San Francisco Pier 7 Engagement: Lien and Phil

When Lien and Phil initially crossed paths, their schedules simply wouldn't align for them to go on an actual date because things they are both equally passionate about - their careers and travel - kept getting in the way. When they finally sat down, face to face on a real date, sparks flew and they bonded over their sense for international adventure, family, and their love for food!

As their relationship developed, there were very specific moments that defined the love they have for each other. Lien and Phil were out running errands one day, when she spotted her favorite store. Like a good boyfriend Phil was, he agreed to go in with her. Lien, both excited to explore this location and slightly nervous to express to Phil the absolute thrill she got from this shopping experience, was immediately calmed and overwhelmed with happiness when Phil said, "Lets go down every isle!" As easy as it came for Phil to join in on something that made her so happy, it was equally as simple for Lien to know that she loved Phil. Phil on the other hand, knew he was all in when Lien met his Mom for the first time, and given their mutual value on family, is looking forward to family portraits on the day of their wedding.

Lien and Phil have spent many of days and nights in San Francisco, so the city served as the perfect backdrop for their engagement session!

Lien and Phil, I love that we can talk travel, food, and simply crack jokes together: you are my kind of people and I am beyond honored to be capturing your big day this spring! I can't wait! xo, Evelyn

---

Coronado Engagement: Megan and Colin

Megan remembers the first time she saw Colin: across the room at a dance class, and they were just little kids. Megan and Colin's families have known each other for years and the two began dating in high school. Both amazingly intelligent, Megan loves to cook, and Colin is a reader and loves to eat! Together they are emotionally in tune with each other, know exactly what to say to make the other laugh, and are downright, deep in love.

Colin would joke that he would 'fake propose' to Megan just like Jim would 'fake propose' to Pam on The Office, but Colin was in fact able to completely surprise Megan when he dropped to one knee in the Carlsbad Flower Fields to propose.

To commemorate their upcoming dream wedding at San Diego's iconic Hotel del Coronado, the hotel itself and adjacent beach made for the perfect engagement session backdrop. Highly valuing family - even pet family members! - their 11 month old French bulldog, Beau, also joined in on the fun!

Megan and Colin, you two make me dance with excitement: I adore the love you two share for each other and for your families, I love how you are both so driven, and I love how you are both so much FUN! I am beyond excited to be a part of your wedding this upcoming July! xo, Evelyn

Balboa Park & Sunset Cliffs Engagement: Carly and Alex

A first date over sushi set off a passionate love between these two. Together they value spending quality time with one another - especially while traveling internationally - and sharing in each other's interests: Carly has a background in winemaking, so very early on in their relationship she asked Alex to serve wine at an event she was hosting. Not only did he oblige, he enjoyed it, demonstrating a clear interest in one of her passions which won her over.

Calling San Diego home, iconic Balboa Park was the perfect backdrop for part one of their engagement session followed by Sunset Cliffs with their fur-babies, Duke and Dakota, who seriously loved the camera! 

Carly, from the moment we spoke I loved your energy! Alex, from the moment we met I loved how clear it was you love Carly: how you spoke highly of her, your 'Wine Princess,' and how you dote on her niece. Together, I adore you! Thank you for your laughs, care, and trust: you had zero questions about jumping and climbing over a few rocks to get to just the right location which led to fun and even more laughs. I am SO excited to photograph your fall wedding! xo, Evelyn

Scripps Seaside Forum Engagement: Juderka and Eddie

When Juderka and Eddie met through an online Christian community, they shared a strong dedication to their faith, but neither was instantly sold on the other romantically. Eddie, based in San Diego and contemplating on relocating cities, had a lot of qualifiers for his ideal partner. Juderka, based in Miami, frankly didn't know if Eddie was 'serious' about pursuing a relationship, so much that when he asked her to coffee when he was in town, she didn't know that he was not only very interested in meeting up, but that this would be a date!

When they eventually met face to face, Eddie was completely smitten upon meeting Juderka: she was gorgeous, ambitious, and independent, and he knew from the beginning that she was the one! Juderka soon learned that Eddie was in fact serious, so cross country trips and Facetime bible studies ensued, followed by an engagement on Coronado Beach!

With both of them living near an ocean, a beachside engagement was the best backdrop for them! With hair and makeup done by the amazing Cindy Tran of Noire Beaute, Juderka and Eddie laughed, cuddled, and even danced during their session, which had me enjoy every single moment I photographed them!

Juderka, I knew from our first conversation that I loved your infectious, positive energy! Eddie, who knew that becoming homies in college would lead us to reunite to photograph your engagement! I adore you both! -Evelyn

Scripps Seaside Forum Engagement: Cassie and Matt

"How to keep your terry white" may or may not have been the title of the work seminar where Cassie and Matt would cross paths for the very first time. Yes, 'terry' as in terry cloth, the soft fabric towels and bathrobes are made of. You see, Cassie and Matt both worked in leadership roles for the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, a brand close to my personal heart, at their Santa Barbara and Los Angeles properties in housekeeping and operations, respectively.

This first meeting, however, was not as soft and cuddly as terry cloth: Matt ill advised Cassie of the seminar start time; highly career driven, Cassie arrived late, embarrassed, and was not pleased with the gentleman who interfered with her first impression to company leadership.

Fast forward to a few years later where Cassie had transferred to the hotel brand's Palm Beach, Florida location and ran into Matt at a different work conference. This time was different: she was on time, and Matt was charming, made her laugh, and dare I say, left her thinking about him when they parted ways.

The two stayed in touch and during a weekend visit from Florida to her old stomping grounds in Santa Barbara, Matt was 'coincidently' also going to be two hours north of Los Angeles that same weekend. Read: Matt liked Cassie. He was going to do whatever it took to see this girl during her West Coast visit, and their long distance romance began. Visits to San Diego, where Matt now lived, ensued and California-to-Florida red eye flights resulted in their traditional early morning mimosas on Cassie's balcony. Distance did not prevent these two from falling in love and an engagement prompted Cassie's final cross country flight for their relationship when she made the move to San Diego to be with her new fiancé, Matt.

Cassie, your laugh gets me every single time - it's truly infectious! - and I've adored you to pieces from the day we met. Matt, I admittedly did not know you would bring so much GQ-esque flavor to this engagement session: get it, boy! Thank you for allowing me to capture your love in the first city for you to both call home. xo, Evelyn