Mendocino Coast Adventure Session | Allie + Gabe
Gabe + Allie wanted to celebrate their 11 year anniversary in a way that they would never forget. So, they decided to leave the kids at home in Kansas City, Missouri and fly to Cali to take a road trip up the coast on HWY 1.
I met them on a beach on the Mendocino Coast on sunny June evening. I brought the wine and they brought the wildly romantic fun. I love it when my couples show up ready for date night and make their session truly about having fun and relaxing together. That’s why when I heard what Alli had envisioned, I was 100% all-in!
When I asked her (she is also a photographer back home in Kansas) what she envisioned for their photo session here’s what she said:
“I love the idea of doing a beach session that's super romantic and fun (I think those two can co-exist, right?!). In the past, whenever Gabe and I have gotten pictures together (besides our wedding), it's been during a family session and we have like 30 seconds where the kids aren't running off and we're just trying to squeeze in a few shots. :) I tend to feel less-than-relaxed during those moments and I can tell that my face feels like it freezes in a huge, cheesy smile. Gabe admits he's the same way so most of our pictures are just us smiling like crazy and we end up acting a little more silly than romantic.
All that to say, I'd LOVE some photos that are more calm and where we are really relaxed and feeling in the moment so we can truly be ourselves (not that we're not often cheesy and we do love to laugh) but I think I'd love some "quieter" pictures.
Of course we'd love some really fun shots as well. I may be a little partial, but I think Gabe's pretty funny (one of the things that drew me to him), so I have no doubt there will be tons of laughter too.”
I honestly don’t know what Allie is talking about when she says that she feels less than relaxed, because these two absolutely slayed this photo session. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other (a photographers dream) and had the best time playing and running on the beach. It was so refreshing to see two people so wildly in love even after 11 years of marriage.
Not only did they slay in the romance department, but their outfit choices were also very on point. Being a photographer helps with this, but also, they took my suggestions to heart when creating their color pallette and outfit style. If you’re interested in seeing some suggestions, you can check out this blog post. Even better than that, they were totally down to play mermaids with me on the beach. Gabe even agreed to play the part of Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid
Thank you so much Allie + Gabe for being so incredibly sweet, hiring me to capture your 11 year anniversary, and being up all my crazy prompts!
Mendocino Coast Bridal Session Kenzie + Carter | Mendocino California Intimate Wedding Photographer
She describes it as “nothing fancy, just love” and I think that is perfect for the times we are in. The way you feel about your person doesn’t change just because you can’t have a big fancy wedding. The way you love each other is all that truly matters.
They met in highschool and it was love at first sight for Kenzie. Their friendship developed over several years and eventually they became a couple. When Kenzie became pregnant at 19, she and Carter decided that whatever life threw their way, they were going to get through it together. Their son was born in January 2019. They knew that their lives together were just beginning and that they were ready to make a forever commitment. In February they had an elopement ceremony with immediate family and a week put their wedding attire back on and took an adventure to the beach with me. There would have been a big party with family and friends sometime in the next month or so but COVID-19 forced them to postpone their plans. Here’s what Kenzie told me about how she feels right now:
”I am so incredibly lucky to not only call this man my husband, but the most amazing daddy to our son. We can’t wait to grow our family & fall further in love!”
She describes it as “nothing fancy, just love” and I think that is perfect for the times we are in. The way you feel about your person doesn’t change just because you can’t have a big fancy wedding. The way you love each other is all that truly matters.
I was blessed to be able to frolic on the beach with these two one last time before Shelter in Place orders went into effect. We had so much fun and I truly cherish our time together. Thank you for allowing me to document your love Kenzie and Carter. May your love grow stronger and your family flourish!
Ok, now seriously, don’t waste another minute reading, check out the gorgeous moments we were able to create during their bridal session! Whaddya think? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Mendocino Coast Engagement Session | Lauren + Cameron | Mendocino, California Adventurous Couples Photographer
I met Lauren + Cameron for drinks before their session on a windy saturday in february. Lauren ordered a Moscow Mule and Loaded Nachos and I knew immediately that we were going to make great friends!
