The Engagement Blog

Stories, guides & date-night ideas

Hi! I am Elili, an engagement and couples photographer in Los Angeles. Getting engaged in Los Angeles comes with a lot of moving pieces. As an engagement and couples photographer in LA, I get asked just about every question you can think of. On my engagement blog, I share the things couples ask me most: how to propose, where to eat, and the most romantic corners of Los Angeles to make it yours.

Proposal PlanningHow to Plan a Memorable Beach ProposalTo plan a memorable beach proposal, pick a beach that means something to you both, arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light, and quietly sort the logistics (a photographer, a plan…Read more →Session LocationsKenneth Hahn Park: A Single Spot with Multitudes of Photography OpportunitiesHappy Blog Post Tuesday! This week I want to talk about Kenneth Hahn Park. This is an amazing location for your engagement photography session due to the number of different photo opportunities. There are…Read more →Proposing Tips12 Creative Uses for your Engagement PhotosYour engagement photos do not have to sit in a folder. Use them for save-the-date cards, a wedding website, a signing guest book, framed wall art, holiday cards and thank-you notes; below are twelve…Read more →Session LocationsAlhambra Park: The Perfect Engagement Photography Spot for Love StoriesAlhambra Park is a great engagement photography spot because it packs mature shade trees, open lawns and quiet tucked-away corners into one easy-to-reach park near Pasadena, giving you soft light and a mix of…Read more →Proposal PlanningBest Proposal Spots in Los Angeles for Your Special MomentThe best proposal spots in Los Angeles balance beauty with a little privacy: coastal overlooks in Malibu and Palos Verdes, the gardens at the Huntington, Griffith Observatory at dusk and quiet rooftop skyline views.…Read more →Session LocationsCarbon Canyon Regional Park: Home to the Remarkable Secret RedwoodsCarbon Canyon Regional Park is worth the drive because it hides a small grove of towering coast redwoods, an unexpectedly dramatic forest backdrop you will not find anywhere else near Los Angeles, perfect for…Read more →Session LocationsCarbon Canyon Redwoods: A Picnic in the Romantic ForestEven when the weather does not cooperate, a session in the Carbon Canyon redwoods still shines. When rain rolled in on Roshni and Lucas, the misty light and quiet forest made their couples photos…Read more →Session LocationsSee How Beautiful Kenneth Hahn Lower Park is with Lily & AdrianKenneth Hahn Lower Park in Culver City is a lovely, low-key spot for couples photos, as Lily and Adrianu2019s session shows: lush lawns, gentle shade and room to wander made for relaxed, natural images…Read more →Special EventsGen + Isac: Capturing Valentine Photography that Melts your HeartFor Gen and Isacu2019s Valentine session I paired a handmade heart backdrop with plenty of easy prompts, and the result is exactly what a Valentine shoot should feel like: warm, a little silly and…Read more →Special EventsThe Love Backdrop: Struggles and VictoriesThis is the behind-the-scenes story of how I built my Valentine love backdrop by hand, including the doubts, the trial and error, and the small victories along the way, for anyone curious about the…Read more →Special EventsExclusive Dreamy Valentine’s Day Session with Amanda and KevinAmanda and Kevin were the perfect couple to bring my handmade Valentine backdrop to life. Their session is soft, romantic and a little dreamy, showing how a simple themed set plus relaxed direction becomes…Read more →BoudoirHow to be Your Own Valentine This YearYou do not need a partner to celebrate Valentineu2019s Day. Being your own Valentine simply means treating yourself with the same care you would give someone you love, whether that is a favorite meal,…Read more →OtherExplore Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the WorldValentineu2019s Day is celebrated in wonderfully different ways around the world, from anonymous pressed-flower cards in Denmark to women gifting chocolate in Japan and friendship-focused celebrations in Finland; here is a tour of the…Read more →Date Spots33 Unique Valentine’s Day IdeasIf you want to celebrate Valentineu2019s Day differently this year, you have plenty of options, from cozy at-home date nights and creative DIY gifts to outdoor adventures and mini getaways; below are thirty-three unique…Read more →Session LocationsExplore the Beautiful Lower Arroyo Seco Trail with Eileen + StevenThe Lower Arroyo Seco Trail in Pasadena is a relaxed, scenic spot for couples photos, and Eileen and Stevenu2019s session shows why: leafy paths, a historic bridge and open sky give natural variety while…Read more →Session LocationsThe Magic of a Gabrielino Trail Engagement SessionThe