The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey - Intimate and Simple Lifestyle Session | Victoria & James

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey - Intimate and Simple Lifestyle Session | Victoria & James

Holidays proposals are everywhere this time of year. Winter and early spring is also the time that couples start planning their wedding day, which is often when the question about doing an engagement session pops up. A lot of couples who are drawn to simplicity and intimacy in photos find themselves wanting to do an at home lifestyle session, which have been getting more popular in the last year. For Victoria and James' session, we wanted to show what a morning during their staycation might look like. 

We chose the beautiful Ritz in Marina Del Rey for its bright and large rooms that would bounce the light off beautifully. It was intimate look into the beginning of their day - a bright morning drinking coffee and enjoying the SoCal sunshine on the balcony. No frills of fancy wardrobe or "picturesque" location - just the comfort and joy of being next to your loved one. 

(At Home / Lifestyle couple session shot on film in Marina Del Rey; Los Angeles based film wedding and engagement photographer)

Santa Barbara Courthouse Engagement Session | Kelley & Ryan

Santa Barbara Courthouse Engagement Session | Kelley & Ryan

I'll start out by saying Kelley and Ryan might possibly be two of the sweetest human beings! They are so incredibly loving and caring for each other, and spending this afternoon roaming around the Santa Barbara Courthouse grounds was an absolute pleasure. 

This was the first time we actually met in person, so we got to catch up on all things life and wedding planning. They will be tying the knot at the beautiful Ojai Valley Inn next year, which will be planned and coordinated by the talented Alissa Hussey. To say that I can hardly wait would be an understatement! 

Here are a few of my favorites from their session. Special shout out to Peonies and Petals for making this beautiful bouquet! 

(Santa Barbara Courthouse engagement shoot; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement film photographer)

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel, Lake Garda Wedding in Sirmione, Italy | Nicole and Mitchell

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel, Lake Garda Wedding in Sirmione, Italy | Nicole and Mitchell

There are very few places that are as magical as Italy, and I have been so lucky to have documented Nicole and Mitchell's wedding there this fall. And let me tell you - it was nothing short of spectacular. The most beautiful and sweetest couple, incredible views, gorgeous gowns, delicious food, amazing music and surprise fireworks during the cake cutting - talk about a wedding fairytale! 

It's easy to understand why Nicole and Mitchell decided to settle on this location for their Italian destination wedding. Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is tucked away in the beautiful town of Sirmione, in Lake Garda in Northern Italy. Dating from the 19th century, the grounds of this neoclassical luxury hotel are truly breathtaking and the hospitality here is one of a kind.

I am so excited to share a few of my personal favorite highlights from this beautiful wedding - it was what wedding dreams are made of!

(Wedding day at the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel, Sirmione, Italy; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement film photographer)

LA Arboretum Engagement Session | Maura & Cole

LA Arboretum Engagement Session | Maura & Cole

I had a blast wandering the grounds of the beautiful LA Arboretum with Maura and Cole for their engagement session. They are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met, so full of playful energy, happiness and love! With both of them wearing pastels, they looked like an absolute dream among the gorgeous floral gardens of the LA Arboretum. Cannot wait for these two to tie the knot next summer!

(Engagement session in LA Arboretum; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement film photographer)

Paris Honeymoon Shoot | Monica and Tim

Paris Honeymoon Shoot | Monica and Tim

Tim and Monica tied the knot in California, and Paris was always on their list of places to visit together ever since they first started dating. They began their honeymoon trip in Rome and Positano, and Paris to be their last stop before heading back home. 

I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to work with these two! We started the shoot with the view of the Eiffel Tower, then made our way to a cute Parisian cafe, and ended at the Tuileries Garden. Tim and Monica could not have been any cuter - I loved everything about this honeymoon session, but most of all, the chemistry that these two lovebirds have together. So excited to share a few of my favorites! 

(Honeymoon session shot on film in Paris, France; Los Angeles based wedding and engagement fine art photographer)

Villa del Sol D'Oro Wedding Editorial in an Italian Villa

Villa del Sol D'Oro Wedding Editorial in an Italian Villa

Claire of Mad Love Events:

 "When I first met Anya, of Anya Kernes Photography, I felt an immediate connection to her shared love for romance, softness, movement, and natural lighting. We found inspiration after a quick season of rain - much needed in Southern California. Suddenly, there was so much life that came so quickly, nurtured by the rain and the season. We found a beautiful venue (Villa del Sol d'Oro), now completely lush with greenery, blooming buds, and a spattering of delicate wildflowers. It was a breath-taking setting for us to put together our vision - we had a flawless combination of luscious greenery in the garden, beautiful post rain lighting, stone walls and walkways, and gorgeous olive trees.  We were intentional in embracing natural softness and movement using raw linens, mostly foraged greenery used in the bouquet & centerpieces, flowing silk ribbons to put together a shoot that celebrated romance and the the beauty that comes with spring rain in California."

(Fine art romantic editorial at Villa Del Sol D’Oro shot on film; wedding and engagement photographer based in Los Angeles)

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)

San Gimignano, Tuscany | Family Shoot

San Gimignano, Tuscany | Family Shoot

In lieu of Father's Day weekend, I'm sharing the sweetest family session that I photographed in Tuscany a few weeks ago. Nicole and Silas have always been avid travelers, and little Solomon is definitely on his way to becoming a wild adventurer. There sure isn't a better way than Italy to start his travel training. :)

We met in the cutest little village in Tuscany, called San  Gimignano. All of those cobblestone streets, potted plants and incredible views made all of my Tuscan dreams come true. I have so enjoyed getting to know this adorable family - their joy is absolutely contagious and I am so excited to share this family session with you! From Tuscany with love :) 

(Family shoot in San  Gimignano, Tuscany; Wedding, engagement and family photographer based in Los Angeles, CA)

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