Coffee shops and Sunset Beaches in Venice, Ca Engagement Session | Jayna and Daniel
Coffee shops and Sunset Beaches in Venice, Ca Engagement Session | Jayna and Daniel

Jayna and Daniel have the sweetest love story, and when we had a change to do an engagement session in Venice, Ca before their wedding day I was stoked! Traveling from Washington DC, they planned a destination wedding in Santa Margarita, Ca from across the country; we were not entirely sure that our schedules would match up for an engagement session in California! I am so glad that they did, because everything about this sunset session was magical. We started at the Flowerboy Project, a local coffee shop in Venice that these two used to frequent; and ended up at that Venice Pier, in Venice, Ca to wrap up their engagement session.

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EngagementJennifer LourieCalifornia, Venice Pier, Los Angeles, Destination
Holbrook Palmer Park Family Session in Atherton, Ca | Stahl Family
Holbrook Palmer Park Family Session in Atherton, Ca | Stahl Family

So when the Stahl’s told me that they wanted to shoot near Menlo Park Fire Station to use a fire truck, I didn’t know that me meant he planned on borrowing one and driving it to Holbrook Palmer Park in Atherton, Ca. Michael is a firefighter, and if every shoot I ever photograph in the future has a fire truck, a dog, and two cute kids; I would be in heaven. Not to mention that it was such a pleasure getting to finally meet baby Kylan, who I photographed a year earlier when Marlee was pregnant with him!

The fire truck on the other hand, I have never had the pleasure of meeting. Old Tom was built in 1935, serving the town of Sausalito for over twenty years. In 1999, the Firefighters Association decided to give Old Tom a renovation, making him a gorgeous staple to the Menlo Park area.

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FamilyJennifer LourieHolbrook Palmer Park, California
Happy 28th Birthday Jennifer Lourie!
Happy 28th Birthday Jennifer Lourie!

Today is my birthday, and not just any birthday, that weird phenomenon of birthdays where I am 28 on February 28! So I thought it was only fitting to do a quick blog post about some of my favorite things. I know there’s a nice little professional synopsis on the actual about page, so I wanted to shamelessly slam this page with pictures of my favorite places, and some random facts. I try to share a little bit more real life on my Instagram page, so if you follow along on there you probably already know some of this! 

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PersonalJennifer Lourie
Fall Family Session at Roberts Christmas Tree Farm in Pollock Pines, Ca | Wilson Family
Fall Family Session at Roberts Christmas Tree Farm in Pollock Pines, Ca | Wilson Family

I originally met this glowing mama to be at our Senior Prom, so when I had the chance to photograph Jessicca when she was pregnant with her third little one; I absolutely jumped at the chance! Roberts Christmas Tree Farm in Pollock Pines, Ca provides the perfect holiday backdrop for not only maternity photos but family photos. Their little girls played with leaves, looked for fairies, and climbed tree stumps in this beautiful woodsy area. It was hard to not fall madly in love with this family, and baby fever is a real thing when you get to hang out with two kids as sweet as these.

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FamilyJennifer LourieMaternity, Roberts Christmas Tree Farm, California, Placerville
Leo Carrillo State Beach Engagement Session in Malibu, Ca | Dasha and James
Leo Carrillo State Beach Engagement Session in Malibu, Ca | Dasha and James

I had the chance to photograph Dasha and James for their engagement session at the Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, California, and we had probably one of the prettiest Southern California sunsets ever. Combine that with Dasha’s stunning red dress, some birds who were not minding their own business and this engagement session was definitely memorable.

