Wedding Day at the Brazilian Room in Berkeley

Shannon Hillyard PhotO

Alex and Leah’s wedding day at the Brazilian Room was playful and romantic. Nestled among the Berkeley Hills, this venue offers a mix of natural beauty and architecture that makes it a dreamy setting for a wedding. From start to finish, their celebration felt warm and welcoming. Alex and Leah approached their day with an ease that set the tone for everyone around them. It was clear that this celebration was truly about being present with the people they love most. The couple wanted photos that felt nostalgic, so I made sure to edit some of their portraits to look like film.

The ceremony itself took place outdoors, framed by sweeping views of Tilden Park. Guests gathered under the late-summer sun as Alex and Leah exchanged vows. I loved capturing the candid glances between the couple, and the way their friends and family smiled during the ceremony. When Alex and Leah were finally announced as married, the cheers were loud and full of love.

After the ceremony, we took golden-hour portraits of Alex and Leah and their wedding party around the park. Some of my favorite images came from the unplanned moments – when Alex twirled Leah in a burst of laughter, or when they paused to soak it all in. Those in-between moments always end up telling the story best.

The Brazilian Room reception carried the same lighthearted energy as the rest of the day. Long tables were filled with candles, as friends and family shared stories and laughter over dinner. When it came time for speeches, the room erupted – each toast was full of humor, personal anecdotes, and a little playful teasing. The speeches captured the fun and easygoing vibe that Alex and Leah emulate. After speeches, the dance floor stayed full the whole night.

As a photographer, days like this remind me why I do what I do. My approach is always about documenting authentic energy – those fleeting, playful interactions that make a wedding day unique. Alex and Leah’s wedding was a perfect example. Nothing forced, nothing overly staged, just genuine joy unfolding. It was an honor to capture this chapter of their love story.