Sujin & Drew’s Pre-Wedding Portraits in Ojai Meadows Preserve | Ojai Wedding Photographer


Not every wedding photography session has to happen on the wedding day. Sujin and Drew wanted to slow down and soak in the beauty of their connection without the timelines, pressure, and whirlwind of their official wedding day. The day before their marriage celebration, they met me in Ojai, California for a fun and unhurried pre-wedding portrait session at the Ojai Meadows Preserve. We took our time walking through golden fields, under eucalyptus trees, and near ponds dotted with water birds. It was calm, golden, and silly- everything they wanted their photos to be without the stress of the actual wedding day.

Candid and silly kiss at Ojai Meadows Preserve, captured on 35mm film by a local photographer.
Scenic Ojai Meadows Preserve trail lined with native plants, captured by an Ojai film photographer.
Detailed 35mm film photo of the engagement ring as the couple holds hands in the Ojai light.
Couple laughing surrounded by historic Ojai oak trees and wildflowers, captured on film.
Ojai engagement photographer capturing a quiet moment.
Wide-angle Ojai film photography showcasing the couple in the vast, breezy meadow landscape.
35mm film photo of couple walking through golden grass at Ojai Meadows Preserve.
Ojai film photographer capturing a quiet moment of the couple watching ducks in the meadow.

There Are No Rules: Do Wedding Photos Your Way


One of the most refreshing parts of Sujin and Drew’s session is that it reminded me there are no rules when it comes to how and when you take your wedding photos, or any photos! Me and my husband personally did engagement photos, wedding photos, a trash the dress session, anniversary photos, and also planned a private 10 year vow renewal with just our kids. Can you tell I believe in and invest in photography myself? You don’t have to wait until your actual wedding day, or squeeze portraits into a few minutes between the ceremony and cocktail hour if that's not what you want.


Sujin and Drew had a family member photographing their wedding ceremony and vow exchange, but they still wanted a chance to work with a professional wedding photographer and to have their portraits taken in a location that felt special. They also found me because I actively work with 35mm film, and they wanted to incorporate that into their wedding portraits as well. Pre-wedding photos gave them the opportunity to do just that, without the rush or expectations of the actual event.


Why Pre-Wedding OR AFTER WEDDING Portraits Can Be a Game-Changer:

Less pressure. With no guests waiting on you, or schedule to stick to, Sujin and Drew could focus fully on each other. Plus we could be more creative with our time, poses, and locations.

More location flexibility. Want dreamy Ojai fields at golden hour? You’re not bound to your venue grounds or a specific timeline on when you can squeeze in photos.

Weather backup. You have more control over timing if weather becomes a factor- we can just reschedule unlike on a wedding day!

Style freedom. You can choose a different outfit and accessories entirely or wear your wedding attire an additional time.


It’s also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and create meaningful images without distraction. Whether you’re working with your day-of wedding photographer or doing something completely separate, pre-wedding or after wedding photography sessions are a beautiful way to intentionally document your love story.

Sequoia National Park photographer capturing a family vow renewal among the giant sequoia trees.

Me and my family for our 10 year vow renewal in Sequoia National Park.

Exploring the Ojai Meadows Preserve


For their portraits, Sujin and Drew chose the Ojai Meadows Preserve—a protected natural space that blends meadows, marshes, oak woodlands, and a pond teeming with waterfowl into one stunning location. It’s one of my favorite portrait spots in Ojai because it feels so untouched and open. We saw waterfowl gliding across the pond, golden light spilling through the trees, and wide, wild paths that felt like walking through a storybook.

Whether you're drawn to the natural wild grasses, the unique tree silhouettes, or the sound of birds in the background, Ojai Meadows Preserve offers the kind of quiet beauty that’s ideal for wedding or engagement portraits. Plus, it’s easily accessible from the parking lot, and has a sense of intimacy that makes it feel like your own secret getaway.


A Blend of Film and Digital


As with all my sessions, I photographed Sujin and Drew using a mix of film and digital photography. Film brings out tones and textures in a way that digital just can’t replicate—especially in a location like Ojai, where light and natural beauty play such a big role. The grain, the softness, the timeless feel of film perfectly complemented the earthy beauty of the preserve and the emotions of our time together, whether romantic and loving, or straight up silly. Digital photography allowed me to capture the crisp details, fast movement, and varied lighting, as well as experiment with some motion blur. Together, the two formats created a full, layered gallery that felt both modern to 2025 and as timeless as the 1990's—just like Sujin and Drew’s love (haha see what I did there). I use Kodak Gold for my film stock, and I find that it really brings out the beautiful golden light of the Ojai Valley in the most beautiful way.

Romantic Ojai engagement photography on film with dramatic mountain views and wild grasses.

Sujin and Drew had a lot of fun photo ideas to bring to the table, and I'm so excited to share them here!

