One Year Anniversary Photo Shoot at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach, San Diego
One year down, many more to go.
I connected with Cari and learned that she and her boyfriend Jeff were coming out to San Diego for the first time to celebrate their one year anniversary. As if that wasn’t enough, Cari was also celebrating two more milestones: her thirtieth trip around the sun and 20 years with type 1 diabetes. Talk about a BIG DEAL.
Cari and Jeff were staying in Ocean Beach where there is not shortage of inspiration. OB is such a funky, unique, energetic borough in San Diego and I was so excited for them to experience it! After hearing the style of shoot they had in mind, Sunset Cliffs was the clear choice for location. I felt that the beautiful textures and colors of Sunset Cliffs would be a perfect fit. We had hoped to make our way down into the open ceiling cave, but the tide was too high unfortunately and it would not have been safe. Next time I suppose!
Cari and Jeff plan to do an anniversary photoshoot every year and I am incredibly honored to be present at the start of this beautiful tradition of theirs. A couples shoot is such a wonderful way to connect with your significant other and make lasting memories to look back on forever. I hope to continue to be apart of their journey as a couple.
We met in time for golden hour and found our own little private nook on the cliffs. I faded into the background and captured many giggles, tight embraces, and quiet moments of togetherness. Cari and Jeff date long distance, so their time together is even more cherished as they see each other less often. It was important to me to be present, but not present. I wanted to allow them space to sink into each other and enjoy one another’s company.
Time for an outfit change! They changed quickly on the side of a cliff as I blocked the view from passersby. Cari and Jeff informed me of their adventurous side and they did not disappoint. In the distance, we spotted a lower ledge that was closer to the waves. A little water wouldn’t hurt, right?
These were not waves for the faint of heart. I am not exaggerating when I say that Cari and Jeff were soaked, but I do not recall seeing anyone else having a better time (except for me maybe). The waves crashed against the cliffs and showered Cari and Jeff with ocean water. They danced and kissed, all without slipping which was both a relief and very impressive.
My goal was to document what each moment looked like and more importantly, felt like. On their fiftieth anniversary, I hope Cari and Jeff will be able to look back on these images and travel through time. Travel to a time where their love story was just beginning. I am not usually such a cheeseball, but this couple just brings it out of me! Thank you Cari and Jeff for choosing me to be apart of this momentous occasion. I am forever grateful.