Meet Sarah + CJ – Five Years of Adventures
It’s always an honor to photograph chapters of your story as you continue to write new ones. My journey with Sarah and CJ began years ago with engagement photos in Carmel, followed by their unforgettable wedding weekend at Gardener Ranch in Carmel Valley.


Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch as they moved to Northern California for a new chapter. Petaluma became home—a place filled with memories, many of them shared with their pups. This Petaluma couples photo session wasn’t just about celebrating five years of marriage; it was about capturing the life they’ve built in a place that means so much to them.
Sarah chose Helen Putnam Regional Park, a place that has been part of their everyday life, where they’ve walked these trails hundreds of times.
Before packing up for their next adventure across the country, we met up one last time to create something special: photos that truly reflected this season, their family, and their time in Petaluma.

Why You Don’t Need a Special Occasion for Couples Photos
It’s easy to think that couples photos are just for engagements, anniversaries, or big life milestones — but the truth is, you don’t need a special occasion to document your story. Some of the most meaningful sessions happen simply because you want to capture life as it is right now.
Your relationship is built on the little moments — the weekend adventures, everyday routines, and favorite places that make up your world together. That’s why couples photo sessions are about more than just posing for the camera; they’re about preserving a chapter of your life, just as Sarah and CJ did.
For them, this session was about remembering their life in Petaluma — the trails they walked with their dogs and the town they’ve called home for years.
So if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe we’ll book a session someday…”—why not make someday today? Your love, your life, and the moments you share right now are worth documenting.




Documenting Their Chapter in Petaluma
Every place we call home leaves its mark on us. For Sarah and CJ, Petaluma was more than just a town — it was the backdrop to years of memories, adventures together, and the place where they became a family of four.
That’s what made this Petaluma couples photo session so special. It wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about capturing the feeling of home. Helen Putnam Regional Park wasn’t just a beautiful location; it was their place, woven into their story in a way that made this session feel effortless and real.






Including Your Pups in Your Couples Photo Session
Let’s be honest—dogs make everything better, and couples photo sessions are no exception! If you’re like me and believe that pups are 100% part of the family, then why not bring them along to your session? Whether they steal the show (like Sarah and CJ’s did!) or just make a few adorable appearances, having your furry best friends there adds so much personality and joy to your photos.
For Sarah and CJ, this session was all about the pups. We weren’t just capturing their love story — we were documenting their little family, in a place that had been part of their routine for years. Helen Putnam Regional Park was the perfect spot for them to soak in one last golden California evening before their big move.
That said, if you’d rather have your dog pop in for a few moments and then relax off-camera, that works too! Your session is all about what feels right for you — whether that means a full-on adventure with your pup or just a few cuddly shots at home before we take off on a local adventure.
Thinking of bringing your pup to your own couples session? Here are a few quick tips to keep things fun and stress-free:
✔ Choose a dog-friendly location – Open trails, parks, or quiet spots are great for letting them roam naturally.
✔ Pack the essentials – Treats, a favorite toy, and maybe even a cute bandana if you’re feeling fancy! And don’t forget to ditch those poop bags dangling from the leash—we’ll just tuck them in a pocket.
✔ Consider bringing a friend – If you don’t want the entire shoot to revolve around your pup, having someone there to help is a game changer.
✔ Embrace the chaos – Dogs don’t always follow the plan, and that’s okay! Some of the best moments happen when they do their own thing.
Whether your pup is the star of the show or just there for a few sweet moments, including them in your session makes it even more special – and I promise, some of these will end up being your absolute favorite photos from our shoot.




Ready to Plan Your Own Couples Session?
If Sarah and CJ’s session shows anything, it’s that your couples photos should feel like you. Whether that means bringing your pups along for a golden-hour adventure, wandering your favorite trails, or simply spending time in a place that feels like home — your session should tell your story in the most authentic way.
Maybe for you, that looks like a Sunday morning at the farmers market, grabbing coffee and fresh flowers before heading to your go-to lunch spot. Or maybe it’s a laid-back afternoon at a local brewery, clinking glasses and laughing over your favorite drinks. You might even want to take the scenic route — hiking a familiar trail at Helen Putnam Regional Park, catching the sunset from a favorite overlook.
Whatever feels the most you, let’s capture it. Your love, your story, and this chapter of your life are worth documenting — no special occasion needed.
Here are some more couples sessions to spark unique ideas:
- Cooking at Home — San Francisco Engagement Photos
- Your Favorite Local Spots — Engagement Photos
- Coastal Road Trip — Engagement Photos

