Henry Cowell Redwood Forest + Colton Hall Museum - Felton, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Sean + Savannah

Sean + Savannah’s engagement session was swoon worthy! These two are meant for each other, so it was a huge pleasure to help document this part of their love story. After some deliberation, we decided to split the session between two awesome locations: Henry Cowell Redwood Forest and Colton Hall Museum.

It was so cool learning all about these two during our session. Sean is an insurance broker and Savannah is a school psychologist and counselor. How did they meet, you ask? Online! They are both Starbucks addicts, and from there, their relationship has blossomed into something beautiful.

These two could not stop laughing throughout the entire shoot—not that I wanted them too! Their humor was off the walls as they cracked one joke after another. Their cheerful attitudes were contagious!

We started off the session at the Henry Cowell Redwood Forest. These redwoods are so gorgeous! There is a beautiful trail that winds through the hills and trees, so we stuck to the path to find great backgrounds.

For this engagement session, Sean + Savannah decided to go for two different wardrobe styles. Jeans was just the thing for the Redwood forest, but these two also brought along a more formal wardrobe choice for the second half of the session, which took place at the Colton Hall Museum.

Savannah’s green dress was such a statement piece, but we did have a dress malfunction when we stopped to change at a Starbucks. We rushed to the local CVS to get a safety pin, knowing that if we didn’t hurry, all of the good light would be gone.

Fortunately, we managed to find the pins. They did the job, but it didn’t hold up as well as we liked. I’ve had things like this happen before, so I was able to reassure her that everything would be okay.

A lot can be done in the editing process, but I also posed them in a way where the malfunction wouldn’t show as much. In the end, it worked out just fine! Sean + Savannah were able to let their worries go and continue celebrating each other.

These two have set their wedding date for June. We’ll be photographing it too, so we can’t wait to see Sean + Savannah again on their special day! I have a feeling that it’s going to be a day to remember, so keep an eye out for more!

Sean + Savannah, our engagement session at the Henry Cowell Redwood Forest and the Colton Hall Museum was stunning! Thank you so much for letting me tell your story. I wish you all the best as you begin your wedding preparations!

San Lorenzo Park - King City, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Chavez Family

My first photoshoot of the year was a huge success! We went to San Lorenzo Park in King City, CA. This park is absolutely stunning! The Chavez family went above and beyond, and we all had a blast!

This session was extra special for Roxanna and I, because we used to go to school together back in the day. It was great to catch up with her and her family as we snapped away.

I was so impressed with the deep connection between each of the family members. This family prioritizes each other, and it shows. The kids behaved so well, reflecting on the fantastic parenting of their mom and dad. This made our session 100% easier.

Everyone was also so enthusiastic about being in front of the camera. There were no dragging feet here! The kids in particular had laughter in their eyes and contagious smiles, and the way the children interacted with their parents was just heartwarming.

It was a tad windy out on the day of the shoot, so sometimes hair and wardrobe were at the mercy of the breeze, but it added a unique touch of movement to the photos.

Since our session happened on New Years Day, the family was exhausted. I totally understood the feeling. That said, the fresh air did everyone so much good, and soon, we were all enjoying ourselves.

Roxanna did an amazing job color coordinating their outfits. She was spot on! Dressed in complementary blues and peaches, the family accessorized with cowboy hats and boots. The detail brought so much life to the photos!

It was an honor to capture the essence of their family through my lens. Their gallery is a perfect blend of natural and posed shots, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

I had such a wonderful time working with the Chavez family and I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to capture these special moments for them. I am so grateful for the opportunity to relive our childhood memories together and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this amazing family.

To the Chavez family, thank you for a fantastic photoshoot! I hope you all enjoy the memories that were captured here at San Lorenzo Park, and that these images bring joy to your lives for many years to come.

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church - Castroville, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Patty + Maurilio

As Patty and Maurilio’s wedding approached, I couldn't help but count down the days until the big event. The couple chose Quail Lodge as the location for their wedding preparations, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Castroville, CA for their ceremony.

On the day of the wedding, everything ran smoothly and according to schedule. The couple was punctual and easy to work with, which made my job as their wedding photographer that much more enjoyable. They trusted me and my team completely, which allowed us to capture every stunning moment of the day.

As the bridal party got ready, I made sure to take photos of all of their details. From the rings and shoes to the outside of the church, these small details tell the story of the day. I always make sure to include them in my galleries so that the couple can remember the little things, too.

When it was time for the ceremony, my team and I prepared to capture the big moment. Patty and Maurilio were so romantic, and it was a pleasure to photograph their ceremony. You could practically feel the excitement of the guests as they watched the couple say their vows.

These photos look so effortless, however looks can be deceiving. Church lighting can often be a challenge to work with, and that was definitely the case today.

Due to the church's rules, we were not allowed to use flash, which made things a bit tricky. To ensure that the exposure settings were just right and the skin tones came out consistent, we had to work with the limited natural light that was available. By bumping up our ISO, we were able to capture beautiful photographs. Then after the ceremony, we headed outside for some group photos.

Group photos can be a challenge too, but I have a pro tip to share. I always ask everyone to close their eyes and open them on the count of three. This usually gives me around a 98% success rate and ensures that everyone is looking in the same direction and has their eyes open.

After that, we headed to the reception to party our hearts out! The couple chose an elegant white and lavender theme for all of the decorations, flower arrangements, and the cake.

Everyone had a blast while dancing, eating, and celebrating the couple. From the youngest to the oldest, there was not a frown in the entire building!

Overall, it was an amazing experience to photograph Patty and Maurilio's wedding. They were such a wonderful couple to work with and I wish them all the best as they start their married life together. I am confident that the photographs we captured will serve as a beautiful reminder of their special day for years to come. Congratulations!