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.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Film Stock | Fujifilm 400h  Ilford Delta HP5

Southern California beach engagement

Tuscany Engagement Shoot | Lily + Steven

Tuscany Pre-Wedding Portraits

The day before Lily and Steven’s wedding in Italy we headed out to the Siena countryside for their Tuscany engagement shoot. While I researched different locations I wanted to find something that looked unequivocally Italian. Located not far from their wedding venue is the Abbey of San Galgano. I knew as soon as I saw it that this would be the perfect spot for Lily and Steven’s photos. Dating back to the 13th century, this gothic-styled monastery set the perfect backdrop for us to capture their portraits.

Upon stepping foot onto the grounds, we felt like we were transported back in time. There’s just something about classic architecture that brings joy and inspiration. Luckily for us, it was quite empty that day so we took our time exploring the property. We walked through the ancient halls and under the stone archways supported by the massive pillars. We imagined what it was like for the monks who lived and worked here so many hundreds of years ago. It was truly a humbling experience for us all.

Lily stunned in a green strapless dress and Steven donned a navy suit minus the tie for a truly relaxed European look. After exploring all of the areas inside of the abbey we headed to the backside where the sun was doing some truly magical things. In a field just beyond the abbey was a spotlight in the grass where the sun passed through an old broken window. Lily and Steven took a step into the beam and were enveloped in the most beautiful warm light.

After the sun dipped behind the abbey we headed back to our cars and were on our way to greet family and friends back at Conti Di San Bonifacio for their welcome dinner.

Greystone Mansion Engagement | Joyce + Adam

Greystone Mansion Engagement

Joyce and Adam flew out from New York to capture their session at the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Their Greystone Mansion engagement session has everything that makes my heart happy- a stylish couple madly in love, a stunning location, and beautiful light.

Joyce stunned in a gorgeous multicolored Gucci chiffon dress and Adam donned a classic navy suit. The pair complemented one another perfectly. We met down in the courtyard of the grounds and began our session photographing around the fountain. We slowly made our way around the property, making sure to stop by the koi pond and lastly arriving at the back terrace. From there, we enjoyed gorgeous views of downtown Los Angeles and these two had a chance to practice their first dance for the wedding.

After capturing our photos around the mansion, we headed upstairs to the top of the property to visit the iconic cypress walk. Normally, this location is covered with tourists but we had the entire place to ourselves. We walked among the fountains and in between the cypress trees. Joyce and Adam shared lots of laughs and kisses as they walked together hand in hand.

Our last stop on the property was the upper terrace that overlooked the entire grounds. It was there that we visited the stone staircase that ascended to the main lawn.

Look Two

We made time for a quick outfit change before we moved to our next location and then headed out. Joyce’s second look was a gorgeous patterned white dress and tan Louboutin heels. Adam decided to forgo the sports coat and instead wore a checkered button-up and jeans.

Downtown

After leaving the estate, we drove down the hill to chase the remaining minutes of daylight and capture our remaining photos around downtown Beverly Hills. These two were the absolute sweetest and I can’t wait to see them next year when they tie the knot in upstate New York.

Dress | Gucci
Heels | Louboutin
Venue | Greystone Mansion
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab with Fuji 400H

Sutro Bath Engagement | Mina + Joe

I’ve wanted to capture a Sutro Bath engagement for quite some time now. When Mina + Joe told me they wanted to have their photos taken in San Francisco I knew exactly where we were going and was beyond excited. Upon flying into SFO, I received an immediate greeting from that brisk Bay Area breeze that I had been missing. I hopped in the car with Mina + Joe and we were off for our day in the city together. On our drive into SF, we talked about the coolest international school trips these two had taken during college, their love of skateboarding, and Joe’s secret rapping skills. We stopped off at a little Mexican restaurant before the shoot to fuel up and I enjoyed one of the best chorizo breakfast burritos I’ve ever had.

We arrived at the Sutro Baths early to walk around and do some scouting. Besides the cold weather, we had the good fortune of enjoying clear skies and little to no wind. Mina + Joe brought with them some great-looking outfits that were perfectly suited for San Fran and the Sutro Baths set the perfect backdrop for the two. Mina’s first outfit was a gorgeous blush dress with beautiful crocheted detail complimented by Joe who kept it clean and casual.

Being that this was their first time to the baths, I wanted to ensure that Mina + Joe got to see everything and really take it in. To get the full experience, we walked over the rocks along the Pacific, explored an old cave, and even ventured into an off-limits zone that offered us a gorgeous, almost 100-year-old brick staircase. Mina’s flowing white dress contrasted beautifully with the warm rocks around her and Joe made sure to hug her tight and keep her warm from the cool evening breeze rolling in.

