It’s in the way he makes her smile. The way her eyes dance when he’s hatching a new idea. The way she laughs before he’s finished the punch-line. It’s evident Eli makes Cori whole. Takes her jigsaw parts and adds his piece of flair to complete the picture of their love.

They have a Hollywood love story. No, really, they met and fell in love while working, acting, and producing in the City of Dreams, each later realizing they found the soul mate of their dreams. Cori and Eli traveled the world together searching for love, happiness, and good surf, what they refer to as Pura Vida. This term translates to Pure Life, but is more an expression encompassing the beauty of living in the moment and embracing the soul.

In light of this, it makes perfect sense for them to marry in Costa Rica—known for coining Pura Vida as its own—later this year. Two jigsaw pieces becoming whole on beautiful beach surrounded by their closest family and friends. I am beyond thrilled to join them and document their perfect love!

Here are few of my favorite photos from their engagement session in Santa Monica…

I love Eli's joy for life…he's always looking to seize the moment, and always does! The next few photos show Eli in his truest form: Fun, unscripted, and spontaneous!

I couldn't believe my eyes when Cori took me to this graffiti wall in Santa Monica…it was love at first sight…or should I say site?!

Hellllllllllo Hot Stuff!

Just a few blocks away at the beach waited Cori and Eli's son, Tavian. He was spending the day with his grandma, but we snuck him in a few photos because he's so darn cute!!

I have to take a minute to thank Cori for being so amazing. Because I have all my clients choose the location of their engagement session I depend on their eye and creativity regarding the location of their choice. Cori originally asked to shoot at Venice Beach and while I was totally cool with it, I made it a point to ask if that location was truly a depiction of their love. More than anything, I want my clients to choose a spot that is totally them. After a few emails back and forth, Cori and Eli scrapped the old plan and decided to rethink their plan. In the end, they decided for a mix of urban, beach, and their hometown…and I think they truly rocked it out!

My favorite photo of the engagement session…

To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!