Love in the Rain: Elise & Charlie’s California Engagement Session
Some sessions come wrapped in golden sunsets and cotton-candy skies—but this one was wrapped in something just as magical: raindrops, real love, and a whole lot of laughter. Because sometimes, the most unforgettable engagement photos aren’t about the perfect weather—they’re about embracing the moment just as it is.
Elise and Charlie had a tight window to take their California engagement photos before heading back to college. And wouldn’t you know it? The skies opened up. But canceling wasn’t on the table. We leaned into the raindrops and cloudy skies. The result was nothing short of joyful, romantic, and real.
There’s something incredibly intimate about shooting in the rain. Everything slows down. The world gets quieter. And if you let it, the moment becomes a memory. That’s exactly what happened with Elise and Charlie. From soft kisses under umbrellas to spontaneous bursts of laughter, every frame felt honest and full of connection.
But the weather wasn’t the only thing that made this session special—their story is pure magic.
Elise first met Charlie in 2020 through her college roommate… who, at the time, was dating Charlie. (Yes, you read that right!) The two quickly became close friends, but life had other plans. After both Elise and Charlie served LDS missions, they returned home and reconnected. By then, Charlie’s previous relationship had ended, and a new chapter was quietly beginning—first as friends, and then something more.
And now? They’re absolutely smitten.
Charlie’s proposal deserves its own spotlight. Elise is known for having a sixth sense when it comes to surprises—so much so, she accidentally ruined Charlie’s first attempt. But he wasn’t about to give up. Instead, he got creative. With the help of friends, he orchestrated the perfect plan to catch her off guard. He led her to the sand dunes, where a heart-shaped blanket surrounded by roses was waiting. Romantic, thoughtful, and beautifully intentional—the moment couldn’t have been more “them.”
Their love is the kind you feel instantly. It’s in the way they look at each other. The way they make each other laugh without trying. And how comfortable they are simply being together—even soaking wet, with wind in their hair, on a rainy day they’ll never forget.
As a photographer, sessions like this are a reminder that love doesn’t wait for sunshine. It shows up, dances in puddles, and laughs through the storm. Elise and Charlie’s engagement session wasn’t just a shoot—it was a celebration of their story, their spontaneity, and the joy of choosing each other, rain or shine.
If you’re planning your own engagement session in California, don’t be afraid of a little weather. Sometimes the unexpected gives you the most unforgettable photos.
