El Matador Engagement Malibu | Melia + Jeff

I headed down with Melia + Jeff to Malibu to capture their El Matador engagement. We lucked out and practically had the beach all to ourselves! From the first time that I met with them to discuss their wedding plans, I knew that I not only needed to shoot their wedding but I knew us working together was going to be so much fun. Needless to say, this engagement session did not disappoint!

The outfits chosen for our shoot were a perfect expression of tastefulness and that laid-back California beach style that I’ve come to love. Melia looked stunning in her navy blue and black maxi dresses which complimented Jeff’s classic button-up with jeans and rolled cuffs.

We strolled along the beach taking in the natural beauty of the warm sunlit coast. As we passed along the rocks and tide pools scattered across the beach we shared stories and laughs while dodging some rogue waves. One small piece of advice for all of you photographers out there and couples looking to have your photos taken at the beach: check the tide report! I have overlooked that detail a few times now and it’s a little tricky when you have little to no beach to shoot on. Luckily for us, there was no swimming required during this El Matador engagement shoot. I do have to say though, capturing the reactions of couples that are broadsided by unknown waves makes for some hilarious and memory-worthy photos.

As the sun dipped behind the cliffs and we felt the first cold breaths of the evening air we headed back towards our cars. I took some last shots of the couple overlooking the beach, enjoying the last few minutes of light. Working with Melia + Jeff was so much fun and I can’t imagine what’s in store for their wedding in Malibu later this year!

Engagement Shoot Malibu Beach

Boston Engagement | Lily + Steven

Boston Engagement

Over Halloween weekend, we took a day trip to capture Lily and Steven’s Fall Boston engagement session. We would only be in town for 8 hours, so we had to move quickly upon our arrival. Our first stop (non-photo related) was to James Hook and Co for some tasty lobster rolls. A proper introduction to this famous East Coast city.

After stuffing our faces, we were off to the Boston Public Library. This building was on the top of my list after researching to find classic architecture around downtown. After arriving, it simply was not feasible with the sheer amount of visitors that were constantly meandering around. We quickly hopped in our car and headed to location number two- the Gas Lamp District. This place checked all the boxes. From the classic cobblestone streets to the historic, ivy-covered homes I was in photographer’s heaven.

When we finished scouting there it was time to meet up with Lily, Steven, and their pup Sydney. Lily is a student at Harvard so we started their session in Cambridge. As we made our way across the grounds we admired all of the classic East Coast architecture. It was made even more beautiful by all of the surrounding fall foliage. We met out front of Widener Library, one of the most iconic buildings on Harvard’s campus. Sydney donned a blue bandana with the couple’s wedding date. It was perfectly color-coordinated with Lily and Steven’s outfits. After grabbing some shots on campus we headed over to our next location- the Charles River.

Downtown Boston

We left Cambridge after snapping photos at the river and made our way back into downtown Boston. Our first stop was Acorn Street- the epitome of old-school Boston. Being one of the last few remaining cobblestone streets of Boston I knew this would be a beautifully unique location. We walked a bit, finding beautiful little nooks and captured lots of sweet moments along the way. Lily and Steven donned their alternate outfits and looked so dreamy together! Lily wore a white floor-length dress and Steven sported a midnight blue suit and brown leather dress shoes.

Our last location of the evening was Boston Harbor. As we arrived, the sun just began to dip behind the clouds and blessed us with gorgeous light. We could see sailboats taking evening tours around the harbor which made for the best background. It was so fun to see them go by and cheer on this awesome couple. I’m beyond thrilled that we were able to meet up with Lily and Steven. I can’t wait to see them again this Summer for their <a href=”https://alexwphotography.com/weddings/conti-di-san-bonifacio-wedding/”>wedding in Tuscany</a>!

Malibu Hills Engagement | Jackie + Nick

Malibu Hills Engagement

With all of the wonderful weather we’ve been experiencing in California recently, I headed out with Jackie and Nick for a Malibu Hills engagement session. Besides the fact that we virtually had the park all to ourselves, we lucked out with perfect weather and the most beautiful Springtime colors.

Originally from separate coasts, Jackie and Nick met a few years back in California and will be getting married later this year in New Jersey. Because of the location that we chose for their engagement session, Jackie and Nick leaned more towards the semi-casual side for their outfits which were perfectly balanced with one another. Jackie’s first look of the day was an all-white floor length dress with a slit up the leg. Nick donned a navy button up with khaki slacks and brown leather dress shoes. As the day turned into evening Jackie changed into a gorgeous floor-length floral dress with an open back while Nick sported a white button up.

The pair has such incredible natural chemistry with one another that I had to hardly do anything besides clicking the shutter. Rather than posing my couples as many people do, I prefer to direct them as if we were shooting a scene in a movie. As we explored the area together, chatting from one location to another, I would give them both little scenes to set out for me. This works perfectly to capture the genuine connection between my couples and so as to not make them feel awkward and worry about hand placement, body positioning etc.

