Some weddings feel like pure celebration — and Kate and Brett’s was one of those days where I got to photograph it and be part of it. The kind of wedding where you’re technically the photographer, but you’re also hugging friends, laughing with guests, and trying not to cry behind the camera.

Kate and Brett got married at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, and from start to finish, the day felt deeply personal, relaxed, and full of joy. What made it extra special was that so many of the guests were also my friends — which meant the energy was unmatched. Photographing a wedding where you know and love the people in the room adds a layer of intimacy that you just can’t fake.

The day itself was classic Northern California coastal weather: foggy, windy, and moody in the best way. The Golden Gate Bridge teased us for a bit, peeking through the fog just long enough to remind everyone where we were before disappearing again. Cavallo Point is one of those venues that shines in any weather, and on this day, the soft light and fog created the dreamiest, most cinematic backdrop.

Kate got ready surrounded by her closest people, with laughter flowing just as freely as the champagne. Her off-the-shoulder dress moved beautifully in the wind, and her bouquet by the talented Peaches and Poppies Floral — soft, organic, and full of texture — tied everything together perfectly. Brett and his guys brought effortless style (and humor), and their camaraderie made for some of my favorite candid moments of the day.

The ceremony took place on the lawn at Cavallo Point, framed by eucalyptus trees, historic buildings, and rolling fog. It felt intimate, emotional, and incredibly joyful — the kind of ceremony where you can feel how much everyone present truly loves the couple. When Kate and Brett were pronounced married, the cheers were loud, genuine, and full of celebration.

One thing I loved about their timeline (shoutout to the incredible Lindsey with Ooh La La Weddings & Events) was how intentionally it was built around actually enjoying the party. They opted for a 90-minute cocktail hour, which gave us plenty of time for relaxed portraits and meant Kate and Brett could join their guests afterward instead of disappearing for photos. Even better — they made their first dance their entrance into cocktail hour, kicking off the celebration early and keeping dinner free from long interruptions. It was fun, it was unexpected, and it got everyone straight into celebration mode.

After portraits (and of course a few moments of wind-blown chaos that turned into magic), the party carried seamlessly into the evening. The reception was warm, lively, and full of heartfelt speeches, epic dance floor moments, and nonstop laughter. And then came one of the most unexpected highlights of the night: an after party at Cavallo Point’s single-lane bowling alley. Equal parts chaotic and iconic, it was the perfect way to cap off a day that never took itself too seriously.

Kate and Brett’s wedding was a reminder of why I love this job — especially when it involves photographing friends, embracing imperfect weather, and leaning fully into the joy of the moment. Fog, wind, extended cocktail hours, bowling balls, and all.

If you’re planning a Cavallo Point wedding, dreaming of a Sausalito wedding with Golden Gate Bridge views, or looking for timeline ideas that get you to the party sooner — this one’s for you.

Vendor team:

Photographer: @rebeccaskidgelphoto

Venue/Catering: @cavallopointweddings

Planner: @oohlalaweddings

Florals: @peachesandpoppiesfloral

HMUA: @orynsalon

Makeup: @hannahvee

Dress: @flaresbridal

Musician: @justindmusician

DJ/Photo Booth: @momentstomemoriesdj

Rentals: @encoreeventsrentals

Stationery: @zazzle