Wedding Season is definitely kicking into gear! More engagement sessions and weddings are coming soon! This post features an incredibly lovely and very nice couple who came from sunny (and warm!) San Diego to a cool and very windy San Francisco for their engagement session. A storm had just blown through the night before. I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever heard and felt so much wind here before, but I simply can’t remember a more windy time… Rescheduling would have been hard because they were supposed to head back to San Diego the next day… So, after talking to Goncalo & Nancy that morning, we decided to brave the elements. It was sunny after all… just very very windy and not especially warm, that is for sure! And I have to say, I’m glad we did!

And so on a sunny, windy, and cool Monday afternoon, we headed out to Muir Woods National Monument. The wind wasn’t the only thing in our way – the park rangers actually almost didn’t let us in with my camera equipment. There could also be no off-camera flash, and we’d have to stay on paths only. The latter of which was fine – I completely understand the need to protect our national forests (the last thing we need is 100+ photographers and their subjects tromping through the fragile ecosystem nearly every day…). Nevertheless, when we factored in the crowds that were all over the paths (literally, there were hordes of people coming through the trails – who knew a random Monday could bring this many people…!), I knew we had our work cut out for us if we were to get our shots in such a narrow space! After all, a stroll through the trees just isn’t the same when there are crowds of people all wearing bright colors (OK, maybe like 90% of them, but still). And just when we thought we had a stretch of trail to ourselves… more people appeared, seemingly from out of nowhere! But we persevered. Actually, Goncalo & Nancy were really great sports about it and eventually, we found some trails that were a little more out of the way. Did we get our shots? Oh yes, we most certainly did!

Thank you so much Goncalo & Nancy for the amazing session! You both looked absolutely amazing and did such a great job braving first the crowds, and then the elements at the beach! I had a wonderful time with you and can’t wait to photograph your wedding this June! Enjoy your sneak peek (much much more to show you too!).

OK, so this first one is not from Muir Woods – it’s actually from windy China Beach in San Francisco, but I just love that sun flare!

The redwood trees really are quite breathtaking. I definitely want to go back with the family and do some hiking!I love this shot of them on the bridge.And then it was off to China Beach!I love this shot. The wind had actually blown all of this foam onto the shore.Goncalo was certainly brave getting wet! That water is COLD!!!!And lastly, for some outtakes… Just a few of those “in-between” moments that I think illustrate how much fun we were having (despite the frigid weather!). We were going for a particular shot, but in the process, suddenly found ourselves getting wet from one of those larger waves… The water here feels pretty much like ice water – it actually hurts to get your feet wet! Even if its just a little dousing…!And so, when your fiance is getting cold and wet, what should one do??Exactly!OK, one more! Thanks again Goncalo & Nancy! You both rock!!!