As the waves crash against the golden sand, Angelica, Jake, and I celebrated their carefree love on this sun-kissed San Diego beach.

Angelica and Jake wanted their engagement session to reflect their adventurous, fun love and include their beloved four-legged companion. They were super goofy, picked some fun poses and photo ideas for themselves, and truly in love. Free-spirited and full of life, Angelica and Jake radiated joy as they effortlessly strolled hand in hand along the shoreline, their dog excitedly tagging along.

They got engaged 2 weeks before this photo shoot. They got engaged privately when Jake proposed to Angelica at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna beach in their hotel room covered in roses. Can you think of anything more romantic than that?! It was a total surprise as Jake pretended to invite her up there for the night to his “work thing.”

We couldn’t believe how perfect the weather was! Even though San Diego is known for perfect sunny warm weather all year long, this year has been particularly grey and gloomy. Even though it was summer! The day before was dark and sad, but the sun decided to show up and give us the most gorgeous warm soft light behind wispy clouds.

And to top it all off, the SUNSET was PINK and absolutely mesmerizing! It felt like the end of a romance novel for the two of them. Almost having the whole beach to ourselves, they danced in the waves under the pink skies. It felt like I was just third wheeling them the whole time (in the BEST way).

They could be themselves and certainly didn’t let the camera make them shy. They were just TOGETHER and enjoying life, regardless of me. And that’s every photographer’s dream. I was so happy to capture them exactly as they were in that moment, not worrying about what anything looked like and not forcing them into any uncomfy poses. It was PERFECTION and what I strive for every. single. time.

I want people to feel like THEMSELVES. I want to provide posing guidance if people don’t know what to do with their hands, BUT my biggest joy is to create moments for couples to be themselves. To cuddle up, enjoy the sunset, kiss each other’s noses, remember why they fell in love and are getting married in the first place. Photos should feel easy, fun, natural. You deserve at least that. It’s my job to make them that way!

Scroll on down. You won’t be disappointed by that sunset and their carefree California energy. 😉