Couple in front of Drakes Estero in Point Reyes. Part of Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2021 by Gabriel Harber Photography.

100 Family, Engagement, Elopement, and Bay Area Wedding Highlights from 2021

At the beginning of 2021, the vaccine finally rolled out, and folks started lining up for their jabs. There was this collective sigh of relief, a cautious hope that maybe—just maybe—we’d made it through the worst. For a while, it felt like the vaccinated had a kind of invisible force field. We imagined ourselves gathering again, hugging friends without flinching, dancing shoulder to shoulder at weddings, finally breathing a little easier.

That sweet, fleeting window from the summer, before Delta hit, felt like a light at the end of a very long tunnel. But as we all learned, COVID wasn’t quite done with us yet. So we readjusted, again.

Weddings remained mostly outdoors. People got creative and stayed flexible. Couples and guests were thoughtful, communicative, and honest about their comfort levels. And even with all the caution and compromise, they still managed to throw some truly rad celebrations—full of joy, connection, and gratitude for simply being together.

Like a Marble Rolling Downhill

By the end of the year, you could feel it—people were over it. Covid be damned, they were ready to celebrate. And they did. I was still photographing weddings well into December, and the energy was undeniable. Folks were dancing, laughing, and soaking up that much-needed dose of community and connection.

Of course, all that closeness came with a cost. A lot of people ended up getting COVID in December and January. But thankfully, most recovered quickly. These are complicated times—joy and risk often showing up hand in hand—but people were choosing to live fully, even amid uncertainty.

Weddings

I was able to reschedule most of my 2020 couples into 2021 and was stoked to shoot at some incredible venues. The two weddings I photographed at OZ Farm were especially memorable—such a beautiful spot. If you’re looking for a weekend-long party venue where guests can stay onsite, definitely check it out. Reinstein Ranch was another gem. Just outside San Francisco, it’s got glamping tents, a few cozy buildings for overnight stays, a massive barn, and some stunning views.

In 2021, I also photographed weddings at Cavallo Point, Barn at River House, Mountain Terrace, SF Botanical Gardens, Allied Arts Guild, SF City Hall, Hacienda de las Flores, Mallo Pass Farms, Slide Ranch, Temescal Beach House, Berkeley City Club, Triple S Ranch, and at private residences and public spaces.

Engagement Shoots and Elopements

A big wedding with a rockin’ dance floor sure is fun, but small, intimate affairs can be just as fun. I shot a handful of engagement sessions, elopements, and tiny weddings throughout the year. These small, intimate affairs are so nice. I love getting to really connect with people in a leisurely way. These smaller gatherings often take me to beautiful natural environments. One of my favorites was the foggy Point Reyes wedding I photographed in November, right before leaving for a week-long trip to Death Valley.

Family Portraits

I had the great pleasure of doing family portraits for several former wedding clients in 2021. It is such an honor to be a witness to the milestones in people’s lives. I love reconnecting with former wedding clients and seeing their families grow. Family portrait sessions are always a fun adventure.