With engagement sessions, I love when it’s as if I’m just accompanying the couple on a date… natural laughs, quiet intimate moments, an organic unfolding. This is definitely how this one felt – just an afternoon in downtown, a couple cups of coffee, a walk around the neighborhood, a spontaneous stop here and there. I do give some direction during sessions but the ultimate goal is this right here; Dina & Mark interacting in the fun sweet way they do and me accompanying with camera in tow.

Wedding photos are lovely and joyous and so precious, but I love engagement sessions in that they can really show a bit more of who you are together on an everyday level. A snapshot of this.particular.moment in your life.

Another fun session in downtown LA!

I feel like everytime I step into downtown there’s a new little nook to explore and a little more buzz and vibrancy to the city – it’s constantly changing and I love it! I have a friend who recently purchased a shiny new loft in the heart of downtown, and on a recent visit, he explained of possible light rail installations, the restoration of Broadway & all the theaters that line it, all the new restaurants and bars that are popping up – it makes me super excited to think that one day our little downtown may join the ranks of other bustling city centers (SF? Chicago? NYC?) and be the cool place to hang :)

On that note, downtown was such a perfect spot for Jackie & Glen’s session! :) I love their nod towards pretty vintage style and how they subtly brought that into the session. As we strolled through Angel’s Knoll Park {insert squeals about 500 Days of Summer & JGL! JGL! here}, they described their love of all things vintage and how they go antique store-hopping on the weekends. So sweet!

This session makes my heart so so happy. Brightly-patterned skirts, a pretty bouquet, tall buildings, open fields, a fantastic couple – all shot in this city I love so much. I’ve been going on some photo adventures recently shooting personal work (on film!), and I feel like it’s given me a newfound adoration for LA. Because it has a bad rap sometimes doesn’t it? Urban sprawl, crowded, superficial, trafficky…. But if you care to really explore and see – it’s full of the most amazing little locations.

We started in downtown, rode Angel’s Flight, strolled through Angel’s Knoll Park {500 Days of Summer!}, frolicked by fountains, then finished in a sunlit field in Griffith Park, where the most awesome vintage motorcycle was awaiting us (thanks to Tri’s brother!)

Sara & Tri are fun-loving, laidback, adventurous, and I loved exploring with them! And if for any reason LA has not yet won over your heart, I hope these photos help change your mind…