A Decade of Love and Adventure
Dakota and Nathan’s story began a decade ago at San Diego State University, where they met as freshmen living in the same dorm. Since then, they’ve built a life full of adventure, shared hikes, and big dreams, like conquering the highest peak in all 50 states. Dakota is a civil engineer, and Nathan is an aerospace engineer, making them the perfect balance of grounded and visionary. Their love of the outdoors shines through in everything they do, so it was no surprise when they wanted engagement photos with dogs surrounded by nature. We first connected at a Wedding Expo, and from the moment we met, I knew their session and wedding would be filled with both heart and adventure.
Mission Trails: A Meaningful Backdrop
Mission Trails Regional Park was an easy choice for these two. The sweeping trails and golden open spaces were a natural match for their outdoorsy lifestyle. For Dakota, the location carried an extra layer of meaning. She had been working on a civil engineering project in the park, which gave her the chance to scout out some incredible photo spots ahead of time. That personal connection made every corner we explored feel even more special. As a San Diego wedding photographer, I love this location for its versatility: it offers both wide-open skies for dramatic portraits and tucked-away paths perfect for intimate moments.
Golden Hour Engagement Photos with Dogs
Of course, the stars of the session weren’t just Dakota and Nathan. Their two dogs joined in, adding energy, laughter, and plenty of wagging tails. Including pets in engagement photos brings a sense of real-life joy, and this session was proof of that. Photographing engagement photos with dogs takes patience and playfulness, but it also creates unforgettable memories for couples who want every part of their family represented. Watching Dakota and Nathan interact with their pups as the sun dipped low made for some of my favorite candid images of the evening.
Capturing Love, Adventure, and Personality
I always want couples to feel completely themselves in front of the camera. For Dakota and Nathan, I guided them with prompts that encouraged them to move naturally and focus on each other. They also planned two different outfits to show both their adventurous and more elegant sides. Using both natural golden light and off-camera flash allowed me to create a mix of cinematic portraits and fun, candid imagery, perfectly showcasing their relationship’s blend of romance and playfulness.
A Celebration of Ten Years Together
Dakota and Nathan’s session at Mission Trails was more than just photos; it was a celebration of ten years of love, adventure, and partnership. Their golden-hour portraits, playful moments with their dogs, and scenic natural backdrops came together to tell a story that felt true to them. For me, as a Southern California wedding photographer, it was an honor to preserve this chapter of their journey. If you’re planning your own San Diego wedding and dream of timeless, authentic imagery, whether it’s a destination wedding or local celebration, your engagement session is the perfect place to start.
