Engagement: Phil + Elizabeth

Ohmygoodness. What can I say about these two? So in love with them. So in love with this shoot. And so very excited to be sharing these photos with all of you! This is actually the first of two parts. And if you like these.. just wait for part II!
Phil and I have actually known each other for years, but they still scheduled to meet with me before hiring me to do their engagement photos. Elizabeth had an idea of what she wanted and I think it was important for her to feel comfortable with whoever was going to do the shoot. I say all of this to encourage any of you out there who are looking to hire a photographer.. to do everything you can to meet with them in person or at least chat on the phone.  Lots of people out there take amazing photos, but because of basic personality differences you might not be stoked to spend an entire afternoon with them.
Obviously (and oh so happily!) they hired me, and Elizabeth and I emailed back and forth a lot and used a pinterest board to help plan and style the shoot. I'm so happy we did that because we were able to take advantage of the estate.. we had planned for the weather.. and because they were so well prepared they felt really comfortable in the different outfits they chose. Regarding location, we were very lucky to be able to use her grandfather's estate in San Diego.. and even luckier to have her mother join us for the day as our very sweet assistant! The weather was a bit gray and misty for the first part of the day (and then cleared up beautifully in the afternoon), but these two weren't bugged a bit by the chill and drizzle.
I have to say that shooting on this property was dreamy. All of the gorgeous nooks and crannies combined with the energy that these two have all added up to an incredibly fun day. As always, I shot and worked on these with oh-so-much-love and really hope that ya'll love them too!

Just a little side note here. I love how tricky and amazing light is. Out in front of this doorway (above) the light was cool because the sky was still overcast at that point. But they stepped just a couple of feet back and the yellow walls above the door way created a yummy warm light.

Come on now. How cute are these two?

From cute to fiercely beautiful in .2 seconds.

I just love how easily they make each other laugh. *happy sigh*

And come on now! How can you not love that tree?! *another happy sigh*

Elizabeth and Phil... it was SUCH an honor to have been a part of this time in your lives. Elizabeth, I especially loved getting to know you. Phil.. you are an extremely lucky guy. ;)  Hope you two are enjoying all the wedding planning and I'm so looking forward to showing off the rest of the photos. Big hug to you both!!