Engagement Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego

Engagement Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego

Official Website: Balboa Park

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Balboa Park spans over 1,200 acres of area within San Diego County. The park hosts a variety of unique buildings, museums, spaces, trails, gardens, and nature centers. Some of the most notable are San Diego Zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden.

ADMISSION: Admittance is FREE to enter the park grounds.

PARKING: There are 11 free parking lots. There are electric car charging stations located in the Fleet Science Center, and San Diego Zoo parking lots.

DOGS: Dogs allowed and must be leashed at all times.

BEST TIME OF WEEK AND DAY: Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds from the weekends. Early morning and golden hour are recommend for the best lighting.

BEST LOCATIONS:

• Japanese Friendship Garden: This is by far my favorite place in Balboa Park if you prefer privacy and lush green gardens. Morning Photoshoot Reservations are $150 per hour plus admission. All photoshoot reservations must take place between 8:30 am and 10 am and is a 1 hour minimum.

Alcazar Gardens: The patterns of this garden was inspired by the Alcazar Castle in Spain. The gardens is situated perfectly between two museums which provides plenty of shade during the mid-day sun. The boxwood hedges are complimented with thousands of annual and roses. This is one of my favorite places at Balboa Park if you want a mix of gardens and architecture background of Balboa Park.

Spreckles Organ Pavilion: An open air organ pavilion and considered the world’s largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue.

Other notable locations:

• Casa Del Rey Moro Garden

• Bea Evenson Fountain

Engagement Guide to Big Bear Lake

Couple’s Guide to Big Bear Lake

Location: Big Bear Lake, California

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Big Bear Lake is small city located in the mountains of San Bernardino National Forest and well-known for its winter slopes such as Snow Summit Ski Resort. Big Bear Lake is beautiful year round for forms of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and especially for engagement photos.

Best Locations:

Here are my favorite locations in Big Bear Lake for the best settings for engagement photos.

• JUNIPER POINT PICNIC AREA:

  • Location: 41365 N Shore Dr, Big Bear, CA 92314

  • One of my favorite spots in Big Bear Lake, it’s located on the North Shore and pretty secluded. There is plenty of parking since it’s not one of the most popular spots in the area, but I guarantee you its has beautiful views of the mountains. You will need to purchase an Adventure Pass at the Ranger Station or you can buy one at REI or Big 5 Sporting Goods. It’s pretty inexpensive for $5 a day, but I usually recommend purchasing the annual pass since its a mere $30 for the entire year. You can also use the America Beautiful National Park Pass. Make sure you display these permits on your car, or you may receive a pricey ticket from the Rangers

  • Cell signal is pretty sketchy up there, so make sure you share the GPS location to your client before you meet. I highly recommend carpooling to the location to ensure both you the photographer and client are on-time and arrive at the correct location.

  • There are plenty of spots to take photos here. I mix it up by using all aspects of the area. There is a pathway lined with these gorgeous wooden fence, and I use this as leading lines to frame my couples. There are also tons of meadows which create a natural scenic environment for wider angle shots. Last, but not least, go down to the lake and just snap away. You can’t go wrong here, every view is amazing.

  • Winter: The parking lot is commonly closed during the winter months. However, you can park on the main road as long as you display an Adventure Pass.

• SOLAR OBSERVATORY:

  • Also known as BBSO, it stands at 1.6-meter clear aperture Goode Solar Telescope.

  • Another cool backdrop that will make your photos unique!

• STANFIELD PRESERVE BOARDWALK:

  • Approximately .5 mile in length, a must destination in Big Bear Lake.

  • Parking is available along Stanfield Cut-off.

  • The boardwalk may be closed during winter season.

• ALPINE PEDAL PATH:

  • This beautifully paved path runs along the north shore of lake. It’s approximately 3 miles in length running from Serrano Campground all the way to Stanfield Cut-off.

Best Time of the Year:

• Spring & Fall: These are the best times to come and avoid the crowds since these are off season months.

• Winter: Winter months between October through February can get pretty crowded. We do not recommend visiting during snow months due to the traffic jams on the roads. Driving to the lake during fresh snow creates traffic jams on all major roads leading to Big Bear Lake. In some instances, driving from Riverside to Big Bear Lake can take upwards of 4-5 hours. However, if you are able to make it in time, it is truly magical during snow season at Big Bear Lake.

Planning your trip:

• Always check weather reports the day before.

• Alway check road conditions and closures. Falling rocks are pretty common on the major roads and roads can be shutdown for hours.

Travel Time:

• From Los Angeles: Driving from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake is about 100 miles and can take up to 2 hours.

• From San Diego: Driving from San Diego to Big Bear Lake is approximately 145 miles and can take up to 3 hours.

• From Orange County: Driving from Orange County (Anaheim) is approximately 90 miles and can take up to 2 hours.

