Tim surprised Jean with a proposal at the Venice Canals in Venice, California on a sunny morning in July. I was so excited to be asked to capture the moment.


I enlisted my mother to help me out by pretending to be my model so that Jean wouldn't think anything of a solo woman with two huge cameras. It was such a thrilling experience, because as I was photographing my mom, I saw Tim and Jean right behind her as they made their way to the bridge!


After the proposal, I revealed my identity and took a mix of candid and editorial images of them in midday lighting. There's just something about taking photos in direct "harsh" lighting that I can't describe. I feel like it's underrated with the beautiful imagery it creates. Perhaps it's the harsh shadows that provide a stark contrast.


Look at the photos yourself, and tell me what you think!

Panoramic view of a coastal area with palm trees and modern buildings.
White wooden bridge over tranquil water with boats in background during daytime.
Romantic moment captured on white bridge overlooking canal with boats.
Sunlit outdoor scene with tropical palm trees and white architecture.
A couple in casual summer outfits walking together on a palm-lined walkway in bright sunlight.
A romantic moment shared between a couple on a sunny outdoor walkway.
Close-up of hands holding each other tenderly against a blurred background.
Row of tall palm trees against a bright blue sky with modern architecture in the background.
A couple sharing a tender moment on a white-railed walkway surrounded by palm trees.
An intimate moment captured between two people on an outdoor walkway.
Close-up shot of hands clasped together showing a watch and ring details.
A couple walking along a wooden boardwalk with white railings and palm trees.
Two people walking away on a sun-drenched boardwalk with white railings and palm trees.
A couple poses against a vibrant red flowering bush in a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
A couple holds hands while standing in front of a lush green hedge with pink flowers.
A couple in casual attire poses playfully against a backdrop of green foliage and red flowers.
A sunny outdoor scene with palm trees and natural landscaping in the background.
A couple sits together on a bench in a sunny garden setting with palm trees.
Two people share an affectionate embrace on a bench in a sunny park setting.
A couple laughs together while enjoying a sunny afternoon in a garden setting.
Two people embrace by a waterfront with purple flowers and palm trees in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment while embracing in a garden setting with sunlit foliage.
A joyful couple shares a tender moment in a sunlit garden with flowers.
A romantic couple embraces outdoors near blooming flowers and a river on a sunny day.

Photos With Kortney is a California and destination digital wedding photographer creating timeless and artful imagery for the spontaneous and irrevocably in love couples.