Colton Hall Museum - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Caroline + Jommel

If I were to describe Caroline + Jommel in one word, it’d be joyful! They were so much fun to work with, and they had an uplifting and optimistic energy about them.

Caroline + Jommel met online, and they’re looking forward to their big day! In the meantime, the engagement session felt like a huge milestone. I definitely think the euphoria of the upcoming wedding is starting to hit them!

During the two-hour session, we took our time exploring the Colton Hall Museum, and then we branched off to 17 Mile Drive Pacific Grove. Between those two locations, our session was magical!

The day was 10/10! Everything went smoothly. Even the light was gorgeous! Using the sun as my backlight, I captured photo after brilliant photo.

Throughout the photoshoot, Caroline + Jommel were so easy-going. They listened to all of my suggestions! I was so happy when they took my advice to bring a second outfit. Having the diversity adds so much variety and interest to their photos. The extra effort is worth it!

I especially enjoy taking engagement photos if I’ll see the couple later! It helps ease some nerves for the big day. Unfortunately, I won’t be photographing Caroline + Jommel’s wedding, but the same sentiment applies for any future session they might book with me.

What a fantastic engagement session, Caroline + Jommel! I hope your wedding goes as smoothly as our session did!

Coyote Creek Golf Course Wedding - Morgan Hill, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Alex + Delfina

Just last month, Alex + Delfina tied the knot at the Coyote Creek Golf Course in Morgan Hill, CA. It was such an honor to photograph their wedding because I also took their engagement photos in Filoli Gardens.

For Alex + Delfina, it all started when they met online. Alex wrote on his profile that he was looking for his girl with the yellow umbrella, a reference to the show How I Met Your Mother, and it was instant chemistry from there.

Delfina actually walked down the aisle with a yellow umbrella to commemorate the inside joke!

With a calm and balanced energy, it was impossible not to feel comfortable with Alex + Delfina! I am also Hispanic, so I felt right at home. We found lots of common ground.

The wedding was absolutely stunning, and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to photograph them again and work with other amazing vendors like All_Soiree_Dj_Entertainment, Events_coyotecreekgc, and dannysphotobooth!

The bride was perfectly radiant the entire time, and we made sure to keep things short so that we could all enjoy the air conditioning inside.

Since it was a very warm day with harsh lighting, we rose to the challenge during the formal photos and found locations around the club with some backlight. This way, no one had shadows on their faces.

During the first dance, the happy couple floated on cloud nine. Alex + Delfina chose orange and navy blue as their wedding colors, which is a really nice combination that I don’t see often.

Before the first dance, we had about a half hour to take advantage of the golden summer evening. This was the most gorgeous light of the day, and that’s why these photos are my favorites. Wishing you many happy years together, Alex + Delfina!

Holman Ranch Wedding - Carmel, CA - Drew Zavala Photo - Gaby + Kiko Alonso

Gaby + Kiko Alonso’s wedding was probably the best way to kick off my 2022 wedding season. The details, the vibes, the love in the air, music, history, and stories from both sides of the family just made the day feel incredible!

If you are getting married or attending a wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel, you are in for quite the treat, my friend! You are surrounded by beautiful oak trees with lush grass. The views of the Carmel Valley are just steps away and make an incredible backdrop for your ceremony!

My favorite part was heading up to the highest part of the property to catch some sunset portraits at Holman Ranch in Carmel. I’m so glad we took the 15 minutes to head up there. Most definitely worth it!

These photos speak for themselves; see below!