I am just in LOVE with the La Quinta desert engagement session I did back in March with Lizanne and Brandon! When we met for our consult the moment they mentioned desert I was extremely happy…After all, I spent almost all of my growing up years living there so it was nice to visit the “motherland” for photography purposes. I love adventurous couples who like to travel and do things somewhat different, whether it be a shoot in the desert, up in Lake Arrowhead or Downtown LA. So please, do not hesitate to ask if you feel like you may want to go somewhere extra special for your photos.

On to this beautiful couple – who recently were engaged Christmas morning this past year and are planning their wedding in record time for late May of 2016! That’s right, in about a week and a half these two will have tied the knot! I actually met these two through Erich & Lacie, I have been friends with them for years and I so thankful that Lacie told her sister that she HAD to have us for her upcoming wedding.

Lizanne and Brandon actually met at the gym through their personal trainer, which I think is super cool because no matter where you are, love could always be looking for you. Even if you are sweaty and lifting weights or running on your favorite treadmill haha..These two are still pretty active enjoying most outdoor activities like golf and going to Lake Havasu for fun with the family. They also go to Stagecoach – my all time favorite concert experience that we enjoy pretty much every year! Hence, the adorable cowboy boots and rustic feel of their engagement.

We started our adventure near the Mountains at the edge of the La Quinta Cove – we toyed with the idea of Joshua Tree but felt La Quinta was just a little more our speed since they spend most of their time out in La Quinta or Palm Desert. The trail is actually called the Bear Creek Canyon Trail, we didn’t go too far in but I would definitely like to see more of this trail. Especially in the winter when weather is just right, I bet the trail is an amazing hike!

Sometimes you just see an awesome front door to a porch and have to take the opportunity for a great photo…

Our next stop was actually just off Washington near Hwy 111..I have been eyeing these mountains for years and just never took the time to stop. I am so glad that we did, the view was absolutely incredible and I loved the Palo Verde trees with their little yellow flowers. These things I would have never appreciated growing up out there but now I have definitely opened my eyes to all the beauty the desert has to offer.

I am not sure we were supposed to walk down here but we didn’t care, I think it was a pretty cool rock garden and totally worth it!

After we finished we stopped by the Beer Hunter for some beers and nachos…I can’t NOT go there when I am in town so I figured they needed to try it. I am pretty excited to shoot their wedding next week – such an easygoing and cute couple! Their wedding is at Botanical Gardens in Palos Verdes which is going to be gorgeous I am sure. Congrats you two!