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EngagementJennifer LourieLeo Carrillo State Beach, California, Malibu, Destination
Casa de la Guerra Wedding in Santa Barbara, Ca | Andres and Rafael
Casa de la Guerra Wedding in Santa Barbara, Ca | Andres and Rafael

Andres and Rafael ended their wedding at Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara, Ca, but started their beautiful day at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Not only do I absolutely love the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Barbara, Ca for all of my weddings, but I love it even more when my couple designs their entire reception from scratch at a nearby historic home built in 1828. Andres and Rafael started their wedding day at the courthouse, getting married in the historic mural room. It has in the past been called “the unquestionable masterpiece of the courthouse interior,” and that could not be more accurate with the artwork. Designed for use in 1929, the room now serves as a ceremony venue for locals and tourists alike to get married. We wandered the courthouse doing some photos, and I can never get over how stunning the architecture is.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCasa de la Guerra, California, Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara, Destination
Cass Winery Wedding in Pasa Robles, Ca | Terra and Jeff
Cass Winery Wedding in Pasa Robles, Ca | Terra and Jeff

It was such a blast getting to photograph Jeff and Terra’s wedding at Cass Winery in Pasa Robles, Ca. This awesome venue has a separate off-site getting ready house for the girls, allowing them to get ready nearby but also free from hassle of any early arriving guests. It also allows for the most gorgeous first look location, up a flight of stairs and under a tree for a private moment for bride and groom. Cass Winery also not only hosts 145 acres of vines, but you can get married under a 200 year old heritage oak tree- which Jeff and Terra did.

These two added in so many special elements to their day, wanting to represent themselves in all of the planning. Besides all of the rustic elements to compliment the venue, they also decided to include a doughnut bar instead of a cake! I have had so many couples tell me that they don’t even like cake, but were doing it because they felt they had to; so when I see one of my amazing couples go an alternative route, I am so so happy for them! The evening was complete with some off the wall dancing, teary eyed speeches, and a evening tunnel leading to their getaway car. Cass Winery actually provides a 1947 Chrysler limo throughout the day to use for pictures, entrance to the ceremony, and a quick get away!

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Cass Winery Wedding, San Luis Obispo, Destination
Sunset Manhattan Beach Pier Family Session in Manhattan Beach, Ca | Bernatowicz Family
Sunset Manhattan Beach Pier Family Session in Manhattan Beach, Ca | Bernatowicz Family

I’m absolutely loving the age of four. I had the pleasure of getting to photograph the Bernatowicz family again at the Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, Ca. The age of four doesn’t mean that Jackson still doesn’t love his Transformer’s, but it does mean they are advanced enough that the sand at the beach would destroy them. Speaking of sand, 2018 was apparently the year of sand. From the moment the four of them (including the adorable and always loved dog Holly) stepped on the beach, Jackson could not get enough of it. From sand angels, to the spontaneous jaunt into the ocean to kick the sand; it was a good thing the family was headed to pizza for dinner. Which I can proudly say I was even invited to by Jackson himself. Go watch him grow up, because it couldn’t be cuter.

Newborn
6 Months & 1 Years Old
2 Years Old
3 Years Old

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FamilyJennifer LourieManhattan Beach Pier, California, Los Angeles
DIY Tropical Wedding in Santa Cruz, Ca | Erika and Peter
DIY Tropical Wedding in Santa Cruz, Ca | Erika and Peter

Something Turquoise, an awesome DIY blog, featured Erika and Peter and a write up about their DIY wedding!

Erika and Peter had the most unique Do It Yourself (DIY) wedding at a families residence in Santa Cruz, Ca. Between ordering the flowers online from Hawaii to create their arch and bouquets, or staying up all night creating hand waxed place setting- everything about this wedding was straight out of Erika and Peter’s dreams. It was such an amazing experience to get to photograph their wedding day and see everything we had talked about to come to fruition.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Backyard, Santa Cruz, Destination
Summer Lincoln Park Zoo Engagement in Chicago, IL | Julie and Jon
Summer Lincoln Park Zoo Engagement in Chicago, IL | Julie and Jon

I am so in love with the Chicago, IL skyline, and how many places around the city you can view it’s picturesque beauty for engagement pictures! Julie and Jon chose the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and the Lincoln Park Zoo for our photo locations, and they definitely did not disappoint. Filled with so much greenery, they were a perfect compliment to our spring day walking around. I love getting to hear my couple’s stories, and especially when they meet online! These two met on Match.com, and had their first date back on 12/13/14. I’m so excited to get to photograph their wedding later this year at the Eagle Brook Country Club and it was definitely such a fun adventure to walk around the city exploring. Check out their proposal story below, and see just how cute they are.

