I couldn't help myself when my film lab sent me back these photos: this couple is breathtaking and I just had to post it immediately. Mission San Juan Capistrano is not only one of the most beautiful wedding venues but also a gorgeous location for an engagement shoot. It's right here in Southern California only a few miles away from the pretty town of Laguna. Who knew that a historic place with brick, stone, and ruins that look like Rome, actually exists in in California! This sweet couple is absolutely adorable and natural in front of the camera. Thanks V & M for allowing me to document this memorable time in your life, and for being so easy going during our engagement session despite the hot weather!

mission san juan capistrano engagement session wedding photographer

Jen, my good friend and college roomie, came to visit me in Los Angeles just a few weeks ago. It had been nearly a year since I last saw her - my wedding - and to say it was good seeing her again is an understatement. If only she would move to LA! Our time spent together is always full of eating and laughing. You would not believe how many restaurants we tried to cram into one single day...it was ridiculous. Well, there's never a dull (or hungry) moment when it comes to hanging out with Jen.

I took her to Greystone because it's one of the very very few places in Los Angeles where you don't have to pay to see something beautiful. It still blows my mind that it's a public park and anyone can get married here at an affordable rate. This was also the place where my now-husband hinted how he could see himself getting married here (with me, I think...). We didn't end up having our wedding here, due their crazy 1.5 year waiting list, but for all you engaged couples out there, this would be a gorgeous & romantic venue to celebrate your nuptials.

Let's cut to the chase, though. Doesn't Jen look beautiful?