What to Wear:

• Be prepared for all weather conditions. These are some the items I keep in my vehicle: rain jacket, umbrella, cold weather jacket, and water.

What is NOT allowed at Big Bear Lake:

• Smoke Bombs and all personal fire works is illegal in Big Bear.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement | Natasha & Je'mond

Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement

Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA

Date: 03.10.2022

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Walt DIsney Concert Hall in Los Angeles is one of the most popular backdrops for weddings and engagement sessions. The sleek and modern architecture fits the overall vibe of Downtown Los Angeles.

Our favorite areas at the Concert Hall is the front of the building and the garden. The front area of the building provides an amazing view of the steel structures that resembles sails on a ship.

The garden is absolutely stunning! You can access the garden from taking the stairs either from 2nd Street or Garden Ave. This are is my favorite place to take couples during Golden Hour for numerous reasons. The steel exterior of the building acts as a reflector bouncing that beautiful golden light on to the couple.

There is also another unique area near the garden that I refer to as the steel tunnel. By far my favorite area to have the couple do some actions shots such as walking and dips.

READY TO BOOK? LET’S DO THIS THANG

Couple's Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Your ULTIMATE Couple’s Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Location: Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park, Osborne Park Rd, Brawley, CA 92227

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Glamis Sand Dunes is one of the most captivating and unique locations in Southern California. If you are looking for something different than your typical engagement session at the beach or in the mountains, look no further than the rolling sand dunes of Algodones Dunes. I’ve been to the dunes many times and every single photo session has been so unique. Due to the winds and conditions, the shape and overall look of the dunes constantly change.

Best Location:

The dunes is a fairly large area stretching over 40 miles and so choosing a specific spot is critical. The best location is the Osborne Lookout Point. The Lookout Point is located right next to the 78 freeway. This is the most ideal location for most people that don’t want to trek to far into the dunes. There is a nice open parking lot with restrooms. No permit is required to park at the parking lot.

Once you park, there is several large hills of dunes that are fairly easy to hike up to. In addition, you are several miles away from the campgrounds so you have some distance from the campers. However, during the winter season (October - December) there maybe more campers

Best Time of the Year:

The best time to visit the Sand Dunes is between October through March. Between April and September, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. The combination of the dry heat and harsh sun rays can make for an unbearable experience. Walking on the dunes the during the midst of summer season could be pretty painful, especially barefoot.

I would not recommend visiting the area during the first week of October. October 1st is the official day the campgrounds open up and you will observe many campers and ATVs in the area.

Planning your trip:

I highly recommend to arrive 2 hour prior to sunset. This will give you sometime to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and choose the best routes on the dunes.

Travel Time:

We recommend to plan your travel time based on your session time.

For example, if your session time is from 4-6pm. Plan to arrive by 3pm, this will provide you with plenty of wiggle room in case of traffic or those needed pit stops at the gas stations.

• LAX to Glamis: Approximately 272 miles, which could take up to 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.

• San Diego Airport to Glamis: Approximately 159 miles, which could take up to 2.5-3 hours based on traffic.

What to Wear:

You can pretty much wear anything and we will make it work. We do recommend that you coordinate your color combinations so they either compliment each other or strong contrast for that edgy darker look. However, here’s a few color combinations we feel that really stand out at the Dunes:

• Burgundy/Red & Black

• Pink & Dark Blue

• Light Pastel Colors & Light Blue/Teal

Future Bride:

• short or long flowy dress

Future Groom:

• Khaki Pants or shorts

• Long Sleeve

• Formal Look (Suit without the tie)

What to bring:

These are the must have items that we recommend for your long trip to Glamis.

• Refreshments and water

• sandals

• extra pair of clothes (as backup)

• towel (to wipe your feet after the session)

• sun screen, sun glasses and hat

• backpack to hold your items and gear

What is NOT allowed at the Glamis:

Unfortunately, drones are strictly prohibited. We can still capture amazing video footage of you guys exploring the dunes. We just have to hike a bit more :)

Weather:

• Always check the weather forecast prior to traveling the dunes.

• Windy conditions are pretty common at the dunes.

• We love going when there is some clouds because it makes for amazing sunsets.

What to EXPECT:

• Restrooms are available at the Lookout Point but there are not flush toilets. Recommend bringing wipes.

• Dune buggies and ATV sometimes frequent near the lookout point so be aware the vehicles.

• Sands can be fairly hot to walk on if you prefer to do your session during the summer.

• Recommend walking barefoot on the sand

• Bring multiple outfits as a backup

• Be prepared to hike if you want epic photos, some of the taller dunes are pretty steep.

READY TO EXPLORE GLAMIS SAND DUNES?

LET’S BOOK A SESSION NOW!

