Sam + Dan: Luxury, Editorial Engagement Photos in Malibu with Beaded Berta Privée Gown
When the bride is also a bridal stylist, you know the looks for the engagement photos are going to be absolutely spectacular and one-of-a-kind. My bride, Sam Ruiz, the creator of It’s Giving Bridal, sourced a few different looks for her and Dan’s engagement photos at my favorite beach in Malibu. She found this casual yet effortlessly classic white midi dress from Zara for her first look. It had a pleated skirt with a belted waist. Dan wore a sandy beige suit with a light colored T-shirt alongside her. These looks were perfect for them to enjoy a little more movement on the beach as their sweet dog, Lilac, joined them for their engagement photos. Lilac jumped in and out of the photos and can sometimes be spotted just laying in the sand somewhere in the background while Sam and Dan captured their engagement photos on the Malibu beach.
For their second looks, Sam sourced a show-stopping beaded gown by Berta Privée, courtesy of NWLA Bridal . This strapless sweetheart gown was fitted with a train incorporating both head-to-toe beadwork as well as peek-a-boo lace. It was a truly luxe gown that felt equal parts worthy of a Vogue feature and real life mermaid inspired next to the ocean. Dan paired his first suit with the Berta Privée gown as well as a second look that included a favorite chestnut suede jacket and cowboy hat! As much as I want to say it was a “beach cowboy” moment, it was just too glamorous, especially as the sunset turned from bright golden yellows to beautiful soft pinks and blues.
The entire shoot gave a feeling of being effortlessly luxurious. Kylee Hudson Studio did a soft makeup look on Sam as well as loose curls for perfect windswept beach waves. One reason I loved this editorial engagement shoot was that with two complete looks, one casual and one formal, I was able to capture a memory for Sam and Dan of both where they are in life right now enjoying time in Los Angeles with their pup Lilac as well as honoring and getting excited for their wedding day in July 2024 with a unique and special bridal engagement look! This shoot really encapsulated what I love to do - create images that feel classic, Vogue inspired, timeless, editorial, candid, and true to my coupe’s unique stories. It is full of various looks, feels, emotions, and moments - from posing glamorously on a cliffside while the ocean waves spray in the background to sitting knee deep in the sand cuddling with one another and their pup.
I am looking forward to their destination wedding in Puglia, Italy in July 2024!
PHOTO: VANESSA TODD PHOTOGRAPHER
STYLIST + BRIDE: SAM RUIZ FROM IT’S GIVING BRIDAL
HAIR AND MAKEUP: KYLEE HUDSON STUDIO
FORMAL DRESS: BERTA PRIVéE FROM NWLA BRIDAL
CASUAL DRESS: ZARA