Springtime in Tilden Park Brazilian Room Wedding » Berkeley, California

Jackie and Jon were married on a gorgeous spring day at the Brazilian Room in Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park. The couple got ready with their close friends at the Claremont Hotel before heading over to the park. Not wanting to see each other before the ceremony, Jon’s first look was when Jackie walked down the aisle. Having met each other in a theatre group, they had a lot of fun elements to their celebration including pretending they didn’t have an officiant before their good friend stepped in to lead the ceremony. After their sweet vows, we took photos underneath the cherry blossom tree which was in full bloom that weekend. Their reception was full of delicious food by Carrie Dove Catering and hilarious toasts from their friends. As the sun set, Spintronix got everyone moving on the dance floor, late into the evening hours.

Springtime Jewel Lake Tilden Park Engagement Session » Berkeley, California

I met up with Brenda and Micah on a warm spring afternoon in Tilden Park for our engagement session together. The sun was setting in the canyon as we explored the trail to Jewel Lake. After a long winter, it was so lovely to see the park alive with greenery.

The EIGHT Best East Bay Engagement Session Locations

Engagement season is upon us and that means lots of couples looking to take engagement photos for their Save the Dates, invitations and wedding websites. While I shoot a lot of engagement sessions in San Francisco, the East Bay is quickly becoming one of my favorite places for outdoor engagement sessions. As big fan of lush greenery and redwood groves, I’m always on the look out for beautiful local spaces for photoshoots. So after a decade of exploring I’ve rounded up my top eight favorite East Bay engagement shoot locations.

UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley

1) UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley)

With 34 acres of diverse landscaping featuring plants from all over the world, the UC Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous spot to roam around for photos. From the rose garden to the waterfall to the multiple greenhouses, there’s a lot to explore. (The desert cactus greenhouse is a favorite of mine.) There’s also a redwood grove to explore, but make sure to check ahead to see if it’s already occupied with a wedding or another event. (See more photos from this location.)

Blake Gardens, Kensington

2) Blake Gardens (Kensington)

Hidden in the hills of Kensington is Blake Gardens, a vast space with its own tiny redwood grove and multiple reflecting pools. This beautiful space is maintained by UC Berkeley as teaching facility for their Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. It feels like wandering into The Secret Garden from the childhood novel with lovely little vignettes and winding paths to explore. (See more photos from this location.)

Albany Bulb, Albany

3) Albany Bulb (Albany)

For something a bit more funky and off-beat, the Albany Bulb is a wildflower wonderland in the springtime. From a dump to an urban art mecca and an abandon homeless encampment, its current life as a park makes use of its past. In the spring, the little pennisula comes to life with lush greenery and wildflowers growing between spray painted concrete slabs. In addition to the wildflower fields, there’s access to the bay where moss covered asphalt chunks lead right into the ocean, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. (See more photos from this location.)

Piedmont Community Hall, Piedmont

4) Piedmont Community Hall (Piedmont)

While normally thought of as a wedding venue, the grounds of Piedmont Community Hall make the perfect backdrop for engagement sessions. The park includes a small redwood grove, a Japanese tea house and gardens, a large lush lawn, water fountain and this beautiful oak tree with a spot for sitting and smooching. (See more photos from this location.)

Tilden Park, Berkeley

5) Jewel Lake in Tilden Park (Berkeley)

Tilden Park in Berkeley is huge but one of my favorite places to shoot in the park is at the Tilden Nature Area along the trail to Jewel Lake. Lush forests trails, a small redwood grove and a lovely little lake provides a lot of natural variety for engagement sessions. If you have some extra time to spare, bring some lettuce or celery for the animals at the Little Farm. (See more photos from this location.)

Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda

6) Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda)

Tropical beach vibes without having to hop on a plane. Crown Memorial Beach is an easy location for those looking to have some sun and surf in their photos. The tall crops of sea grass are super fun to play around with. Come at sunset for the stunning golden hour glow. (See more photos from this location.)

Abandoned Naval Bases, Alameda

7) Abandoned NAVAL BASES (ALAMEDA)

On the flip side of Alameda is a whole abandoned naval base with large airplane hangars. While some have been converted to gyms, wineries and breweries, there are still plenty left to slowly decay. For couples looking for a more editorial and gritty vibe to their portrait session, this part of Alameda is worth checking out. (See more photos from this location.)

Redwood Regional Park/Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland

8) Redwood Regional Park/Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)

I’ve saved the best (in my opinion) for last. My favorite location to shoot is this redwood grove in the Oakland hills. Technically part of Joaquin Miller Park, this grove is right next to Redwood Regional Park which also provides beautiful forested trails if you have a bit more time to wander. I love the way the light falls in the morning and for those willing to brave slightly wet conditions, go on a rainy day and you might just catch the whole grove engulfed in a magical fog. (See more photos from this location.)

Autumn Themed Tilden Park Maternity Session » Berkeley, California

I felt so honored when my sister asked me to photograph her maternity session. Having just become a mother a year prior, I knew how important it was to document this special time. We chose Jewel Lake in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley for the backdrop. The fall colors were just starting to set in which paired perfectly with her yellow dress.

Tilden Park Brazilian Room Wedding + Brunch Reception » Berkeley, California

Maureen and Sean were married on a warm October morning in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. The day began in West Oakland where everyone got ready at the Airbnb. Close friends of Maureen helped her and the rest of the wedding party with hair and make-up. Maureen’s mother helped with the finishing touches before we all headed up to the Berkeley Hills. They chose to get married at the Brazilian Room with a ceremony overlooking the Botanical Gardens. Sean’s childhood martial arts teacher was their officiant while Maureen’s sweet bulldog Peaches was the “Dog of Honor” and also walked down the aisle. After some sweet and simple vows, Maureen and Sean got the party started. Since it was a daytime brunch wedding reception, they wanted to make sure their guests were entertained in addition to being well fed. Culinary Excellence provided delicious treats while Dan Chan, a magician, wandered through the crowd wowing everyone with his world class slight of hand and other illusions. In addition to a fun photo booth, the couple was also able to get Jon Casey, a live digital caricature artist to illustrate one of a kind portraits for their guests. The reception felt like a fun birthday party rather than a stuffy wedding reception. After a few hilarious toasts and dessert, Maureen and Sean wrapped up the day with a portrait session down by Jewel Lake.

Jewel Lake Tilden Park Engagement Session » Berkeley, California

Katya and Matt met at UC Berkeley and spent a lot of time together at the nearby Tilden Park. For their autumn engagement session, we explored the Jewel Lake trail and took in the gorgeous fall foliage.