Best Wedding & Elopement Location in Joshua Tree National Park

Best Wedding & Elopement Location in Joshua Tree National Park

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Hidden Valley Campground is our favorite location in Joshua Tree National Park for weddings and elopements. This location provides most of the variety that you would see within the 800,000 acres of Joshua Tree National Park. If you are planning to elope or host a small and intimate wedding, this is our go-to location due to it’s accessibility and picturesque backdrop.

Best Spots within the Hidden Valley Area:

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail

• Small Boulders within the campgrounds

• Open area east of the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (best for sunset photos)

How to get to Hidden Valley?

We recommend entering from the West Entrance Station, which is located near Joshua Tree City. The drive from the west entrance to Hidden Valley is about 11 miles. However, you can also take the North Entrance, which is located in 29 Palms or the South Entrance which is the longest route (approximately 58 miles).

Entrance Fee?

The cost to enter the park is $30 for a 7-day pass for each vehicle. They only accept credit/debit card. You can also pre-purchase an Annual National Park Pass “America the Beautiful” which provides you annual access to all the National Parks in the United States.

Amenities?

There are pit-toilets throughout the National Park. Unfortunately, there are no vending machines and stores within the park. We recommend brining your own food and stopping by the Joshua Tree Visitor Center (6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252) which is located before the West Entrance. The Visitor Center has restrooms, small gift shop and restaurant with refreshments.

If you are really adventurous and want to spend the weekend in Joshua Tree, you can actually camp at one of the 44 site within the Hidden Valley Campground. Unfortunately, the camp sites are first-come, first served, but you can reserve a campsite from the following campgrounds: Blackrock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan. These campsite are very inexpensive and typically cost between $20-$25.

One of main reasons why we love this location is the large boulders and rock formations, these boulders don’t only make for photography backdrops but provides some needed shade from the sun if you are planning to elope during the harsh summer wedding in Joshua Tree National Park.

The second reason is parking, there area has ample parking within the lots compared to the other sites within Joshua Tree.

This site also has pit toilets which are also essential if you plan to change outfits.

The last reason why we love this location are the views! Our favorite spot to photograph during sunset is near the Hidden Valley Picnic Area. You can capture amazing sunset photos towards the west of the picnic area. We love capturing wide-angle photos of our couples to show of the majestic landscape of the Joshua trees.

Prospect Park Redlands | Melissa + Noel

MELISSA + NOEL

Location: Prospect Park, 1352 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373

Date: 10.05.2021

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs Engagement Photography | Erika + Albert

ERIKA + ALBERT

Location: Joshua Tree National Park & Palms Springs

Date: 03.16.2021

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Claudia Terrazas

I’m always excited when a couple decides to choose Joshua Tree National Park as the location for their engagement session. I absolutely love Joshua Tree National Park for engagements, elopements, and wedding photography! There are so much variety and interesting spots to choose from.

Erika & Albert are huge fans Downtown Palm Springs but have never been to Joshua Tree National Park. I sometimes feel like a tour guide because I love teaching people about the history and unique spots of Joshua Tree National Park.

If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park for the first time, there is a $30 fee to enter the park unless you have the Annual “America the Beautiful” Park Pass. For all my veterans out there, veterans and their families are now free to enter all US National Parks based of the new rule under the Interagency Annual Military Pass.

Joshua Tree National Park is a huge park, so I definitely recommend you choose 2-3 spots for your engagement session. Unless, you plan to spend the entire day inside the park. My go to spots are Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks, and Cholla Cactus Garden. Sometimes, we randomly just find a cool spot and takes picture from there. We were fortunately enough to find this really interesting Joshua tree that was leaning to one side like the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” (see first picture below) I positioned Erika & Albert right under neath the tree and framed them perfectly!

After visiting Joshua Tree National Park, we traveled to our next stop “Windmills of Palm Springs” Did you know that there are over 4,000 windmills that can literally power the City of Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. The best spot to take pictures of the windmills is right on Indian Canyon Road. The closer you get to the windmills the windier it gets.

Our last stop was to take some photos in front of modern and vibrant houses in Downtown. We love how many of the homeowners paint their front door with vibrant colors (yellow, teal, blue, pink).

Thank you so much to Claudia Terrazas for putting the timeline together and joining us for the session!

Erika & Albert you guys are the coolest couple around for spending the day with me and allowing me to capture your love! Can’t wait to photograph your wedding!

Big Bear Lake Elopement Photography | Rudy + Lieu

RUDY + LIEU

Location: Big Bear Lake

Date: 02.27.2021

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

This blog is well overdue. I have so much respect for Rudy & Lieu. We initially had their post elopement session back in January, but we both ran into so much traffic it took us 3-4 hours just to get up to Big Bear Lake. So we all decided to reschedule the session for another month.

