I have the privilege of second shooting for Maggie Smith Photography sometimes, usually up here on the mountain, and most of the time at Skypark Weddings. These two were such a sweet, beautiful couple, I love doing wedding photography in Lake Arrowhead and the Rim.
On September 2nd, 2021, a boy and a girl hiked into the Yosemite wilderness and came out husband and wife. I got to photograph Stephanie and Alistair’s Yosemite elopement portraits. The day after they eloped, we met at Glacier point right as the sun began to rise and captured their love in camera.
I love doing senior photos for graduations in Los Angeles. I love the significance of the moment. And this girl, this girl got THREE degrees, all in really smart things! And… graduated right after COVID hit. So she had a virtual graduation out of Boise State University and decided to splurge on some amazing graduation photography. I loved getting to know her and the people who supported her through the journey.
I was in a sleepy haze as I drove down the deserted highway. It was the pre-dawn quiet of a city that doesn’t wake up until it’s time to go to work. I gathered together my backpack of gear. For intimate sunrise elopement at El Matador Beach, I typically carry a prime 35mm, some OCF, a trigger, a stand, and a long lens, along with my trusty, beautiful Canon 5D Mark III.
Elizabeth and Robb’s plan had to change slightly when Covid shut everything down. I’m so happy they still decided to prioritize photos, though. I was still able to be their Santa Monica wedding photographer. They cut down their guest list significantly, changed their venue, and ended up getting married at Tongva Park in Santa Monica. The park is a well-kept secret, something you pass often without realizing it’s even a park. It’s just steps away from the Santa Monica Pier. But it wasn’t crowded and we had one of those amazing, golden sunsets.