Carson and Brooke fell in love instantly. They make each other feel comfortable, and bring out the best. They are both such happy people that photographing this Sunset Cliffs engagement shoot was so fun. And what made it even better, is Brooke and I actually met when working at a film lab together years ago.

Brooke is also a photographer, and had a beautiful vision for her own engagement photos. Finally taking the sort of photos that you have shot for so many other couples, this time for yourself, is such an incredible experience. I remember feeling so overwhelmed by it when I got to pose for my own engagement photos with my husband, Tione.

After years of dreaming of photographs taken at the famous Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, this moment had finally come for Brooke and her fiancé. They even flew in from Utah to shoot at these specific locations. We started downtown at Balboa Park and ended the evening overlooking the ocean.

Engagement Photos at Balboa Park in San Diego

Balboa Park is a historical park connected to the San Diego Zoo. With 1,200 acres of walking paths, grassy areas, and stunning architecture, it is a photographer’s playground. There were so many dynamic corners for Brooke and Carson to pose. And since this is a classic San Diego romance spot, the shoot felt like they were just on a Friday night date. I just happened to be there snapping photos. 

We wandered down the Spanish mission style hallways and lush green paths while the couple became more and more comfortable being in front of the camera for once. It helped that they opted for their favorite Vans sneakers and jeans, an outfit choice that best represents their personalities. 

Your engagement shoot can be an opportunity to highlight how you and your partner love to spend an average afternoon. For Carson and Brooke, everything about this casual engagement shoot was so them.

Film Engagement Session at Sunset Cliffs

After wandering around Balboa Park, we headed to Sunset Cliffs to complete the evening. Here, the lovebirds sat together, enjoying the crashing waves and one of the best views in San Diego.

Because of the connection Brooke and I shared after working together in a film lab, of course we had to incorporate that medium into this session. We both love how film crafts such vivid images. It was a perfect fit for this shoot, which again felt like following Brooke and Carson around on their date night snapping moments more than poses.

What film did I use? Kodak Portra 400, Kodak Portra 800, Ilford HP5. Film Lab: The Find Lab

We stayed until the sun dipped below the skyline, transforming the view into beautiful shades of purple, pink and yellow. This is what Sunset Cliffs is known for, and it was absolutely worth visiting from Utah to see.

Plan Your Destination Engagement Shoot

As traditional weddings are making their way back onto everyone’s calendars, many couples still crave the excitement of a destination experience. Instead of planning a full faraway wedding, it is becoming more popular to plan a destination engagement shoot! 

Consider getting away with just your fiancé, and your photographer of course, and shooting photos in the place that inspires you and your love the most. Not only will the memories be extra special, but it can be a much needed break in the middle of wedding prep. 

Then, display your engagement photos all around your wedding reception to help bring the feeling of the destination to your at home wedding. In fact, click here for more ideas of how to inspire this destination feeling no matter where you plan your wedding.

This is how Brooke and Carson got to visit their dream location for their engagement photos, before heading back to Utah for their wedding day. I was happy to bounce around with them to capture the images they had dreamt of.

Click here to contact me about your dream engagement shoot! I am located in Southern California, but available for worldwide travel.