico and Sharmane’s close friends surprised the couple by unexpectedly showing up! Following the ceremony, the altar photos went fairly fast because Sharmane and Nico had a list prepared. We then made our way to Mussel Rock to finish up with some bridal formals!

Mussel Rock Formals, Daly City

Sharmane and Nico wanted a beautiful location that was near St. Augustine for their formals, I knew the exact place- Mussel Rock! Usually it is hard to find spots in the Daly City or South San Francisco Area, however, Pacifica is FULL of beautiful coastal views! Following the ceremony, the sun was low enough for formals. I usually like shooting when the sun is low because the shadows are less harsh and I can get my subjects to block the light! Mussel Rock gives off that California coastal vibe and they loved it! Sharmane and Nico were amazing during their formals. Their chill, funny, and comfortable personalities made these shots SO fun. Plus, they looked AMAZING! The shots came out beautiful, the sun was perfect and the light wind created some dramatic photos with Sharmane’s long veil. It was such a fun day with these two, I am so grateful to have captured their big day! Congrats Sharmane and Nico, I wish you both the best!!

The post Mussel Rock Park Coastal Wedding // Sharmane & Nico appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

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!

The post Arizona Cactus Garden Engagement Shoot // Brinna & Jon Michael appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.

My First Destination Wedding in Portland, Oregon!

It finally happened.. I shot my very first destination wedding in Portland, Oregon with my beautiful couple, Morgan and Ryan! When I first started shooting weddings, my goal was to eventually travel and shoot weddings, both of which I absolutely LOVE doing. Fortunately, I was able to do so with such an amazing couple. Check out how the wedding day went 🙂 

Preparing for my First Destination Wedding…

When Morgan and Ryan mentioned that their wedding was going to be out of state, I was so excited to hear. Since we all live in the bay area, they first had contacted me only for engagement photos, but after delivery they wanted me to shoot their wedding in Portland, Oregon. I was so EXCITED. The big question was, how would I haul all of my wedding equipment to Portland?! When I do weddings in the bay area, I usually have a carload of equipment, yikes! I had to think and plan hard about how I can bring minimal gear but still perform my best. For my cameras, I stuck to two lenses and two cameras in my Peak Design 30L backpack. In my bag I also fit: 15 inch laptop, hard drive, chargers, and a mouse.  The lens I stuck with were a semi-wide 35mm and a nice portrait lens, 85mm. These were a perfect combo! The 35 was nice for all-around shooting and the 85 was great for the bridal portraits! Now what about my off-camera/lighting set-up? For local weddings, I would usually set up heavy light stands in case someone were to accidentally bump them, they would be sturdy. I had to find another solution…After viewing many Youtube videos, I found a small, lightweight light stand that fit perfectly in my check-in luggage. During the wedding day, I was moving around A LOT with the party. I’d go from the hotel, to the make-up artist,  to the wedding venue, and finally the reception venue! This lightweight stand made it EASY to travel. Since I did check-in one luggage, I ended up bringing some stuff for detailed photos including a vinyl mat, ribbon, etc. Overall, the destination wedding had taught me how I was able to pack minimally but give it my all! I still come back to this set up for local weddings as well. 

Getting Ready at the Hilton Canopy + Blossom & Beauty

Getting ready took place at the Hilton Canopy  in the Pearl District and also Blossom & Beauty! Whenever I do weddings, the very first thing I do is detail photos. This includes the rings, invitations, dress etc. On the morning of Morgan and Ryan’s wedding, I set up my vinyl mat in my room in a spot that was nicely lit. This saved me a lot of time! Additionally, I picked up some excess flowers from a local florist during my morning walk. Shoutout to Old Town Florist for helping me out! 

These little florals added a nice touch to the photos. After shooting the detailed photos, I moved onto the guys getting ready. Since they kept it really small, this was easy-peasy! Ryan and his two groomsmen popped a bottle of his favorite champagne and also opened his card from Morgan. After shooting Ryan and the groomsmen, I then took an Uber to Blossom & Beauty where Morgan and her party were getting ready. 

Blossom & Beauty  is a cute little spot that specializes in hair and make-up for any special occasion! The HMUA was Noelle, a PDX local who was super talented at her craft. During the ladies getting ready, it was a time of both intimacy and laughter. Morgan, being from the Midwest, mentioned that it was her first time seeing her mom getting makeup done professionally and had a moment. You can also see how proud Morgan’s mom was seeing her getting ready for the big day! After both the bride and groom got ready, we made our way to the ceremony venue. 

The Wedding Ceremony at Hoyt Arboretum 

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Hoyt Arboretum located in Portland’s Washington Park. The two locations we used were the redwood deck and the wedding meadow. The redwood deck was used for Morgan’s family shots before the ceremony and also for the post-ceremony celebration/first dance. The wedding meadow was where the primary ceremony took place.

During the ceremony the lighting was perfect! There were light clouds diffusing the sunlight, creating a soft, warm light source. The limited number of guests made this wedding very intimate. In addition to the couple’s immediate family, Morgan and Ryan’s closest friends had flown in as well! The primary music source was also a close friend of Morgan and Ryan! It was a beautiful ceremony in a beautiful location. Following the ceremony, we had taken family altar photos in front of the tree at the wedding meadow. While I finished up just Morgan and Ryan’s photos at the “altar”, the wedding party had walked down to the redwood deck to prepare the champagne for the first-dance. 

The redwood deck was beautiful. This was one of the most intimate first dances I had shot by far! All the close friends and family gathered around the newlyweds while their friend sang their song accompanied by his guitar. Following the first dance, I took the couple around and shot some bridal portraits with them. The shots came out very PNW with its beautiful nature! After briefly celebrating on the redwood deck, it was time to head over to the Noble Rot for dinner! 

The Wedding Reception at the Noble Rot

Morgan and Ryan had their wedding reception/dinner at the Noble Rot located in downtown Portland. The restaurant was so unique because it featured a rooftop garden which they use for some of their dishes. The food and drinks were so good! The menu was put together and made specially for Morgan and Ryan. Additionally, the restaurant had also let us use the garden for golden hour photos! After I had taken golden hour photos, the sun was down and it was time to set up my off camera flash. Using the Manfrotto with a speedlight was my main light source and had created dramatic pictures, shown in the cheers/toast photos! Following the dinner, it was time to return to the hotel. But the party wasn’t over just yet! Our main transportation throughout the day was provided by Shanghai Portland, A KARAOKE party bus, yes KARAOKE! Everyone in the bus was singing old rock hits from Blink 182, The Killers, and so much more! Being on that bus, I felt like I wasn’t even working, everyone was so cool and it was just a reminder of how much I love shooting weddings. 

At the end of the day, this is a weekend that I will always remember! Whenever I look through Morgan and Ryan’s gallery, I am reminded of so many beautiful moments…from walking around Portland by myself to capturing so many moments on their big day. This destination wedding was perfect and more than I expected, and believe me, I was expecting a lot! Morgan and Ryan, I wish you both the best, thank you for letting me capture your journey 600+ miles away from home. 

The post Hoyt Arboretum Wedding in Portland, Oregon // Morgan & Ryan appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.