Griffith Park is absolutely beautiful this time of year! Add in a super sweet and stylish couple, and the photos essentially take themselves :) I was totally bummed when Angela told me their wedding date and I realized I was booked (they’re having a beautiful vintage wedding in Oklahoma no less!) but was overjoyed when they set up an engagement session!

I adore the lovely hand-painted canvases they brought - so simple, unique and romantic - and enjoyed exploring the park with this super fun & creative couple. So much of the park was covered in beautiful springtime blossoms - just dreamy! Any couple I’ve worked with can attest to the fact that I physically canNOT walk past a collection of colorful flowers without stopping for some photos, and I was overjoyed to find that Angela totally shared my love for colorful blooms :)

Angela & BJ - thank you so much for the opportunity to be a tiny part of this exciting time in your lives! Will be sending happy vibes to you on your wedding day!

Carrie & Matt’s story begins at the Hollywood Bowl. Carrie was performing in the choir of a show and Matt worked behind-the-scenes at the Bowl. When they awesomely suggested doing their engagement session there, I was a) completely elated and b) a little confused. My visits there were always happy, involving balmy summer days & amazing sounds courtesy of The Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, & Tegan and Sara. But they have also been marked by insane crowds, sitting at the tippy-top of the wooden bench seating, and tandem parking webs of death. It boggled my mind to imagine that the bowl was open to the public during the day, that we could run amok through ALL the seating (box seats! box seats!), and that we could possibly be - wait for it - THE ONLY ONES THERE.

It was a beautiful morning. Carrie & Matt are so fun & laidback and they were kindly on board with me asking them to run to all corners of the Bowl (we’re standing in the box seats!!) I am beyond excited for their wedding next month at Senshin Buddhist Temple. Not only is it going to be unlike any wedding we have done, Senshin holds fond memories for me of obon festivals, gatherings, and taiko practices/performances. I know it is going to make an amazing backdrop for their wedding!

We started off the session at Griffith Park. I love how green everything was due to the recent rains…

It was so cool being on the other side of the stage & peeking through…

Below is the very spot where they first met. It was so sweet watching them get a bit teary-eyed as they reminisced…

For the second half of their engagement session, Hana & Toshi chose the stunning Griffith Observatory {see Part I of their session here}  As we brainstormed ideas, Hana googled some past sessions that were done there, and came across some lovely photos that my friend Caroline Tran had done, sending a couple to me as her inspiration. Hana loved the concept of a pink balloon and decided to double the fun with two, as well as some adorable handmade cards which you will see below.

I loved shooting at the observatory! The combo of the whimsical balloons, the glittery city lights, the watercolor sunset, and an absolutely sweet & down-for-anything couple made for the dreamiest session.

** On a side note, just discovered last night that we were nominated for the Poppytalk awards! I was so excited as I love their beautiful design blog! Would be so honored if you would vote for us here! **