While we sipped our drinks, these two told me how they had grown up going to school together. It wasn’t until they were both in college that their love story truly began. He was a firefighter with US Forest Service at the time which meant he was away several weeks at a time during summer months. Despite his long works hours, they fell in love and are engaged to be married later on this year.
The day of our session together, the wind was HOWLING. It was crazy strong and made for some amazing messy hair photographs. When we met at the restaurant, I immediately told Lauren how GORGEOUS her hair is. She replied saying that she was feeling some regrets for leaving it down. I assured her she would not be disappointed by her choice.
After our drinks, we headed to the bluffs above Pudding Creek Beach in Fort Bragg where Lauren + Cameron toasted to their engagement with some wine that Lauren’s mom sent along and then we proceeded to explore the bluffs. One of my favorite things about this location is the cypress grove that towers above the beach. The wind was howling as they sat in the grove and toasted their love story. Lauren’s hair did exactly what I promised it would and made magic happen. If you’re as infatuated with windswept hair, outstanding coastal views and romantic kisses as I am, you’re going to throughly enjoy these two and their untamed love!
Ten Mile Beach Engagement Session | Fort Bragg, California
Devin had never been to Mendocino. Mara loved it there. So she took him on a little road trip in August to celebrate their five year dating anniversary. She also graduated from college shortly before, so they had many things to celebrate. Little did Mara know, Devin had plans to celebrate something else too! On the third day of their trip, they went exploring in Greenwood State Park and hiked around for a while until they found a good spot, ignored some caution tape, and sat down together for a picnic on the bluff. They sat together enjoying the view when suddenly, Devin proposed! Mara describes it as private, serene, and sweet. A few minutes later, overlooking the ocean, they saw a whale. They will both remember that moment forever.
Shortly after he proposed, they started dreaming and planning and decided to hire me to photograph their wedding in July. Did you know that each of the wedding packages I offer includes an engagement session in Mendocino County? For theirs, we headed to a secret local spot on Ten Mile Beach (one of my favorites) where they enjoyed a tasty adult beverage together and frolicked on the beach, and snuggled together as the sunset. These two chose to switch gears part way through their session into a more comfy laid back look, and you guys, I’m smitten with them! They followed my style guide to the letter and came up with two completely different looks that complimented the location we chose. It was AMAZING! If you want to get your hands on my style guide after seeing their photos, sign up for my newsletter HERE or book a session with me and I’ll send it to ya!
Thank you Mara + Devin for being so sweet and allowing me the privilege of being your wedding photographer! I seriously can not wait for your wedding in July!
Crystal + Dominic | Fort Bragg, California Adventurous Bridal Session | adventurous destination California wedding photographer
Crystal + Dominic met in high school chemistry. The first thing she told him was "to move his fathead" so she could see the board. It was so romantic, wasn’t it? Well, apparently Dominic forgave or forgot because they started dating a couple of years later, right before she left for college. Despite the fact that she lived several hours away, he visited her every week on his days off.
He said "I love you" on her 18th birthday and then waited 6 years to propose. He says it was worth the wait because he wanted to do it after they climbed the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu together. The trail took 4 days living outside, sweat, and even some tears. He (romantically?) hid the ring in a sock in his backpack the whole way up. It was the most physically demanding and emotional thing Crystal had done up to that point but Dominica cheered her on the whole way.
When they got to the tippy top overlooking Machu Picchu, he got down on one knee. Then on June 1st, surrounded by family and friends at Yokayo Ranch in Ukiah, California. Like most wedding days, things seemed rushed and Crystal didn’t feel that we had enough time for photos of them during their bridal session. She had been craving some beach time and wanted epic photos of she and Dominic frolicking on the beach. So, several months later we made her dream a reality. Enjoy Crystal + Dominic’s Bridal Session at Ten Mile Beach in Fort Bragg, California!
