I don’t shoot a lot of morning engagement sessions… but when I do, I always love the results. The morning light can be some of the best of the day, and it’s also when San Francisco is quietest, allowing for a more private photo shoot with clean, empty backgrounds and all the focus right where it should be: on the couple. [ read more … ]

Jayme is very much a planner — in fact, we were in touch more than a month before her proposal to talk about locations and ideas, and after deciding on the ideal spot, she even scouted it out just to make sure it was the perfect place. On the big day, she and her girlfriend Nicole arrived exactly on time, neatly dressed, and walked over to the spot that will now be a special one to them forever. [ read more … ]

Chris really went all the way with the thought and planning that went into his Lovers’ Lane surprise proposal. He had concocted an elaborate story going back several weeks to cover up his real plan, and had even created a Google Sheet with the play-by-play. (My favorite play in the playbook is: “BAM. This is where I trick her into marrying me.”) For the actual moment, he’d also picked out some props and decorations — lanterns, light-up “MARRY ME” letters, and rose petals — that were simple yet really added a nice touch to the whole event. [ read more … ]

Conor and Kristin made the drive down from Sonoma to meet up with us for an early morning engagement shoot, even though it was right during the middle of raging wildfire season. (You can even see the haze in some of the photos.) We started off at a completely empty beach, as if it was reserved just for them, and then headed over to Lovers’ Lane in time to catch the morning sun peeking through the trees like we were in a magical forest. [ read more … ]

When Frank and I first chatted about his proposal plans, he mentioned wanting to do it somewhere quiet, preferably somewhere wooded since he knew his girlfriend of seven years, Rona, would appreciate it. After thinking through some options, he decided Andy Goldworthy’s Wood Line would be perfect for his surprise proposal.

When the time came, the two of them walked past us, and Frank paused to start asking the big question. Now, I like to stay far away during proposals, so I only heard a little bit of what they said — but next thing I knew, Rona had turned and ran 15 feet away from Frank and asked while pointing into his pocket, “WHAT IS THAT??” [ read more … ]