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.

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.

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.

Check out Priscilla and Andrew’s wedding at Casa Real in Pleasanton! I started the day at the hotel where the good vibes were flowing as soon as I arrived. Priscilla and Andrew were both getting ready in their separate rooms, and I started by capturing Priscilla in her makeup chair surrounded by her lovely bridesmaids. The shots here were perfect because of that gorgeous window light! They were all buzzing with excitement, looking absolutely stunning in their robes. Meanwhile, over in Andrew’s room, he and his guys were getting suited up. I snapped some solo shots of Andrew with his jewelry before Priscilla surprised him with a thoughtful gift—a Spotify record with a scannable link to their song. After some group shots and a quick toast in the guys room, it was time to head to the venue.

Once we arrived at Casa Real in Pleasanton, we kicked off the formal group shots with each bridal group. We had to keep them separated, so the guys were out front, and the ladies to the side of the venue. The guys went first while Priscilla slipped into her gorgeous dress. Then came the funniest moment of the day—the first look prank! Andrew’s best friend dressed up as Priscilla, and Andrew’s reaction when he turned around was priceless! The pics do not do justice how surprised he was in the moment. After the prank, it was time for the real first look, and the couple’s happiness upon seeing each other was palpable. We followed it up with some full bridal party pictures, and the elegant door in front of the venue made for the perfect backdrop. I decided to whip out my super wide to exaggerate the length of the door!

Despite the rain, the indoor cellar room provided a cozy atmosphere for the ceremony. I worked my magic with the lighting, bouncing it off the walls to create a soft glow. The highlight of the ceremony? Definitely the vows—funny, sweet, and utterly heartfelt.

Before the reception kicked off, Priscilla and Andrew stole away for some sunset photos in front of the venue’s beautiful fountain. The winery’s Italian-inspired aesthetic, combined with the cloudy overcast, made for some truly magical shots.

And finally, the reception! It was a whirlwind of speeches, outfit changes into traditional clothing, lion dances, and, of course, plenty of dancing on the floor. The evening ended with a light exit into a mini cooper—a nod to the start of their relationship in college. What a day to remember!

The post Casa Real, Pleasanton Wedding // Priscilla & Andrew appeared first on Jacob Cabral Photography.