Sunset Engagement Session at El Matador State Beach in Malibu

If these two look familiar, it’s because they should! Donovan is my brother-in-law, and he is going to marry this gorgeous babe (Stephanie) in a few months! They got engaged during the holidays last year, and we decided to do their engagement photos while on our family vacation in Malibu this summer. I’m so glad we did - those California sunsets are unmatched, and we had such a great time. We won’t be photographing the wedding (because we’re IN the wedding - Aubrey, Elsie, and I all get to be a part of it and we are so honored🥹), so I’m really stoked we were able to do these!

I absolutely cannot wait to stand by these two in March as they make it official in Arizona. It already feels like Stephanie (aka “Aunt Stephy”) is part of our family, but I’m so excited to share a last name!

xoxo
Lauren

Santa Cruz California Adventure Session at Shark Fin Cove

So… I’m not exactly known for being an extrovert.

I am super comfortable and outgoing around the people I already know and love, but when it comes to meeting new people, ESPECIALLY approaching strangers, I’m usually so shy. I’ve been trying to get more out of my comfort zone, because hello - breaking into a new market across the country and getting your business re-established means you have to be uncomfy sometimes. So when I saw this adorable couple on the beach in Santa Cruz and they asked me to take a photo for them with their camera, I decided to face my fears and ask them if they would like a little beach sesh with me.

I am SO glad that I did, because Kristen & Cisco were so sweet and so fun to work with - I wish we’d had time for a full session, but we wound up with only 5-10 minutes and it was still amazing.

Santa Cruz is a place I’ve wanted to visit for years, and it was an absolute out-of-body experience to be able to shoot at Shark Fin Cove. It’s unreal. I could’ve spent the entire day there (and I really wish we’d been there to catch a sunset, although we actually caught sunset that night at Steamer Lane, which was another bucket-list experience for me. Maybe I’ll share some surf photos sometime?)!

Please note that this location is rocky, the walk down from the parking lot is pretty steep, and the tide can be sketchy and dangerous at times. As always, if you choose to visit, please follow all Leave No Trace principles and be respectful.

Many thanks again to Kristen & Cisco for taking a chance on a stranger and letting me spend some time with them that afternoon!

Cayucos Sunset Engagement Session

Layla + Scott, the day before their wedding. Cayucos is magical.