San Diego Proposal Photographer: Alejandro and Aime

My favorite thing about planning a proposal: the stories I hear from the person proposing. Alejandro was no short of amazing things he had to say about Aime, his high school sweetheart, wonderful baker, romantic, hard worker, and soon to be nurse. Even more exciting: his desire to start a whole new chapter together as an engaged couple and eventually as husband and wife. Alejandro, along with help with his mom, Suzette, and myself, ensured every detail was in place, lured Aime out to a beach in Coronado - one they have frequented before and means a lot to them - with a picnic in tow. After getting down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage, Aime said yes, but the surprises didn't stop there!

After a photographing portraits of the newly engaged couple, I was going to ‘leave’ and said, “Why don’t you two sit on your picnic blanket and I’ll take one last photo before I leave.” I knew what was to come next: BOTH of their families came up from behind them to surprise Aime AND join in on a very special boho-style picnic set up by Posh Picnic. The champagne was popped, glasses were raised, and all of the fixings for tostadas were passed around as two families came together to celebrate the love of Aime and Alejandro!

Suzette, who knew that photographing your family 6 years ago would then lead us to coming back together to plan and photograph this momentous occasion for you all! Thank you for keeping in touch and trusting me to capture this! Alejandro, you are the absolute kindest guy who’s attention to detail is impressive. I loved hearing all of your stories about you and Aime and can’t wait to hear more! Felicidades! xoxo, Evelyn

Downtown San Diego Engagement Session: Ivy and Bryan, Part Two

Ivy and Bryan's love story started in Arizona as college students and has evolved where they are now residents of the East Village in San Diego, so what better backdrop for the second part of their engagement session than Downtown San Diego. With champagne in hand, an iconic sunset, and decked out in chic outfits ready to take on the town, Ivy and Bryan's San Diego rooftop engagement session is one of my favorite sessions to date!

Ivy and Bryan, thank you for asking me to document this very special time in your lives: no pressure on me, right?! Ha! I adore you both and am grateful to call you both friends. xo, Evmo

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Cactus Garden Engagement Session

Ivy and Bryan, Part 1

San Diego Surf Inspired Session: Hannah and Casey

Casey asked, "Did we move to San Diego and become models?" and I replied while laughing with, "Yes, Casey, yes you did!" Let me back up: Hannah and Casey moved to San Diego from Milwaukee via San Antonio and to their surprise, really took to surfing! I have been wanting to shoot a surf inspired session and these two were the perfect models: FUN, in love, and willing to show me all of their bathing suits so we could pick out the best match!

Hannah and Casey, I'm so happy to have you in San Diego! Hannah, you know I can’t remember life without you HAHA! Can't wait to do this again ;) xo, Evmo

Balboa Park & Sunset Cliffs Engagement: Carly and Alex

A first date over sushi set off a passionate love between these two. Together they value spending quality time with one another - especially while traveling internationally - and sharing in each other's interests: Carly has a background in winemaking, so very early on in their relationship she asked Alex to serve wine at an event she was hosting. Not only did he oblige, he enjoyed it, demonstrating a clear interest in one of her passions which won her over.

Calling San Diego home, iconic Balboa Park was the perfect backdrop for part one of their engagement session followed by Sunset Cliffs with their fur-babies, Duke and Dakota, who seriously loved the camera! 

Carly, from the moment we spoke I loved your energy! Alex, from the moment we met I loved how clear it was you love Carly: how you spoke highly of her, your 'Wine Princess,' and how you dote on her niece. Together, I adore you! Thank you for your laughs, care, and trust: you had zero questions about jumping and climbing over a few rocks to get to just the right location which led to fun and even more laughs. I am SO excited to photograph your fall wedding! xo, Evelyn

What To Wear: Engagement Photos

We have all been there: standing in front of our closets, wondering what to wear. It's a random Tuesday with nothing especially crazy-amazing on the agenda, and we struggle to pick something out, so I understand the guidance desired when my couples ask me, "What should we wear to our engagement session?" because this session IS in fact a mometous event!

Think of your engagement session as a special occasion date. This is a time for you both to connect, spend quality time together, and look good while doing it!

Take this opportunity to dress up!

Special occasions call for you to get dressed up! For my brides, a classic, single color cocktail dress and heels is the perfect combination: a shorter dress lets you walk freely, show your feminine side as well as your awesome taste in shoes. For my grooms, a well fitted suit and dress shoes are a match made in heaven. Since it's often warm in Southern California, a crisp, collared shirt works well too: you will look put together and sleek!

Just like with your wedding photos, you will want to look back at your engagement session in a timeless manner and have what you felt in these photographed moments be top of mind. You want these photos to hang on the walls of your home and your families' homes for years to come, not until the trendy outfit you wore goes out of style.

Opt for solid colors that help you both pop amongst any background; it allows the focus of each photograph to be on you! Also, remember to also wear different colors from each other in order for each of you to stand out.

To my ladies who are looking to wear something different than your classic little black dress, I highly recommend Rent the Runway: with thousands of beautiful dresses in stock, that they will send you up to two sizes of each dress for you to wear and send back to them. Easy process and affordably chic!

Remember that you will be photographed from head to toe, so shoes matter. Gentlemen, shine up your dress shoes, and ladies, be cute and comfortable since we will be moving a lot during your session.

Love your outfit!

I love being a part of the pre-wedding and pre-engagement shoot process with my couples, so it's my pleasure to give you my opinion on wardrobe options. When Chelsea, pictured below, sent me photos of dresses she was considering for her engagement session, she pointed out this white dress and said, "I'm not going to lie: I'm pretty obsessed with it!" THIS reaction, THIS excitement, THIS feeling is what you should have when picking out your engagement session outfit.

Love what you are wearing, feel beautiful (handsome, for my fellas) and confident in what you wear so the only thing you are thinking of is being in the moment.

Have a professional do your hair and make up.

Your engagement session is a special occasion date, so while your outfits will look amazing, you'll want to prioritize your hair and face too! I recommend hiring a professional or your wedding hair and make-up artist to run a wedding day hair and make up trial on your engagement session date. You will have know what to expect on your wedding day as well as look and feel your best in your engagement photos.

And to my grooms, you know that there is nothing more fresh feeling then getting a clean haircut and shave!

So as you plan our your engagement session outfits, or special occasion date as I've dubbed it, check off each item on this check list for the perfect look:

• Cocktail dress and heels

• Suit and dress shoes

• Solid colors

• Professional hair and make up

• Fresh hair cut and shave

Remember, I can always be your fashion consultant beforehand if you want to share outfits with me! I can't wait to see you at your engagement session! - Evelyn