If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know how happy the west coast makes me. The Bay Area in particular calls to me, and if you told me I could move there tomorrow, I’d pack a suitcase and move into the tiniest studio apartment. Space who? I’d have the golden hour sunshine, the early morning fog, the crisp breeze coming off the water and all the things that make California feel like home. I’d be happier than a bird with a French fry 😉

I shot a beautiful San Francisco elopement a few weeks ago, and I decided to advertise for couples sessions while I was in town. Charlotte immediately reached out and decided to book a session for her and Jon. Their six year dating anniversary was right around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with golden hour portraits, right?!

From the moment we met we completely hit it off, and they spent an hour dancing, running, reminiscing, and cuddling. I swear I said “we couldn’t have asked for better weather!” at least twenty times, because while the air was crisp and invigorating, the sun was warm and sleepy and it was legitimately *perfect*.

Also, name a cuter couple. I can’t :`)

Ahhhhh this is the light we were waiting for!! We started their session up on the cliffs at a spot that I had staked out earlier in the day. Then, when the sun dropped, we hiked down to the beach on the side of the Golden Gate Bridge.

I have an assistant, Christy, who helps me with structuring blog posts and arranging images. When I showed her this session, we both couldn’t stop gushing and she said, “I think most of these need to be full size images to show them off.” I honestly couldn’t agree more. Not only am I immensely proud of these images and the way I captured the light and emotion authentically, but I realize that the reason this session feels so beautiful and authentic is because of Charlotte + Jon. They didn’t care if some dirt got on them, or if the waves got their shoes wet, or if their clothes got wrinkled as they frolicked. They took it all in stride and laughed their way through the session, without a worry or care about photoshop or perfection. They just were.
To me, that’s the epitome of real, raw and beautiful.

I’m honored to know you beautiful souls. And whenever you decide it’s time for updated portraits again, send me a text. I’d jump over the moon to photograph you again 😉