Planning and shooting an engagement session in San Francisco is never a “simple” project. But when you have the right location and a great couple like Brenda and Dave to work with, beautiful photos come much easier and more naturally. In my recent San Francisco photo engagement session, we headed to the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge to capture a small slice of the couple’s lives.
Meet Brenda and Dave
Our lovely couple proves that true love knows no age. The pair met online and quickly bonded over a shared passion for traveling and food. Dave is a chef and Brenda is a foodie, so it was instant attraction. Dave fell for Brenda’s family-oriented lifestyle, while Brenda loves Dave’s excitement for cooking.
Both are avid hikers and love to spend time exploring new places together. They spend time with grandkids and are always on the hunt for new favorite foods and places. That’s why it’s no surprise they chose the beautiful island of Kauai for their destination wedding.
And since they both live in the Bay Area, we could think of no better theme for their photoshoot than the iconic San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
Built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is truly a wonder of the Bay Area. A popular event venue, the grounds are open to the public for photoshoots and exploration. The large pavilion, rustic columns, and reflecting pool create instant old-world charm reminiscent of Ancient Rome.
Its backstory contributes to its allure for engagement photoshoots. Constructed after the devastating fire in San Francisco, the Palace stands as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and grandeur of the city — all characteristics of a happily ever after.
