Colton Hall - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Lucy + Jesus

Lucy and Jesus' engagement photoshoot was one for the books. It was such a pleasure to make memories with them, and they have such vibrant personalities that it was impossible not to have fun!

Let’s witness their love unfold against the stunning backdrops of Colton Hall and the beach! These locations were everything we needed and more to bring their love story to life. Check it out!

Lucy, a dedicated nurse, and Jesus, a skilled construction worker, meticulously planned every detail of their engagement session, including brand new outfits! They wanted to make sure that everything turned out perfect, and they executed their vision so well.

They were also a dream in front of the camera. I usually give about 99% of the direction, but that last 1% takes things so far! Lucy and Jesus nailed it.

Lucy even had some great ideas of her own. She had a particular photo that she wanted taken, so we tried out her pose in several different locations to make sure she got the shot she wanted.

I’m so glad that we scheduled our session pretty early in the evening, because they ended up hitting unexpected traffic. Fortunately, their effective communication ensured that we could still visit all the locations on their list — and even have time for an outfit change!

My handy-dandy changing tent was perfect for the occasion since there were no public bathrooms near the beach. It’s definitely a ton easier to change in there than in your car.

Lucy and Jesus embraced the romantic ambiance. They even brought along a bottle of champagne! This was such a great touch to their session.

I am eagerly anticipating their wedding, which will happen in August. We’ll be photographing it too, and I’m so excited! As a Monterey and Carmel engagement photographer, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with couples like Lucy and Jesus, and I can’t wait to document the magical moments of their upcoming wedding. Thanks so much for choosing me as your engagement photographer!

Colton Hall + Asilomar State Beach - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Janet + Manny’s Engagement

Engagement sessions are an excellent way to capture the essence of a couple's relationship and their love story. Janet + Manny's engagement session was no exception. We went to two stunning locations: Colton Hall Museum and Asilomar State Beach, two of my favorites!

They were a joy to work with, and their love for each other was evident in every shot. Manny lives in Utah, and Janet lives in Watsonville, so it was extra special for them to have their engagement session in Monterey, a location that is meaningful to both of them.

Janet will be moving to Utah after the wedding, so choosing to have engagement photos here meant a lot to her. Because of that, I know that the photos from this engagement session are going to be treasured as an essential piece of their story.

During our consultation call, Janet described herself as a "planner," and it was clear that she wasn’t lying! She put a lot of thought and effort into preparing for the session, and it definitely shows in the final result. They communicated their needs and wants clearly, and they knew exactly what they wanted to achieve. It made my job much easier, and we were able to create stunning images that captured the essence of their relationship.

When it came time to choose a location, I provided them with my location recommendation guide. They were drawn to the Colton Hall and Asilomar State Beach. These locations are a go-to of mine for any kind of session, and we were able to capture a variety of beautiful shots that showcased the couple's love for each other.

On the day of the session, Janet's makeup was flawless. She had done it all herself, and it looked like it was done by a professional. I was impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to create a look that suited her perfectly. Manny also looked dashing in his outfit, and their outfits complemented each other beautifully.

Unfortunately, the California coast had been affected by storms a few months prior, and Asilomar beach was not in its best shape. Parts of the beach were inaccessible due to beach cleanup and erosion, which made it challenging to get the perfect shot. However, we were able to maneuver around and find the perfect angles to minimize or eliminate the distractions.

Overall, my engagement session with Janet + Manny was a fantastic experience. They were punctual, communicative, and had a clear vision of what they wanted. I know they enjoyed themselves just as much as I did! I’m looking forward to photographing and filming their wedding on April 21 at Jardines San Juan, and I can't wait to see what their special day will be like.

If you're thinking about having an engagement session, my advice would be to have fun with it and be yourself. Choose a location that has a special meaning to you, and don't be afraid to incorporate personal touches into your shoot. Whether it's bringing your furry friend along or wearing your favorite outfit, make sure that you feel comfortable and confident, and your personality will shine through in the photos.

At Drew Zavala Photo, we specialize in engagement, wedding, and portrait photography, and we would love to help you capture your special moments. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Colton Hall Museum - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Jose + Carolina

If you're looking for a photographer in California to capture your engagement session, look no further! Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing Jose + Carolina's engagement at the beautiful Colton Hall Museum, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results.

From the moment we met Jose + Carolina, we knew they were going to be wonderful to work with. They were both so kind and easygoing, and you could tell they were genuinely in love with each other.

As a photographer, it's always great to work with couples who are already comfortable in front of the camera, but we understand that not everyone is like that, especially when it's your first time doing a professional photoshoot. At the beginning of the session, Jose + Carolina were a little stiff and cold, but that's completely normal. I wasn’t phased at all!

We always give our clients some time to warm up and get comfortable, and that's exactly what happened with these two. With a couple warm ups and ice breakers, Jose + Carolina were able to take a deep breath and enjoy the session.

After that, they were so natural that you would’ve thought they were models! I’m so proud of them and how well they adapted. Their photos turned out beautifully.

Colton Hall Museum was the perfect location for this engagement session. The historic building and grounds provided a beautiful backdrop for the photos, and we were able to capture some truly stunning shots. The architecture and landscaping are everything and more, and we were able to play around with different angles and perspectives to create some unique images.

We're excited to say that we'll be photographing and filming Jose + Carolina's wedding in April. They are expecting a ton of guests, so it's going to be a big event. We can't wait to be a part of their special day and capture all of the beautiful moments for them.

If you're looking for a photographer in California for your engagement session or wedding, we would love to work with you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let's create some beautiful memories together!