When we first started planning Lorena and Julio’s engagement session, it wasn’t the peak of COVID yet but of course, our plans changed because of the restrictions the state of CA set due to COVID. By the time we were able to photograph their Thomas F Riley Wilderness Park Engagement session, it was mid-July, you know what that means? It was HOT! We both hoped that because we were going to be in Orange County, pretty close to the coast, it would be cooler – nope! Just our luck. It was was in the high 90’s when we started their session! They were troopers though! Their beautiful summer session was perfection! Rolling hills, books
When we first starting thinking of locations, Lorena really loved the idea of an open field and rolling hills.
I suggested a few locations and she chose to have their engagement session at Thomas F Riley Wilderness Park. Typically, Thomas F. Riley sessions start off shooting in full sun as there’s no shade once you enter the trails but considering the lack of tall trees on the trails, shooting in the full sun totally works! However, this was absolutely not an option this day! It was just too hot to have Julio and Lorena stand on the trails in 90-degree weather. This quickly turned into a *real* summer session, ha!
Even though it was really hot out, you would never know it from looking at their session. Lorena and Julio still cuddled up next to each other when I asked them to and despite the heat, we had SO much fun getting to know each other. I loved walking away to a distance and allowing them to relax and have fun. The rolling hills behind them were just beautiful – despite the heat! Julio and Lorena have such a sweet connection. They have so much fun together and it’s totally evident in their photos. I didn’t even have to make any of my lame jokes to get them to laugh!
Lorena and Julio,
Thank you SO much for choosing to hang out with me in 90-degree heat and tolerating me call Julio by a different name the entire session! I promise I know your name *Julio*! I can’t wait for your big day next year, it’s going to be epic! You two are adorable and perfect together.
XO,