At the end of the day, it was so worth it! We were able capture some amazing photos on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. There are so many locations to choose from Big Bear Lake, but I prefer exploring the north shore of the lake. It is the best spot for sunset photos since the sun sets perfectly over the mountains.

My favorite locations are Juniper Point and the shore line to the west of Big Bear Lake Solar Observatory. These locations will provide with you with so much variety that you don’t have to go anywhere else!

Congrats again Rudy & Lieu!

Leo Carrillo State Beach Engagement Photography - Malibu, CA | Justina & Ryan

JUSTINA + RYAN

Location: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA

Date: 09.16.2020

Wedding & Engagement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

So exciting when you connect with old friends back in the day. Justina is a good friend all the way from high school. Her sister referred me and I didn’t even realize she was engaged. Luckily, she didn’t have a wedding photographer yet. Once I contacted her and chatted about our lives and her upcoming wedding plans, she gave me the green light and it was a go.

We immediately started discussing plans for an engagement session. I always encourage my couples to have an engagement session with me. The engagement session is a great time to meet the couples face to face and get to experience my work flow. In addition, we can also chat about any questions or concerns they may have on the wedding day. Ultimately, this helps the couple become comfortable in front of the camera since I will be with the couple for 6 to 8 hours on a wedding day.

Justina and Ryan actually met at a coffee shop, which is absolutely adorable. I love how coffee connects people together. What is even more interesting, Justina and Ryan lives on a boat at the Oxnard Harbor. This gave me the perfect idea to photograph them on the boat and maybe even take a trip to Channel Islands. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do it due to the inclement weather.

We decided to just go with a beach session at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu. This is one of the best engagement locations in Malibu. My top 2 reasons for choosing this location is less crowds and parking availability. Weekends do get busy, but there is usually plenty of parking available on PCH compared to the other Malibu beaches.

Justina and Ryan are so easy to work with, I love their positive attitude and easy going vibes. They were absolutely down for anything. There was a couple times they got splashed by a fairly large waves, but they were so cool about.

Check out their engagement photos below! Thank you again Ryan and Justina, so looking forward to your wedding in 2021.

King Gillette Ranch - Malibu Engagement Photography | Cassidy + Karson

CASSIDY + KARSON

Location: King Gillette Ranch, Malibu, CA

Date: 09.12.2020

Wedding & Engagement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

King Gillette Ranch is one of the many hidden gems in Malibu, California. The ranch was famously owned by King C. Gillette, who is well known today for the “Gillette” safety razor design. The ranch consists of over 500 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains. The main attraction at the Ranch is the Spanish Colonial Gillette Mansion, which was originally built in 1928 and hosts 28 rooms.

Engagement Session

This was my first time at King Gillette Ranch so I arrived about 45 minutes early to scout the area for key locations. This gave me plenty of time to walk around the Gillette Mansion and determine which angle/perspective would look the best. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the most ideal since there was a layer of smoke in the atmosphere due to Sawmill Fire and Babcot Fire from San Gabriel Mountains. I expected that we wouldn’t have the best light for sunset but it would provide us even lighting which is always great for portraits.

Cassidy and Karson arrived on time and they looked absolutely beautiful. They were right, they can definitely pull off to be “Warmer Park Models” I loved their enthusiasm from beginning and eagerness to capture some beautiful portraits. I knew that we had to be efficient and intentional with the photos since the ranch was so large. We kicked off the session at the Visitor Center which had a beautiful fountain in the courtyard and thick vine leaves hanging off from the exterior of the patio. Next, we walked to the short nature trail that was located right next to the visitor parking lot. We took the opportunity to capture some individual headshots for Cassidy and Karson here since the overgrown bushes and flowers was the perfect backdrop. Cassidy actually brought a bright red book called the “Library Book” which was very fitting, since Cassidy is a teacher. From here, I had Cassidy and Karson change outfits before we headed to Gillette Mansion. Their outfit was perfect for the setting. Cassidy had an elegant red crimson dress with black opera long gloves reminiscent of the 1950’s. Karson wore a classic dark blue suit with a white long sleeve shirt.

At the eastern side of the mansion, there was this beautiful stairs lined with blue and white tiles. This is where we took the photos of Cassidy and Karson wearing “Gas Masks” to signify the Pandemic. Make sure you scroll down the page to see these photos!

Cassidy and Karson also wanted to take some funny photos of them with “COVID” props. I thought this was really creative to show that we took these photos in a middle of Global Pandemic.

We ended the session with some walking shots of them near the main entrance. These were probably one of my favorite photos of the session. The security officer was nice enough to allow us to take these photos before he kicked us out.

Thank you so much to Cassidy and Karson for your time and trusting me to take your engagement photos. I look forward to your wedding in 2021.

Here’s how they met and a little about their love story:

How did you guys meet?

