Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26

Laura’s Griffith Park Engagement Session

Laura Airo and her fiancé were an absolute joy to photograph, sweet, easygoing, and effortlessly fun to be around. Their engagement session took place on August 18, 2025, tucked away in Cedar Grove at Griffith Park, a hidden woodland spot reached by a short hike that feels straight out of a fairytale.

With their wedding planned for May 31, 2026 in Sequoia National Park, they wanted an engagement location in Los Angeles that echoed the same forested, nature-filled atmosphere. Cedar Grove was the perfect match, offering towering trees, soft light, and a quiet sense of intimacy that reflected both their story and the adventure ahead.

Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26

Iris + Sam’s Wedding Day

Iris and Sam’s wedding at Tuscan Rose Ranch felt like stepping into a hidden garden, timeless, romantic, and quietly magical. Surrounded by European chateau architecture, lush greenery, and blooming lavender fields, the setting created a dreamy backdrop for a day that felt both elegant and deeply personal.

Their focus was on authenticity and connection. From a private first look and intimate vow exchange in the gardens to golden hour portraits filled with soft light, laughter, and genuine emotion, every moment unfolded naturally. With no wedding party, the celebration stayed centered on their love and the people closest to them. Thoughtful details like Charlie as their ring bearer, surprise In-N-Out and ice cream trucks, lawn games, heartfelt parent dances, and a sparkler exit added warmth and joy to the day. The result was a seamless flow of love, laughter, and meaningful moments, blending an elegant garden celebration with a relaxed, joy-filled gathering of their favorite people.

Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26

Amanda + Preston’s Engagement Session

Amanda and Preston’s engagement session took place on November 23, 2025, in Santa Monica, with the park setting offering a relaxed and open backdrop for their time together. The session felt easy and unforced, focusing on natural moments, quiet connection, and the kind of laughter that comes from simply being yourselves. It was a laid-back, meaningful way to capture this season of their story.

Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/30/26

Emanuela and Josh’s Wedding Day

Their wedding at the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga was intimate, nature-filled, and full of quiet emotion. Surrounded by trees, flowing water, and soft canyon light, the day unfolded with ease on October 4, 2025. From gentle glances to shared laughter with their closest people, every moment felt intentional and deeply connected, a beautiful continuation of their story.

Melissa Rodriguez 1/29/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/29/26

Grant + Ben’s Surprise Proposal

Ben and Grant’s story is rooted in Santa Monica, where they got engaged in July 2023 at The Point at the Bluffs, a coastal overlook that held deep meaning for them and was later lost in the January 2025 fires. The location remains an important part of their story, marking the beginning of this chapter of their lives together.

Their most recent session took place in September 2025 at Matador Beach during another visit back to Santa Monica. The energy between them was easygoing, playful, and full of affection. Grant brought his laid-back, go-with-the-flow spirit, even braving the cold ocean water without hesitation, while Ben kept things light with playful teasing and quiet, tender gestures. Together, they naturally balance warmth and humor, creating moments that feel honest, relaxed, and deeply connected. The result is a collection of candid images that reflect their genuine bond and the joy they share.

Melissa Rodriguez 1/29/26 Melissa Rodriguez 1/29/26

Ritika + Rohan’s Surprise Proposal

Rohan planned a quiet, thoughtful proposal for Ritika at the Getty, a place deeply woven into their story. It’s where they shared their first date and first kiss after reconnecting in Southern California, years after meeting in high school in Northern California and going to prom together. For them, the Getty holds some of their earliest and most meaningful memories.

The day unfolded effortlessly. By coincidence, we parked at the same time and rode the elevator up together, which made it easy to blend into the surroundings while Ritika remained completely unaware. Rohan had carefully chosen the exact spot for the proposal, somewhere beautiful, intentional, and true to them. When he asked her to take a selfie, it became the perfect cue. I stayed back, giving them space, and captured the moment as it naturally happened.

Her reaction was pure shock and joy. After giving them time to soak it all in, we continued with relaxed portraits while wandering through the Getty together. The entire experience felt calm, genuine, and deeply personal, just like the photographs that came from it.

Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25 Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25

Emanuela + Josh’s Palos Verdes Engagement Session

A warm, light-filled engagement session at Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes — coastal cliffs, rocky beaches, and soft little moments like him tucking a flower behind her ear. These two get married in Topanga this fall, and I can’t wait.

Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25 Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25

Andrea + Gio's Maternity Session

A dreamy redwood maternity session with Gio, Andrea, and their two Rotties, Broly and Brutus. We celebrated their 10-year anniversary and their baby girl on the way — all bathed in the most beautiful golden light.

Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25 Melissa Rodriguez 7/29/25

Iris + Sam’s Griffith Park Engagement Session

A cozy, nature-forward engagement session at Cedar Grove in Griffith Park with Iris, Sam, and their very important sidekick, Charlie. We hiked, we laughed, and we caught that perfect late afternoon glow through the trees.