Towards the end of our session, I took them to one of my favorite locations on the property—a giant oak tree that is more than 100 years old. I don’t normally shoot on black and white film during my sessions but I decided to do a little experimentation and try my hand at it. You can only improve if you take risks, right? I am thrilled that I did so because the images turned out freaking beautiful! It’s convinced me to shoot more black and white and take more chances with my work. We ended the session with celebratory high-fives and watched the sun set behind the mountains.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Film | Portra 160 // Fuji 400h // Ilford 3200

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El Matador Engagement | Shuchi + Vikas

Shuchi and Vikas live out of state in Washington and travelled to California for a Malibu beach engagement

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Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan

We started 2021 with a bang and met with Brittany and Ryan to capture their Topanga Canyon engagement shoot. We tossed ideas around to find something that fit their style as well as the vibe they were for. They rented a cabin for the weekend that doubled as a romantic getaway for Brittany’s birthday and our shoot location.

While the two prepared their outfits and unloaded their pup, Bentley, and I methodically walked the property looking for beautiful light. Brittany stepped out of the cabin, rocking an open-back white satin dress paired with white open-toe heels. Meanwhile, Ryan donned a cuffed-sleeved white button-up, navy trousers, and a pair of deep brown leather chukka boots.

The trick to capturing the natural moments and expressions of my couples is to just let them be themselves. Rather than posing them, I’ve found greater success in giving direction to evoke a certain look or mood. An example of this would be directing a scene in a movie. Giving them certain things to think about or the act they’re performing results in the most organic images. This could be as simple as walking hand-in-hand, leading one another down a path, or pulling each other in tight and whispering something into the other person’s ear that will make them smile.

We found a beautiful Bohemian-styled hammock that was tied between two trees. This made for a great first location and for the two to get comfy in front of the camera. The two have such palpable chemistry that getting them used to my camera took no time at all. Soon after we headed to our next location and kept chasing that beautiful, golden light.

Ending the Evening In Style

Ryan brought a surprise Vespa for the shoot that I knew would make for some stunning shots. We brought it to a hilltop for the last few minutes of sunlight.

This combination of sophisticated, timeless styles just can’t be beaten.

Now that’s what we call a proper exit!

Finally, Bentley got Mom and Dad back from the day’s activities and had them all to himself.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Dress | Park and Fifth

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Destination Joshua Tree Park Engagement | Antonette + Matt

Destination Joshua Tree Park Engagement

Antonette and Matt are a Nashville-based couple who flew out to California for a destination Joshua Tree Park engagement. Joshua Tree is one of my favorite national parks in California and is especially beautiful to visit in the Fall. I drove in a couple of hours early to scout the park since the light changes drastically throughout the day. I found some gorgeous spots and knew they would be perfect to take Antonette and Matt to.

From the moment they arrived, I knew the day was going to be a fun one. There are some people that just right from the start you can tell have a positive energy about them. That is Matt and Antonette. To our benefit, we lucked out with a near-perfect day. The park was almost empty and the weather was just beautiful. We arrived at our first location of the day and began a little rock climb to reach our first spot. The warm sunlight reflecting off the rocks was dreamy. Antonette and Matt walked hand in hand sharing smiles and kisses with one another. One of the (many) wonderful things about Joshua Tree is the seemingly endless photo opportunities. It seemed that everywhere we turned there was a beautiful new scene awaiting us.

Second Location

Following photos at our first location we headed to spot number two of the day. Matt and Antonette changed into their second outfit which was an absolute favorite of mine. They told me over the phone before our shoot about how they envisioned wearing black together for the photos. I could picture just how perfectly the outfits would beautifully contrast with the soft tones of the desert around them.

We walked together among the Saguaros and climbed the tops of boulders. From there, we got to witness the most beautiful unobstructed views of the park. Matt completed his look with a crisp Stetson which made for the perfect accessory to sneak in some kisses behind. Antonette’s red hair was a fiery thing of beauty. After working together, I think photographing redheads is my new favorite subject!

Ending at Sunset

We finished the session at our third and final location. We popped a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate the end of a successful day. After sipping on some refreshing bubbly we enjoyed the quiet of the park and watched the sunset behind the mountains.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement | Jennifer + Andrew

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement

Jen and Andrew braved the rain and wind with me last week to capture their beautiful Santa Ynez Hills engagement. It’s quite a rarity, but we’ve been experiencing consistent rainstorms throughout Southern California for the past few weeks. Fortunately, the skies cleared and the rain ceased just long enough for us to head up to the mountains.

I especially love this engagement session because Jen and Andrew wanted to include their three dogs in the photos. Couples are always encouraged to bring something special with them to our portrait session because it makes the photos that much more meaningful. I was overjoyed when they told me their pups would be tagging along!

