Monterey Proposal at Lovers Point | Matthew & Angela

Some proposals just have that feel-good energy from start to finish — and Matthew and Angela’s was exactly that.

Matthew and Angela are from the SoCal / Los Angeles area, and after 8 years together, Monterey has become a special place for them. It’s something of a tradition — coming up the coast, slowing down, and soaking in the scenery together. While Carmel never quite clicked for them, they completely fell in love with Pacific Grove — and honestly, I get it.

A couple of weeks before the proposal, Matthew reached out and let me know they’d be staying near Lovers Point and that he wanted to propose there. Lovers Point is iconic for a reason, but it can also get very crowded. I suggested a quieter spot just a little way down the trail — still close enough to feel connected to the moment, but far enough to avoid the big crowds. He trusted the idea, and once we locked it in, everything was set.

When the moment came, Angela was completely floored. The look on her face said it all. Matthew dropped to one knee, and right on cue, a runner passing by on the trail shouted, “Whooo! Congrats, bro!” — one of those perfectly unplanned moments that made everyone laugh and made the proposal feel even more real and joyful.

Afterward, we did a relaxed mini session around the area. No pressure, no stiff posing — just the two of them soaking it all in, laughing, and enjoying that just-engaged feeling with the Pacific Grove coastline as the backdrop.

Later that evening, Matthew texted me to say thank you — for helping make the experience smooth, for recommending the location, and for making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Messages like that never get old.

Matthew and Angela, congratulations again. Thank you for trusting me with such a big moment and for choosing the Monterey Peninsula to start this next chapter together.

Thinking About Proposing in Monterey or Pacific Grove?

If you’re planning a Monterey proposal, Lovers Point proposal, or a Pacific Grove engagement, having someone local can make all the difference — especially when it comes to timing, crowds, and choosing the right spot.

I help with:

• Location recommendations (crowded vs. hidden gems)

• Timing around light and foot traffic

• Staying discreet but ready

• A relaxed mini session after the proposal

If you’re looking for a Monterey proposal photographer, Lovers Point proposal photos, or Pacific Grove engagement photography, I’d love to help make it an experience you’ll never forget.

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Drew Zavala

Monterey Proposal Photographer | Drew Zavala Photo

A Classy New Year’s Eve Wedding at Guglielmo Winery | Kendra & Emilio

Some weddings just stick with you—and Kendra and Emilio’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Guglielmo Winery was one of those nights.

It was cold, wet, and rainy (very rainy), but honestly? That just added to the vibe. Guests leaned into it, everyone dressed in black and white, and the whole day felt timeless, elegant, and intentional. One of those weddings where you could feel the energy the moment you arrived.

They chose to do a first look, which gave us some quiet, meaningful moments before the party really kicked off. From there, the day flowed perfectly into their East Coast countdown, letting everyone celebrate the New Year early and keep the dance floor alive all night long.

The reception took place indoors under Guglielmo’s large white tent—warm, glowing, and full of movement. There was non-stop dancing, laughter everywhere, and that kind of joy that only comes when two families truly come together.

One of my favorite personal details? Kendra’s shoes. She had custom all-white Converse made, with “Nogales” and their wedding date printed on the back. Simple, personal, and very them.

But the moment that hit me the hardest—and one I’m really grateful I was able to capture—was Emilio dancing with Avery. Kendra’s daughter. Now their daughter. Watching Emilio embrace her during that dance was powerful. Quiet, emotional, and full of meaning. It wasn’t just a wedding—it was the start of a family of three.

What a way to wrap up my 2025 wedding season. Rain and all, this one was special from start to finish.

Kendra and Emilio, thank you for trusting me to document such an important chapter of your lives. I won’t forget this night anytime soon.

Dakota & Valerie’s Swank Farms Wedding – Cozy Night, Dino Vibes & Dancing

This past Saturday we had the honor of photographing Dakota and Valerie’s wedding, and it was one of those days that just felt good from start to finish.

We started the day with getting-ready photos – the quiet moments, the final touches, and all the little details that make the day feel real. There was that mix of nerves and excitement you can only get on a wedding day, surrounded by family and friends helping out, laughing, and keeping the vibe light.

From there, we captured parts of their ceremony as they officially tied the knot, and then it was off to Swank Farms for their reception. If you’ve never been, Swank Farms has such a fun personality as a venue – wide open spaces, a cozy rustic feel, and yes… dinosaurs.

We took advantage of the dinosaur statues for some playful portraits of Dakota and Valerie. It was the perfect combo of romantic and fun: one second they’re cuddled up in a sweet moment, the next they’re laughing in front of a giant dino like a couple of big kids. Those photos are definitely some of our favorites from the day.

As the sun went down, the temperature dropped and it got cold and a little windy – but that didn’t slow anyone down. The dance floor stayed packed all night. Dakota and Valerie, their bridal party, and their guests kept moving, laughing, and dancing to stay warm, and it honestly added to the whole cozy, bundled-up, winter-night vibe.

We also grabbed some exterior shots of the venue and a few portraits of the two of them under the evening lights – jackets on, holding each other close, just soaking it all in.

These are just about 30 sneak peeks from the day, but they already tell such a good story: a little bit of romance, a little bit of goofiness with dinosaurs, some chilly weather, and a whole lot of love.

Dakota and Valerie – thank you for trusting us to capture your day. We can’t wait to share the full gallery with you soon. 🦕✨