I refer to Natalie as my “ice skating friend.” From something like ages 6-13, we spent almost every Saturday morning driving up to the rink in Palos Verdes and taking lessons together. We practiced for performances and little competitions, and forged a friendship based not just on salchows and loop jumps, but on playing ridiculous amounts of video games, making our own stationery & then trying to sell it, coming up with dance routines, taking pictures of our cats & creating calendars out of them – you know, the usual childhood shennanigans :)

We lost touch a bit over the years, but I was so so overjoyed when she contacted me recently with the news that she was engaged! Equally exciting was that we both happen to now be living in Long Beach and are practically neighbors. I was so happy when she chose her amazing little Long Beach neighborhood for the photos, these kind of relaxed cozy lifestyle-y sessions are always some of my favorites. Natalie has always been one of the most kind-hearted & beautiful people I know, and I’m so so excited for her and Jeff, they are such the perfect match! I hope you get a sense of their sweet relationship through these photos :)

Confession: I sort of became smitten with MacKenzie and Phil just through our email exchanges, before even meeting them in person. Because a couple who is just so excited about their session, so overjoyed to brainstorm locations or props or outfits, whose happy personalities shine through just from their typed words are just my favorite kind of couple! :) Of course they were even sweeter in person and we had so much fun exploring Griffith Park and the observatory, with the three of us and one giant white balloon packed into their car :)

Also, how amazing is MacKenzie’s hair? Props to Theresa Huang for beautiful hair & make-up as always!

You don’t need a lot of fanciness and frills for a pretty engagement session – perhaps just an open beach, a little (or a lot!) of wind, a pop of color in a skirt and a bouquet of bright blooms… and of course a couple who can let loose and just enjoy their love for each other :) I’m loving the outfits they chose and Diana’s gorgeous flowy beachy hair in all these photos! It was crazy windy that day but her hair seemed to fly in all the right directions every time (can’t say the same for this photographer!)

I seriously had so much fun with them both and also found inspiration in their love – Diana and Marvin have a very distinct sweetness to their interaction. Even just in the two hours we spent together, I could see how they were always considerate of how the other was doing or feeling, that they were so patient, loving, and kind toward each other in every moment. They have huge hearts and it makes me overjoyed that they’ve found one another :) So excited for their big day this fall…