Karina Pires Photography

One of the questions I get asked most is, “Is it too late to book a proposal photographer?”

And the answer is, usually not! I’ve helped couples plan proposals in just a few days, and honestly, keeping things simple often creates the most meaningful moments.

All you need is a beautiful location, a thoughtful plan, good lighting, and someone there to quietly capture it all.

If you’re proposing along the Los Angeles coast, I almost always recommend sunset. The light is softer, the ocean glows, and you’ll have beautiful portraits afterward while you’re still soaking in the excitement of saying “yes.”

The planning doesn’t have to be stressful. That’s what I’m here for!

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Dustin and Caleb were visiting Los Angeles when one of their friends reached out after finding me on Google. With just a few days to pull everything together, we chose a beautiful bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, mapped out the plan, and made sure every detail was in place before they arrived!

We chose the quieter eastern bluff at Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, overlooking Dume Cove. It gave them incredible ocean views while still feeling private enough for such an intimate moment.

The proposal itself lasted just a few minutes, but the memories will last forever.

After they got engaged, we walked down to the beach for a relaxed engagement session, kicked off our shoes, chased the last bit of golden light, and even stopped at one of LA’s iconic lifeguard towers.

Thinking about proposing in Los Angeles? Whether you’ve been planning for months or only have a few days, I’d love to help make the process feel easy!

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One of the things I love most about photographing weddings is how every venue asks something different from you.

The Jonathan Club is stunning, but it also requires experience with light. Inside, the darker wood interiors and layered architectural details need a photographer who knows how to preserve the richness of the space without making the images feel too dark.

Outside, the evening reception called for a completely different approach, with intentional flash to keep the energy, movement, and glow of the night.

That is where experience matters. Not just knowing how to take a pretty photo, but knowing how to adapt quickly so the full story of the day is documented beautifully. As a photographer with over 25 years of experience, I can photograph in any space. From dark rooms, to sunlit spaces.


Planner:
Photographer:
Bride’s dress:
Jewelry:
Venue:
Florist:
Dj:

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Adrienne and Nicholas knew exactly what they wanted their wedding to feel like, and they built every detail around it. Fifty people. Vows exchanged with Nicholas’ daughter.

They called their loved ones distinguished ladies and distinguished gentlemen, letting each person wear what felt true to them. They gave Ava her own first look with Adrienne. They made promises to her during the ceremony, witnessed by every person in that room.

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And it was absolutely, perfectly, them.

Nick almost hired me to photograph his proposal. His original plan was a secluded two-mile hike at noon, with no portraits afterward. We talked through the lighting, the logistics, and the fact that they would be dressed for hiking, and he decided to keep the proposal private.

Months later, Adrienne reached out after finding me through the Jonathan Club preferred vendor list, with no idea Nick had ever contacted me.

When I asked about their proposal during our call, we both realized what had happened and had the best laugh!

Instead of photographing the proposal, I got to photograph their engagement session and their wedding at the Jonathan Club. Sometimes things really do come back around in the sweetest way.

Swipe to see some of my black and white favorites from their winter wedding, and see more on the blog.

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The Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles is one of those places that never stops inspiring me as a photographer.

Opened in 1925, the club is filled with incredible architectural details, from the hand-painted ceilings by Vatican-trained artist Giovanni Smeraldi to the ornate wood carvings crafted by early Hollywood set designers.

I’m honored to be a recommended photographer for the Jonathan Club and always love returning to photograph here. The space has such a rich character, and it lends itself beautifully to both engagement sessions and weddings!

Adrienne and Nick’s engagement photos were taken in the main lobby, which was decorated for the holidays. The glow of the Christmas trees and greenery added the perfect warmth to this elegant, editorial session.

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Not every engagement session has to be barefoot on the beach at sunset.

Adrienne and Nick wanted something a little more refined, so we photographed their engagement session inside the Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles. With its historic architecture, hand-painted ceilings, and incredible old Hollywood details, it felt like stepping onto a film set.

Adrienne and Nick brought their love of chess into the session, which led to some of my favorite moments.

One of the things I love most about engagement sessions is that they can reflect the couple’s personality and style. Some couples want sand between their toes and wind in their hair. Others want something more editorial and timeless. And both are beautiful in completely different ways!

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Beach sessions are some of my favorites for a reason. There’s movement, atmosphere, and room to just breathe. You don’t have to overthink or overpose! The ocean does half the work, and the rest is just you two being yourselves.

Whether you’re dipping your toes in the water or wrapped in a beach towel at sunset, the beach brings out something effortlessly real. If you’re planning your engagement session and love the ocean as much as I do, let’s head to the coast!

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