We met online in 2017. I (Cassidy) had tried casual dating for a short while and discovered that it wasn't really my scene. I had promised Karson a coffee date before quitting dating altogether and focusing on work/school. Karson had messaged a few people, but not gone on any dates thus far. Our meeting was his first-and last- online dating experience.

Tell me about your first date?

We agreed to meet at Happy Days Cafe- a Churro /coffee shop in Sherman Oaks. Since Cassidy was tired of bad dates, she scheduled the meeting for a weeknight coffee. She also set it up with her mom to call an hour into the date, so she had an excuse to leave. An hour long date turned into four hours....and several missed calls from mom.How did you know she was the one?!

How did you know he was the one?!

There isn't an exact moment, just a series of small instances. Cassidy liked how Karson took care of her- cooking, planning dates, holding her hand, and generally protecting her. She also found his Dad puns to be almost-funny. He is the first person she thinks of when she has a new story to tell.   Karson here- I find it hard to say when I knew Cassidy was the one. Early on in our dating, Cassidy quickly became my best friend. She was the one who I wanted to spend my free time with. She makes me laugh, makes me feel at ease and relaxed. There were several moments when I knew I could marry her, they were all little things she did that made my day better.

How did you guys get engaged?

Karson proposed at Bodega Bay in March 2020. They had decided on a picnic and walk along the cliffs overlooking the bay. Karson and Cassidy had discussed marriage, but Cassidy was surprised when Karson pulled out the ring- she had not expected a proposal in that moment. Either way, the answer was an ecstatic "yes".   Karson here- Cassidy had once joked that she would not accept a proposal unless it came along with dessert. Just before the hike to our proposal location, I called a local bakery and ordered a dozen cookies for pick up; one can never be too sure.

What do you love about each other?

Karson is thoughtful, talented, and romantic.   Cassidy is funny, expressive, and passionate.

List some of your favorite things that you both love... (examples: movies, funny memes, wine, etc)

We love: - restaurant week L.A.  - travelling central coast CA - Bachelor in Paradise - Our cat, Prudence - classic movies (Bringing up Baby, the Thin Man series, anything Hitchock) - craft cocktails - DMing each other random Instagram videos

What makes you guys a unique couple?

Our greatest compliment was being told we look like Warby Parker models......because we both wear Warby Parker glasses.

What is your favorite place to go and spend time together (example: restaurant, watching sunsets, etc)

We love date nights in Downtown L.A....and we've really missed it since the shut down.  Karson is a big foodie, so fine dining is a common occurrence.  We make frequent weekend road trips to different cities along Central California Coast...we love exploring new towns and walking along the beach.

What makes you guys laugh?

Karson loves Dad jokes and terrible puns. I can manage a weak smile.  We love the cringe-y editing on the bachelor....pretty much any viral reality TV clip has made me laugh. Favorite comedians: Ron Funches, Rhys Darby, Iliza Shlesinger, Kristen Schaal.   *Karson is usually an easier laugh than me. It's one of the first things that attracted me to him.

Leo Carrillo State Beach Engagement Photography | Erika + Christian | Mike Federis Wedding Photography

ERIKA + CHRISTIAN

Location: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA

Date: 09.16.2020

Wedding & Engagement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Erika contacted me just months shy from her wedding because she wanted engagement photos prior to her big day. She recently purchased a home and wanted to fill the house with some photos of her and her soon to be husband Christian. I was more than excited to capture some amazing photos of them at Leo Carrillo State Beach. I recommended this location since it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in North Malibu. Leo Carrillo has a a bit of everything which makes it a great location for engagement sessions. I love the lookout point which provides a great perspective of the seascape of shore. If you want to really be creative and daring, there are some crazy looking cliffs and rock formations at this beach.

Erika and Christian were amazing to work with! They were so easy going and down to earth couple. Even with the unexpected winds and Erika’s hair flying all over the place, she just went with the flow and we were able to capture tons of beautiful photos. They are also both super fit, make sure you scroll down to the last few photos and check out the BONUS pic!

Thank you Erika and Christian for allowing my trusting me to capture your engagement photos!

Yelp Review from Erika: Last minute I decided I wanted engagement pictures after seeing some of Mike's recent shoots.  I Messaged Mike and he responded promptly and we were able to figure out our schedules to make it work.  My fiancé and I had such a fun experience getting our photos taken, didn't feel awkward or weird, and Mike made us feel comfortable in front of the camera.  I received our photos within almost 2 days and was absolutely in love!  Mike did a great job of capturing our "spirit" and I love that it didn't look forced or staged.  I highly recommend Mike and we'll probably use him, if only I booked him for our wedding!