Nostalgic film photography of an intimate moment in the meadow with soft, glowing foreground textures.
Moody Ojai film photographer shot of the couple with sunglasses against the distant Ojai hills.
Soft, glowing 35mm film portrait capturing the quiet love between the couple in the golden Ojai light.
Romantic 35mm film shot of a man kissing his fiancée's hand in the scenic Ojai Valley.
Ojai Meadows Preserve photography on film featuring a chic couple in sunglasses and effortless style.
Kodak Gold film portrait of a bride and groom smiling lovingly at each other in the Ojai countryside.
35mm film photo of couple with honey-hued light filtering through the trees in Ojai, California.
Playful yet serious black and white 35mm film shot of the bride and groom holding hands.
Relaxed Ojai engagement photo shoot on film featuring stylish sunglasses and golden-hour light.
Editorial-style black and white film image of couple wearing sunglasses in a sunlit Ojai field.
Earthy and authentic Ojai engagement session on film, highlighting the ease and connection of the couple.
Stylish black and white portrait of couple looking cool in sunglasses at their Ojai session.
Retro-inspired black and white film photo with a stylish couple dancing in an Ojai field.
Ojai film photographer capturing a playful portrait of the bride standing on a rustic tree stump.
Dreamy black and white film photo of the couple walking through the meadows in Ojai Valley.

The Magic of the Ojai Valley: Other Things to Do!


One of the best parts about choosing Ojai for your engagement or couples photography session is that the location itself becomes part of the experience. Ojai isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a destination, and spending the day here can turn your portrait session into a full day of adventure and fun. If you’re already making the drive out to this charming valley town, I always recommend building in extra time before or after your session to explore, unwind, and enjoy everything Ojai has to offer. Think of it as a date day that just happens to include a photoshoot!

Start your morning slow with coffee and the Ojai Farmers Market. Every Sunday, downtown Ojai hosts one of the most beloved farmers markets in Southern California. It’s filled with fresh produce, local honey, handmade goods, and vibrant flowers. Even if you’re not shopping for groceries, the market is the perfect way to soak up the local vibe and get inspired by the colors and energy of the community. I love when couples pick up a bouquet or a basket of fruit to bring along for part of their session—it adds such a natural, lifestyle feel to the photos. Plan a picnic photoshoot to really have some fun documenting you feeding each other and laughing at all the messes.

Explore Ojai’s artisan shops and boutiques. The town is known for its creativity, and you’ll find art galleries, pottery studios, and handmade jewelry shops tucked all along the main strip. Strolling through these spaces is such a fun way to connect as a couple, and it’s easy to find little keepsakes that remind you of your engagement session day. If you love details in your photos, we can even capture a few documentary-style shots while you browse—think holding hands in front of colorful shopfronts or pausing to look at something special together. And if you're into unique independent bookstores, be sure to check out Bart's Books- the largest outdoor bookstore in the country.

Tap into Ojai’s spiritual energy. This valley has long been thought of as a place of healing and renewal, and you’ll notice the laid-back, reflective energy everywhere you go. If you’re curious, you can book a short tarot reading, visit a meditation garden, or even just spend time under the famous Ojai “pink moment” sunset. Couples who want their engagement session to feel deeper than just portraits often find Ojai to be the perfect setting because it encourages you to slow down, breathe, and really be present with each other. I can’t tell you how magical it is to photograph couples during golden hour here—the light reflects off the Topatopa Mountains in soft pinks and oranges, creating a glow that’s unlike anywhere else in Southern California.

Indulge in Ojai’s food and wine scene. After your session, plan on sharing a meal together at one of Ojai’s farm-to-table restaurants or stopping by a local winery. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual picnic with local bread and cheese or a celebratory dinner with wine pairings, the food here always feels fresh, seasonal, and made with care. For couples planning a proposal or engagement session, ending the day with a romantic dinner is the perfect way to keep the celebration going. My personal favorite restaurant to eat at when I'm in Ojai photographing is at Ojai Rotie.

Make it a weekend getaway. Some couples decide to turn their Ojai portrait session into a little mini-vacation. Cozy boutique hotels, peaceful Airbnbs, and even wellness retreats are tucked all over the valley. Imagine spending the evening stargazing after your photos, waking up to mountain views, and wandering into town for coffee before heading home. It’s the kind of memory that feels just as special as the photographs themselves.

Whether you’re coming to Ojai just for the day or planning a weekend stay, the town offers so much more than a pretty setting—it’s an experience in California hippie culture and wellness. Your session doesn’t have to be the only highlight; it can be part of a larger story you’re writing together. That’s one of the reasons I love bringing couples here: the combination of natural beauty, artistic culture, and spiritual calm creates something timeless, and film photography in particular thrives in this environment. The slower pace of shooting on 35mm film mirrors the slower pace of Ojai itself- intentional and unhurried.

A couple walks through Ojai fields at golden hour for wedding photos on film photography.

Final Thoughts


Sujin and Drew’s pre-wedding portrait session in Ojai was a reminder that you don’t have to wait for the “right moment” to take wedding photos. You can take them before the wedding, after, during your honeymoon, or on your anniversary. You can take them in your hometown or in a place that speaks to your soul. The only rule is that it should feel true to you and most importantly, that you get the opportunity to slow down and focus on each other.


If you're planning a wedding in Ojai, Ventura County, or anywhere in Southern California, and you’re looking for a photographer who works with both film and digital formats, I’d love to document your day—no matter when or where it happens!