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EngagementJennifer LourieLincoln Park, Illinois, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Chicago, Destination
Limoneira Ranch Wedding Reception in Santa Paula, Ca | Lupita and Omar
Limoneira Ranch Wedding Reception in Santa Paula, Ca | Lupita and Omar

I absolutely love Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, Ca, and it was made all the better by the beautiful presence of getting to photograph Lupita and Omar at their wedding. These two high school sweethearts wanted the day to be about family, and that was exactly how the day turned out. Surrounded by their 300 family members and friends, the day was filled with music and celebration. It was amazing to see Omar and Lupita again after their engagement session at Limoneira Ranch earlier this year. Omar used to work at Limoneira Ranch, so we were able to explore the orchard in all of its sunset glory.

Limoneira Ranch is 7,300-acres of the county’s largest producer of avocados, lemons, and oranges. When someone has a wedding here, the guests get to take home oranges as a wedding favor, which is such a cool feature at the end of the evening. Not to mention Lupita and Omar having a popcorn cart, taco bar, and other delicious reception snacks. These two are absolutely such a blast to get to spend the day with, and I can’t wait to see the adventures they go on next.

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WeddingJennifer LourieLimoneira Ranch, California, Ventura, Destination
Sly Park Falls Wedding in Pollock Pines, Ca | Meghan and Craig
Sly Park Falls Wedding in Pollock Pines, Ca | Meghan and Craig

When I came upon Sly Park Falls after a hot, 5 mile hike, I knew that this place was straight out of a fairy tale and the perfect location for wedding portraits. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains off of Jenkinson Lake in Northern California near Pollock Pines, it is hard to believe this beauty is man-made. At roughly 33 feet high, you would think it would be a popular swimming hole, but the locals have kept it mostly a secret, and the place usually only has a few visitors.

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WeddingJennifer LourieTrash the Dress, California, Placerville, Destination
Sunset Engagement Session at Imperial Sand Dunes | Gaby and Josh
Sunset Engagement Session at Imperial Sand Dunes | Gaby and Josh

I can’t love a couple harder than when they want to do something amazing, including driving 8 hours round trip to the middle of nowhere to take their engagement photos at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, sometimes just known as the Glamis sand dunes. Known for being the largest sand dunes in the state, they were formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Extending for more than 45 miles, with dunes reaching heights of 300 feet above the desert floor. I have to say the whole experience was out of this world, especially based on the many movies that have graced the area. Including but definitely not limited to the original Stargate, Resident Evil : Extinction, and Star Wars : Return of the Jedi! It was so much fun getting to spend the day with Gaby and Josh, and the pictures tell a story of so much love between these two high school sweethearts. Check out their proposal below, and learn why these two are pretty much the best.

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EngagementJennifer LourieCalifornia, Imperial Sand Dunes
Intimate LGBTQ Wedding on the Grand Belle of Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wi | Alex and Asa
Intimate LGBTQ Wedding on the Grand Belle of Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wi | Alex and Asa

I love Alex and Asa’s boat wedding so much. It was everything that represents these two, and that is unique! They decided to get married at sunset on the Grand Belle of Geneva, on Lake Geneva. While rushing to fight some potential rain on the horizon, we did some fun portraits on the pier than jumped aboard. After getting situated, the Grand Belle took off onto the lake, and then we started their ceremony. Alex and Asa wanted to have a string quartet play during the whole affair, and their goal was to also insert parts of themselves throughout the ceremony. They both said their own vows, basically filled with jokes that had the entire room giggling. I am such a sucker for boats, and the lake; and it was such an adventure to capture this beautiful day for these two! In their words, they wanted “a nautical theme with a classy ambiance (string quartet), but not too serious or stuffy. We'll probably inject some humor into the ceremony,” and I’d say that was the exact definition of the evening.

