“Marin Art and Garden Center is a big part of my business and personal life. My visits are always memorable, and I look forward to sharing this magical place with many more people for years to come.”
The complexity and intricacy of a flower is exquisite to behold, but unfortunately it only lasts for a very short while. The same is true for life’s special milestone moments. Only a truly gifted person can capture them at the exact right time and produce a remembrance that will last forever. Daniel Neal of Daniel Neal photography is one of the talented people who is capable of doing just that, and lucky for Marin Art and Garden Center, he does it often at garden events.
“I first set foot on the property as a small child when I came to visit my family in Marin,” he says. “I loved exploring the gardens. It was, and still is, so magical! Now that I am a wedding photographer, I have the privilege to enjoy the property for work.”
Daniel’s love for photography began when he was six years old. His father handed down his cameras and instilled in him an excitement for what surprises might appear from a developed roll of film. Also interested in the beauty of the mind, he pursued a degree in Psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz. After graduation, he took six months to travel around the world, which deepened his passion for photography and spawned his future career.
“I have photographed more than 300 weddings over the past 15 years. I settled in Marin about 12 years ago to be close to family,” he says. “My first wedding at Marin Art and Garden Center was in 2017. That’s when I discovered how beautiful and diverse the property was for photography. I was thrilled! The garden became my new favorite venue to photograph weddings.”
In addition to weddings, Daniel has photographed engagement shoots and public events, like summer concerts. “I look forward to many more in the future,” he exclaims.
Daniel is known at the garden a generous, dependable, creative person and photographer. His affection for the staff is evident, as well. “Every time I have worked a Marin Art and Garden Center wedding, one of the staff is there to help manage the event, and they are so kind and easy going,” he says. “I always compliment them on their professionalism and knowledge of the property. It’s so helpful having someone that knows the property well and is approachable. Events Director Iris Lax is absolutely wonderful. The garden is lucky to have her, in my opinion. She has lots of great ideas, and since she has been in charge of events, I have noticed new life breathed into the property. I feel so lucky to work with creative, kind, and professional people. It makes my job that much easier and fun!”
Daniel’s fond memories from time at the garden are endless, but a few especially stand out. “I have loved all of the weddings I have done, but my favorite time spent at the garden was when my wife, my two kids, and I went to enjoy the summer concert series. We grabbed dinner from a Mediterranean food truck, drinks, gelato from Fiorellos, and enjoyed dancing and listening to live music in the grassy area. The kids loved exploring the property, including Pixie Park that was open to the public specifically for the concert series. The whole family had a wonderful time. It was very memorable. I look forward to another one.”
Daniel also has many favorite spots at the garden, with a special few calling him over to visit every time he is on site. “Many different areas of the property are gorgeous, but the spot I love the most is the giant English oak tree surrounded by fauna and winding brick pathways. It’s stunning. I always end up there for wedding portraits with the couples, their friends, and their family. It’s a great tree to have as a backdrop. It provides so much shade which, as a photographer, is invaluable if I need to do portraits in the middle part of the day. I also love Magnolia Circle. It’s interesting how it used to be one magnolia tree. Apparently, the tree branches grew into the ground and became new trees around the center. The original tree was old and needed to be cut down, which is why there is an open center there now and magnolias surrounding it.”
As someone who has seen immeasurable amounts of beauty, Daniel often expresses the different ways in which he feels rewarded by his path. “I get to capture once-in-a-lifetime events at a uniquely beautiful property,” he says. “It’s hard to take a bad photo at Marin Art and Garden Center because of all the beauty. The couples I work with cherish their photos and time spent on the property with the most important people in their lives.”
“If timing allows, I suggest visiting the property at the time of year you are thinking of having your event so that you can see what things will look like,” Daniel advises. “I think that it’s nice to have an idea of what’s in bloom, so you know what to expect. There are many different flowers and trees blooming all year round. No matter when you are there, it’s gorgeous.”
With hard work and enthusiasm like Daniel’s, Marin Art and Garden Center staff, vendors, and clients always know that events are in the very best hands, and each one will be both special and fun. “Marin Art and Garden Center is a big part of my business and personal life,” Daniel reaffirms. “My visits are always memorable, and I look forward to sharing this magical place with many more people for years to come.”
