A Sun-Drenched, Filoli Gardens Family Session

We met beneath the large trees surrounding the expansive historic property for this sun-drenched, Filoli Gardens Family session. It was one of those afternoons where everything just felt easy. The sunshine was glorious, Filoli was overflowing with blooms, and I was going to see the Salcedo family!

I’d arrived early, resting on a park bench in the shade, soaking in the warmth and quiet. The front lot was closed, pushing me to overflow and a longer walk in. But somehow, even that felt perfectly fine. Often times, the best afternoons begin with a little detour.

When they rounded the corner, there was such lovely energy. There always is. That wonderful ease that comes from years spent together. It’s funny how relationships evolve, isn’t it? There’s a rhythm ~ a beautiful ease. An afternoon with just the loveliest people.

Gwyn has this soft-spoken, happy presence that just radiates warmth. Sparkling eyes, tiny freckles scattered across her nose, and that genuine smile that makes everyone feel good. She chose a beautiful, bright-white, eyelet dress paired with strappy gold heels. You could feel the care she’d taken organizing everything so beautifully. Jon has this wonderful, easy energy and genuine appreciation for the leisurely pace of our time together. You can see how much he savors these moments with his family. And Dylan? She is just unbelievably cool. Incredibly sharp and articulate beyond her years, she keeps up with her parents effortlessly ~ matching their wit and humor with this wonderfully silly, kind spirit. She’s an actress, and you can feel that creative energy radiating from her. She always shows up with the most genuine smile, and her delightful sense of humor had me laughing all afternoon!

We wandered from the main house back toward those oversized, iron garden gates. The estate was bustling. Locals leisurely wandering around appreciating the beauty, artists with easels painting blooms and others dressed as whimsical anime characters stopping for their own storybook images throughout the gardens. We dipped under the massive arbor bursting with heaps of white roses, their delicate petals spilling onto the crushed limestone walkway below. Stopping at the garden beverage cart for some celebratory champagne to take along our walk, we cheers-ed to sunshine, bubbly, and family!

Jon affectionately kept occasional tabs on the Sunday Chiefs game between portraits ~ apparently he’s always loved them (even before Taylor & Travis, Gwyn laughed.) What really got me though? While I was photographing his girls, I glanced up to see him looking on at them with such pure adoration. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments that said everything. Their stories together are woven with such genuine connection. Throughout the session, they’d fall into each other laughing ~ you could feel the years of shared experiences, secrets and silliness between them. A warm deep connection and a gentle love, that was so beautiful and moving to witness. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company. No pressure, just presence. They’ve found such a wonderful community in the Bay Area, savoring all the exceptional culture. And they love exploring the world together as a family (they lit up sharing where their year had taken them, creating adventures and memories that will last a lifetime).

We stayed until the last minute, moving through those colorful spaces and soaking in that late afternoon dappled light. I am reminded always, that this work is such a gift. Celebrating families as they are, open-hearted and present, as they embrace the joy of being together. The Salcedos have truly mastered this art. Thank you, Gwyn, Jon, and Dylan, for sharing your hearts with me once again! I count down to seeing you each and every time. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Serving Charlotte, the San Francisco Bay Area & Santa Barbara
with timeless, story-driven Family photography since 2012.