It's an interesting experience photographing friends that I've known forever. Sometimes the familiarity helps put the couples at ease, and sometimes it goes the opposite way and the couple starts off shy. No to worry with Ivy and Scott though, as their silliness came out in no time.

Engagement session in Coto de Caza and Dana Point.

Christine and Yen wanted their engagement session to be out on a field, so I took them took them to a wilderness park and Monarch Beach. They were so cute and bubbly (literally) and just a lot of fun to photograph. Their wedding will be my third out-of-state assignment this year and I can't wait!

Cristina and Stefan weren't able to do an engagement session before the wedding, so instead they opted for a post-wedding portrait session. Photographing them is so effortless because of their chemistry. They are just that naturally cute together. Here's a sneak peek:

We met up with San and Allan in south Orange County on a beautiful Saturday evening before sunset. We started at the beautiful St. Regis Monarch Beach where they had a chance to get over their shyness in front of the camera. Then we headed up to Aliso Beach Park to enjoy an amazing Laguna Beach sunset.

Click here for the gorgeous flash version, or continue reading below for the smaller photos.


I love this exquisite wall at the St. Regis Rotunda.



They have great looking natural smiles.



Kicking the legs up. Cute.






Embracing at the pretty garden outside.



Our entire shoot at the beach was during sunset.



You can tell they're now loosened up and having fun.



A nice private moment together. Just them, their footsteps and the blue waters.












This might be the reason why I will never leave Southern California.



And we end the session with a sunset silhouette kiss.