"Iliana & Rafa's Engagement Session at The California Botanic Garden”

Amidst nature’s embrace, love blooms with undeniable magical energy. This is precisely what I recognized when I had the honor of capturing these photos during Iliana and Rafa’s engagement session at The California Botanic Garden in Claremont, California.

I met Iliana and Rafael in person the day of our session. Prior to that, all our communication had been through Zoom and remotely. We had planned to hold our session a couple of weeks before their wedding. For this session, my vision was to get an initial idea of who they were as individuals and as a couple. I wanted them to start relaxing in front of the camera and feel comfortable, all while spending time together and having a nice afternoon.

From the moment we started, it was clear that Iliana and Rafa share a bond that is not only strong but also incredibly fun-loving. Their laughter as we explored the cultivar garden and some areas in the northern part of the garden was a clear indication of how much fun they were having.. One of the highlights of the shoot was witnessing Iliana and Rafa's effortless connection. Whether they were spending a quiet moment under the canopy of trees or dancing along the garden's pathways, their love shone brightly. We were not wrong in choosing the California Botanic Garden for our session, as its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and serene ponds provided the perfect setting for our shoot and beautifully complemented Iliana and Rafa's joyful spirits.

As a photographer, moments like these remind me why I love what I do. It's a privilege to freeze these fleeting moments of love and happiness, and I'm grateful to Iliana and Rafa for allowing me to be a part of their journey.

Iliana and Rafa, I can’t thank you enough for such a fun and memorable session. I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures as beautiful as the one we shared. Thank you, guys for allowing me to be part of your journey