JAN 9 - 11, CALIFORNIA


A California Weekend Full of Love & Creative Play


Earlier this year, I took a trip to California that felt like the perfect blend of personal and creative, one of those trips that fills your cup in every possible way. I went out to visit my best friend from high school, who is getting ready to welcome a baby, and I was lucky enough to photograph her maternity session at sunrise on the beach in Santa Monica. The light was soft and glowing, the beach was quiet, and it felt incredibly special to document such a meaningful moment for someone who’s been part of my life for so long.

Romantic beach photoshoot at golden hour with couple embracing in the sand.
Playful beach engagement photos with couple dancing in the sunset light.
Black and white photo of couple embracing on beach with waves in background.
Intimate beach portrait session with couple in casual attire.
Sunset beach photoshoot with couple laughing and embracing by the ocean.
Couple walking hand in hand along a scenic beach shoreline during sunset.
Close-up shots of a couple embracing on a beach at sunset, focusing on their hands and white dress details.
Romantic maternity photos showing tender moments between a couple on a sunlit beach.
Person in flowing white dress walking and dancing along the ocean shoreline at sunset.
Intimate beach photoshoot capturing tender embraces between a couple during golden hour.
Candid moments of a couple laughing and embracing on a sandy beach at sunset.
Wide shots of a couple strolling together on a beach with long shadows in late afternoon light.
Playful feet splashing in ocean waves during a beach photoshoot.
Couple posing against colorful vintage-style beach murals with a ferris wheel in background.
Couple exploring a rustic boardwalk with vintage Route 66 signs and memorabilia.
Bright turquoise beachside restaurant building with outdoor seating and umbrellas against a blue sky.


That session alone would’ve made the trip worth it—but while I was there, I also leaned fully into creating and arranged three styled shoots across Southern California.

The Old Mill, Pasadena


Styled Shoot One: Britt & Jeff


The first shoot was at the Old Mill in Pasadena, a venue that isn’t technically a wedding venue—but for this day, we played pretend. I worked with the amazing Britt and Jeff, a California-based model couple, and styled the shoot with stunning bridal gowns designed by Veronique Bridal in Pasadena. The setting was romantic, historic, and full of character. It was so fun to get creative with this model couple and our stunning gown. The sun was already bright at 9 am but we made the most of it, using the bright hazy sun as a beautiful hair light creating a romantic yet bright look to the photos and video!

Mediterranean style garden with terracotta roof tiles and lush greenery in natural sunlight.
Couple in white and light colored outfits dancing gracefully in front of a rustic stone wall with arched doorway.
Romantic dance sequence against weathered stone wall with arched entrance and string lights overhead.
Elegant dance movements captured in sequence against historic mission architecture and garden setting.
Flowing white dress movement sequence photographed in outdoor courtyard with natural lighting.
Romantic couple portrait session against rustic garden backdrop with natural lighting.
Flowing white dress movement captured in garden setting with orange trees and greenery.
Romantic couple poses in garden with citrus trees and natural lighting.
A romantic wedding photo sequence showing a couple in light colored formal attire posing against a leafy garden backdrop.
Tender moments between newlyweds in beige and white attire captured in a garden setting.
Close-up sequence of intimate wedding portraits showing romantic gestures between the couple.
Wedding couple in cream-colored attire pose together in natural sunlight with foliage background.
Black and white sequence of romantic wedding kisses between the newlyweds.
Candid wedding photos of a couple in light-colored attire walking and laughing in a garden setting.
Sun-drenched wedding portraits of a couple in matching cream outfits against natural outdoor scenery.
Elegant bridal gown with flowing cape sleeves photographed against stone archways.
Back view of a wedding dress with dramatic flowing cape details against rustic architecture.
Close-up of green succulent plants growing in dark soil with leaves arranged in a spiral pattern.
A romantic wedding photo sequence showing a couple in light colored attire embracing outdoors in natural lighting.
A series of intimate wedding portraits showing a couple in light colored formal wear against a soft outdoor backdrop.
PASADENA CITY HALL

Styled Shoot Two: Chandler & Anthony


After that, I brought one of the dresses over to Pasadena City Hall for a midday bridal-style shoot. I connected with another couple I found through Instagram, and we leaned into a more classic, architectural feel. The light was bright, the columns were glowing, and the whole session felt elegant and editorial—proof that even a quick shoot can feel incredibly special with the right setting and people.

A playful first look sequence between a couple under arched walkways of a classic building.
A romantic first look photo sequence showing a couple under cream colored arched architecture.
A wedding couple's first look moment captured in sequence under elegant archways.
Wedding couple playfully poses under arched walkway of classic Mediterranean-style building.
A series of wedding photos showing a couple's first look reveal under classic architectural arches.
An elegant wedding sequence captured under ornate white archways with dramatic lighting.
A romantic wedding photo series on a balcony with white church architecture in the background.
A couple shares an elegant moment on a vintage staircase with ornate metalwork railings.
A flowing white wedding gown creates a dramatic silhouette against a Spanish colonial architecture backdrop.
A romantic photoshoot on a white columned balcony with elegant architectural details.
A wedding couple poses against the backdrop of a beautiful mission-style building with domed towers.
VENICE CANALS


Styled Shoot Three: Maina & AJ


Finally, on Sunday—right before heading to the airport—I photographed Maina and AJ by the Venice Canals. The sun was bright, the canals were absolutely beautiful, and it felt like the perfect way to wrap up the trip. The light, the movement, and the relaxed California energy made the session feel effortless and full of life.

A couple strolls along a waterfront path lined with palm trees on a sunny day.
An intimate black and white portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment outdoors.
A couple walks hand in hand along a scenic waterfront boardwalk on their wedding day.
A newlywed couple takes a romantic stroll along a waterside pathway.
A couple poses near kayaks by a waterfront house with tropical landscaping.
A wedding photo session by a coral-colored house with palm trees and boats on the water.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a garden path lined with lush greenery and trees.
A decorative white bridge spans across a scenic outdoor location.
A romantic moment between newlyweds in a garden setting with natural lighting.
A tender embrace between a couple in formal attire surrounded by tropical plants.
A romantic photoshoot of a couple in wedding attire on a landscaped pathway.
Newlyweds pose along a white fence with yellow buildings in the background.
An elegant bride in a white off-shoulder dress poses in a garden setting.
A joyful wedding couple shares laughter during their outdoor photo session.
A serene bridal portrait framed by blooming coral roses in soft lighting.
A romantic moment captured among blooming coral roses in a garden setting.
A romantic wedding photoshoot in a garden with red flowers in the background.
A green garden pathway with a 'Beware of Dog' sign mounted on a wall.


Until next time California!


This trip was such a reminder of why I love what I do—being able to document real life moments for people I love, while also carving out space to create, experiment, and tell new stories in beautiful places. California, you were good to me 

NYC & NJ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi, I'm Evelyn

Based in New York, with a degree in photography and a background rooted in both art and fashion, my work blends genuine emotion with thoughtful composition. I focus on capturing the in-between moments while pairing them with clean lines, intentional light, and a refined, film-inspired aesthetic.
My approach is equal parts intuitive and intentional. I’ll guide you when needed, make you feel comfortable and confident, and create space for real moments to unfold naturally.

More About Me
A photographer in a white blouse and grey skirt captures spring cherry blossoms with a vintage camera in a park setting.