When Meredith and Will reached out about shooting Los Angeles engagement photos with a city view, I was  instantly excited. These two  are playful, cheerful, and full of life. They’re planning a fun, summer-camp-inspired wedding in the mountains near Lake Arrowhead later this year, and that same joyful spirit came through beautifully in their engagement shoot.

 Will and Meredith weren’t looking for stiff poses or anything too formal. Their vision? A carefree afternoon in LA that felt like “them.” That meant, champagne toasts, barefoot strolls, and a few good giggles along the way. Elysian Park was the perfect location for this shoot: a quiet corner of Los Angeles that gave us skyline views of the city, open green spaces, palm trees, and plenty of room to play.

Picnic with a Pop

We started in a grassy, private area of Elysian Park with a sweet little picnic setup. Meredith and Dillon brought their A-game. Popping champagne, lounging together, and immediately falling into their natural rhythm. It felt more like a hangout than a photoshoot, which made capturing authentic moments effortless.

Meredith chose the cutest white flowy dress, a little outside her usual style, but she told me she was going for a TikTok “trad wife ” vibe and absolutely pulled it off. Paired with a bow in her hair and red heart-shaped sunglasses, she looked playful and radiant. Dillon matched her energy completely, goofing around and clearly loving every moment with her. Their chemistry was so natural that I barely had to give any direction. They just played off each other’s energy. Lots of laughing, teasing, and sharing quiet moments that made this shoot feel truly special.

Views of LA Skyline

After the picnic, we hiked up to the bluff overlooking Downtown Los Angeles. The timing was perfect. Sunset painted everything in golden light, and the city skyline was clear and visible. It felt like a rom-com scene unfolding in real life. The breeze, the movement and their joy was pure magic! Capturing these candid, in-the-moment shots reminded me why I love shooting engagement photos in Los Angeles so much. The city offers such a rich blend of urban beauty and nature, and Elysian Park gave us both.

Classic California 

As the golden hour took over, we kept exploring. Every turn in the park offered a new vibe. We stumbled upon a grove of tall palm trees that gave us that classic California look. We even found  a more rustic area filled with golden, backlit trees that brought a quieter, softer mood to the session.

The final moments of the evening were some of my favorites. We found ourselves in a wide open field at the base of the park. Meredith kicked off her shoes and held them in her hand as she and Dillon walked barefoot through the grass. It was simple, peaceful, and so nostalgic. Think childhood summers spent running around the park until the sun disappeared.

Film + Digital for a Nostalgic Feel

A big part of this session was shooting both digital and film photos. Meredith and Dillon specifically asked for film photos because they love the timeless, nostalgic quality it brings—and I couldn’t agree more. The soft grain and imperfect beauty of film perfectly matched their relaxed, joyful vibe. It also gave the session a casual, documentary feel, like flipping through an old family album.

LA Love Letters

For Meredith and Dillon, staying local to LA had real meaning. Even though their wedding will take place in the mountains, Los Angeles is home. These photos are their love letter to the place where they built their life together—and that grounding feeling of “home” comes through in every image.

FAQ

Why Elysian Park Was the Perfect Los Angeles Engagement Location

Elysian Park is a hidden gem for couples looking for outdoor engagement photo locations in LA. It gave us space to move, laugh, and explore without the hustle of more crowded spots. From the bluff with skyline views to quiet forested corners and that big, open field, it gave us a wide variety of backdrops—all in one spot.

Why You Should Consider an Outdoor LA Engagement Session

If you’re planning Los Angeles Engagement Photos with a City View and looking for ideas that go beyond the beach or standard city portraits, Elysian Park is a dream. Whether you’re popping champagne on a picnic blanket, dancing at golden hour, or walking barefoot through the grass, it offers the perfect space for natural, romantic, and truly you kinds of moments.

Loving this Los Angeles Engagement Photos with a City View? Check out my recent blog post, Newport Beach Engagement Photos for more engagement inspiration in Southern California. 2025 & 2026 wedding and engagement bookings are open, I can’t wait to hear from you so we can start talking about your wedding day!