malibu creek state park

Malibu Creek State Park Engagement Session, Malibu | Viktoriya and Aleks

Malibu Creek State Park Engagement Session, Malibu | Viktoriya and Aleks

I don't have favorite couples with this one exception. :) Being a wedding photographer, I spend a lot of time with different engaged couples and can safely say that my sister, Viktoriya, and her beau, Aleks, cannot be any more perfect for each other. 

We took these photos in Malibu Creek State Park right before I left for Europe and it was so nice to spend some extra time with these two. It made me one happy girl to work with Mulberry and Moss, who created this beautiful organic bouquet full of tulips, sweet peas, ranunculus and garden roses. Veronica at Kelly Zhang Studio kept the hair and makeup so natural and flawless. 

It was a different kind of challenge photographing someone who is so close to me, and I absolutely love the way these turned out. I cannot be any happier that these two amazing humans found each other - they are so playful, loving, joyful and absolutely head over hills for each other.

(Malibu Creek State Park engagement session on film; Wedding, engagement, and boudoir film photographer in Los Angeles, CA)

Amanda & Arash - Engagement Session in Malibu Creek State Park

Amanda & Arash - Engagement Session in Malibu Creek State Park

I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Amanda and Arash for their engagement shoot at Malibu Creek State park. Pint-size Amanda has a huge and vibrant personality; she's the perfect fit for Arash, who is her more calm, pragmatic counterpart. 

These two are very ambitious professionals and both of their lives run a million miles a minute, but in the midst of their careers, they have built something truly special in their relationship. Throughout their engagement session, they were never shy about showing their affection, playfulness, and adoration with each other. They sure don't take themselves too seriously and are just so fun to be around!

Malibu Creek State Park was as an ethereal setting as always; currently, there are fields of yellow flowers in bloom, some were as tall as us! As a photographer, it's so fun to see how this location evolves and changes seasonally.

Amanda and Arash's wedding is this November at the Turnip Rose Promenade and Gardens in Costa Mesa, and if their engagement shoot is any indication, it's going to be a whimsical, wonderful affair. Congratulations to the lovely couple! November, here we come! 

(Engagement session in Malibu Creek State Park; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement photographer)

Brittany & Nick - Engagement session at Malibu Creek State Park

Brittany & Nick - Engagement session at Malibu Creek State Park

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of taking some engagement photos for the most dreamy couple. California natives, Nick and Brittany met in December 2015 through their work, and fell in love soon after. They both love traveling, exploring the great outdoors, and helping people in need; Brittany is a nurse at UCLA and her beau, Nick, is a firefighter and paramedic. 

They plan on tying the knot this October, with an outdoor wedding at the stunning Triunfo Creek Vineyards. Brittany tells me her mother has been a great help with the wedding planning and ironing out the details for her special day. The engagement shoot took place at my favorite Malibu Creek State Park and their outfits were totally on point with these neutral pastels; Brittany did confess to raiding her sisters closet pre-shoot. :) 

In July these lovebirds will be taking a pre-nuptial trip to Iceland, where surfer-loving Nick plans to practice his new hobby, photography. Welcome to the light-chasers club Nick! 

(Engagement session in Malibu Creek State Park; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement fine art photographer)

Erin & Mario - 'Day After' Session in Malibu Creek State Park, CA

Erin & Mario - 'Day After' Session in Malibu Creek State Park, CA

I recently had the pleasure of doing a "day after" session with lovely newlyweds, Erin and Mario. This charming couple said their vows at their local courthouse and met me at Malibu Creek State Park dressed in their finest, to capture some of that post-wedding glow.

Personally, I love day after sessions; the deed is done, the stress is over with, and there is plenty of honeymoon bliss for me to capture. Like many couples in the digital age, Erin and Mario met online. On their first date Mario wooed Erin with a romantic steakhouse dinner. Both newlyweds were born and raised in L.A, they are both self-proclaimed foodies, and they share a deep love for dogs. They even brought their three furry friends to the shoot, which I thought was a sweet and sentimental touch.

