Intimate Autumn Themed UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California

Taylor Ann and Jan were married under the redwoods at the Mather Grove in UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley. The overcast October weather made for the perfect moody autumn feel on the forest floor. Taylor Ann got ready at her family’s Airbnb and after a first look with her father, we headed over to the venue. Taylor Ann’s grandmother carried the rings for the ceremony and the couple shared personal vows. Afterwards, everyone headed over to Julia Morgan Hall where guests were treated to a delicious dinner featuring multiple types of mole. The evening wrapped up with a dance party on the deck while dining on cheesecake for dessert.

// This is a pre-COVID wedding. I have several weddings from before the pandemic that I never got to share. While I’m a stickler for chronology, I also love these wedding photos so much and want to share them with you all.

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.)

Summertime UC Botanical Garden Engagement Session » Berkeley, California

Whenever Clarisse and Colin are in town, they love spending time wandering the paths at UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley. For their engagement session, we picked a lovely and warm summer afternoon to explore the lush greenery the gardens have to offer.

Mather Redwood Grove + UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California

Tammy and David got married at one of my favorite locations, UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley. The day started at a nearby Airbnb where everyone helped David try to figure out how to tie a bowtie. Afterwards, we headed over to the Mather Redwood Grove at the Botanical Garden where we snapped some group portraits before their sweet ceremony. Tears were shed as Tammy and David exchanged vows in front of their friends and family. They took a moment alone in the grove after the ceremony before heading over to Julia Morgan Hall for cocktail hour and dinner reception where the festivities continued on into the night. 

Community-Focused Mather Redwood Grove + UC Botanical Garden Wedding » Berkeley, California

Any wedding that takes place in a redwood grove makes my heart sing. Laura and Lark's UC Botanical Garden wedding not only was a reflection of the natural beauty of the Bay Area but focused the day around the community of people who love and support them. Those are my favorite kind of weddings. (You can read more about their celebration with their feature on the Catalyst Wed Co. blog!)

Wedding Venue: UC Botanical Garden // Wedding Coordinator: A Monique Affair // Caterer: Los Moles // Tabletop Decor: Glassybaby & DIY // Lark's Suit: Kipper Clothiers // Laura's Dress: Novella Bridal // Laura's Manicure: Melody at Fig & Clover // Dessert: Golden Gate Donuts // Rings: Brilliant Earth 

LAURA + LARK'S UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley Wedding » Catalyst Wed Co

So excited to have Laura and Lark's UC Botanical Garden wedding featured on Catalyst Wed Co. I absolutely adore this couple and their story! (And plan to share the whole wedding on my blog soon!) In the meantime, you can read and see more from their wedding at Catalyst Wed Co!