The magical place. Scott and I first happened upon it while visiting a park in Malibu, which we were considering for an upcoming e-session. Unfortunately after much walking and hiking and exploring (all in flip flops on my part – fail!), we left, realizing the park didn’t quite have the “wow” factor that made me want to rave about it to a couple. I was feeling a bit dejected (and sunburnt), as I had high hopes for the park, so Scott suggested we drive through the hills on the way back and catch some glimpses of the little hippie cottages that line the windy road (a sure-fire way to cheer up even the gloomiest of dispositions).

And that’s when we found it.

Right off the side of the road – tall trees, a mountainous backdrop, and the most delicious juicy light. I could have just drank it with a straw! It was, as Mary Poppins would say, practically perfect in every way.

So this is how we ended up at “the magical place” (as it has since been named) last week, with the wonderful Peggy & Ben for their engagement session. I had met Ben during our consultation, but it was my first time meeting Peggy, and I could see how her bright personality and infectious laughter were the perfect complement to Ben’s warm demeanor. They are so silly and sweet and in love and it was a dream to spend the afternoon with them. They live in San Jose but will be getting married in LA this June – can’t wait for their wedding!

We then headed to the Santa Monica Pier to soak up the remainder of the day’s light:

Love all the splashes of color!

I love weddings more than I love chocolate, cute shoes, and ridiculous comedies (Harold & Kumar anyone?) combined, but engagement sessions definitely come in as a close second. There’s something about the process of growing comfortable in front of the camera that is so endearing. I love seeing couples open up as the session unfolds and seeing the unique pieces of their relationship emerge. He makes her laugh with a silly comment, she playfully touches his arm, they crinkle their noses and share a kiss – it’s always a little different and it’s always beautiful.

Elizabeth and Minho were no exception. They were fun, spontaneous, and so in love. We started at the amazing Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro and drove along the coast in search of the perfect backdrops for their relationship. I was so excited by all the fun places we found to shoot that this post ended up being little lengthy. Okay, a lot lengthy. If you make it to the end, you should definitely get some kind of shiny Blog-Olympics type medal.

A huge thank you to Elizabeth and Minho for such a fun engagement shoot. I absolutely cannot wait until your wedding later this month!

Starting off at the Friendship Bell… could her bouquet be anymore exquisite?

The view was spectacular! I am definitely making a trip back soon with a picnic basket in tow!

We drove up the coast a couple miles and they introduced me to this perfect little location!

A bit more north to Hermosa Beach and the Hermosa pier, where they etched their names in the sand: