Downtown Los Angeles Engagement Photos Inspired by 90's Romcoms!

Alright, Los Angeles couples, grab your favorite pair of sunnies, put on your most fabulous 90’s playlist, and buckle up because today we’re diving into one of the most fun and unique engagement sessions I’ve ever shot! Hannah and Jake’s Downtown Los Angeles engagement photos were absolutely epic, and honestly, I’m still not over it!

Picture this: running around Los Feliz, just like the characters in your favorite romcom, with a dash of modern love and nostalgia. Oh yeah, we did that. If you’re an LA couple who’s into nostalgia, quirky moments, and want to make your engagement session an absolute vibe, keep reading because I’m about to give you all the inspo!

Engaged couple sitting and laughing together in downtown Los Angeles, channeling the spirit of classic romcom moments in their engagement photos.

Engaged couple laughing and enjoying a candid moment during their downtown Los Angeles engagement photos in the Los Feliz neighborhood.

Couple sharing icecream during their LA engagement shoot

Engaged couple playfully walking side by side, showcasing their effortless connection in their fun downtown Los Angeles engagement photos.

The Inspiration: A 90’s Romcom Dream Come True

Let’s get this out of the way: romantic comedies are my jam, and I’m guessing they’re probably a big part of your guilty pleasures, too! Hannah knew what she wanted from the moment we started talking about their engagement photos—she wanted to bring that romcom magic to life. You know the scenes where the couple runs around the city, laughing, holding hands, and looking way too cool to be real? Yeah, those scenes. Well, Hannah grew up watching those flicks with her mom, and those moments, those feels, meant a lot to her. So, we set out to recreate that magic in LA, a city that’s made for this kind of vibe.

Couple sharing an intimate moment at a charming street corner in Los Feliz during their fun and unique downtown Los Angeles engagement photos.

Hannah had one vision—bring that early 2000’s movie magic to life in the real world, and make it look effortless. So, she made a Pinterest mood board that was the stuff of dreams. Like, I'm talking about the ultimate collection of 90’s romcom posters, candid shots of couples walking down the sidewalk, vintage movie stills, and all the sweet, dreamy details that made you want to grab your popcorn and swoon. But here’s the thing—make a Pinterest board, people. You need to map out what you want your session to look like. Trust me, it’s so helpful when you know what you’re going for. And, spoiler alert: it made their session magical.

Getting the LA Vibe Just Right: Los Feliz & Downtown Los Angeles Engagement Photos

Where did we go? Los Feliz! You know that sweet spot where the old meets the new, where the streets are lined with leafy trees, and the buildings look like they belong in an indie film? Yeah, that’s Los Feliz. And it was perfect for Hannah and Jake's downtown Los Angeles engagement photos because this is where they first started dating—so it felt like we were capturing the essence of their love in their favorite spots. We ran through the streets, dodging people, laughing our butts off, and doing all the very LA things—because, let’s be real, this is the LA we know and love!

Couple walking hand-in-hand with big smiles, captured in Downtown Los Angeles, showcasing a fun and carefree vibe in their engagement session.

Couple sharing a kiss as they embrace outside a brick building in Downtown Los Angeles, filled with love and excitement.

Couple playfully holding hands across a table in downtown Los Angeles, smiling during their engagement session.

You’re probably asking, "But, Cambria, how do I make this all happen?" Well, here’s your answer: take your time and let it be organic! Hannah and Jake just went for it. They didn’t overthink it, they weren’t overly posed, and they were just in the moment together. That’s how you get those authentic, totally “I-can’t-believe-this-is-actually-happening” shots. And by the end of the day, we were all a little giddy from the fun we had!

Couple sharing a kiss on the streets of Los Feliz during their downtown Los Angeles engagement photoshoot.

Couple embracing near the street in Los Feliz during their downtown Los Angeles engagement photos.

Tip #1: Pinterest Your Way to an Engagement Session Dream

Let’s talk Pinterest boards for a sec. If you want your engagement session to feel as authentic and fun as this one, start by pinning your favorite moments from romcoms, candid street shots, or even just your favorite places in LA. Hannah’s board had everything from celebrity couples casually strolling to the coolest sidewalk café moments. When you see your vision come together in photos, it’s next level! Trust me, your Pinterest board is your best friend for an engagement session full of personality.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to pull from real life! These moments are about what makes YOU feel like you're living in your own romcom!

Couple walking hand-in-hand through downtown Los Angeles, captured during their engagement session in the city.

Couple laughing and walking down the street in Downtown Los Angeles

Couple sitting on the curb in Downtown Los Angeles

Tip #2: Choose Locations with Meaning (and Vibes)

Hannah and Jake’s session was so rad because we shot at places that held real meaning to them—Los Feliz is where it all began! If you’re planning your session, think about where you’ve made some of your best memories. Whether it’s where you first met, where you had your first date, or where you fell in love (hello, rooftop date night), these spots will help tell your love story! The vibe? Keep it fun! You want to be yourselves and let the excitement of the moment take over. I’m here to capture it all, from silly moments to real tenderness. And trust me, if it’s a place that holds memories, the photos are going to be fire.

The couple is laughing while laying on the grass, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city and a vintage car in the background.

he couple sits on the sidewalk, laughing and holding each other, with a vintage pink car in the background.

The couple's feet are casually posed next to each other on the curb, with the woman wearing Converse shoes and the man in Nike sneakers.

The couple sits together on the sidewalk, exchanging smiles and laughter, with the red-painted window of a building in the background

Ending the Session Right: Little Dom’s, Drinks, and Flash Film Fun

After all the running around and laughter, we ended the session in the most perfect way—with a dinner reservation at Little Dom’s. Yup, that’s right! After I left, they kicked back, relaxed, and got to enjoy some time together without the pressure of posing for the camera. And can I just say—dinner at Little Dom’s? I die!! Nothing says LA more than a cozy Italian dinner in the heart of the city. We even played around with the flash on film for some extra moody vibes, and oh man, those shots were obviously my favorite! If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out. Nothing beats a post-session meal, a glass of wine, and a little bit of camera fun to seal the deal!

Couple in love, with the woman leaning back as her partner lovingly holds her while sitting on the steps in Downtown Los Angeles.

Woman putting lipstick on during her engagement session

Couple drinking at a bar during their engagement

Couple toasting drinks at a bar in Downtown Los Angeles

Couple holding hands across the table at a Downtown Los Angeles bar

Why You Need to Book Your LA Engagement Session

Let’s be real, your engagement session is all about capturing the essence of you as a couple. And if you’re in Los Angeles, there’s no better city to take your photos to the next level. Whether you’re vibing with the urban streets, iconic LA landmarks, or the cozy nooks in your neighborhood (yes, I’m down for those too), we can create an experience that’s uniquely yours. Plus, the city is your playground, and trust me, we’ll make magic happen.

Couple embracing during sunset in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Wedding Photographer | Cambria Shelley Photography

If you’re ready to create your own downtown los angeles engagement photos that are as fun and unique as you are, I’m here for it! Let’s make your session memorable, creative, and totally you. Get in touch with me today, and let’s make this happen! Whether you want to run around town, sip cocktails, or strike a pose in the streets, we can turn your vision into photos you’ll cherish forever. Your romcom moment is waiting—let’s create it together!

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