Fog at the Presidio Log Cabin: A San Francisco Wedding

Medium: Digital

Summer, 2026

The Detail

• Venue: Presidio Log Cabin (Wedgewood)
• Couple: Kathy + Jake
• Guest count: 100ish
• Makeup: Glamsquad
• Florals: Angela Floral Art
• Cake: Mr Bread
• DJ: iMobileDJs

I didn’t get to know Kathy and Jake all that well during the planning process. Not because they weren’t open or likeable but because they both listen more than they talk.

It wasn’t until I heard their friends and family speak about them, until I saw the way the way they almost missed sunset portraits to take polaroids of the people leaving early, that I started to feel like I knew them.

And I really like them.

Their wedding day was like they are – understated, with the focus on the people more than the things.

Yes, the flowers were pretty and the food was great, but that’s not what I remember. I remember Jake’s brother telling a story that made me tear up behind the camera. Kathy’s friends making me laugh so hard I couldn’t see to take pictures.

The photos will tell you better than I can.

Bride and groom standing at circular flower arch, belly laughing with their officiant.

First Look

After getting ready at their apartment, I followed the bridal party to the Palace of Fine Arts. It was a Saturday afternoon, so finding a space for the first look and portraits was challenging. The whole group worked together, and we pulled it off in style. Here’s a selection of favorites.

  • Bridesmaids hands reaching in to fix and zip bride's dress.
  • Bride getting ready looking uncertainly in antique little pocket mirror.
  • Wide angle with bride getting ready on one side, groom and family walking to first location spot on the other.
  • Bridal party holding dress as bride walks around a corner for the first look.
  • Over bride's shoulder as she sees groom looking away towards the rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts, waiting for the first look.
  • Groom's first look at the bride at the Palace of Fine Arts.
  • Bride and groom high five after first look, Palace of Fine Arts column behind.
  • Groom and brother portrait in front of iconic green doors at the Palace of Fine Arts.
  • Wedding couple in black and white walking beneath the Rotunda at the Palace of Fine Arts

Moments Before

The couple snuck in the back door while guests arrived, grabbed drinks or coffee (another chilly SF summer day), and took polaroids for the guest book. Karl lifted just enough for a peek at the Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Empty chairs and a wedding flower arch framing Golden Gate Bridge just showing through the fog.
  • Wedding guest taking silly iphone photo of two women in colorful dresses.
  • Black and white of bridesmaid doing final makeup touchup on bride before ceremony
  • Wedding guests arriving with energy at the Presidio Log Cabin venue in San Francisco.

The Ceremony

Classic Presidio backdrop. Warm & vibrant florals contrasting beautifully against the fog and the towering cypress. Contagious, eye-squinching laughter throughout the ceremony. And my favorite moment of all – that pure, unfettered release of joy right after the first kiss. Everyone felt like they were a part of it.

  • Groom walking alone up the aisle, framed by flower arch, Presidio buildings, and summer San Francisco fog.
  • Bride and groom standing at circular flower arch, belly laughing with their officiant.
  • First kiss as officiant friend runs out of the frame, Golden Gate Bridge just hidden by summertime San Francisco fog.
  • Groom dips the bride while walking down the aisle after getting married.

Sunset Portraits

Well, maybe not sunset. Sunset came and went. I reminded Kathy a few times of the timeline we’d loosely agreed on.

And each time she would say, “Ah! As soon as I’m done taking a polaroid of my friends – they’re leaving to catch a flight.” Or “Yes! Right after I say goodbye to my cousin. They have to get home for their kid’s bedtime.”

Couples’ portraits were less important than saying goodbye to each and every one in attendance. And I loved them for it.

As it turns out, we captured something more fitting and memorable than the sunset we had planned. It was nearly dark, and that meant the Golden Gate Bridge was lighting up. I chose natural light (almost always), leaning into grainy, even blurry images that feel like they were shot on film. Just right.

  • Grainy, moody moment of just-married couple walking at dusk, Golden Gate Bridge framed in focus between them.
  • Bride and groom about to kiss in fading twilight under foggy skies on the Presidio Log Cabin lawn, Golden Gate Bridge framed between faces.
  • Motion blur in black and white as groom dips bride in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Bride and groom kiss under foggy twilight on the Presidio Log Cabin lawn in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Reception & Dancing

The way Kathy picked up her dress and ran into the crowded dining room will forever make me giggle with delight. And I’ll never not laugh when I remember how quickly everyone transitioned from first dance to laser lights and raucous dancing. Jake & Kathy had obviously been waiting for that moment. Everyone was.

  • Bride and groom table setting for reception at Presidio Log Cabin venue in San Francisco.
  • Bride picks up dress and runs through the tables into her reception.
  • Guests serving themselves at Presidio Log Cabin wedding buffet.
  • Father of the bride makes a toast in front of giant windows of Presidio Log Cabin.
  • Bride and groom eating first bite of wedding cake, crowd watching in focus behind them.
  • Laser lights dancing at the Presidio Log Cabin wedding venue in San Francisco.
  • Bride and groom dancing while guest surround them.
  • Late night dancing under laser lights at the Presidio Log Cabin wedding venue.

This Is Why

This is why I photograph weddings – because I want you to remember how it felt.

If you see beauty in the imperfection, if you want to remember the whole story that will be your wedding day, I hear you.

Want to chat? Drop me a note.

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