First things first: OUR COUPLES ARE AMAZING.
We get to photograph the most sentimental, caring, thoughtful, and selfless couples in the world… and having the opportunity to tell their stories is what makes our job SO fulfilling. So, when we get to shoot at a location that is not only beautiful and unique, but also meaningful to our couple, the photos become that much more special.
An engagement session is the perfect opportunity to choose a location that fits your relationship and story.
Because hear us when we say that engagement sessions shouldn’t be cookie-cutter.
They are meant to highlight who YOU are, not the next couple down the street! And that totally includes which location you choose.
So how do you decide what’s best for you and your significant other? We’ve got a few guidelines that will help spark your thoughts!
An Epic Location For the Wild At Heart
When asked, “What is your idea of the perfect date?” your answer includes anything like exploring, hiking, or adventuring with your sweetie… then taking your engagement photos off the beaten path might make you feel right at home!
(And while we must admit that shooting on top of a mountain or deep in some sand dunes is a photographer’s dream… our main goal is to produce images that represent who YOU are together. So if you feel like an epic landscape describes who you are… I guess we’ll deal with it. ;))
For each outdoorsy, adventurous couple we know, that wow-factor could mean something different. Consider what sort of location resonates with you and your fiancé: maybe there’s a trail you’ve hiked together, or a meadow you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
Possibly, the serenity found in a minimalist place like the Imperial Sand Dunes speaks to how you settle each other’s hearts. Or, maybe the view from the top of a mountain reminds you of the way your heart takes flight when you look into each other’s eyes.
Does the wild unpredictability of a forest remind you of the exciting, spontaneous relationship you’ve built? Or the fresh greens of a cactus garden reflect the vibrant, fun-filled days you share? Whatever your story, this great wide world has a location that can help tell it!
Hangout in Your Backyard!
Ok, so maybe not your actual backyard, but we LOVE shooting in the places that you frequent most! Especially when your neighborhood is walking distance to the beach… or a private creek with an idyllic magical bridge….yeah, we’ll take it. 😉
There is something so personal and heartfelt about simply holding hands with your sweetie, taking a walk around the neighborhood you call home. This is where you decompress together, where you talk about your crazy work day, or where you maybe just walk quietly in each other’s presence.
We also LOVE when our couples choose a sentimental location – did you have your first date at the cafe down the street? Or your first kiss on your college campus? Those locations mean SO MUCH and make for the perfect place to capture your story.
We met Alissa and Oliver at their beach front home to capture them in one of their favorite routines… coffee on the back patio before taking a stroll down to Manhattan Beach.
When Jessica and Jimmy said they were soon moving away from their beloved home in Santa Monica, we knew that spending time walking the streets of their ‘hood was going to be the perfect tribute to where their relationship had flourished.
Architecture that Screams Timeless, Clean, & Classic
You know what will never go out of style? You in your favorite dress + your man lookin’ dapper in front of classic, historic buildings. If you’re looking for timeless architecture, then San Diego is the place to be!
Two of our favorite locations are Presidio Park and Balboa Park. Both have TONS of options for a variety of timeless images with your main squeeze, and are so so so classic!! Whether it’s walking hand in hand under archways, or cuddling into your man’s arms on a nearby bench, both of these locations will deliver!
These crisp, simple backdrops mean you can let your style shine! We love how Jen and Corey went for bold colors in their Presidio Park Engagement Session, and that Thomas and Sabrina went for a classy black and white ensemble!
(Pulling your hair out on what to wear for your engagement session?? We’ve cracked the code for you here!)
The Breezy Shores (For Some Splashing & Smooching)
There’s just something about an engagement session near the waves. Not only is the beach quintessentially “San Diego,” but also has this power to heighten allllllll the feels.
When you envision how you will feel looking back on your engagement photos, is it a sense of romance, playfulness, calmness, or even spontaneity? Well, the beach can deliver all of that and beyond!
For our couples seeking romance, there’s nothing more picturesque than you in a floor length dress walking hand and hand with your man at sunset. If it’s playfulness you’re looking for, you better believe we’ll encourage you to splash around in the ocean a bit!
Whether it’s laughs or passionate smooches you’re wanting (or both!), nothing beats standing on the shores in each other’s arms, feeling the breeze against your face as the sun sets.
So what about YOU?
What is it about your relationship that you want to highlight? Which shorelines, buildings, areas of town, or types of neighborhoods most reflect your love story?
Even if it seems like a hair-brained idea (like the roof of a skyscraper…), we’re here to capture you looking awesome and oh-so-in-love!
Need ideas on the perfect outfit for your engagement session? Click here!
Or looking for more resources on how to plan the perfect wedding? Check out all of our tips, tricks, and wedding inspiration here!
