Newly engaged lovebirds are sort of my jam, but these two are just beyond. Down-to-earth biz guru and DJ Jared and creative mastermind interior designer Joanna are not only utterly gorgeous, but they are adventurers and photographers as well. Such inspired gentle and silly souls, we spent a Thursday afternoon pairing the urban and the rustic for their session, starting at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters in my [amaze] neighborhood of Normal Heights in San Diego for some classic cold pressed radness. Then we headed out to the rustic magic of Lake Hodges for a sweet little adventure on the trails. Wandering through the brush with hearts a flutter, they cuddled up close and explored beneath trees, over streams, and through the forest. Magic.

I think what I really adore about working with couples up for an adventure is the sense of the unknown. We’re in it together—the desire to poke around in hidden nooks and crannies and just be totally inspired by our environment (in this instance, rad trails, secret streams, bridges, and all manner of rustic surprises).It’s not a performance, it’s quality time in the best way. Part of the fun is that we’re a team having a great time discovering things together, and laughing a whole lot, but more than anything it’s about two people who are head over heels for each other, enjoying an afternoon together, and me documenting that fun. Yaaaas.