As the sun began to dip and the warm golden light of the evening approached we made our way back up to the overlook above the baths. During the last few moments of the day Mina + Joe showed off their skateboarding skills and watched the sunset together. Working with couples as sweet and in love as these two is what truly makes me love what I do the most and I can’t wait to see them tie the knot next year!

Scanning + Developing | The FIND Lab

Malibu Engagement | Crystal + Ross

Malibu Creek State Park Engagement Session with an Editorial, Fashion-Forward Approach

A Malibu Creek State Park engagement session offers something entirely different from the coastline.

Instead of ocean views, the landscape shifts into texture—rolling hills, dry earth, and light that moves quickly through the canyon. Because of this, the environment naturally lends itself to a more editorial approach.

For couples who care about styling as much as setting, it becomes less about location—and more about how everything comes together visually.

malibu creek state park engagement session

Where Fashion Becomes the Focus

This session was built around wardrobe.

From the beginning, each look was chosen with intention, allowing movement, structure, and silhouette to guide the direction of the shoot. Rather than blending into the environment, the styling created contrast in a way that felt elevated and deliberate.

As a result, the images feel less like traditional engagement photos and more like a series of composed, editorial moments.

That distinction matters.

malibu creek state park engagement session

Light, Texture, and Direction

Topography plays a bigger role here than most people expect.

Because the terrain shifts constantly, the light interacts differently with each frame. At the same time, the neutral tones allow for more flexibility in wardrobe, which is why this location works especially well for fashion-forward sessions.

Instead of relying on dramatic scenery, the focus stays on composition, posture, and subtle movement.

Why Malibu Creek State Park Works for Engagement Photos

For couples considering a Malibu Creek State Park engagement session, the appeal is both practical and aesthetic.

First, the location offers a wide range of textures within a relatively small area.
Additionally, it provides more privacy than many coastal locations.
Finally, the setting feels distinctly Southern California without feeling overused.

Because of this, it’s become a strong option for couples looking to create something that feels intentional rather than expected.

malibu creek state park engagement session

An Editorial Perspective on Engagement Photography

Approaching this as a Los Angeles wedding photographer, the goal is not to over-direct.

Instead, the focus stays on refining small details—how fabric moves, how light falls, and how posture shapes the frame. For example, slight adjustments in positioning can completely shift the tone of an image.

As a result, the final set feels cohesive, elevated, and consistent.

That’s where the difference is.

malibu creek state park engagement session

malibu creek state park engagement session

Looking Ahead to Their Pelican Hill Wedding

Crystal and Ross will marry later this year at the iconic The Resort at Pelican Hill.

The venue is one of California’s most luxurious coastal resorts.

Therefore, their Malibu Creek State Park engagement session perfectly complements the elegance of their upcoming wedding.

I cannot wait to document the next chapter of their story.

For now, enjoy a glimpse into their romantic Malibu engagement session.

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Photography | Alex W Photography
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Santa Barbara Engagement | Joanna + Ryan

Santa Barbara Engagement

This dreamy Santa Barbara engagement session has everything I could hope for from working with a couple. I had the pleasure of photographing an incredibly fun (and ridiculously good-looking) pair of human beings that are head-over-heels in love with one another. We had the pleasure of traveling to one of my favorite Central Coast locations- the Santa Barbara sand dunes. From my first meeting with Joanna and Ryan, we hit it off immediately. I loved bouncing ideas off of one another for the most epic place we could travel to for their engagement session. As soon as they saw another session I had done earlier at a separate set of dunes they were sold.

It was cool and overcast on the day we met. The sun was hidden behind the clouds but we had the softest, most beautiful light to play with. The sand dunes were a 25-minute walk from the parking lot where we rendezvoused so as we headed over to our first location of the day we chatted about their wedding plans, favorite recipes they cook for one another, and all of their upcoming travels.

Joanna & Ryan’s outfits were wonderfully classy and timeless. Joanna rocked a stunning white off-the-shoulder dress white beautiful gold adornments on the arm and Ryan looked like he walked straight out of a movie with his button-down white shirt and Hollywood quality hair. Upon arriving at the dunes we were greeted with a seemingly endless rolling landscape that we had entirely to ourselves. The wind was calm and you could hear the seagulls off in the distance. It was pure magic. As we ran around the dunes together I captured endless amounts of kisses, sweet embraces, and full-on belly laughs. They just made it too easy for me!

We ended the session with a brisk romp in the Pacific and then headed back to our cars before we lost the last bit of daylight. I had the absolute best time with these two at their Santa Barbara engagement at the sand dunes and I can’t wait for their wedding later this year.