In a world where so many couples are meeting through choices of their own, like being setup by friends, online dating, etc., there is something exceedingly special about people who can still get together through chance and circumstance alone. That’s exactly what happened with Michael and Erica, and they haven’t looked back since. That was all the way back in 2010, when Erica was just a graduate student, and Michael worked at Walnut Creek. The two met at the bar while waiting for friends, and their conversation struck a chord that was strong enough for Michael to drive hours on the weekends to come visit Erica in San Francisco.

Since then, not only have the two been inseparable, but they’ve taken the time to take adventures together, and make the most of their lives. From hot air balloon rides, to snorkeling in Hawaii, and from swimming in hot springs in Peru, to skydiving in Eloy, traveling and incredible experiences are such a large part of what brings them closer together.

Michael and Erica have already started their family by adopting their Rottweiler, Hank, and moving out to Arizona in 2015, but are now excited for life’s real adventure to begin as they take the next step, and get married in front of their friends and family.

Those special people were already included in the proposal itself, taking place in Peru on a three-night hike on the Inca Trail, where you can see the world-famous Machu Picchu. The family love and respect continued as the couple headed to Lima, Peru to see Erica’s grandmother, Abuela Elsa. With other family members there, Michael actually took the initiative to explain just how much he cared for Erica, and actually ended up proposing in Spanish – a beautiful testament to Erica’s family and her heritage. That family love is so obvious between the two of them, and will undoubtedly carry them through the rest of their lives.

As beach lovers, Erica and Mike planned with us to create these incredible images on three of San Diego’s most enjoyable  locations; the overlooks at Torrey Pines, the dramatic rocky cliffs of La Jolla Beach, and the dog-friendly Del Mar Dog Beach.  We hope you enjoy this collection of beautiful images as much as we enjoyed capturing them.