Best Places for Engagement Photography Locations in Southern California | Mike Federis Wedding Photography

Best Places for Engagement Photography Locations in Southern California

Today we’re looking at the best places for engagement photography locations in Southern California. These are my top photo locations for couples who love to travel and don’t mind a bit of an adventure. Let’s get to my top picks!

1. Glamis Sand Dunes

   If you are up for an adventure, Glamis Sand Dunes also known as Algodones Dunes is one of the most epic locations on this list. The dunes is about a 3 hour drive from Los Angeles. This desert oasis will make you imagine that you are in the middle of the Sahara Desert due to its 40 mile stretch of soft sand. Be prepared to run around and slide down like a 10 year old.

2. Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park in Sand Diego, California is one of my favorite locations to photograph couples! With over 1,200 acres, Balboa Park offers so much variety from museums, interesting architecture, and beautiful gardens. One of my favorite spots to photograph couples is in front of the Botanical Building. The Botanical Building provides an amazing backdrop while the lily pond provides leading lines and beautiful foreground to images.

3. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is my favorite lake among the numerous lakes in the San Bernardino Mountains. This place is beautiful all year round. The lake is about a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, but well worth the drive. The most convenient spot at Big Bear Lake is at Juniper Point. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5 from Big 5 Sporting Goods for a day pass) to park here. Juniper Point is on the north shore of the lake and offers amazing views of the mountain range. Make sure you check out the Alpine Pedal Path which leads you all the way to the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

4. Joshua Tree National Park

If you are looking for a desert theme, no look further than Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is about a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles. To enter the park, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. If you have a National Park Pass, that will get you in the park for free. Once you enter the park, you are greeted with hundreds and thousands of these cool looking Joshua Trees. There are so many great places to take pictures here, it’s hard to choose. Be prepared to drive since the park is massive; it takes about an hour to drive from the West Entrance to the South Entrance of Joshua Tree.

CONTACT US

Are you ready for an Adventure? Or maybe have some questions? Reach out and we’ll love to chat with y’all!

Glamis Sand Dunes Engagement Session | Melissa + Nathan | San Diego Wedding Photography

MELISSA + NATHAN

Location: Glamis Sand Dunes

Date: 08.22.2020

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

I absolutely loved this adventure engagement session at Glamis Sand Dunes and Salvation Mountain. Glamis Sand Dunes is my favorite location in San Diego if you are looking for something UNIQUE and EPIC. The dunes extend over 40 miles and seriously feels like you are in Egypt. We also did this during a heat wave in Southern California, but we survived!

Our initial plan was to go straight to Glamis Sand Dunes and spend about 2 hours taking photo and video. I suggested that maybe we could stop by Salvation Mountain and take a few photos since it was on the way. Love this couple, they are so down for anything. It was a perfect match for Melissa and Nathan’s outfit since Salvation Mountain is painted with a rainbow of bright and airy colors. Melissa’s favorite color is TEAL, if you haven’t already figured that out from the photos. We had to keep our masks on the entire time due to the owner’s policy, but we sneaked in a couple without the masks :)

The heat was a bit unbearable so we only spent maybe half an hour max at Salvation Mountain. The drive from Salvation Mountain to Glamis Sand Dunes is only about an hour. Once we arrived at our location, it was actually much cooler at the dunes due to the slight breeze. The breeze is why this place is magical! It helps add to the movement and flow to your photos.

Pro Tip: Advise your soon to be bride to wear a semi-long dress that will flow and show movement. This adds magic to the dress, I promise!

Melissa & Nathan’s Love Story: Melissa and Nathan met through a mutual friend who suggested they add each other on Facebook. Both of them were hesitant at first, but to their surprise, they immediately hit it off. They got along so well that they agreed to meet for dinner with their mutual friends days later. Nathan was a sport and drove miles from San Diego to the Inland Empire just to see her. They had such a great time that they decided to go on their first date right after dinner at Big Al's. They connected through music and shared their life stories and experiences.

Nathan thought their first date went without a hitch and figured he'd ask her out on a second date. That second date led to another, and soon enough they started falling for each other. Distance was no obstacle, as they would talk to each other everyday on the phone and drive wherever just to see each other in person at least once a week. On April 4, 2020 - despite the ongoing pandemic - Nathan still pushed through with a surprise proposal to Melissa on their two-year anniversary. She happily said, "Yes!" and here we are today!

To Melissa & Nathan: Congratulations again to both of you! I’m so honored to be able to capture these special moments and I Iook forward to capturing more of these timeless moments at your wedding.

CONTACT US

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Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens Engagement Photography | David + Mary Anne

DAVID + MARY ANNE

Engagement Photography Session

Date: 02.11.20

Location:

• Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens,  220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Vendors:

• Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

• Videographer: Walter Media

Mary Anne was referred to me by my good friends and clients Jon & Renee. After few e-mails back and forth and a phone consultation, Mary Anne + David liked my style/ service and we were officially a go! The next step was planning their Engagement Photography Session and finding the perfect location. Mary Anne already had her sights on doing her engagement session at Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens. This was actually perfect, since I’ve never been to this venue and it would give me an opportunity to scout the location for the Wedding Day. I also invited my buddy Walter, videographer, to create an engagement highlight video.

