Now booking: Motherhood Minis – One Day Only | May 10 → [Learn More]

Family, Maternity, Newborns & SeniorsPhotographyVallentyne

Elfin Forest Engagement Session | Kara + Jake

Romantic Elfin Forest Engagement Session | Kara + Jake

Kara and Jake’s Elfin Forest engagement session was pure magic, capturing their love story against the stunning backdrop of one of San Diego’s most scenic outdoor locations. With its winding trails, golden sunlight filtering through the trees, and peaceful natural beauty, Elfin Forest is the perfect setting for couples’ photography and surprise proposals alike. Kara and Jake were effortlessly in sync, making every moment feel authentic and romantic. Their wedding, expertly coordinated by Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings, is sure to be just as breathtaking!

Engagement sessions are about more than just beautiful photos—they’re a chance to celebrate your love, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a proposal in San Diego or looking for the perfect place for engagement photos, Elfin Forest offers a dreamy, nature-filled escape.

Here are a few of my favorite images—feel free to pin or leave a comment, I’d love to hear what you think!

xo, Heather

Planning your own photos? Lets chat!

Post Views: 2,258

Welcome

Take a look around, and click here to get in touch with me about your own photos!

Instagram

There’s something magical about the way newborns settle into sleep. Each baby has their own way of curling up or stretching out, and I love capturing those little details that make them them. 💛

7 1

There’s something magical about the way newborns settle into sleep. Each baby has their own way of curling up or stretching out, and I love capturing those little details that make them them. 💛

A moment that changes everything.⁣
⁣
One second, you’re just two people in love. The next, you’re saying yes to forever. Let’s capture the joy, the surprise, the way your hands shake just a little—because this is a moment you’ll want to relive again and again.

15 3

A moment that changes everything.⁣
⁣
One second, you’re just two people in love. The next, you’re saying yes to forever. Let’s capture the joy, the surprise, the way your hands shake just a little—because this is a moment you’ll want to relive again and again.

Motherhood Mini Sessions are here.⁣
Just one day. ✨⁣
Saturday, May 10 (the day before Mother’s Day) in my beautiful studio.❤⁣
⁣
The old adage “the days are long, but the years are short” is never more true when applied to family life. ⁣
⁣
This is for the mamas who are always behind the camera. The ones with toddlers on their hips, snack crumbs in their purse, and hearts stretched wider than they ever thought possible.⁣
⁣
You deserve beautiful memories of you and your children. We all know how fast children grow so much each year... I want you to always have a recent photo of your family that you love.💕⁣
⁣
Come as you are—messy, soft, tired, radiant.⁣
I`ll take care of the rest.⁣
⁣
Tap the link in bio to grab your spot. These will go fast.⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #CarlsbadPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasFamilyPhotographer⁣
#CarlsbadFamilyPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasPhotographer⁣
#mothersday #motherhood #love #mothersday2025 #mothersdayminis

8 1

Motherhood Mini Sessions are here.⁣
Just one day. ✨⁣
Saturday, May 10 (the day before Mother’s Day) in my beautiful studio.❤⁣
⁣
The old adage “the days are long, but the years are short” is never more true when applied to family life. ⁣
⁣
This is for the mamas who are always behind the camera. The ones with toddlers on their hips, snack crumbs in their purse, and hearts stretched wider than they ever thought possible.⁣
⁣
You deserve beautiful memories of you and your children. We all know how fast children grow so much each year... I want you to always have a recent photo of your family that you love.💕⁣
⁣
Come as you are—messy, soft, tired, radiant.⁣
I'll take care of the rest.⁣
⁣
Tap the link in bio to grab your spot. These will go fast.⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #CarlsbadPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasFamilyPhotographer⁣
#CarlsbadFamilyPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasPhotographer⁣
#mothersday #motherhood #love #mothersday2025 #mothersdayminis

Let’s be honest—the family dog always steals the show. 🐶😂⁣
⁣
The kids might give me their best smiles, but this guy? He’s bringing his A-game with the ultimate goofy face. And honestly, we love them just as much for it.⁣
⁣
Because family photos wouldn’t be complete without every member of the family—especially the ones who never say no to a snack. 😉⁣
⁣
Who else has a dog that’s basically their favorite child? (It’s okay, I won’t tell.) 🐾💛

8 1

Let’s be honest—the family dog always steals the show. 🐶😂⁣
⁣
The kids might give me their best smiles, but this guy? He’s bringing his A-game with the ultimate goofy face. And honestly, we love them just as much for it.⁣
⁣
Because family photos wouldn’t be complete without every member of the family—especially the ones who never say no to a snack. 😉⁣
⁣
Who else has a dog that’s basically their favorite child? (It’s okay, I won’t tell.) 🐾💛

Your baby is already perfect, and your family’s love is the most beautiful thing in the world. Let’s create photographs that feel natural, timeless, and full of meaning. 📷

7 1

Your baby is already perfect, and your family’s love is the most beautiful thing in the world. Let’s create photographs that feel natural, timeless, and full of meaning. 📷

Anniversary sessions + dogs? Say no more—I’m in. 🐶💛 Because the best love stories include a little fur, a lot of laughter, and moments worth remembering. #DogPeopleAreMyPeople #AnniversarySession #couplesphotography

6 0

Anniversary sessions + dogs? Say no more—I’m in. 🐶💛 Because the best love stories include a little fur, a lot of laughter, and moments worth remembering. #DogPeopleAreMyPeople #AnniversarySession #couplesphotography

Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, CA, serving North County and San Diego. With 20 years of experience, we specialize in natural, timeless portraits for families, maternity, newborns, and seniors—capturing genuine moments on location or in our beautiful portrait studio.

