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

Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan

Romantic Topanga Canyon Engagement Session in the Malibu Hills

This Topanga Canyon engagement session in the Malibu Hills captures the sweeping mountain landscapes and golden California light that make Malibu one of the most beautiful places for engagement photos.

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

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

Malibu Engagement | Crystal + Ross

Malibu Engagement Session | Crystal & Ross

Crystal and Ross traveled from Houston for their Malibu engagement session along the California coast.

Their trip quickly turned into an unforgettable experience.

Many couples choose Malibu for engagement photos because the landscape feels cinematic. Dramatic mountains, oak groves, and golden light surround the coastline.

However, Malibu also offers something more subtle. The scenery creates an effortless sense of romance.

Crystal and Ross embraced that atmosphere immediately.

From the beginning, their style felt timeless and refined. Therefore, Malibu provided the perfect setting for their engagement session.

A Fashion-Forward Engagement Session in Malibu

Crystal began the session wearing a flowing sky-blue gown from Rent the Runway.

The dress moved beautifully in the coastal breeze.

Meanwhile, Ross kept his look relaxed yet polished. He paired loafers with a tailored plaid jacket.

Together, they created a look that felt editorial yet natural.

Luxury engagement sessions often focus on both location and fashion. Crystal and Ross balanced both perfectly.

As a result, every frame captured their personality and elegance.

Golden Hour at Malibu Creek State Park

We began the session at Malibu Creek State Park, one of the most scenic landscapes near Malibu.

Rolling hills and oak trees stretch across the property.

Meanwhile, the late afternoon sun filtered through the branches.

As we explored the park, Crystal and Ross shared stories about their wedding plans.

Their excitement made every moment feel effortless.

Soon we reached my favorite oak tree in the center of the field.

At that moment, the golden light wrapped around the tree and tall grass.

The timing felt perfect.

Crystal and Ross laughed as they climbed the branches and wandered through the meadow.

Every direction revealed another stunning frame.

Effortless Romance in the Malibu Hills

The connection between Crystal and Ross felt natural and joyful.

Throughout the session, their affection was unmistakable.

However, the Malibu landscape added another layer of magic.

Golden hills surrounded us while the evening light softened the scene.

Crystal later changed into a loose white dress with a structured collar.

The look felt relaxed yet elevated.

She posed along the tree branch while Ross stood nearby.

Meanwhile, the sun slowly dipped behind the Malibu hills.

Soon the air cooled and the light turned amber.

Crystal and Ross wrapped their arms around each other in the tall grass.

They shared quiet moments while the sky faded into twilight.

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 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