Video by Walter A. Media

Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens is located in Fallbrook, CA. If you love gardens and love that tropical vibe, this is the place for you. On top of that, this venue has a heart shaped lake! This place is absolutely gorgeous. The main building is called the Beverly Mansion and is situated right in front of the lake.

On the engagement session, Walter and I literally wanted to shoot at every single spot of this place, but we had only had a couple hours before the venue closed for the day. So we decided to start at the Mansion and work our way to a few of the gardens on the venue. There are also several mini waterfalls throughout the gardens. The one place we had to go was the Arbor Terrace Gardens, which resembled a tropical jungle. The coolest spot in this garden was a bridge that crossed over the waterfall. Every single garden we went to was lush with flowers and tropical plants. They definitely put a lot of time and effort into making this a beautiful wedding venue.

Mary Anne + David were such a great couple to work with. They definitely have that love connection going on. They were absolutely up for anything, and I loved that. I love couples who are open minded and are willing to let us creatives do our thing. I can not wait to go back to this place and photograph their wedding! It’s going to be EPIC!

Here’s what Mary Anne & David thoughts of the venue and their experience:

What were your top 3 photos from the engagement gallery?

Describe The Grand Tradition Estate and why did you choose that location for your Engagement and Wedding? We chose grand tradition based on location, lush gardens, waterfalls, private venue, and it was all inclusive.

What ended up being your favorite part of the day?
All day was magical. It was my (mary Anne's birthday)

What were some of your favorite engagement details?
It was a surprise after thinking Mary anne wasnt gonna get proposed to due to family emergency and it was Christmas day.

How did you feel after the day ended?
We felt that we took advantage of the whole venue, scenery for photograph and videography session. 

What did you like most about working with Me (Mike)?
Mike gave attention to detail and lighting when photographing. Mike was energetic and we were amazed by the turn around of the engagement photo session.

What are you looking forward to the most as an engaged couple?
We look forward to our wedding

What advice would you give to future bride and grooms looking to plan an engagement session?
To choose a right time of day for perfect lighting, good weather, and to wear something colorful yet comfortable. 

Victoria Beach | Laguna Beach Engagement Photography | Suzana + Justin

SUZANA + JUSTIN

Victoria Beach, Laguna Engagement Session

Date: 12-14-19

Location: Victoria Beach, Laguna, CA

Suzana and Justin are a young, beautiful couple originally from Texas. Justin is a Captain in the Air Force and Suzana is a Registered Nurse. Their love story started like most relationships, they met through mutual friends and were friends initially for some time. Their long distance relationship eventually blossomed and they hit it off.

Laguna Beach is Suzana and Justin’s favorite beach line in Southern California. They wanted sometime unique and picturesque. Suzana decided with Victoria Beach, which is a hidden gem in Laguna. There is no direct route to the beach from the pacific coast highway. Therefore, parking is a little bit tricky since there are no signs pointing towards the beach. Many of the locals despise visitors from parking not the neighboring streets. So I recommend that you find parking right on the Pacific Coast Highway, but this may get crowded during the summer. Winter is the best time to schedule photo shoots, there are less visitors and spectators.

There are two entry points from Victoria Drive and Wards Terrace. There are no public restrooms, so we recommend brining a pop-up changing tent for your couples. The last option is to take the trolley from Treasure Island or the Main Beach.

We decided to park right on Pacific Coast Highway and walk down between the homes. If you park north of Victoria Beach Dr., you can walk down McAulay Place or Sunset Terrace and it will lead you to a Public Stairway to the beach. Not far of a walk at all, just be careful of the cars coming around the corners.

We were so lucky because the past few weeks it had been pouring down like cats and dogs in Southern California. There was also a slight chance that it might rain near the coast that day. I’ve always been lucky with the weather and it has never rained on me yet. The day was just perfect! There was a slight overcast which gave us some diffused light. This spot is definitely a hidden gem. There were a few people on the beach but no where near crowded as the Main Beach.

Suzana and Justin wanted to start the engagement shoot wearing her nurse scrubs and Justin’s military uniform. I actually loved this idea because it’s an important part of how they moved here in Southern California. They briefly met through mutual friends in Texas, but then Justin was transferred to a new duty station in Southern California. They eventually reconnected and started a long distance relationship. Their relationship kept building and they made the decision to move in together. This meant that Suzana had to move all the way to California from Texas. What a big leap of faith! The rest is history!