We met in downtown Los Olivos and caravaned up to the mountains to visit one of my favorite lookout points. The last time I visited for a Santa Ynez Hills engagement, the area was enduring a heatwave and the landscape was golden. Thanks to all of the recent rain, we got to enjoy lush, green hills. As we photographed, we chatted about their wedding later this year at Switzer Farm with the talented team at Two Roads Event Co.

Andrew brought along a bottle of champagne so we could celebrate the end of a successful evening. The two toasted one another and ended the evening sipping on bubbly while watching the sunset.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

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Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez| Melissa + Michael

Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez

When Melissa and Michael told me they wanted their portraits taken somewhere private and in a beautiful outdoor location, I knew right away that a Sunstone Villa engagement session would be absolutely perfect for them.

The three of us first met last Summer at their friend’s destination wedding in Tuscany. We were seated next to each other during the rehearsal dinner and we hit it off immediately. We soon discovered that even though the groom lives in SF and the bride lives in Boston that the three of us live 10min from one another in Los Angeles. Talk about a small world!

Don’t let the Sunstone Villa fool you. Even though it’s located in California it looks like it belongs in the foothills of Italy. This is in part due to the original owners importing the architectural remains from buildings located in Marseille and Provence. The villa incorporates everything from French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, and a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France to pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory and a thousand-year-old limestone kitchen sink. It is truly a remarkable sight to behold and made for the most beautiful backdrop for the day’s engagement shoot.

As we chatted and chased the sunlight we slowly made our way around the property. We made sure to visit all of the corridors, nooks, and open spaces that Sunstone had to offer us. As the sun began to set we headed over to a pair of oak trees for some dusk romantics.

What made this Sunstone Villa engagement session so wonderful was the natural chemistry between Melissa and Michael. When you have a couple that naturally interacts so naturally (not to mention dresses well) making them look good is easy!

Melissa and Michael ended the session slow dancing together while watching the last few moments of sunset. The day was perfect and I can’t wait to see them later this year for their wedding!

Venue | Sunstone Winery

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

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Botanical Garden Engagement | Hannah + Vaughn

Botanical Garden Engagement

I had the pleasure of capturing this stunning botanical garden engagement shoot as my last session of 2018. I’m so happy I did because this turned out to be one of my favorite shoots of the year!

I met with Hannah and Vaughn on a warm afternoon and walked the grounds together taking photos. As we walked, we found beautiful light and marveled at all of the different gardens. You might even think you were transported to the jungle or the desert because of how beautifully designed each location is.

Hannah and Vaugh’s outfits both complimented each other and balanced perfectly with the natural color scheme of the property. They both looked timeless! These two have such natural chemistry and laid-back attitudes that working with them is a dream. You can really capture magic when your couples relax and trust in your vision.

We made our way through the different gardens, making sure not to miss anything. I always gravitate toward desert landscapes; there’s something about the golden tones of the sand and the colors of cacti that I just love.

Throughout our session, we captured a ton of belly laughs, kisses, and soft embraces. This allowed us to get a great variety in their photos. While we walked from one location to another, we chatted about their wedding plans in Palm Springs later this year and the fact that we live just around the corner from one another. So while I gave them recommendations for the wedding day they gave me a great new spot in our neighborhood to grab bagels in the morning.

We ended the session just as the sun set behind the trees. We captured some final images with the two dancing and an epic “lift and kiss”. I had the most amazing time capturing their botanical garden engagement session and am absolutely giddy about photographing their wedding later this year.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

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Southern California Beach Engagement | Ellie + Trevor

Southern California Beach Engagement

Ellie and Trevor traveled all the way from Hong Kong to Laguna for a Southern California beach engagement shoot. We were originally scheduled to meet in Malibu, but the date chosen coincided with the Woolsey fires that devastated the area last year. Because of this, I suggested that we instead drive down to Laguna Beach. Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of beautiful coastlines in California to play with.

We met on a warm November evening and had the beach almost completely to ourselves. This is always a pleasure because we can run up and down the sand without anyone in the photos. It’s also helpful to not have many people around when having romantic photos of yourself and your partner captured for the first time. Ellie and Trevor were pretty fortunate for the warm water that day as they were mostly surrounded by the crashing waves.

We chatted as we walked along the sand and across the algae-covered rocks. They shared about their wedding plans in Hong Kong later the following year, how they met, and their bunny, Snowball. We hung out at the beach until the sun dipped behind the ocean and everyone else left. They both really opened up once it was just us. This allowed me to capture some truly romantic and unique shots for them.

It’s so flattering to have couples entrust me to document such a special time in their lives. It’s even more humbling when they fly from the other side of the world for me to do so! We ended the session with smiles on our faces, sand in our hair, and new memories. I can’t wait to see them both again (hopefully in Hong Kong) and finally meet Snowball.