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.

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.

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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