Mad Men Inspired Engagement Session

If you are a big fan of the popular show Mad Men like we are, then you will absolutely love this engagement session from  Love in Photographs. This gorgeous couple definitely knows how to show off their stylish, fashionable, and sophisticated looks.  There is something so classy and elegant about this e-session that has us totally in love. We LOVE the red Ferrari which brings this session up to a very glamorous level. And when you have a stunning couple like this one, then the Ferrari is not the only detail we are in love with This couple owns this session.  They were made for this urban and lovely setting.  How fabulous do they look? We think they look amazing! This session kind of makes us want to go back and watch more episodes of Mad Men, and get into the 1960’s era.  Take a look and get inspired with these fantastic images. You may want to sneak in an episode of Mad Men before starting your day.

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3560_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3512_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3565_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3626_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3518_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3577_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3599_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3319_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3308_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3344_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3347_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3310_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3290_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3296_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3261_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3302_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3481_low

Sweilem_Tillim_Love_in_Photographs_DSC3380_low

 

From Love in Photographs

Mona & Spencer, a super fun pair both filled with so much charm & wit! For their engagement session they wanted to have a Madmen inspired session; all glammed up in San Francisco with Spencer’s father’s 1975 Ferarri as a prop – and so we did!

Top Five Most Romantic Spots in San Francisco

There’s a reason why people keep leaving their hearts in San Francisco. It’s a beautiful diverse city with so much to explore and enjoy- especially if you’re there with someone you love. Next time you’re out there, or if you’re nearby and have some time to kill, swing by our five favorite places in the beautiful city by the bay.

Ghirardelli Square

BHLSF1.jpg.jpg

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, parking is bad (heads up- San Francisco is a hard city to park in). But SF’s own Ghirardelli Square is beautiful, romantic, and a fantastic place to be.Ghirardelli Square is right on the pier overlooking the bay and offers free-WiFi (as if you need an extra reason to go). There are a few different places to eat, including Ghirardelli’s own in-house dessert shop. You can get a look at the whole Ghirardelli range, munch on some sample chocolate, and sip on a Ghirardelli hot cocoa while listening to free live music play in the square. Did we mention the insanely beautiful view? This square is a must-see.

Pier 39

BHLSF2.jpg.jpg

Another tourist-favorite, Pier 39 is a fun spot along the water in San Francisco that you can easily spend a whole day in. There are a ton of restaurants, snack places, and neat niche shops to cruise around in. There’s a beautiful carousel at the end of the pier, and of course the sea lions. Oh, the sea lions. They’re loud, they’re smelly, and they’re absolutely fascinating. It’s a beautiful place to stroll for the day hand in hand with so much to do and see.

Boudin Bread Factory

BHLSF3.jpg.jpg

Have you heard of the world-famous San Francisco Sourdough? It’s Boudin, and it’s totally worth it. Boudin has a few locations around the city (and even a few outside of San Francisco- there’s one in Disney’s California Adventure!) but the best location is at Fisherman’s Wharf. This location is right on the water and is a working bread factory. Skip the Union Square location for the real thing and watch your food be made. You can pick up a specialty bread (like the alligator or turtle bread above) and an amazing meal. This location offers a full restaurant with specialty seafood dishes to enjoy while you look out over the water. If you have dinner upstairs, you can get free tickets to the bread tour downstairs (which is our tourist-hack). If you fall in love, you can even sign up for specialty sourdough loaves to be delivered to your door (or someone else’s- this makes for a really unique wedding gift!).

Palace of Fine Arts

BHLSF5.jpg.jpg

The Palace of Fine Arts has probably the trickiest parking on our list, but is one of the most beautiful. This is a gorgeous standing example of beautiful architecture and has a swan pond within (seriously- it’s the most beautiful thing ever). If you’re really craving some romance, swing by on a Saturday afternoon. More often than not you’ll find wedding photos being taken, if not an actual wedding taking place. This writer can name several couples who got engaged here, all of which are still together (one having just celebrated their twenty fifth wedding anniversary!). Do yourself a favor and take your sweetheart here for some pictures- you won’t regret it.

California Academy of Sciences

BHL4-2.jpg.jpg

BHLSF4-3.jpg.jpg

BHLSF4-1.jpg.jpg

The Academy of Science is beautiful, fun, and one of the most unique dates you can go on in San Francisco. The Academy of Science was in the last ten years renovated and become a fixture in the city. It features regular rotating exhibits but also is home to a gorgeous aquarium, butterfly habitat, and many mammal-fixated exhibits. Once a month, the Academy of Science opens its’ doors to the 21+ crowd and puts up bars and small dance areas throughout. Whether you want to learn and explore one of the most unique museums in the country or you want to do so with a margarita in hand, this is the perfect romantic spot in the city for you and your honey.

