Talia & Ben // Calabasas Engagement Session

Ben & Talia met in high school, and were the best of friends. During Talia’s senior year, she went through a breakup that left her not only heartbroken, but also dateless for the senior formal. Ben generously offered to be Talia’s date… just as friends. During the dance, there was a tangible spark between the two “friends.” After establishing a deep foundation of friendship over the years, it didn’t take a whole lot to realize there was more between them. *FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS ANYONE? THIS IS A FREAKIN’ ROMCOM!!!*

Shortly after the dance, they decided to start officially dating. Soon, they graduated and went to college in different countries, unsure of what the future would bring. They navigated the highs & lows of long distance, & got to spend 6 months together in Spain as they both studied abroad. :’) 

After graduating college, the duo knew they wanted to FINALLY spend more time together than they did apart, so they moved to LA to begin their lives in the same zip code. A few years later, Ben asked Talia to be his wife, & she of course enthusiastically said yes. 

In January, this beautiful couple will have been together for 10 YEARS, and will celebrate 14 years of friendship.

I knew Talia peripherally in college, but being in different social circles & different classes, we never really got to know each other. I was BEYOND stoked when she reached out about her wedding, as I’d followed along with her on social media since I graduated, & always thought we’d get along great. After our first phone call in October, I was about 1000% sure I loved her and 2000% sure I wanted to be her photographer.

When I met up with these cutie high school sweethearts for a sunset engagement session in the mountains, it took about 8 seconds for me to see & feel the magic between them. Their love is undeniable—they are magnets to one another and I swear there’s an electric energy between them when they even just make eye contact. Spending time photographing them while we all frolicked in the hills was too much fun. I rarely work with couples who absorb direction so well & cannot look bad if they try! Talia is an actress and an 11/10 beauty, & Ben is a tall, dark, & handsome legend who ADORES his lady, so these photos essentially took themselves.

After the shoot, we all went to dinner and got to know each other better at my favorite Italian place. Without skipping a beat, we were exchanging stories and giggling like old pals. You can’t spend time with these two without being enchanted by their giant hearts, deep capacity for love & empathy, sweet personalities, & quick senses of humor. By the end of dinner, I was ready to (lovingly) give them no choice but to be my friends forever.

I cannot WAIT for their wedding next summer, and am so excited to share a selection of image from their session—some of my favorite engagement photos ever. 

ILY T & B