When I first met Melissa + Yaron for tea down in Ocean Beach, we talked about their wedding plans. She wanted to elope. He wanted a big, elaborate ceremony and party with all of their family and friends. In true compromise form, they settled on an intimate ceremony up in beautiful Palomar Mountain. One thing they did both agree on right away? An Ocean Beach engagement session!

They live down there and of course, wanted their engagement session photos to have a personal connection to their love story! To be a reflection of who they are – authentic, down-to-earth, and totally smitten with each other. But when the City built a sand wall for winter it really messed with the beach, so they reached out for some alternative options. And I was ecstatic when they chose Swami’s State Beach up in Encinitas. This beautiful beach has moss-green-covered cliffs, a nice expanse of sand at low tide, and beautiful rock formations – all of which add texture and depth to a beach scene. (Let’s face it…if it’s all just sand and water it can get a little boring).

I love how their session turned out and can’t wait to capture their wedding in June!