Rachel and Brian’s San Francisco Botanical Garden wedding was the kind of day that was intimate and completely centered around the people they love most. Even with rain in the forecast, these two stayed present and happy through every part of the day.

They exchanged vows beneath the redwoods in Redwood Grove, signed their Ketubah surrounded by family and friends, wandered through the gardens for newlywed portraits, and ended the day with a laid-back rooftop reception at Fiorella in the Inner Sunset.

From colorful florals and film photos to a homemade wedding cake and Polaroid guest book, every detail felt so personal and thoughtful. Exactly how your wedding day should feel!

Rainy Pre-Ceremony Moments

Before the ceremony, I met Rachel and Brian at San Francisco Botanical Garden for a few pre-ceremony photos. Rachel looked beautiful in her lace-detailed gown, and she had a a soft tulle skirt that moved beautifully through the garden. Her bouquet added the prettiest pop of color against all the greenery, while Brian’s blue suit felt classic but relaxed.

Even with the rain, everyone made their way toward the ceremony with umbrellas in hand, which gave the whole morning such a sweet, true-to-San-Francisco feel.

A Rainy San Francisco Botanical Garden Wedding Ceremony in The Redwood Grove

Rachel and Brian’s San Francisco Botanical Garden wedding ceremony took place in Redwood Grove. It was tucked beneath the trees, with their closest people gathered around them. Even with the rain, they stayed laid-back and completely present. Their friends, family, and young son were all part of the ceremony in such a meaningful way. The redwoods created natural cover, along with the chuppah where they exchanged their vows.

After signing their Ketubah, everyone gathered for one big group photo, which felt so fitting for a day centered around family and close friends. With seating for up to 40 guests, Redwood Grove is such a great spot for a San Francisco micro wedding that feels intimate and surrounded by nature.

Newlywed Portraits From a San Francisco Botanical Garden Wedding

After family and friend portraits, Rachel and Brian made their way through the gardens for newlywed portraits. We took these as they slowly made their way toward their reception. Their San Francisco Botanical Garden wedding gave us so many beautiful backdrops in one place. We moved from the paths to the Moon Viewing Garden to the water and greenery near the garden’s edge.

I loved using the natural beauty of the space for portraits that felt relaxed and true to them. The mix of garden scenery and glimpses of the San Francisco cityscape added the perfect variety into their gallery.

San Francisco Micro Wedding Reception at Fiorella

After their San Francisco Botanical Garden wedding, Rachel and Brian celebrated on the rooftop at Fiorella in the Inner Sunset. It was a beautiful setting for an intimate San Francisco wedding reception. Guests sipped cocktails as they watched the couple’s first dance. Then everyone gathered for a relaxed, family-style meal. The night was laid-back and full of thoughtful details. The Polaroid guest book was such a fun touch.

Rachel is a talented baker, among other things, and baked her own wedding cake! Fiorella was the perfect fit for a relaxed micro wedding reception with great food, city charm, and their closest people all gathered together.

Film From Rachel & Brian’s Wedding

I loved documenting Rachel and Brian’s day on a mix of digital and film. Film adds an imperfect, heartful quality to a wedding gallery, which felt especially fitting for their San Francisco Botanical Garden wedding.

You’ll find film in almost all of my galleries because it brings such nostalgia and variety to the final collection. It also gives me space to create something a little creative, like their double exposure portrait with the purple flower from the garden!

Planning a San Francisco Botanical Garden Wedding? I’d Love to Connect!

San Francisco Botanical Garden is such a beautiful choice for couples who want their wedding to feel intimate and easy to be present for. With garden event spaces like Redwood Grove, Celebration Garden, Moon Viewing Garden, and Garden of Fragrance, there are so many beautiful options. You can exchange vows, take portraits, and move through beautiful garden pathways without ever leaving the property.

It’s perfect for couples planning a relaxed San Francisco wedding with close family and friends. If you’re looking for a San Francisco wedding photographer who will document the big moments and the in-between ones, we might be a good fit. I’ll photograph your day in a true-to-color, candid way, with a mix of digital and film.

You can learn more about me on my about page. If I sound like the photographer for you, inquire through my contact page so we can talk more. In the meantime, you’ll find more weddings and elopements from around the Bay Area on the blog!

Laura Jaeger Photography | San Francisco Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Events by the Bay
Photographer: Laura Jaeger Photography
Ceremony: Redwood Grove at San Francisco Botanical Garden
Cake: The Bride
Reception: Fiorella