Tommy and I always encourage our clients to implement their personalities into their sessions ~ be it through their style of attire, the props they bring or the location they choose for their portraits. We want our images to not only highlight the love and connection between a couple, but also reflect the things that make their relationship unique and special.

After talking with our bride-to-be Stephanie via email for several months about their plans to tie the knot in Oahu, Hawaii, we were thrilled to finally get to meet her and her fiance Russ face to face for their engagement session. But before we met, this twosome took a list of our suggestions for locations and checked them out — in search for a place that was nature-inspired, serene and romantic. So we were thrilled when they ultimately chose to shoot in San Juan Capistrano, which happens to be one of favorite spots in Southern California.

When we met them at the first location, I have to admit Tommy and I are were absolutely blown away by the preparation and details they thoughtfully infused into the setting. Stephanie + Russ came to the park an hour ahead of time to “decorate” for a morning picnic and it was absolutely perfect.

Here are some of our favorite images from this gorgeous couple’s morning engagement session, which started at Casper Wilderness Park and wrapped up in the wonderful Los Rios District in downtown SJC …

Stephanie swears she’s not very photogenic, we find that very hard to believe … the woman is gorgeous!!! And when he makes her smile, well … it’s kinda magic …Russ has a love for old cars, so he implemented his old VW bug into their session — an open field, a bug and a hot couple — what more could we ask for? 🙂