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WeddingJennifer LourieIntimate, Wisconsin, Lake Geneva, Destination
Ojai Olive Oil Family Session in Ojai, Ca | Bekah and Jay
Ojai Olive Oil Family Session in Ojai, Ca | Bekah and Jay

No family session is complete without their canine family members, and The Daily Dog Tag absolutely agreed when they published these beauties!

It was such a blast getting to watch these two roam around Ojai Olive Oil in Ojai California, and by these two I definitely mean Abbie and Tucker, Rebekah and Jason’s pups! I’ve gotten to hang with them two other times for their engagement session, and an anniversary session; and I pretty much love them.

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FamilyJennifer LourieOjai Olive Oil, California, Dog, Ventura
Intimate Manuela at Hauser and Wirth Wedding in Los Angeles, Ca | Elizabeth and Tim
Intimate Manuela at Hauser and Wirth Wedding in Los Angeles, Ca | Elizabeth and Tim

I absolutely love intimate weddings, and Elizabeth and Tim had exactly that. Not only was it a family style dinner hosted by Manuela, serving the best locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients in downtown Los Angeles, Ca, but they also had a very short and emotional mini-mony in the Hauser & Wirth courtyard. Hauser & Wirth is a stunning art gallery installation and communal space in the heart of the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District. Complete with chickens, an underwear installation, and beautifully decorated walls; Hauser & Wirth rotate between local contributions. T

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WeddingJennifer LourieIntimate, Manuela at Hauser & Wirth, California, Los Angeles, Destination
Fall Wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca | Angie and Nick
Fall Wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca | Angie and Nick

Angie and Nick’s wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca was everything they envisioned and so much more. When I talked to Angie about her vision for the big day, she said she wanted it to feel like a “romantic dark forest theme, with a little bit of vintage style as well”. Well I think they absolutely nailed it! SkyPark at Santa's Village is the most beautiful forest venue, paired with an amusement park? Which sounds crazy, but surprisingly works incredibly well. The backdrop for not only the ceremony, but the entire reception is surrounded by a portion of 230 acres of natural forest. The bride and groom even get to adventure into the middle of that forest for their first look, as well as portraits.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, SkyPark at Santa's Village, Los Angeles, Destination
Olive Park Winter Engagement in Chicago, IL | Alyssa and Andrew
Olive Park Winter Engagement in Chicago, IL | Alyssa and Andrew

When I told everyone that I wanted to start shooting in Chicago, IL regularly, people thought I was insane. I was told that Chicago has no sunsets, it will never match what I’m used to photographing out in California. I was told it was cold, and at the end of the day, I was going to hate it. Well, they say the grass is always greener, but I have to say I still believe that the Chicago grass is pretty dang awesome.

I had the chance to meet with and photograph Alyssa and Andrew during their short stint in Chicago, before moving to Portland, Oregon. These two were absolutely the best to get to photograph and explore Milton Lee Olive Park, especially since it was the middle of winter and a bit cold outside. Besides walking down to the nearby beach, we also explored the entire boardwalk- while the beautiful Illinois sun was setting! Alyssa and Andrew could absolutely not be cuter, and are the epitome of a couple completely in love, and their wedding rings are just to die for. Not to mention the iconic view in front of the Chicago skyline made the whole evening just complete.

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EngagementJennifer LourieIllinois, Milton Lee Olive Park, Chicago, Destination
Lizards Mouth sunset Engagement Session in Santa Barbara, Ca | Rachel and Jon
Lizards Mouth sunset Engagement Session in Santa Barbara, Ca | Rachel and Jon

You could say that I am mildly obsessed with Lizards Mouth Rock trail in Santa Barbara, Ca. It’s hard to not be though, and it is definitely one of my favorite places for an engagement session, or a picnic, or a walk. After showing Rachel and Jon some pictures of this incredible place, it wasn’t hard to convince them that it was the perfect place for us to photograph their engagement. Rachel and Jon are getting married next October at Bella Vista Groves in Fillmore, Ca; so having some grandeur views of Santa Barbara was the absolute perfect juxtaposition for the grandeur views of Santa Clarita we will have then.

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EngagementJennifer LourieLizards Mouth, California, Santa Barbara, Destination