After taking some natural light photos, we made our way towards the tide pool and the pirate tower. The Pirate Tower is slightly north of the beach. You won’t be able to see it from the entrance of the beach. The tide pools were amazing. We were able to capture some dynamic photos with flash there.

The Pirate Tower is an interesting sight, the tower was built in the early 1900s and it’s still standing to this day. The tower is located north of the beach, you will have to walk over a section of rocky terrain to make your way to the tide pools and pirate tower.

It was simply an awesome day to spend some time with Justin and Suzana, we absolutely love their positivity on life and infectious enthusiasm. Dolly and I are so glad to have connected with them. We are so looking forward to their wedding in July. Love you guys!

Here’s a highlight video of their engagement session at Victoria Beach.

Engagement Photography at Big Bear Lake | Sean & Lauren

SEAN + LAUREN

Date: 11-02-19

Location: Juniper Point, Big Bear Lake, CA

Big Bear is known for its beautiful forest scenery and iconic lake. Sean and Lauren requested a location that would provide that nature and forest vibe, and Big Bear was the perfect location for their Engagement Session.

One of my favorite spots in Big Bear is called Juniper Point, it’s located on the North Shore and pretty secluded. There is plenty of parking since it’s not one of the most popular spots in the area, but I guarantee you its has beautiful views of the mountains. You will need to purchase an Adventure Pass at the Ranger Station or you can buy one at REI or Big 5 Sporting Goods. It’s pretty inexpensive for $5 a day, but I usually recommend purchasing the annual pass since its a mere $30 for the entire year. You can also use the America Beautiful National Park Pass. Make sure you display these permits on your car, or you may receive a pricey ticket from the Rangers

Cell signal is pretty sketchy up there, so make sure you share the GPS location to your client before you meet. Or you can also carpool before driving up in the mountains.

There are plenty of spots to take photos here. I mix it up by using all aspects of the area. There is a pathway lined with these gorgeous wooden fence, and I use this as leading lines to frame my couples. There are also tons of meadows which create a natural scenic environment for wider angle shots. Last, but not least, go down to the lake and just snap away. You can’t go wrong here, every view is amazing.

Balboa Park San Diego Engagement Photography | Curt + Sarah

CURT + SARAH:

Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

12-01-19

Curt + Sarah was referred to me by my fellow photog, Walter Arenas (Videographer: Walter A. Media). I’ve worked with Walter a few projects and he’s such a talented videographer. He’s basically my go to when I need a videographer in the San Diego Area. Apparently, Curt has been a long-time friend of Walter and Walter’s Team was hired to capture the video side of the wedding. I was super excited to do another Engagement Shoot and Wedding in Sunny San Diego!

Curt + Sarah wanted to keep their Engagement Shoot local and wanted some diversity in the environment. I knew the perfect spot for them. Balboa Park was a no brainer. Balboa Park is basically a one-stop shop, it has beautiful gardens, museum, water fountains, parks, and more. I’d say the only drawback is the tourists. Balboa Park is a popular destinations for tourists and weekends are very busy. Come during the week or the morning to avoid the rush.

As a photographer, Balboa Park is a hassle free area. Balboa Park does not require permits for still photography and parking is free! Parking in San Diego and near the coast can be a hassle sometimes, but not Balboa Park. There are so many areas to park. The best place to park is on the west side of the park. You can usually find parking along Balboa Drive which parallels Sixth Ave. This is walking distance to El Prado Road, which leads to Cabrillo Bridge Entrance.

My goal for their Engagement Shoot was to shoot at Alcazar Gardens, Front of San Diego Museum of Art, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. I wanted to provide them at least 2-3 environmental backgrounds since they wanted to do an outfit change.

They were the sweetest couple ever! Love working with couples that just let me do my thang and allowing me to capture their connection. Looking forward to their wedding next year!

Glamis Sand Dunes | Engagement Photography Session | San Diego, California

Jon + Renee

Glamis Sand Dunes | Engagement Photography Session | San Diego, California

One of the best kept secrets in San Diego is the natural sand dunes of Glamis. Glamis is about 2 hours east of Downtown San Diego. It is very popular among ATV enthusiast looking to kick some sand around.

We drove from Chino Hills and it took about 3 hours on a Sunday evening. We decided to go to the Osborne Overlook (Osborne Park Rd, Brawley, CA 92227) and walk from there. The sand itself is unbelievably soft and grainy. Be prepared to get sand in between your toes. Parking is free and the sand dunes is literally right next to the parking lot. So if you’re not up for hiking this is the best spot for “non-hikers”

Photography Tips

• Arrive 1 hour before sunset to scout the area for the best dune

• Be prepared to get your gear dusty

• Use a wide and long lens for different perspectives

  Couple Tips

• Wear clothing that will be contrasty to the tan color of the sand

• Bride to be: wear a long dress to capture some epic shots