A young woman in a black hat and a man stand among tall trees in a sunlit forest setting.

Winter Engagement Session in the Mount Palomar Mountains


Being a Temecula wedding photographer, it’s nice to be near so many unique spots for engagement photos. I’m about an hour away from the beach and 45 mins from towering pines trees. Mount Palomar is located in between Temecula and Escondido and takes about 30 mins to reach from the 15 freeway.


Logan and Nonni are free spirited outdoorsy individuals who really wanted their engagement photos to be in a place that they love… a campsite in the woods.


I told them to choose two outfits so we could get two different looks. They went along with all black for the formal look, and a cozy flanel and sweater for the more casual look.


I’m so happy that they loved their engagement photos!


Check out the gallery below!

Couple embracing at golden hour on a mountain overlook surrounded by pine trees and autumn foliage.
Couple in matching black outfits holding hands in a sunlit meadow with trees and hills in the background.
A smiling couple in matching black outfits sitting on a stone wall surrounded by tall trees in a forest setting.
A smiling couple sits on a fallen log outdoors, woman in orange sweater and yellow shoes, man in plaid shirt.
A smiling couple sitting together on a large weathered log in a forest setting, wearing casual autumn clothing.
A smiling couple in black outfits embrace warmly while sitting outdoors among trees in a forest setting.
A couple holds hands while walking together down an empty road surrounded by trees.
Couple in matching black outfits walking hand-in-hand on a log in a sunlit forest, woman wearing a hat and lace dress.
Couple sharing a tender moment in an autumn forest, surrounded by colorful foliage.
Couple in black outfits embracing tenderly on a log in a sunlit forest setting.
A smiling couple holds hands outdoors in fall, wearing orange and burgundy sweatshirts with colorful autumn foliage behind them.
A couple in matching black outfits embraces in a sunlit forest, the woman wearing a black hat.
Couple embracing and spinning joyfully on a winding road surrounded by lush greenery at sunset.
A couple in matching black outfits embraces in a sunlit forest, the woman wearing a black hat and gold earrings.
Smiling couple holding hands on a mountain trail at sunset with scenic views.
Couple holding hands walking on a winding road surrounded by autumn trees at dusk.
Couple in black outfits embracing in forest, woman wearing wide-brim hat, man kissing her forehead tenderly.
Couple in black outfits walking hand-in-hand through a sunlit forest, woman smiling in a wide-brim hat.
A couple in black outfits embrace outdoors, the woman tenderly touching the man's face amid lush green trees.
Two people balancing on a large fallen log in a sunlit forest with tall trees in the background.
Couple in matching black outfits holding hands in a sunlit meadow with trees in the background.
Couple posing on a large fallen log in a forest, woman in orange sweater and man in plaid shirt surrounded by tall trees.
Couple in matching black outfits holding hands in a sunlit forest, woman in lace gown and hat, man in dress shirt.
Couple embracing and dancing on an empty road surrounded by trees during golden hour.
A smiling couple embraces romantically among tall trees in a sunlit forest, both dressed in black.
Couple sitting close together on a large fallen log in a forest, woman in orange sweater, man in plaid shirt.
A couple in black outfits share a romantic embrace outdoors, with the man kissing the woman's shoulder.

Hey, I'm Nicholas (Nick) Gonzalez

The founder and lead photographer at American Portra
Wedding photographer in black shirt holding camera at elegant outdoor evening reception venue.

I love to inspire and inform all of my couples through my blog posts. Visualizing your wedding is key when planning it. Browse around and check out local weddings venues, engagement session ideas, and pro tips!