San Diego engagement photos are on most wedding photographers’ bucket lists. Ana and John’s engagement session in La Jolla makes it easy to see why. The area has an amazing mix of cool mid-century modern architecture and breathtaking beaches. For this session, we got a big of both! We started with cozy photos in Ana and John’s La Jolla home then headed down to the beaches to make the most of golden hour at the cliffs.
These San Diego engagement photos with Ana and John might just be my favorite from 2023. By a stroke of luck, they live in La Jolla. Both have remote jobs and spent some time debating where to live. They were stuck between San Diego and another area of the country. This adorable cottage opened up in La Jolla. Of course, they jumped on the opportunity!
When we started brainstorming engagement session locations, Ana and John mentioned how much fun it would be to do it in their cottage in La Jolla. They put a lot of love into the space, as you can see. Thankfully, our schedules aligned, and I was able to fly out to San Diego.
Ana and John are such a welcoming couple. When I traveled from New Jersey to photograph their San Diego engagement photos, they offered up their guest bedroom. I had a lovely time spending a few days with them and getting to know them. They have plans to return to the East Coast for their wedding at the stunning Hagley Museum and Library in Delaware.
We started Ana and John’s San Diego engagement photos at their cottage in La Jolla. It feels like a cozy oasis in an otherwise bustling city. Trees and native greenery shade the yard and contrast with the pretty yellow walls.
In the kitchen, they shared a glass of champagne. The bubbly set a celebratory tone and helped Ana and John relax into the session. You can see how at home they feel together. I love that they even danced in the kitchen! This session has so many moments that feel candid and authentic to their relationship as they experience it every day.
Then we headed into the sun-drenched living room where they cuddled on the couch. All their lush plants gave the space an indoor/outdoor feeling. Lifestyle photography is such a cool way to document your relationship in the place that’s at the heart of your relationship. These engagement photos feel like Ana and John.
Would you like to see another lifestyle photography session? Check out these creative anniversary photos at home!
After we finished up at the house, we continued the San Diego engagement photos with a stroll through Ana and John’s favorite streets. Palm trees lined the road leading to the beach a few blocks from their house. It all felt so California. I took some photos of the landscape to capture that sense of place.
The sun lowered while Ana and John walked along the beach. It haloed them in light and caused whimsical sun flares on my camera lens. The day was breezy and relaxing.
Then Ana and John told me about this gorgeous cliffside beach. We ended up hopping in the car and driving over to Black Beach and finishing their engagement session there. It was a hike. By the time we got up the steep path, I saw that it was worth every second. The cliffs offered stunning views of the sunset on the water.
As we headed into blue hour, I got creative with lighting and motion. I took some fun blurred photos of Ana and John running along the beach. The images have the same carefree, cozy feeling as the photos we took in their cottage at the beginning of the session.
Finally, we finished up the engagement session. We stopped for sushi and chatted the night away. I can’t wait to go back to San Diego to take more stunning photos!
Would you like me to photograph your San Diego engagement photos? I’m a New Jersey wedding photographer who is ready to travel! Let’s document your engagement with lively photos that feel like you. Inquire with me.
As a wedding and elopement photographer based in New Jersey, I specialize in capturing enchanting moments that tell the unique love stories of my clients. I am dedicated to providing LGBTQIA+ friendly services and take pride in embracing and celebrating the diversity of all couples.