San Diego Courthouse Wedding: Patricia and Marcos

It's just coffee?! Anyone who has dated has likely said this once in their dating life, but when a simple coffee date turns into a DAY LONG date, it's a good sign. This is how Patricia and Marcos' love story began, eventually evolving into an exchange of new interests and hobbies: Patricia opened Marcos' eyes to the symphony and Marcos introduced her to soccer.

When Patricia and Marcos reached out to me to photograph their San Diego civil marriage ceremony, I was thrilled: they were able to get an appointment with the county clerk's office four years and one day upon meeting and would marry at the 'marriage hut' set up by the San Diego Administration Building due to the Covid, an opportunity for those very much in love to still move forward in their plans to wed despite the current pandemic. With the San Diego County Administration Building as our first backdrop, we had an amazing morning documenting wedding photos at Waterfront Park.

Patricia and Marcos, you came looking fly! Absolutely stunning, and you gave me your best energy, which I so appreciate. I can't wait to see what adventures you both get into together! xo, Evelyn

Balboa Park Sunrise Engagement Session: Vivian and Dale

Love languages include words of affirmation and physical touch, so when you state your preference on a dating profile, you hope you find someone who truly understands you. This is exactly what happened to Vivian, except that she wrote, "Cheese is my love language." A girl with good taste AND a sense of humor? Dale could not resist. Their romance began with a first date where Vivian brought along her dog, Pippa, as a companion, and led to an engagement with a light blue, custom sapphire engagement ring from Montana.

When Vivian initially inquired with me for an engagement session, she sent me a photo of the formal black dress she wanted to wear at her engagement session: a woman with a plan after my own heart! When we decided to capture Vivian and Dale's engagement photos at an outdoor San Diego brewery, in fact, the place where they had their first date, Vivian changed up her outfit to reflect the casual environment.

With the latest Covid restrictions in San Diego, that plan got remixed to a sunrise engagement session at Balboa Park (hello 6am meeting time!) Not only would we run into fewer people as Covid safety precautions, we would also have iconic park spots to ourselves, AND Vivian's elegant black dress was back in the picture! Even better is that we began shooting while the Balboa Park market lights were still on in the background of the Lily Pond, right by the Botanical Building, a background request from Vivian. Pippa is a part of this family, so it was only right that she was also included in this session!

Vivian and Dale, thank you for being so much fun to plan with! Getting up early was 100% worth it! Please keep posting cooking videos as I love them :) - Evelyn

Sunset Cliffs Engagement Session: Chantelle and Carrie

One swipe right and you could be finishing the sentences of your future life partner over a few glasses of wine. This is how Chantelle and Carrie’s whirlwind romance began: in sync from the moment they met, feeling like they had known each other their entire lives, and most importantly, feeling completely seen by the other. This power couple - Chantelle graduated law school and passed the California BAR exam this year while Carrie continues to serve 20 years and counting in the United States Navy - quickly recognized that they wanted the same things in life, so when they found the ring Chantelle had pinned to her Pinterest board for years, bought it and viola: engaged!

As we planned their San Diego engagement session, Chantelle and Carrie wanted a backdrop with water, but not on the beach, as well as a location that would fit with a formal wardrobe change. Sunset Cliffs and Balboa Park were the perfect San Diego engagement session locations to meet their wants, BUT there was a catch: we would need to begin shooting at sunrise to avoid crowds of people.

Without hesitation, Chantelle and Carrie agreed to meet at the crack of dawn, dressed, hair done, make up done, ready to smile, and let me tell you: these two brought it! The magnetic love these two have for each other simply glows! Their instant bursts of laughter, their positive energy and adoration for each other made capturing their love easy and an absolute pleasure.

Chantelle and Carrie, from our first conversation, I knew you two were gems! I adore your energy and will always be your biggest cheerleader behind the camera. Thank you for trusting me in capturing your love story! xoxo, Evelyn

San Diego Courthouse Wedding: Maria and Fausto

When Maria and Fausto reached out to me to photograph their civil marriage ceremony, I was thrilled: Fausto is the cousin of one of my past grooms so we'd previously met and knew he was a complete sweetheart. Combine this with the fact that I absolutely love shooting at Waterfront Park and I knew this afternoon was going to be amazing.

With the San Diego County Administration Building as our backdrop, absolutely stunning Maria and Fausto were all smiles and laughs after their civil marriage ceremony, and Maria's strut in her gorgeous Adriana Lugo wedding dress. Let it be known that a San Diego courthouse wedding is special: an outdoor ceremony with a gorgeous San Diego bay backdrop provides plenty of space for photos.

Fausto and Maria, felicidades y gracias por darme el placer de tomarles sus fotos en su dia de casamiento! Con carino, Evelyn

Mission Trails Engagement: Art and Elmer

Hiking through national parks, road trips up and down the West Coast, and relaxing beach days, Art and Elmer are always on the hunt for adventure. Their mutual love for the outdoors quickly bonded them upon meeting as well as their love to kick back and enjoy a beverage or two to celebrate life. Their latest celebration? Their engagement, and San Diego's Mission Trails Regional Park was the perfect backdrop for Art and Elmer's engagement session: it has the nature, water, and trails they are always seeking and love, and in staying true to their personal style, they brought a bottle to pop, toast, and enjoy as well!

Art and Elmer, you know I adore you both and am grateful you asked me to document this very special time in your lives. Your openness for fun and laughter during this session made me love you guys more! xoxo, Evelyn