Gabrielino Trail in Pasadena is an enchanting engagement location because it winds through oak shade, creek crossings and quiet wilderness just minutes from the city, giving you lush, natural scenery that feels far…Read more →Date SpotsIf You’re Wondering Where to Propose in Los Angeles, Here are 13 of the Best SpotsIf you are wondering where to propose in Los Angeles, the key is choosing a spot that feels personal and offers a little privacy. Below are thirteen unique locations, from hidden gardens and quiet…Read more →Date SpotsSycamore Canyon Trailhead is Perfect for Your Engagement PhotosCanyon Trailhead in Whittier might be the perfect, dreamy location for you! There are endless trees and expansive views of rolling hills in the distance. The trees provide shade and a beautiful backdrop, you…Read more →Proposal PlanningSo, you’re ready to pop the question “Will you marry me?” Here are 7 romantic marriage proposal ideasReady to propose, but unsure of how to execute it? This blog post will give you seven unique ways to propose marriage to your partner and ensure it is memorable.Read more →Date SpotsThe Beautiful Paradise Hidden in Pasadena, The Huntington Gardens and LibraryThe Huntington Gardens and Library in Pasadena is a stunning engagement photography location because its many themed gardens, from the Japanese garden to the desert and rose gardens, give you an incredible range of…Read more →Date SpotsOn the Search for Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles? Here are my Top 5Here are 5 restaurants that will definitely set a romantic mood for your date night or proposal. In Los Angeles there is no shortage of delicious food, new restaurants to try, and different cuisines…Read more →Date Spots10 of the Most Romantic Spots in Los Angeles, Perfect for a Romantic DateHere is a list of my top 10 most romantic spots in Los Angeles, perfect for a date or your marriage proposal. There are so many romantic date spots in Los Angeles, but it…Read more →UncategorizedHow to Plan the Perfect Proposal – A Step-by-Step GuideSo, you're getting ready to pop the big question…will you marry me? Proposing to your partner can be daunting, but I am here to help you. I have compiled a list of important factors…Read more →Proposal PlanningPlanning a Romantic Date? Here are five of the Best Restaurants in PasadenaSo you are looking for the perfect dinner date spot in Pasadena, but are not sure where to start your search. Here are five great options: The Raymond 1886, The Arbour, The Union, Celestino…Read more →Date SpotsBrand Park with its Expansive Greenery and Beautiful Architecture is Perfect for Memorable Engagement PhotosSo you are planning your engagement session and want some gorgeous, playful, and intimate photographs, but you do not know where to go. Well...Brand Park is a gorgeous park with expansive greenery and beautiful…Read more →UncategorizedThe Beautiful Colorado Street Bridge and its Eery HistoryLooking for a unique city engagement session? Colorado Street Bridge, Arroyo Seco Park, the Desiderio Park, and other trails nearby might be perfect for you. The Bridge has beautiful views perfect for an engagement…Read more →Date SpotsThinking about Taking Your Engagement Photos in Old Town Pasadena? Here’s why it’s an amazing choiceOld Pasadena, originally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, provides a picturesque setting for photography sessions due to its historic and rustic architecture. This makes it perfect for engagement or celebratory…Read more →Session LocationsGrand Central Market | Angels Flight Railway | Downtown | Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles is full of beautiful locations for your engagement session. Two of my favorites are Grand Central Market and Angels Flight Railway and Plaza!Read more →Session LocationsMalaga Cove Plaza & Library, A Perfect Spot For Your Beautiful Engagement PhotosMalaga Cove Plaza and Library is an incredible setting for an engagement session. It has a unique historic charm and numerous picturesque features. Its Mediterranean-inspired architecture offers a classic and romantic backdrop for your…Read more →Session LocationsThe Beauty of California Institute of Technology in PasadenaThe California Institute of Technology (also known as Caltech) is an amazing spot for an engagement session. The campus is absolutely gorgeous: there is stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and views of Los Angeles creating…Read more →UncategorizedSee the magnificent views from Bluff Cove of the LighthouseA hidden beauty in greater Los Angeles area is Bluff Cove. Rancho Palos Verdes is filled with scenic views and sheer natural beauty. Bluff Cove itself overlooks the Pacific Ocean, providing a breathtaking setting…Read more →
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