Asilomar State Beach - Pacific Grove, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Jennsy + Alexis

Last month, I packed up my camera bag and headed to Asilomar State Beach—a favorite spot of mine! Jennsy + Alexis met me there for an absolutely gorgeous engagement session. Congratulations, you two!

One of my favorite parts about my job is that I get to meet new people and learn their stories! Jennsy + Alexis were so sweet and charming. I loved getting to know them during our session. It turns out, they have a pretty cute love story, too!

Jennsy + Alexis are both Registered Dental Assistants, and they actually work in the same office, but they have known each other for a long time. Alexis is friends with Jennsy’s sister, but he never really noticed her until they grew older.

After that, he started developing feelings for her, and then they began working at the same office! Coincidence? I think not!

Once we got to the beach, it was like the world knew we were coming! The weather was crazy good, and that really set the mood for our engagement session.

They brought two outfits, and both showed different sides of their personalities. With a casual outfit and a more semi-formal one, we got some fantastic variety! I loved both outfits, but the second set was definitely my favorite. I could tell it was theirs, too!

Jennsy + Alexis also brought some cheap champagne to the shoot for some epic spraying shots. Champagne can be a bit predictable, so I recommend bringing a couple in case the first one doesn’t spray the way we want it to! Overall, these shots were so much fun.

Watching them celebrate in the glory of the day was one of the most uplifting things ever. These two are so happy to be together, and I’m brimming with joy just watching them!

When I sent them their gallery, they were overcome with joy all over again. “THESE ARE SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH DREW WE HAD A BLAST!” Alexis wrote, caps and all. “THESE ARE LITERALLY THE WAY I ENVISIONED OUR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES COMING OUT!”

I had a blast too, Alexis! And thanks so much for your encouraging and heartfelt words! I’m so glad that you and Jennsy love these as much as I do. It was definitely one of my absolute favorite engagement sessions. Thanks for choosing me as your engagement photographer!

Coyote Creek Golf Course - Morgan Hill, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Carolina + Vic

Carolina + Vic’s wedding at the Coyote Creek Golf Course was an absolute dream! I can’t imagine a more beautiful place for a wedding in Morgan Hill, CA.

We were a bit worried on the day of the wedding because the weather forecast predicted some rain, but thankfully, it didn’t happen. We did have a cold breeze during the ceremony and portraits, but seeing Carolina + Vic tie the knot was worth it! Their love was definitely warm enough.

When planning the wedding, these two were so eager to get a timeline set in place. That was so helpful, because timelines always help everything run smoothly. There were a bunch of vendors to coordinate with, so we all collaborated to ensure that everything was on time. It was a great team effort!

Carolina + Vic chose great vendors! Working alongside Danny’s Photo Booth and Soiree DJ Entertainment was a breeze. They went above and beyond to make Carolina + Vic’s day as special as possible.

As for my part, I was efficient and quick with family photos. It was pretty cold outside, so everyone was shivering a little bit. Fortunately, family photos happen in groups, so I moved from one group to the next so the free birds could head inside.

I used one of my favorite photography techniques during a quick portrait session with the couple. Keeping my eye on the sun, I waited until it was just a bit behind the mountains. The sun didn’t blare into my lens like it did earlier, instead creating a soft, romantic halo.

Sure enough, magic happened! Needless to say, we got some epic portraits! This technique never fails to give us stunning shots.

I also used a long exposure while shooting photos on the dance floor! This shows a little extra movement, and I love how it makes these photos so lively!

The guests did a traditional Mexican dance with Vic. They even threw him up in the air! He almost hit the ceiling, but fortunately he didn’t. Vic + Carolina also choreographed their first dance, and it was such a precious moment between them.

Your wedding was stunning, Vic + Carolina! It was a real pleasure to photograph this huge next step in your relationship. I hope you cherish the newlywed phase, and I wish you many happy years after that!

Woodsy Location - Pacific Grove, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Patty + Maurilio

Patty + Maurilio are such an amazing couple, and I’m over the moon that they booked me for both their engagement session and their wedding.

These two lovebirds met when they were young, and their friendship slowly developed into a gorgeous romance.

Patty loves Maurilio because of his big heart. He always helps everyone, and he’s very friendly and soothing to be around. I definitely felt that during our session! Since it was their first time having professional photos done, Patty was a little nervous, but Maurilio was so sweet and coaxed out tons of giggles.

With Patty laughing, we were able to snap so many awesome photos! Just look at how they radiate happiness and love for one another! I can’t get over it.

Maurilio loves Patty because she’s a woman of great values. She’s trustworthy, cares for people just as much as Maurilio does, and is a good listener.

With such similar values and a long history of commitment, they make each other stronger and have become an amazing team.

Their first official date was a homemade meal at Maurilio’s house. This couple really loves the beach, so an ideal date night for them would be to eat dinner there.

Maurilio proposed during a family gathering in his house, in the beautiful flower garden. He asked his sister to take a picture of them, and when Patty turned around, there he was, on one knee!

It’s such an honor to document their next step of the journey. For our engagement session, we went to a woodsy location in Pacific Grove. They brought two outfits, and by the end, they were posing like pros!

Thanks so much for choosing me as your engagement and wedding photographer! I enjoyed documenting your love story, and I wish you all the best as you finish up wedding plans. See you soon!