This San Francisco engagement session was especially special to me, since the happy couple was my sister and her fiancé! My sister Mairi and her now-husband Scott had been dating for five years when they planned a trip to San Francisco. After finding out I would happen to be there that same weekend, Scott decided that would be the perfect weekend to propose to Mairi.

Not only was I able to be present and photograph the proposal, but we decided to shoot their engagement photos that very same evening. I loved transitioning into an impromptu photo session that very same day, because Mairi and Scott were still on such a high the proposal earlier that morning.

Because the shock and excitement of getting engaged had yet to wear off, they were so comfortable in front of the camera. They were truly in their own bubble, and I was so happy to be there to capture it.

Impromptu Engagement Photos at Sutro Baths

To further commemorate the trip where they got engaged, we wanted to shoot at an iconic San Francisco spot. My sister Mairi loves the beach, and hoped for photos on an ocean cliffside. We chose Sutro Baths near the Lands End lookout on the western edge of the city. This location is perfect, with its windswept views and winding trails down to the beach. There are a variety of photo ops within a close area. 

We lucked out with gorgeous sunshine, surprising for San Francisco. And the resulting photos are simple and stunning, exactly what my sister and new brother-in-law hoped for. After their engagement session, we all celebrated with champagne before a dinner party with close friends and family. It truly was a perfect day.

If you like the idea of casually strolling a beautiful location, not stressing over specific shots but instead just enjoying time with your fiancé, I would love to make this happen for you. To see other California engagement photos I have captured, click here. My favorite engagement sessions are ones where you and your partner feel like yourselves. You can learn more about my work here.