 

10 California Locales for your Wedding & Honeymoon

If you currently live in the Golden State, are originally from Cali, or have always wanted to visit, there is no better place to have your wedding or honeymoon than right here! These 10 California Bridal Hot Spots are sure to entice you to at least book a trip to do some wedding or honeymoon venue ‘research’!

1. South Bay Sizzle – Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach

Combined, these beach towns create the ultimate Southern California experience. With its ritzy shops, luxury hotels, and hot bods on the volleyball sand courts, Manhattan Beach doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for an ‘as seen on TV’ beach scene! Check out Shade Hotel for a possible wedding venue. Hermosa Beach is a bit more organic, being the location of choice for local surfers. Redondo Beach, or more appropriately Redondo Pier, is our own little Coney Island featuring an arcade, paddle boats, ice cream treats, and an open seafood market with live creatures!

2. Victorian Romance in San Luis Obispo

Enjoy tea for two in the famous Madonna Inn, named after local pioneer, Alex Madonna. The Victorian architecture and turn of the century gardens & décor will inspire you to indulge in your harlequin fantasies! Oh, and did I mention they have themed hotel rooms? Go to brunch at The Apple Farm, an old time favorite spot with mouthwatering American cuisine. For a daytime excursion, head South to See Canyon to pick up fresh apples of multiple varieties! A wedding at the Madonna Inn and planned weekend here for your guests is sure to be unique.

3. Its Always Sunny in San Diego

Treat your honey to a Padres game at the gorgeous PetCo ballpark, just steps to the famed Gaslamp district. Its basically the Vegas strip of Southern California. Grab some drinks & dinner, then dance the night away! Save the Zoo and Sea World for the family trip.

4. Cozy little Cabin for 2 in Big Bear

Great for summer lovin’ or a wintertime romp in the snow, Big Bear is worth the gorgeous drive up the mountain. Cool Cabins of Big Bear offer themed cabins based on your tastes. You can go fishing, hiking, and boating in the summer, or hit the slopes in the winter! For a truly intimate or family only wedding, this would be a beautiful setting. You can rent a huge cabin with 7 or 8 rooms with a large yard area for the ceremony (if its snowing, in front of the fire hearth) or book a few cabins nearby each other.

5. Mission Style Fun in Santa Barbara

My friend got married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse in 2009 and to this day, it is still my favorite wedding location. The early California-Spanish architecture is truly inspiring, and the city charges only a minimal fee for use. Visit the Santa Barbara Mission, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, and boutique shopping on State Street.

6. Go Glamping (Glamorous + Camping) at El Capitan Resort

A 5 minute drive up the 101 North takes you to the hidden and best kept secret of Santa Barbara, El Capitan Resort! Rustic, spacious canvas tents set up with plush beds, lamps, and bedside tables adorn the campsite, complete with nearby communal bathrooms and a grocery/gift shop and café. Get married in Santa Barbara, then honeymoon at El Capitan. If your wedding party is the camping type, there is a huge Yurt that appears to be available to rent for large events. Be sure to book your yurt & tents well in advance!

7. Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

Treat your senses to the delights of the vine in the popular Paso Robles wine country. The weather is just perfect for tasting outdoors while overlooking generations of old vines. Wineries are always a lovely place to get married as well, since there’s tons of space, delicious food & wine pairings, and gorgeous views as far at the eye can see….

8. Leave Your Hearts in San Francisco

This cultural hub always is and always has been at the cutting edge of entertainment, arts, cuisine, shopping, and trends. Not to mention it is chock-full of significant historical sites. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Haight-Ashbury, and Ghiradelli square….need I say more??

9. Sonoma Valley/ Dry Creek Vineyards

Head even further up the coast to Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek (take that chocolate with you) to sample some of the best wines in the world! Sit in world-class tasting rooms overlooking massive vineyard estates, making friends with tourists from around the world and sometimes on a lucky day, the owner of the estate drops by for a visit!

10. Peace Out – Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey

These three areas have no shortage of fabulous hotels, exciting nightlife, and million dollar yachts! If your wedding party is the big-city type, this is the place for you. Between The Erwin hotel, Shutters, The Huntley, The Fairmont, and The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey, you’ll be sitting pretty on your big day and afterward! The nautically inclined can book a wedding on a yacht and cruise through the Marina during your ceremony and reception. Venice Beach and Santa Monica have tons of sightseeing and famous landmarks for you and your group to tour.

Let this humble list inspire you to begin researching and designing your big day & tomorrows in sunny, fantastic California!