Though we live only 15 minutes from the base of Montara Mountain, last weekend was our very first time hiking all the way up. At 1800 feet, the peak of the mountain offers a stunning view of not only Montara and the beautiful mountains and rolling hills that surround the area, but you can also see San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, and the Pacific coastline.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Jeff & Leslie headed up Montara Mountain, taking a different route from the familiar trails they had gone up many times in the past. Just before reaching the summit, Jeff spotted us waiting in a clearing with a sweeping, unobstructed view, and he led Leslie over. [ read more … ]

In planning for his proposal to his now-fiancee Emily, James wanted the setting to be memorable, scenic, and beautiful. The Pacific coast along northern California is all of those things, and one of the best (and commonly overlooked) stretches is in Half Moon Bay. [ read more … ]

Knowing that his girlfriend Jennifer is a very perceptive girl, Clayton had to be sure to come up with the perfect cover story for his proposal in order to not give away the surprise. His sister had recently gotten engaged, and so last weekend, he and Jennifer would be taking a trip to Half Moon Bay to check out some potential venues for her wedding. It just so happened that one of them was just a few minutes’ walking distance from this beautiful cypress tree tunnel [ read more … ]

After visiting many venues, Joe and Bernadete ended up falling in love with the little chapel at the Long Branch Saloon and Farms in Half Moon Bay. Their wedding day was beautiful and it was the most intimate little wedding — just the two of them, the officiant, and me, and it couldn’t have been more sweet and emotional! The way they looked at each other with so much love and respect made them so easy for me to photograph! [ 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!