When we were brainstorming locations for the session, Samantha and Paul sent me some ideas they had for spots around where they lived in nor cal. When I looked up Rancho San Antonio and spotted that big gorgeous tree, I knew we had to shoot there! The cherry on top was this park also happened to be where Paul proposed to Samantha. Picturesque backdrops + special memories is the magical formula for a perfect engagement session location!

So happy to have been able to travel up to nor cal to photograph these two!

I instantly noticed how Jennifer and Chun have such a sweet connection, constantly making each other smile & laugh. That kind of connection where their senses of humor sync right up and they just get each other. We wandered around the LA Arboretum for their session, which has so many beautiful spots for photos! I was of course especially in love with the pretty pink blossoms we stumbled upon at the end – those soft watercolor hues get me everytime!

Their January wedding will be kicking off my 2015 season and I just can’t wait!

Sometimes I wonder. If I’ll ever get tired of shooting beach engagement sessions. It’s so quintessential LA, and the beach is basically just one repetitious backdrop – no colorful walls, twisted shrubbery, unique architecture – but something about it is still so inspiring to me. The simplicity of the blank backdrop with perfect light. And the fact that despite this simplicity it can look different, every. single. time. Sometimes the less there is to work with, the more there is to the photo? The bareness of the backdrop puts even more emphasis on the couple? Or is it that each couple uniquely fills up the space with their laughter, their smiles, their quiet interactions?

Something like that. All I know is that this? I’m definitely not tired of it yet.