We’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Let’s start with a quick chat about what matters most to you. We’d be honored to create portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

There’s something magical about the way newborns settle into sleep. Each baby has their own way of curling up or stretching out, and I love capturing those little details that make them them. 💛

7 1

There’s something magical about the way newborns settle into sleep. Each baby has their own way of curling up or stretching out, and I love capturing those little details that make them them. 💛

A moment that changes everything.⁣
⁣
One second, you’re just two people in love. The next, you’re saying yes to forever. Let’s capture the joy, the surprise, the way your hands shake just a little—because this is a moment you’ll want to relive again and again.

15 3

A moment that changes everything.⁣
⁣
One second, you’re just two people in love. The next, you’re saying yes to forever. Let’s capture the joy, the surprise, the way your hands shake just a little—because this is a moment you’ll want to relive again and again.

Motherhood Mini Sessions are here.⁣
Just one day. ✨⁣
Saturday, May 10 (the day before Mother’s Day) in my beautiful studio.❤⁣
⁣
The old adage “the days are long, but the years are short” is never more true when applied to family life. ⁣
⁣
This is for the mamas who are always behind the camera. The ones with toddlers on their hips, snack crumbs in their purse, and hearts stretched wider than they ever thought possible.⁣
⁣
You deserve beautiful memories of you and your children. We all know how fast children grow so much each year... I want you to always have a recent photo of your family that you love.💕⁣
⁣
Come as you are—messy, soft, tired, radiant.⁣
I`ll take care of the rest.⁣
⁣
Tap the link in bio to grab your spot. These will go fast.⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #CarlsbadPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasFamilyPhotographer⁣
#CarlsbadFamilyPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasPhotographer⁣
#mothersday #motherhood #love #mothersday2025 #mothersdayminis

8 1

Motherhood Mini Sessions are here.⁣
Just one day. ✨⁣
Saturday, May 10 (the day before Mother’s Day) in my beautiful studio.❤⁣
⁣
The old adage “the days are long, but the years are short” is never more true when applied to family life. ⁣
⁣
This is for the mamas who are always behind the camera. The ones with toddlers on their hips, snack crumbs in their purse, and hearts stretched wider than they ever thought possible.⁣
⁣
You deserve beautiful memories of you and your children. We all know how fast children grow so much each year... I want you to always have a recent photo of your family that you love.💕⁣
⁣
Come as you are—messy, soft, tired, radiant.⁣
I'll take care of the rest.⁣
⁣
Tap the link in bio to grab your spot. These will go fast.⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #CarlsbadPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasFamilyPhotographer⁣
#CarlsbadFamilyPhotographer⁣
#SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer⁣
#EncinitasPhotographer⁣
#mothersday #motherhood #love #mothersday2025 #mothersdayminis

Let’s be honest—the family dog always steals the show. 🐶😂⁣
⁣
The kids might give me their best smiles, but this guy? He’s bringing his A-game with the ultimate goofy face. And honestly, we love them just as much for it.⁣
⁣
Because family photos wouldn’t be complete without every member of the family—especially the ones who never say no to a snack. 😉⁣
⁣
Who else has a dog that’s basically their favorite child? (It’s okay, I won’t tell.) 🐾💛

8 1

Let’s be honest—the family dog always steals the show. 🐶😂⁣
⁣
The kids might give me their best smiles, but this guy? He’s bringing his A-game with the ultimate goofy face. And honestly, we love them just as much for it.⁣
⁣
Because family photos wouldn’t be complete without every member of the family—especially the ones who never say no to a snack. 😉⁣
⁣
Who else has a dog that’s basically their favorite child? (It’s okay, I won’t tell.) 🐾💛

Your baby is already perfect, and your family’s love is the most beautiful thing in the world. Let’s create photographs that feel natural, timeless, and full of meaning. 📷

7 1

Your baby is already perfect, and your family’s love is the most beautiful thing in the world. Let’s create photographs that feel natural, timeless, and full of meaning. 📷

Anniversary sessions + dogs? Say no more—I’m in. 🐶💛 Because the best love stories include a little fur, a lot of laughter, and moments worth remembering. #DogPeopleAreMyPeople #AnniversarySession #couplesphotography

6 0

Anniversary sessions + dogs? Say no more—I’m in. 🐶💛 Because the best love stories include a little fur, a lot of laughter, and moments worth remembering. #DogPeopleAreMyPeople #AnniversarySession #couplesphotography

follow @vallentynephotography

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california