Eric chose a unique and memorable location to propose: the rooftop of his apartment in Telegraph Hill. It was oddly-shaped with random obstacles and gaps with 30-foot drops scattered across the top, but that just made this shoot more of a fun challenge 🙂 And its perfect view — with the majestic National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi serving as a backdrop in one direction, and the Transamerica Pyramid in another — couldn’t have looked better than it did under the golden sun that afternoon.

Upon arriving, Eric gave his well-rehearsed speech to Lauren, who was quite visibly overjoyed as you can see below. She said yes, of course! Congrats to both of you!

Savan and Priya flew across the country to the San Francisco for the long President’s Day weekend, and on Saturday afternoon they made the short hike up to the top of Mori Point with a couple of friends. Priya, of course, didn’t know the real reason for the hike, and as you can see in the photos below, was quite happily surprised when her fiance dropped down on one knee and said the words! [ read more … ]

John & Lien came from Texas to visit San Francisco and the Bay Area, and what better place to stay than at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay? This grand hotel is situated on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and there is a nice trail with colorful vegetation that runs along the cliff. Beneath it is a sandy beach, perfect for a sunset walk.

After a romantic stroll down the coastal trail, John & Lien walked down to the beach, where they enjoyed the calm waves and the sunset. Upon returning to the cliffside, John showed the ring, popped the question, and she said YES! What a wonderful welcome to the California coast for this lovely couple — congrats you two!

Black Sands Beach is a serene, peaceful beach nestled at the base of the Marin Headlands just north of San Francisco. Despite its beautiful, fine sandy composition, its perfect position right at the inlet to the San Francisco Bay, and its great view of both the city and of nature, this beach is one of the quietest in the Bay Area. It’s a sizable beach, but has a relaxed, intimate feel because of how empty it usually is. I didn’t even know about this place until Spencer told me, and I’m very glad he did! [ read more … ]

Slackers Hill is the tallest hill in the Marin Headlands facing the Golden Gate Bridge from the north, and consequently has an absolutely spectacular view of the entire area, including nearly the entire city of San Francisco, along with the Bay Bridge, Oakland, and parts of Sausalito. Its peak (elevation ~930 feet) has a small, flat plateau featuring amazing sights in every direction.

This is a place I’ve personally always wanted to visit, so even though I was supposed to be taking a break from work this December, when Jordan contacted me to capture his surprise engagement proposal there I knew I had to make it work. [ read more … ]