Malibu Creek State Park was a perfect backdrop as usual. Erin and Mario matched each other perfectly, they were both elegant, and a joy to capture. I would like to send the happy couple my warmest wishes on their new journey. Congratulations Mario and Erin!

(Day After session in Malibu Creek State Park; wedding and engagement photographer in Los Angeles, CA)

Jia-Wen & John - Engagement session at Malibu Creek State Park

Jia-Wen & John - Engagement session at Malibu Creek State Park

One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer is being able capture hidden from the rest of the world interactions between two people in love. 

I had the pleasure of doing an engagement shoot with Jia-Wen and John this past weekend; a handsome power couple from the finance world, who are getting married in Calamigos Ranch in Malibu later this year. Jia-Wen and John had warned me that they are slightly uncomfortable in front of the camera, as most couples do. But, as it often happens, mid-way through their engagement session they loosened up and the raw emotion seeped through the lens, resulting in gorgeous photos of the two lovebirds!

Although couple chemistry is a surefire way to beautiful engagement photos, wardrobe plays a huge role too. John and Jia-Wen coordinated their outfits for their session perfectly; outfitted in faded blues and pale maroon, the couple looked amazing against the backdrop of a sunset in Malibu Creek State Park. Wardrobe is a very important factor in making photographs shine, and I am always available to advise my clients on flattering tones and complimenting fabrics.

Can't wait to document their wedding - October, here we come!

(Engagement shoot at Malibu Creek State Park, CA; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement photographer)

Maternity Session with Jessica & Curtis - Malibu Creek State Park

Maternity Session with Jessica & Curtis - Malibu Creek State Park

It is always a pleasure to catch up with my couples, especially while celebrating such an exciting stage in their lives!

We went to one of my favorite spots in Malibu for Curtis and Jessica's maternity session. These two are so easy to work with and are an absolute pleasure to photograph. And of course, Malibu Creek State Park never disappoints; open fields, scenic views, wild nature - what a dream! 

Congratulations again, Jessica and Curtis! It is such a special feeling to be awaiting the arrival of a little one and I am so thankful to be a part of this new chapter in your lives.  This will be one gorgeous girl! 

(Maternity Session in Malibu Creek State Park, CA; Los Angeles based wedding, engagement and boudoir fine art photographer)

Family / engagement session in Malibu Creek State Park, CA

Family / engagement session in Malibu Creek State Park, CA

This might possibly be my favorite family/engagement session ever. Samantha and Bryan will be getting married next year, and they wanted to include their son, Isaac, in the shoot. I don't think I've ever met a kid who enjoyed being in front of the camera this much! 

We had a pretty hard time with finding a date for their shoot because of the rain, and had already rescheduled once before. It was pouring again outside the night of the shoot, but we decided to just go for it. By the time we met at Malibu Creek State Park, the golden light started to peek out from the clouds without a wet surface in sight. Absolutely perfect weather for our session!

I couldn’t wait to share this shoot while editing, and I am so exited that it’s finally ready! This family session was too much fun – effortless and absolutely dreamy!

PS: Can this family be any better looking? *heart-shaped eyes*

 

(Engagement session in Malibu Creek State Park; Los Angeles based wedding, engagement and boudoir fine art photographer)

Mariela & Javier - Romantic Engagement Session at Malibu Creek State Park

Mariela & Javier - Romantic Engagement Session at Malibu Creek State Park

There is something so wildly romantic about shooting at dusk time, especially when you have a beautiful couple like Mariela and Javier, and a gorgeous scenery to go along with it. Mariela and Javier's engagement session at the Malibu Creek State Park was an absolute dream. The sun was already going behind the Malibu mountains and there wasn't a person in sight. Mariela and Javier were a full of giggles as they danced through the park together under the beautiful sycamore, willow and oak trees.  

During the engagement session, I found out a little bit more about their beautiful story and I cannot wait to document their wedding day as they continue their journey together. 

(Engagement session at Malibu Creek State Park; Los Angeles based wedding, engagement, and boudoir photographer)

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