I am totally smitten and captivated by this couple’s engagement session. Prior to their session,  Nataliia & I conversed everything through emails, texts, and phone calls. I didn’t even meet them until the day. I was completely moonstrucked when I met them. They have this gentleness and sweetness in their eyes that one would feel fonded instantly. Not only that, Nataliia is a natural beauty with porcelain skin and amazing bone structure.

We started at the LAX courthouse to capture their quick civil ceremony. Then we went back to the beautiful hotel that they were staying. That’s when the magic happened. Nataliia and Ruslan are completely immersive in love. With little directions, they were able to execute all the poses. I felt like I was in a romantic movie. Ohh my, and the backdrops of that day, I couldn’t ask for more. It was just perfect. The hotel has this Spanish/Mediterrean style which made me feel like I was not in California, but somewhere in Europe. Not to mention, the Spring weather and sky on that day was simply amazingly. It was forecasted to rain in the afternoon. Some may not know this, but to me the sky is most beautiful before the rain – with dramatic clouds and peek of sunlight that created diffused light all around. After the hotel, we made our way to a nearby park that I have been eyeing for over a year. I found this place by coincidence, and I knew that one day when opportunity comes I will find my way back. 🙂 I feel that this is another hidden gem of Los Angeles that many people may have overlooked. A tranquil park to watch birds and enjoy the view of flowers and natural ponds.

Backtracking, here’s a little background of Nataliia & Ruslan’s love story. Nataliia is from Ukraine and Ruslan is from Kazakhstan. They met via their mutual friend. At the time, Ruslan lived in London, UK, and Nataliia lived in LA. They were constantly flying back and forth to see each other, and spent hours on the phone, IM, FaceTime, you name it. After over a year of traveling between cities to visit each other they decided that they didn’t want to be apart anymore. Ruslan proposed at the end of a hike to the top of the volcano Teide on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, 12,198 ft above sea level, with 360° breathtaking views. Of course she said yes 🙂 I can’t imagine how beautiful their proposal would be at the top of volcano Teide. I wish I could be there. But oh well, I am here now to capture these beautiful moments of them. Enjoy! Follow my facebook page for latest works.