Flying out of state to meet my sweet couples is ALWAYS a grand time, especially when it means I get to wander around the beautiful hills of LA, at golden hour, with two beautiful humans. Spending time with Sophie and Adam for their engagement session in Los Angeles was a dream come true—how did I get so lucky to work with the best possible people, in the best possible places?
I adore outdoor engagement sessions, of course, but there’s something really special and intimate about photographing a couple in their own space. Sophie and Adam were kind enough to welcome me into the place they’ve decorated and designed together, the place they spend most of their time and the place they call home. And what an honor that was to be invited into such a meaningful space, where the two of them could feel free to express themselves as they do in their daily lives, not feeling any pressure to perform or put on a show for the camera. A place where they could simply be together just like they would any other day; cozying up on their own couch as they do when they sit down to watch TV in the evening, or brewing coffee and sipping out of their favorite mugs just as they do on weekend mornings.
Sophie and Adam fully embraced the authentic in-home vibes, allowing me a sweet glimpse into their relationship and the life they’ve built together; wearing cozy outfits, being silly in the kitchen, and sharing kisses with their adorable pup on the couch. We even got to pop outside for a few photos, taking advantage of the beautiful spring greenery lining the fence, and the warm, welcoming firepit area. Truly, what could be better than snuggles on a classic Adirondack chair, breathing in the crisp springtime air as you enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee with your love? I’ll never get tired of the simple beauty of documenting a couple in a space where they feel completely, wholly comfortable and able to be present together. Highly recommend including in-home photos into your engagement or couples session if you’re able to!
The beauty of in-home sessions is that you’re really able to incorporate all of your favorite things into your photos, whether that be activities you love to do together or items around your home that carry sentimental value. A while back, I photographed an in-home couples session for Sammie + Matt, who wanted their photos to encompass a “lazy Sunday” type vibe. They celebrated their anniversary by cozying up in the living room, playing their favorite video games, reading the newspaper, and sharing a cup of coffee—sounds like a lovely Sunday to me, does it not? Take a peek at their Intimate “Lazy Sunday” In-Home Couples Session in Capitol Hill for all the intimate in-home vibes if you’re loving this portion of Sophie + Adam’s session!
For the second half of their session, Sophie and Adam dressed up and made their way out to a beautiful park in the hills of Los Angeles, just in time for sunset. Sophie wore a beautiful black strapless dress with matching black sandals, the flowy skirt of the dress encompassing all the light and laid-back feels of spring turning into summer. And she even threw on a lovely denim jacket when the breeze kicked in, which I adored against the greens and yellows of the landscape around us! Adam chose a simple, cream button-down with pale blue stripes, paired with tan pants and white Nikes. His neutral color scheme with the slight pop of blue went perfectly with Sophie’s black and denim attire, both of them looking fabulous among the vibrant yellow wildflower fields, the lush spring greenery, and the golden glow of the setting sun.
Speaking of the setting sun, what a freaking dream this evening was in the LA hills—we truly got the most marvelous golden hour we could’ve asked for! Sophie and Adam strolled along a path through the greenery as the sun began to set in the sky, slowly inching toward nighttime as it cast the most stunning golden glow onto these two. The way the sun rays looked against the vibrant yellow wildflowers covering the hills was simply breathtaking, especially with the darkness of Sophie’s black dress popping out against the bright color palette. An absolutely striking couple who looked as though hiking through the hills of Los Angeles in semi-casual attire was something they did every day!
Exploring outdoor landscapes like this with couples is one of my favorite things to do, especially when they incorporate elements of their personalities, hobbies, and lifestyle. One of my recent couples, Katie and Stephen, are a perfect example of this: we started their engagement session with romantic in-home photos in a beautiful woodland cabin, the two of them cuddling by the fireplace and dancing in the kitchen. We then headed to a nearby park, where Katie and Stephen set up a campsite and spent time out on the water in a canoe, just as they love to do during the summers! If that sounds like your kinda vibe, definitely check out their Summertime Couples Adventure Session in Granite Falls, WA for all the outdoorsy engagement inspo ✨
I absolutely cannot wait to photograph Sophie and Adam’s wedding in Carmel Valley, CA this coming summer—if this engagement was any proof, their celebration is going to be absolutely magnificent amidst the California sunshine🤍
Hi friend, I’m Allie—a Los Angeles engagement photographer documenting & celebrating couples all across the country. Although I am based in the Pacific Northwest, I am always available for domestic travel (be it in California or all the way in Michigan), so it would be my pleasure to travel to you for your wedding or session! Each and every one of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session to allow us to get to know one another and build a relationship before the big day, so no need to fret about paying extra for photos of you and your love to use on your invites, or to share your exciting announcement on social media. If you feel like we may be a match, and you’re ready for photographs that celebrate you in the most authentic, unapologetic way possible, then fill out my contact form, and I’ll be in touch sooner than you know it 🥂
Searching for more unique engagement inspiration like this? Browse through a few of my favorite engagement sessions below: