After a beautiful Christmas weekend, we got up super early to catch sunrise at Balboa Park – and wow was it worth it! Natalie & Dennis met us at the steps of Spreckles Organ Pavilion and we slowly warmed up as the sun rose over the empty park. Cold as it may have been, these two were so graceful the whole time! Natalie styled both outfits flawlessly with clean, white dresses and a formal tux, each accessory carefully placed to create their luxurious look. But more than all the beauty around us as we photographed them, their gentle yet playful love is what shined most throughout their session!

How They Met:

In the spring of 2019, N&D connected through a dating app! Their first date lasted four hours because they loved talking that much and consisted of bar hopping downtown, stopping at places like Azuki Sushi and Latitude 33. They spent the summer getting to know each other, and as winter approached, Dennis took her to Black’s Beach for a walk to ask her to be his girlfriend. As he is military man and she come from a military family, Natalie knew he was the one when all their values and morals aligned. Their common ground made for the perfect foundation for their relationship.

The Proposal:

After Dennis graduated grad school in June of 2022, he and Natalie planned a trip to Portugal framing it as a simple graduation trip. But Dennis had much more in mind! He had called her dad to ask for his permission to ask her to marry him, and with his blessing, got down on one knee at the beach the second to last day on their trip. She said yes!! Natalie didn’t know it was coming at the time, but looking back, recalls him freaking out that she’d picked up his travel bag at security.

Though based in Rhode Island, Dennis was able to stay with her for a month after engagement so they had some time together, but as of now, they are still in the midst of long distance. They’ve got the hang of it through FaceTime movie nights and dinner dates, but they’re so excited to have less screen-time and be together in person after the wedding! As a long distance couple ourselves, we feel the pain and can’t wait for them to close the cross-country gap!

To the Couple:

Natalie & Dennis, we are SO excited to watch you say, “I do!” Your warm smiles and gentle spirits set such a sweet tone at your session, and the romance you share reminds us to slow down and savor each others’ presence. You both share a love that will stand the test of time! Congratulations on your engagement and we will be counting down the days until your long distance is over!

-Hayes & Bree

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Balboa Park Locations: Spreckles Organ Pavilion, San Diego Museum of Art, California Tower, Lily Pond, & Bea Evenson Fountain