The story behind this beautiful Coronado engagement session is one that will seriously melt your heart– we know it melted ours!
It had only been a few months since Ben’s work had moved him from India to Atlanta when he met Arianne. A chance encounter, the two of them seemed to hit it off immediately. With witty replies and funny one-liners, it wasn’t long before their conversations had the two of them reaching for their phones to check to see if the other had responded. It took even less time till they set a time to meet at a local pub for drinks.
And on their first date? Arianne walked in, still dressed as a pirate from her sorority theme party, and immediately locked eyes with Ben, standing at the bar still in his collared button up shirt. Though Arianne worried about how Ben was so professional– and serious– showing up in his suit, the two quickly hit it off and spent the night chatting over drinks, finding more and more things in common despite their opposite wardrobes.
After months of restaurant dates where they got to know one another, Ben & Arianne began to find different ways that they challenged one another and made one another laugh. Whether it was how Ben would always keep Arianne on her toes, or how Arianne would challenge Ben & bring him to see other perspectives, there was an inexplicable spark and connection that drew the two of them together.
Trying new cuisines, experiences, and more, their relationship flourished. Though there was the risk that they’d be separated by one another’s work, with Arianne applying to jobs throughout the country and Ben’s job potentially bringing him to another state–or even country, the two of them knew that what they had found with one another was something they’d always regret not pursuing. That decision? It was one of the best ones they ever made.
Over the next five years, it was as if time flew by. Ben & Arianne made their way to San Diego, where they created their own home, and adopted Farro, their dog. They made friends, found new favorite restaurants, took cooking classes and explored together. Their fifth anniversary quickly approached with no big plans to celebrate, yet Ben had something in store for Arianne. While she had said she wanted to just relax and cook a good dinner at home, he had the ring and a plan to create the perfect proposal.
The day of their anniversary, Ben told Arianne to get ready– he had plans. After a car ride peppered with guesses of where they were headed (Concerts, dinners at their favorite restaurant, and more), they arrived at the airport, where they quickly boarded their flight to San Francisco. And when they arrived, Arianne & Ben were quickly swept to Saison– where Ben surprised her with the perfect proposal for the two of them.
It was only a few months later till we got to spend time with them during their beautiful Coronado engagement session. As we walked throughout Coronado, we chatted, and heard more about their wedding, learning how Ben & Ariana fell in love with the dark wood & classic craftsmen style of the Lodge at Torrey Pines(just like we did). Stopping every so often to take photos, we loved how Ben & Arianne took the time to savor & enjoy their session. As we suggested locations in the area, the two of them were truly game, and walked along with us to make sure they got the perfect photos all over Coronado.
One of our favorite parts of this Coronado engagement session? When Ben picked up Arianne and twirled her around as we took photos on the beach during sunset in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. Another iconic San Diego landmark, the beautiful bluffs & beaches nearby were locations that Ben & Arianne really wanted to capture in their engagement session– and we were so thrilled that we got to trek down just in time for sunset to get the perfect lighting for them!
To Ben & Arianne; it was such an incredible treat to spend this Coronado engagement session with you, and get to know you even better! We cannot wait to capture your beautiful Torrey Pines wedding (and we’re keeping allllll of our fingers crossed that Farro gets to be your ring bearer). We feel so grateful that your incredible planner, Keli of Monarch Weddings, led you to us!
Love Ben & Arianne’s Coronado engagement session but want to see a different side of the island? We recommend you look at Akash & Anika’s BEAUTIFUL Coronado Island Engagement Session! Are you already looking forward to Ben & Arianne’s stunning Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding? Get your fix of seaside cliff couples’ portraits & classic New England feel while you wait by checking out Michelle & Justin’s elegant Lodge at Torrey Pines wedding!
