We are obsessed with Matt and Meli! This is our third occasion photographing the couple, and it is such an honor to be the one cementing these memories into photos for them. I love getting to witness the individual chapters of my couples’ love story — the proposal, the engagement, the wedding, the maternity sessions, and the years of family sessions after. When it comes to Pebble Beach family photography, I’m here for all of it!

Being a legacy photographer for a couple is the greatest gift. It doesn’t hurt that Matt and Meli quickly became one of my favorite couples! This was definitely a fun day with their Pebble Beach family photography. If you are wondering “How do I book a family portrait session?” contact me here. I love doing portraits for all seasons of life!

From the Bay Area to Pebble Beach Family Photography

Matt and Meli are one of our Bay Area couples. The San Francisco Bay Area of California is just one hundred miles or so north of Pebble Beach. It makes it easy for a photo day trip or even a romantic weekend! Anyone flying in for a Pebble Beach family session can easily fly into the San Francisco airport and take a beautiful drive down the scenic Highway 1.

Meli is an avid baker. She loves pastries and homemade chocolate chip walnut cookies. You already know I LOVE chocolate chip cookies! Matt has a sweet tooth as well – it’s clear as day by the way he’s smitten with sweet Meli! 

I met the couple first at The Cottage, AKA my office, where we peel back the layers of couples and test out our chemistry. It is so important to me that the couples I work with feel comfortable sharing their big day with me and trust me to capture their vision. We talked a lot about albums and frames and the beauty of turning a memory into something tangible to enjoy forever. We shared a bottle of champagne and my golden doodle lovebug, Tiger, made quite the impression! 

Since we’re talking about cookies and all things sweet, I recommend Carmel Bakery, California’s oldest bakery still in its original location. Tiger and I take a quick power walk over there often! This bakery has more than 120 years of uninterrupted expertise and production. Their chocolate chip cookies with sea salt are everything good about a sweet coastal town. If you are looking for a Pebble Beach destination engagement session or family session, I insist on a stop at Carmel Bakery.

What Makes a Legacy Couple

Our first photos for Meli and Matt were for their Big Sur Engagement session where we connected with my local Big Sur engagement photographer for a tour of the area. We covered green trails, beach cliffs, and even Bixby Bridge! Big Sur is a beautiful location and it takes a well-versed photographer to really guide through all the wonder. Matt and Meli had SUCH a cheerful and bubbly dynamic during their engagement session, I knew they would be a couple to go the distance.

The next time we got together was for their Bernardus Lodge Wedding! It was a dream come true being their local Carmel Valley wedding photographer. I captured all of their lovely moments at one of my favorite venues of all time: Bernardus Lodge & Spa! It was a romantic day, filled with love, laughter, and a cocktail hour with churros. Definitely a sweet time.

As they say, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Lucia in a baby carriage! Two years after their vows, we are back at another beautiful California beach to celebrate with the new family of THREE with Pebble Beach family photography. As I flip back to their engagement photos with their toes in the sand, I am overwhelmed with joy to see their newest chapter. Now, 30 miles up the same coast where I captured their Big Sur engagement, we are exploring Pebble Beach for their family session.

Explore Pebble Beach and Monterey

As a family portrait photographer, I absolutely love Pebble Beach family photography. There are so many spots to capture timeless photos of the family that are perfect for photo albums, picture frames, or future Christmas cards. And it’s only 5 miles away from Monterey!

Don’t come hangry to a family shoot! One of the best places to stop to fill up before or after a shoot is the recently redesigned Hay’s Place. This fun and lively restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a casual, Mexican-inspired menu, craft beverages, and sweeping views of Stillwater Cove. Relish the view at Pebble’s largest outdoor seating area with fire pits and a signature indoor/outdoor bar. 

If you are searching for outfits for your Pebble Beach family photography, check out Monterey, just five miles north of Pebble Beach. Cypress Boutique Monterey has great outfits for men and women, with a large casual selection perfect for a beach photo session.

Pebble Beach Family Photography with Meli, Mark, and Lucia

Lucia was adorable and such a trooper during the shoot. She sported a ruffled baby pink dress adorned with a pink bow headband. Keeping her cozy was a pair of white tights and a onesie. Meli was a natural beauty in her white dress, curls tumbling gently in the wind. Matt looked like he’d been a father all his life! His forest green sweater with a popped collar was a clean look for family photos.

How do you photograph family gatherings?

There are so many ways to capture family photos and I love the classic portrait style. We have photos of the family together as well as each parent having solo photos with Lucia. Some of my favorite photos from the day are the ones focused on Lucia with some elements of each parent – her dad’s hand, her mom’s smile. I also love that it feels like a gathering. The family coming together, cherishing this time. 

When I shoot family portraits at the beach, I make sure to look up the timing of sunrise and sunset, as well as the tides. The tide can impact the accessibility of certain areas of the beach. Generally, low tides are more interesting to photograph with a larger area of sand to work with. Especially if there are other people at the beach, having more space for everyone is ideal. High tides, on the other hand, can submerge certain areas entirely. Choosing a Pebble Beach photographer gives you someone experienced in these areas! 

Let’s kick off our shoes, chase some waves, and capture some memories! Contact me here for your own legacy photos!