Knowing I would be in San Francisco for a weekend wedding, I decided to book at least one iconic spot in town for a romantic session of my own. Many can attest to the undeniably unique and artistic beauty of California’s coastal town, San Francisco. As fate would have it, I found my client Sunisa on Thumbtack. Her and her fiance lived in Los Angeles and were inquiring about my services for their engagement photos, which we agreed to book for the weekend I was in town. With their idea for an elegant yet effortless setting, I was ecstatic to soon capture their shots on what I consider to be an “iconic” San Francisco landmark.

For some, the quiet solemnity of an ancient structure may not evoke the feelings of affection or love. But Sunisa and her fiance Frederick managed to isolate the raw emotion of their surroundings all the while inspire me, as their photographer, with a raw and heartfelt engagement session at San Francisco’s Sutro Baths and Palace of the Fine Arts. Initially built by a design student, the palace’s construction is reflective of an ancient Roman ruin. With its somber and emotional aura still intact,  lovers come far and wide to partake in it. After spending time on the grounds, I too understand its lure.

The couple’s session took place on an overcast day, but the sun managed to spill out of the clouds just enough for me, and my second shooter Abbie Hulsey, to capture some lovely lighting. The delicate style of Sunisa’s black floral dress meshed profoundly with the soft setting. The light fabric blew gently in the wind while she stared her fiance, Frederick, in the eye just before her lips met his for a soft kiss. Frederick too didn’t waste the opportunity to gently spin his bride-to-be, which made her dress dance in the wind. The mix of the serene beach with textured clouds and lush gardens against ancient walls filled with history, made for a unique, light-hearted and beautiful session.

After meeting at a club in Hollywood in 2012, the Los Angeles natives have now been together for four years and enjoy spending every moment they can together and with their two dogs, Pixel and Emoji. Whether it’s adventures to Disneyland, wine tasting in Temecula, or working out at their local gym, the duo can always find new ways to relish in each other’s company.

The couple plans to tie the knot in San Francisco this month in the presence of some of their family and friends, but will also celebrate a Thai wedding in June, so Sunisa’s family in Thailand and Frederick’s in the Philippines can share in the love of their big day, too.

But I must escort you back to the sheer romance and elegance I witnessed on the day of their engagement session, and end on the fact that Sunisa and Frederick looked so natural, content and in their element – just as if they were right at home.