After photographing so many celebrations across California, I’ve noticed something consistent — couples are becoming more intentional.
Less performance, more presence.
Less “what should we do?” and more “what feels like us?”
Here’s what’s standing out.
Micro Weddings That Feel Like a Movie Scene
Micro weddings aren’t about budget. They’re about atmosphere.
One of my favorite examples was an intimate church ceremony at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church — quiet, emotional, beautifully traditional. Afterward, we spent 1.5 hours wandering around the church grounds, photographing just the two of them in that soft afternoon light. No rushing. No pressure.
Later, they hosted a 50-person dinner at Redbird, a Michelin-starred restaurant, just close friends and family. Long tables. Candlelight. Style and timeless elegance with European city vibe.
That’s what makes micro weddings so powerful:
- You can choose a meaningful ceremony space
- You have time for portraits without feeling pulled in ten directions
- Your dinner feels so cozy yet very stylish and delish!
It’s intimate without feeling small. Elevated without feeling performative.
That was just one example of how it can look. The sky is the limit – lean into what genuinely feels like you and prioritize the atmosphere that reflects your vibe.
Outdoor Elopements & Intentional Destination Days
Couples aren’t choosing outdoor elopements because they’re trendy. They’re choosing them because they want the day to feel personal, unforced, and deeply theirs.
One of my favorite weddings was in Morro Bay — a small coastal town that feels like it exists slightly outside of time. The ceremony took place inside a tiny bookstore with a chapel and garden tucked behind it. Intimate, quiet, almost secret and so unique!
Afterward, we wandered down to Morro Rock beach. The weather was perfect and the two of them just ran along the coast, laughing, holding hands, completely in their own world. No audience. No performance. Just them and me capturing their pure chemistry.
That’s the magic of intentional destination days.
After that they ended the evening with fresh seafood (of course!) at a local restaurant with closest friends and family.
Outdoor elopements and intentional destination weddings give you space to actually experience your day without rush, strict timelines and unwanted crowds.
And when you look back at the photos, you don’t just remember how it looked. You remember how it felt.
Wedding Venues That Define the Atmosphere
More and more couples are moving away from blank ballrooms and choosing spaces with character — venues that already carry mood, texture, and history.
Because when a space has personality, you don’t need to over-decorate. And minimalism is another trend of 2026/27 and one of my favorite. The architecture, the light, the details — they already tell a story.
Places like:
Grass Room DTLA — a jungle in the heart of DTLA, layered with greenery and industrial textures. It’s perfect for stylish couples who love that city edge but still want intimacy and mood.
The Oviatt — pure art deco drama. Architectural lines, historic elegance, and ceremony views overlooking the downtown skyline. It feels cinematic without trying too hard.
The Lodge at Malibou Lake — relaxed, nature-wrapped elegance. Private lake views, warm wood tones, and an atmosphere that feels like a French film set somewhere outside the city.
The Ebell Club Long Beach — an architectural masterpiece. A sun-filled ballroom for the ceremony, followed by a dramatic, almost gothic reception space with endless corners for layered, atmospheric portraits.
These venues don’t just host weddings — they shape them.
Engagement Sessions as Part of the Journey
Engagement sessions aren’t just about getting photos for your save-the-date. They’re about building comfort, trust, and rhythm before your wedding day.
Most couples tell me they feel a little awkward in front of the camera at first — which is completely normal. An engagement session gives us space to move through that together, without the pressure of a timeline, guests waiting, or a schedule to keep.
It becomes a creative collaboration. We discover how you naturally move together. What makes you laugh. How you instinctively hold each other. These small things matter more than you think.
By the time your wedding day arrives, you’re not wondering what to do or how it will feel. You’re already comfortable. You know me and trust me. You know how I guide you — gently and intuitively.
And that removes one more thing to worry about on a day that already has enough moving parts. Instead of thinking about the camera, you can simply be present. The photos feel more fluid and natural.
It’s also a chance to document a different chapter of your story — in the cafe where you met, at the beach you love, in your home on a slow Sunday morning, or somewhere that feels completely separate from your wedding aesthetic and yet tells your story.
Your wedding day is one part of your story. An engagement session makes the journey feel complete.
And years from now, you’ll be grateful you had both and documented the whole chapter.
A Final Thought
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after photographing so many weddings, it’s this:
You don’t have to over-plan every detail.
The most beautiful celebrations aren’t the ones with the longest spreadsheets — they’re the ones where the couple feels present.
Ask for help
Lean on your vendors
We’re not just showing up with cameras or flowers or timelines — we’re here because we genuinely care about how your day feels. We’ve seen what works, what creates stress, what flows naturally, and what actually matters in the end.
And don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for advice:
About venues
About hidden portrait spots
About timeline flow
About whether that dress will move beautifully in wind or photograph well in candlelight
Trust me — we’ve seen a lot. We carry a kind of quiet experience with us from wedding to wedding, and most of us love sharing it. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Choose what feels aligned with you.
Surround yourself with people you trust.
And leave space for the day to unfold. That’s when the magic happens!
Helpful tips
Malibu Dreamy Engagement Session
Timeless fairytale wedding in the heart of Los Angeles
Best City Hall & Courthouse Elopement Locations in California (Photographer’s Guide)
How to Elope at Pasadena City Hall (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Light)
Windswept Love: An Adventure Engagement at Red Rock Canyon
Best Wedding Venues in California: Hidden Gems, Forest Escapes & Budget-Friendly Options
