Miranda and I have been friends for a long time, since 8th grade to be exact! It all started when she came to SPSG from Park School and we hit it off right away. I’m not sure exactly the moment or the conversation that started our friendship but we bonded over a love for Tommy Boy, funny accents and just being all around goofy. Our sleepovers were full of corny movies, snacks – lots and lots and lots of snacks and of course talking about boys. We were friends through our first big crushes (who will of course remain nameless), dances – Calvert Hall dances in which we spent way to much time getting ready, our first boyfriends, heart breaks, and everything else in between.
When you’ve been friends this long you seen it all and know almost everything about each other. So when we were younger we used to dream up the perfect future guy for each of us. Then we would try to pretend that the guys we were with were those perfect fits without being able to conceptualize anything different. But I always had a feeling about Miranda’s future husband. He had to be someone who was quirky and fun loving, who didn’t take himself too seriously but could also held a reverence for the world and what it has to offer. Someone who would want to go to the museum and look at ancient Maps but also would have a fabulous sense of humor. Pete is all of this and more. So much more!! He’s a perfect fit. You can tell he challenges her in and compliments her all at the same time and adores her.
So when Miranda asked me to fly out to Los Angeles and take their engagement pictures, I jumped at the chance! I took two personal days from work and hopped on a plane to head west for the weekend. The best part of the weekend was that it felt as though no time had passed. We spent the whole weekend, laughing, reminiscing and celebrating all the exciting changes that are happening.
When we set out to do the engagement session I knew it was going to be fantastic because they were both so willing to do whatever it took to get beautiful images and boy did we ever. We started the day exploring a nature trail in the desert right outside of Malibu. What is neat about LA is that we were in the desert – the d.e.s.e.r.t. and yet we could comfortably wear jeans and a t-shirt. It was warm without being hot and because there isn’t any humidity it is just comfortable. It didn’t take long to find good location spots. We got out of the car and before we even started I knew we hit a gold mine. The light was perfect! So at the very entrance of the trail – right next to the parking lot, I had them start posing because everything about it was gorgeous.
After the trail we went out to get lunch and then headed over to Matador Beach for some beautiful beach images. I mean when you live in LA you have to get some images at the beach. Well this was probably one of the most gorgeous places I’ve been too but we weren’t the only ones there with the same idea. In fact I’d be willing to bet that there was around 10 other photographers there doing portrait sessions ranging from family sessions to engagements to maternity to fashion. Considering the beach was relatively narrow it felt packed and slightly overwhelming because people were obviously staking out the good spots. Even through the crowds though we were able to some really amazing images. And the sunset was unbelievable.
Miranda and Pete – I feel so blessed to have gotten to come visit you guys and take these images. I’m obsessed with the images and I’m so happy for the two of you! You are both so open hearted and kind and I love having you both in my life. Thank you for a wonderful weekend and letting me be a tourist in your super cool town! (And taking me to Whole Foods to secretly look for celebs) OH AND PETE!! Thanks for the AMAZING FOOD! This guy needs to be on his own cooking show – seriously AMAZING!
