Greenfield + Gonzales, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Al + Mari

I had an absolute blast photographing Al + Mari, who just so happen to be my brother-in-law and his wife! And get this—I actually had the pleasure of photographing them for their engagement session five years ago. Talk about full circle!

As a photographer, I understand the importance of finding the perfect location for a shoot, which is why I went above and beyond to ensure that Al + Mari had a memorable experience.

We faced many challenges, including harsh lighting and finding the right backdrop, but we persevered and found a smaller patch of blooming wildflowers that provided the perfect setting.

During the photo session, we visited three different locations that allowed us to capture a variety of stunning images. The first location was Arroyo Seco Road in Greenfield, CA, a remote and rural area that provided a unique and natural setting.

From there, we moved on to an empty lot in the middle of Greenfield. Initially, Al was a bit uneasy since it was a high-traffic residential area, and he was worried about being seen. In real life, it didn’t look like much of a spot, but as a photographer, I’ve developed the ability to see thing differently than other people.

Although the tall grass seemed sketchy, Al + Mari trusted my vision, and we created some of the most beautiful images of the day. As a photographer, I’ve developed the ability to see thing differently than other people, so trust me when I say your photographer knows best!

Our final location was off River Road in Gonzales, CA, where we faced cold and windy weather conditions. You need a keen eye to spot this location, or you’ll miss it. It was all worth it in the end. The flowers and lighting were perfect!

Al + Mari's love for each other was so strong throughout the shoot, and it made my job a joy. I believe that the key to creating beautiful and authentic images is to establish a connection with my clients. During our shoot, we laughed and shared stories, which helped to break the ice and create a relaxed and comfortable environment.

If you're looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture your special moments, then look no further. Don't hesitate to contact me for your engagement or portrait session, and let's create some beautiful memories!

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!

Fairview Golf Course - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Alexis + Jennsy's Wedding

Oh, what a wedding it was! As a Monterey wedding photographer and videographer, I was thrilled to be a part of Alexis and Jennsy's special day on January 28th at the Fairview Golf Course in Laguna Seca, CA.

Let me tell you—this wedding was a great way to kick off the new year, and we were honored to have worked with such an amazing couple and their families as they gathered to celebrate Alexis and Jennsy. Check out their video!

Leading up to the wedding, Alexis and Jennsy went above and beyond to make sure everyone involved, including us, were well taken care of. They were so thoughtful, collaborating well with all of their vendors to ensure we had everything we needed.

They even served us the same delicious food as their guests! That act of generosity really gave us the warm and fuzzies. Thanks so much for making us feel special!

I also appreciated how organized they were. They were so on top of the details, which made it easier for us to photograph them efficiently. Even though we got a little behind schedule, Alexis and Jennsy planned ahead and added a little buffer time so the schedule wasn’t thrown out the window.

My wife Jackie and I were able to work flawlessly together while documenting this fantastic event. She took care of 100% of the photos, while I captured everything on video. As someone who has been in the industry for a while, I would definitely recommend having the same team capture your wedding if you want both photos and video. Jackie and I work hard to make sure that everything looks cohesive, and for a special day like this, you deserve that.

Speaking of everything looking great on camera, the makeup artist, Moruvillal Pando, really knows her stuff! She did a fabulous job on the bride and her bridesmaids, making them look absolutely stunning for photo and video.

The DJ for the night, Sanchezj Nuevaera, kept the dance floor packed and the energy high all night long. And let's not forget the Mariachi band, Mariachi Santacruz, who added to the festive atmosphere and kept the guests entertained throughout the night.

Alexis and Jennsy's wedding was a unforgettable, and we are thrilled that they will be submitting our photos to Wedding Wire for a blog post. We can't wait to see our work featured! It will be so cool to share their love story with the world.

As a wedding photography & videography team, Jackie and I believe that having the right team to capture your special day is crucial. The right team can make all the difference in preserving your treasured memories, so it’s one of the biggest wedding investments you could make. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services! I’d love to see how we can help make your wedding day one to remember.