Shaun & Oliver — Engagement Session at Pasadena City Hall


There’s something special about a 9am photoshoot—especially in a place as iconic as Pasadena City Hall. For Shaun and Oliver, this early morning session was the perfect way to celebrate their engagement before their wedding day, which I’ll also have the honor of capturing.


We started just as the light softened across the architecture, giving us that clean, flattering glow that’s hard to beat later in the day. One of the biggest advantages of shooting this early? The space was nearly empty. No crowds, no distractions—just the two of them, fully present in the moment.


Shaun and Oliver brought such a calm, genuine energy. It made everything flow naturally—from quiet in-between moments to the more editorial frames against the arches and textures of the building.


For this session, I used my Nikon Z6III paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8S for versatility and the 35mm f/1.2S for those more intimate, cinematic shots. I also incorporated my Profoto A10 flash to add a subtle, polished touch where needed.


Morning sessions like this are underrated. Soft light, peaceful atmosphere, and timeless architecture—it all came together beautifully for Shaun and Oliver. Now, I’m even more excited for their wedding day ahead.

Couple holding hands walking toward historic Pasadena City Hall on a bridge, with palm trees and cloudy sky.
Smiling same-sex couple pose hand-in-hand among pink roses in front of a historic building.
Lush pink rose bush with blooming flowers and green leaves in a garden bed with mulch.
Two young men standing in front of elegant arched colonnade building outdoors on a sunny day.
Couple walking along a garden path beside a white Spanish colonial building with arched walkways and rose bushes.
Two men hold hands walking past rose bushes beside elegant arched colonnade building.
Two wedding rings in open black jewelry boxes on a stone surface with dark foliage backdrop, black and white photo.
Two men embrace and smile at each other outdoors near elegant white arched columns.
Aerial view of couple holding hands strolling along rose garden path beside arched colonnade.
Black and white photo of ornate building tower rising above lush garden trees with decorative stone fountain in foreground.
Two men share a romantic moment among pink roses outside a grand white neoclassical building.
Two smiling men embrace outdoors near a garden with pink flowers and lush green trees in the background.
Two men hold hands and share a loving glance while walking under elegant white arches outdoors.
Two hands holding gently among blooming pink roses, one adorned with a diamond engagement ring.
Two men hold hands walking through a courtyard with arches, roses, and a historic tower in the background.