Oh how I adored hanging out with Rebecca and Sam for this session! They are the type of people who instantly make you feel relaxed in their presence and I loved running around Long Beach with them. In between photos and at dinner after their session, they shared with me more about their story, which begins with how they first met in Chicago, while both of them were just visiting the city. What are the odds? They’ve been doing long distance for much for their relationship and I can’t imagine how excited they must be for when they get to move in together this summer :)

Can’t wait for their wedding this July, and to work with the amazing Michelle from Mele Amore!

I was so excited when I found out that Pennie & Kenya were basically my neighbors in Long Beach, and even more excited when they chose to do their engagement photos in this little city we all call home :) I adored just strolling around with them and getting to capture their sweet interactions! It was December when we shot their session, but we somehow managed to scoop up pretty fall colors and sunny summery weather :) Their wedding will be just across the bay from these photos at the colorful Hotel Maya and I can’t wait!

I love when sessions unfold like this – laidback, organic, real. All lifestyle-like, as if I just happened to accompany them on an evening stroll. And on this particular stroll, Deena & Mas brought along their too-adorable-for-words puppy for the first half, and a couple bottles of wine for the second :) They love visiting wineries together & sharing a bottle at the end of day and I’m happy that we could incorporate some al fresco wine tasting into their session!

Deena & Mas are seriously the sweetest, and I loved spending the afternoon with them!

I am so in love with Deena’s Anthropologie dress… reminds me of Japanese indigo patterns which are my fave…

I think these are some of my favorite portraits ever…

Wine!