In the heart of Pasadena, where historic charm meets Mediterranean elegance, the Étienne Estate provided the perfect backdrop for Gabe and Kaelyn’s engagement session. This breathtaking private estate—blending Italian Renaissance architecture with lush, matured gardens—turned their milestone moment into a true cinematic love story captured in stills.
As high school sweethearts, Gabe and Kaelyn have journeyed through countless chapters together: young love, school adventures, world travels, building family bonds, and now stepping into the beautiful chapter of engagement. Their session celebrated that enduring connection with thoughtful details that reflected their shared passions—architecture, vintage aesthetics, and the magic of a soft Southern California sunset.
The Enchanting Setting: Étienne Estate Pasadena
The Étienne Estate is a hidden gem in Pasadena, designed to evoke the romance of a European villa or French château. With its grand architecture, ornate details, sprawling grounds, and elegant gardens, the estate feels like stepping into another era while remaining perfectly suited for modern storytelling. Whether for weddings or intimate sessions like this one, it offers endless photographic possibilities—from dramatic architectural frames to serene garden paths bathed in golden light.
For Gabe and Kaelyn, the venue’s timeless appeal aligned beautifully with their vision. They incorporated a vintage car as a nod to classic romance, allowing us to create images that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The matured gardens provided soft, natural textures, while the estate’s elegant lines framed their genuine connection in every shot.
A Love Story Unfolding: High School Sweethearts to Fiancés
What made this Pasadena engagement session so special was the authenticity. Gabe and Kaelyn moved through the estate with effortless ease—laughing, stealing glances, and simply being present with each other. We captured tender moments amid the architecture, playful poses by the vintage car, and quiet embraces as the light shifted.
As the afternoon transitioned into evening, the soft SoCal sunset painted everything in warm hues of orange, pink, and gold. The golden hour glow highlighted the estate’s Mediterranean-inspired beauty and added a dreamy, cinematic quality to their photos. It was one of those sessions where every frame felt like a still from a romantic film—timeless, emotional, and deeply personal.
Photographed by Jenna
