Ninety nine percent of my engagement sessions are outdoors in a beautiful nature-filled location with lots of pretty views and beautiful light. That’s my jam and my soul and my comfort zone. But I always love it when a couple wants to do something unique and different for their engagement session that is true to their relationship and style. When initially chatting with Brittany & Matt about their session, they mentioned visiting some of their favorite places in the Mission and throughout the city, and to be honest, the idea totally intimidated me a bit at first. I imagined tons of people, distracting elements and crazy difficult light. But after deciding on a few spots to visit, I met them at Stable Cafe in a bundle of nerves to brave the crowds and try something new. And now all I want to do is explore cool city spots with beautiful people all day every day because it was AWESOME.

Brittany and I went to college together, so when she reached out about being a part of their wedding this year, I was STOKED. Their wedding day is going to be a one-of-a-kind day at the YMCA Camp Campbell- a weekend full of fun, games, and lots of love – and I was so excited to catch up with her during our session. I had been dying to check out Stable Cafe after seeing tons of adorable instas of the place, and it definitely did not disappoint. They pulled out their awesome backgammon board tried to teach me how to play (even though I still have no idea what they were doing…) and got hilariously competitive over the few games they played.

We then headed out around the mission and found an awesome mural wall that wasn’t overcrowded, wandered along and found some gorgeous brick buildings tucked away in the outer skirts of the Mission, and stumbled upon a Scoot station, to which Matt asked, “ I have an account, should I get one?” YES. The answer is always yes to a vespa ride!

I think Matt’s face says it all!

The one thing that Brittany really wanted to happen was get hot dogs in their Giants Hawaiian shirts and find the Giants mural in the Mission. Matt and I were so skeptical of finding parking on a crowded Sunday and finding a hot dog stand that we almost dismissed the idea, but Brittany’s good vibes and hopeful thinking pulled through. We found a parking spot RIGHT by the mural, walked to the end of the street and found a hot dog stand RIGHT on the corner, and proceeded to stuff our faces with hot dogs and lots of laughs. No joke, It was probably my favorite moment of my photographic career… I mean, LOOK AT THEIR COOL SHIRTS!!

We ended the evening with a quick drink at their favorite neighborhood bar, The Brazen Head, which had no sign out front (a true sign of a good spot) and lots of dark, cozy corners made for martinis and snuggles. I can’t think of a better couples to spend an afternoon exploring cool spots in the city with, and I can’t WAIT for their wedding in a few short months!