magnolia west

THE JOURNAL

I'm a hopeless romantic who finds great joy in creating and capturing connection and beauty wherever I go.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG!

Hi there! I'm Ariel, a Los Angeles wedding photographer. Welcome to my blog where you'll find bite sized nuggets of wedding advice on how to make your dream wedding a reality. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I'm here to here to be your guide through the wedding planning process.

A little about me: I was born and raised in Savannah, GA but now live in the greater LA area with my husband two boys. I'm inspired by all things French fashion and old world everything—books, architecture, music... The sounds of Johnny Mercer, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald fill my home. Oh, and I love a good romance.

You too? Let's grab coffee. It's on me!

I'm so glad you're here!

Hello gorgeous

welome to my blog

Hi there! I'm Ariel, a Los Angeles wedding photographer. Welcome to my blog where you'll find bite sized nuggets of wedding advice on how to make your dream wedding a reality.

Learn more

arrow

Search

couple standing on the sand in front of the rocks with the light pouring in at el matador beach in malibu ca during golden hour girl is wearing a short white dress and man is wearing a light blue shirt and white shorts taken my magnolia west photography best wedding photographer in malibu

Engagements

El Matador Beach Engagement Photos + Permit Requirements

El Matador Beach is a popular destination in Malibu to take engagement photos. Nestled into a cove on the Pacific, the light is dreamy and the cliffs are majestic.

arrow
engaged couple standing on a mossy rock almost kissing at sunset at el matador beach during their engagement session captured by malibu wedding photographer magnolia west photography

Engagements

Sunset Romance: El Matador Beach Engagement Session

As the sun dipped behind the rocks, the magical scenery of El Matador Beach set the stage for an unforgettable and intimate experience.

arrow

Venues

Griffith Observatory Engagement Photos

Looking for a beautiful, romanitic, iconic Los Angeles location for your engagement photos? I have the perfect spot for you!

arrow
playful couple during engagement photos in joshua tree national park

Engagements

Joshua Tree Engagement Photos

Lizzy and Gavin are getting married in a few months and wanted engagement photos in Joshua Tree National Park to include on their save-the dates and wedding invitations.

arrow
happy couple sitting on the ground at malibu creek state park on a trail

Engagements

Malibu Creek State Park Engagement Photos

For engagement shoots in California, I will almost ALWAYS recommend photos in the hills. The mountains make a beautiful backdrop, and I love the way the sun lights up the brown dead grass during golden hour. It’s like magic.

arrow
engaged couple man picks up his fiance and carries her on the beach at sunset at el matador beach during their engagement session captured by malibu wedding photographer magnolia west photography

Engagements

Do I Need Engagement Photos?

Weddings are expensive. To cut down on costs you may be asking yourself, “Do I really need engagement photos?”

arrow

reader faves

Browse
Categories

browse by category

Weddings

venues

engagements

lifestyle

for photographers

for brides

free download

snag the
magnolia west wedding guide

Coming soon...

get the guide

Let's make magic together

arrow