Elfin Forest Archives

Amanda & Justin’s Elfin Forest engagement in Escondido was sweet and romantic. The reserve is one of North County’s best kept secrets.

The Elfin Forest Reserve runs along a babbling creek tucked away in the dusty California hills. Despite the looming summer heat, the forest at sunrise was a palette of luminescent greens and golds.

Amanda and I go back to the pre-pubescent days of the black top at elementary school. She was one of my best friends from childhood, so it was an absolute pleasure to photograph her Elfin Forest engagement photos. These two have already spent more years together than I can count on one hand- a perfect match for each other.

We spent the late afternoon scrambling over rocks and chasing the sun as it poked through the tree tops. And no shoot in the forest is complete until someone falls into the creek. (I dipped one of my sneakers in…it was for good luck).

Can’t wait for their wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch next year!

If you love this Elfin Forest engagement, I recommend checking out Maria & Darren’s Big Sur engagement in the redwoods.

Rachael and Sam’s combo Elfin Forest and bookstore engagement in San Diego was one for the…books.

This year, a few very special people in my life have decided to take the next big step in their relationships. Rachael and I have been best friends since first grade. Our friendship has endured thick and thin throughout the years.

A surprise, Harry Potter-themed proposal

Just over two years ago, Rachael started talking non-stop about a girl named Sam. Never before had I seen her eyes light up the way they did when she talked about this mystery woman. I knew it was serious when she decided to pack up and move to San Francisco to be with her. They have been head-over-heels for each other ever since.

I finally had the privilege of meeting Sam when they spent a few nights down in San Diego to visit family. We only hung out together for a few hours, but that’s all it takes to realize these two are perfect for each other. In October, Rachael staged an elaborate Harry Potter themed scavenger hunt around SF and finally proposed. She said yes or course.

A Bookstore engagement in La Jolla

In December, we got together for a celebratory brunch with Rachael and Sam’s family before their bookstore engagement. D.G. Wills in downtown is one of the coolest bookstores I have ever been to. I can’t think of a better setting for two bookworms if I tried.

Rachael & Sam’s engagement is featured on A Bicycle Built for Two. Check it out here.

Day 2: Elfin Forest Engagement

The morning after, we drove out to Elfin Forest near Encinitas for a peaceful shoot in the woods. It’s a little uncommon for San Diego, but we were blessed with some gorgeous fall colors reminiscent of those found in Northern California.