Arts District Los Angeles Maternity Session: Estee and Jose

When Estee, Jose, and I Facetimed to discuss wedding photography for their big day, I knew this was my ideal couple to work with: Estee and Jose are truly a team, evident in their equal involvement with me as we planned their day. They are foodies at heart, immensely value family, hard work and education, and absolutely love each other. Jose is a romantico, and how these two danced Mexican banda at their wedding reception, cheek to cheek, as if no one else was there, made me admire them even more. When I delivered their photos and album, I was sad: with no more 'business' reasons for us to interact, I remember thinking, 'I hope we can be friends.'

To my heart's content, we kept in touch. When Estee told me that they were expecting their first child, I was thrilled. When they asked me to photograph their maternity session, I was honored.

Once again, the three of us planned for this very special shoot, and Estee had a vision of what she wanted: the Arts District in Los Angeles would serve as one of the backdrops to their shoot. We would include the 'Bloom' mural from Oakland-based artist Allison Torneros because Estee and Jose met and fell in love in Oakland, so the town (no pun intended! Ha!) is an important part of their love story. Equally important, Jose and Estee are from Los Angeles, making this baby a proud second generation Angeleno to be, so catch Downtown LA in the background in the second part of their maternity session.

Come the afternoon of their shoot, Los Angeles was bizarrely chilly, but the universe knows what it's doing: as we began shooting in front of Bloom, Mexican banda starting playing from a nearby food truck. Cue the perfect opportunity for these lovebirds and soon to be parents to dance to stay warm. Just like these two make each smile and laugh, make each other feel safe, I just know this Angeleno baby is going to be SO loved.

Estee and Jose, I ADORE YOU! Thrilled is an understatement for how I feel about the soon arrival of Baby Hernandez! Thank you for allowing me to continuously be in your lives, as your photographer and friend. Con mucho carino, Evelyn

Los Angeles Family Portraits: Estrella and Estevan

A year and a half ago, Estevan, Estrella, expecting their first child, and I had a grand ol' time during their maternity session in La Jolla. These two are the epitome of graceful and fun, calm and understanding, full of gratitude and class. Today they are amazing parents to a beautiful little girl and are expecting their second baby! Time for maternity session round 2, but remixed!

See, having grown up with a grandparent in my home for many years, I know how 'it takes a village' to raise a child rings true and how much of a blessing it is to have a close relationship with a grandparent. This is one of the many reasons we included Estrella's gorgeous mother, Rebeca, in this maternity and family portrait session at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles. Rebeca plays the important role of grandmother, mother, and support system to all.

Estrella and Estevan wanted their second maternity session to include lots of greenery so Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area was the perfect backdrop for their vision. With great paths for them to stroll as a family, Big-Sister-to-be finally gave me a smile!

Estrella and Estevan, I'm beyond flattered that you asked me to document a very special time in your lives for the second time. I love how you deeply value each other, your growing family, and those around you. Can't wait for Baby E's arrival! Un abrazo, Evelyn

Balboa Park Portraits: Richele

RADIANT. If I had to describe Richele in one word, RADIANT is what comes to mind. This girl has energy for days - and nights, as evident with her ability to dance any night away - and she shines her light and warmth on everyone that crosses her path. Richele is the person who is about inclusivity, bringing people together, building community. This is in fact how our friendship started: she invited me out to dance when I didn't know how to dance and without hesitation introduced me to people to ensure I had a great time.

Richele has taught me how to be a better friend by leading by example: Richele is an attentive listener, empathetic, and amazing at follow up. Richele prioritizes celebrating others, so today, I celebrate her as 2021 marks a big birthday for her. What better way than to document her in this moment in time than with photos of her at iconic Balboa Park in San Diego, the place she's called home and grown so much in these last couple of years.

Richele, I dedicate every Justin Bieber bachata remix to you hahaha Thank you for being a phenomenal friend! You are truly ride or die! I adore you! - Evmo

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