What does that song say again? aw yes," we fell in love in October." 

Of course, we fall in love in October, the crisp air, that warm golden halo of autumn light wrapping every shaped photographed.. nature slowly starting to fade away with promises of warm snuggles and cozy night by the fire with our lovers. I love October! And what I love even more is people getting engaged then, right under the giant oak tree at Ojai Valley Inn. 

This high-profile couple from Chicago wanted to stay anonymous, but they agreed to share their images. We wandered around the gardens of the Ojai Valley Inn, feeling like we were in Tuscany. 

A few words about Ojai

The eye has to travel—true—but the eye also has to rest. Ojai is a quiet artsy town I call the Nelson of California, bordered by the Topatopa Mountains. Californian charms abound, from orange groves and lavender fields to apiaries and apothecaries. Local ordinances prevent the arrival of chain stores and restaurants, preserving a small-town feel. And, as believers will tell you, calming currents course through the valley thanks to its perfect east-west alignment. Visitors from near and far will certainly relax at the Ojai Valley Inn, a 220-acre pleasure playground dotted by Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, among them Wallace Neff originals (ojaivalleyinn.com).  

I was lucky enough to have my best friend mary a surfer from Ojai 15 years ago and came down for the first time to shoot her wedding. I was instantly hooked. Imagine orangy canyon landscapes, local wineries, an inspiring creative community, strong environmental stewardship values (it is also Patagonia Headquarter), the sound of the crickets putting you to bed, a sun that shines almost 365 days a year and world-class waves to surf.

I visit at least every year, and I intend to establish a little A-frame cabin there one of these days. 

The California dream is alive!