Every so often, I work with a couple that makes me feel just a smidge like a peeping tom. They’re just so in love that they can’t keep their hands (and lips!) off of each other. Meet Meaghen & Nik, two LA supercuties that will be getting hitched in Santa Cruz later this year (wheeee!). They warned me that they’re not too accustomed to being in front of the camera, and then suddenly… BOOM, all over each other, snuggles for days.

It all started here, at their utterly dazzling, gorgeous, and historic art deco apartment building, in their cozy home, complete with cocktails to get us going and Darla the dog to keep me in my place!

Shooting at my clients’ homes is my favorite. Their homes are so very them, and are so full of their spirit and soul. They are spaces that tell the story of us, these homes of ours, and I always feel extra-connected to people when I get to experience them in their spaces. I also think that it can be a wonderful place to keep them feeling natural and at ease when we shoot. In this particular instance, I even got a custom cocktail made for me. That’s tough to beat! Then, these two swoonies threw The Genius of Ray Charles on the record player, and his soulful stylings set us up all sorts of right.

This building is AMAZING. It was declared a historic monument by the city of LA. Yup, it’s that grand. Mae West, Ava Gardener and Clark Gable all lived here, once upon a time. So, yes, we took so much advantage of all its nook and crannies, it’s a little ridiculous. This lobby could house a ton of apartments in and of itself. For us, it was the perfect spot for a whole lotta canoodling.

So, we changed into stripes and polkadots, as one must. This wonderfully and weirdly-accessed landing just outside their apartment knocked my socks off. So, if you’re wondering if we climbed out the bedroom window to get to it, you would be right. Darla joined us, and good, good things happened. As if that wasn’t enough, we next trekked up to the incredible roof. But first… a pit-stop for love. I think that should be a rule in life… one must often pit-stop for love.

And finally… the roof. Overlooking Hollywood, it has some of the most heart-stopping views of the city. Not to mention a colossal historic sign that we were sure to frolic around. Even the beams and supports of the signage just killed me. This whole building? Just surreal.

These two are just so. in. love. And it’s inspiring and inspired. Troopers, they were, as they let me run WAY longer than I normally shoot for—it was just so constantly awesome, I couldn’t stop. If I thought my heart melted downstairs, it went to downright mush up here. That they allowed me to sneak into this private, playful love of theirs and capture so much sweet tenderness—so, so special. Thank you, Meaghen and Nik, for sharing so much awesomeness with me. I can’t wait for the wedding!