I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

DOCUMENTING LOVE'S UNSCRIPTED CHAPTERS FROM COUPLES & FAMILIES IN COLORADO + VIRGINIA

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March 28, 2018

San Diego, California Adventures

San Diego, California Adventures

Over the years, I’ve heard MANY friends, including Alex, rave about San Diego. Saying things like it’s the best city in the U.S.! I never really had a reason to visit, but do I really even need a reason/excuse to travel? When Kate, Alex’s soon-to-be-sister-in-law, said she was going to go to San Diego area to look for a home for her and her hubby, I didn’t hesitate to sign up! 🙂 We didn’t anticipate snow to play a factor in our plans, but everything worked out, despite the “crazy amount of snow” weather forecasters predicted!! We ended up pushing our flights back a day and enjoyed a snow day with hot chocolate and shopping. 🙂 Before we knew it, we were off to San Diego!!!

San Diego, California Adventures

Day One

When we arrived in San Diego, we got our rental car and took off to find a potential home for Kate and her soon-to-be-hubby! Before we started “House Hunters: Kate and Stephanie Edition,” we made sure to find a coffee place because we knew it was going to be a long and fun day! Kate was recommended Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, and it was the perfect kick-off to our trip! Their chai tea latte and oatmeal were energizing after a SUPER early morning!! After strategizing a plan for the day, we left eager to see where they were going to live! The roads were interesting exploring outside of the city because we saw a LOT of rock, sand and desert shrubs! Oh, and we even saw THE WALL! So day one was definitely interesting!!! HAHA! We also met some not-so-nice strangers… I’m glad we survived that day!

San Diego, California Adventures

Day Two

After day one, we were anxious to explore San Diego!!! Communal Coffee was first up on our list … Well, actually, coffee in general! 😉 But this place was SUPER cute!!!!

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

While visiting San Diego, avocado toast was a MUST! 🙂 While we were at Communal Coffee, they offered a flight of their toasts … So, as my grandfather would say, “Go big or go homeee!” We shared this platter and knew this was not going to be our last time enjoying avocado toast on this trip. 😉

San Diego, California Adventures

This day was anticipated for a rainy/gloomy forecast. On our way to hike around Torrey Pines State Park, we ran across a beach … and the sun was out!! We immediately pulled over to enjoy the sunshine and view. 🙂

San Diego, California Adventures

We didn’t go to the park with a plan, so we wandered around the park and enjoyed the scenic views!!! Afterward, we drove to the pretty La Jolla town for … tacos … naturally!

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

While we were visiting La Jolla, we stopped by the sea lions to say HI!!!! 🙂 We were able to get soooo close to them! Crazy!!!

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

That evening, we went to the downtown area to experience Basic Bar for their infamous Mashed Pizza! We really enjoyed the experience there and walked to a piano bar, called The Shout House, to sing/shout the night away! And, boy, did we sing the night away! It was a great time!!! I highly recommend it. 🙂

San Diego, California Adventures

Day Three

Despite the late night, we somehow managed to wake up early to make it to the “Race for Autism” 5k run at Balboa Park!!! Running is a great way to explore an area, and I really enjoyed every step of the way!! We were desperate for coffee after the event and found ourselves at Better Buzz Coffee! Hands down my FAVORITE coffee place in San Diego!! 🙂

San Diego, California Adventures

Look at that avocado toast!!!!

San Diego, California Adventures

We took the day easy and went shopping around North Park. 🙂 It was fun exploring another part of the city!

San Diego, California Adventures

Oh, and we HAD to try a sushi burrito from Pokirrito!!!! SO good! 🙂

San Diego, California Adventures

We enjoyed some relaxation time by the beach at the stunning Coronado Beach! Holy moly that place was STUNNING!!!!!!

San Diego, California Adventures

Pina Coladas? Mandatory.

San Diego, California Adventures

We ended the day at Sunset Cliffs watching the sunset!!!!

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

Day Four

Our last full day in San Diego!!! 🙁 The trip went by wayyyy too fast! We had to go back to our favorite coffee/breakfast place in the city — Better Buzz Coffee, of course!!! 🙂

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

While it was nice outside, we took advantage of the gorgeous day by spending as much of it outside! We both heard incredible things about the San Diego Zoo, and it didn’t disappoint! The Polar Bear Plunge was definitely my favorite experience. 🙂 We could’ve easily spent the entire day exploring the zoo!!

San Diego, California Adventures

The Rum Jungle Cafe was known to have the “best acai bowl,” so we had to test it out! We had this beauty below and it was definitely plenty for both of us to share! SO good!!!!

San Diego, California AdventuresSan Diego, California Adventures

We spent the remainder of the day back at Coronado Beach … Except, it was VERY chilly! Basically, we were the only ones in bathing suits, but that’s okay because it was much warmer than back at home!!! 😉 We are tough!

San Diego, California Adventures

Oh, now for our favorite meal of the entire trip!!!! We couldn’t leave San Diego without a California burrito! Lucha Libre was known for their burritos, and we totally agree!!!! The surf and turf burrito was amazing! I will fly back for this meal again. 😉 HAHA! HIGHLY recommended!!!!!

San Diego, California Adventures

If you have the opportunity to go visit San Diego, I hope you find some of these places helpful as you plan for your trip! 🙂 I cannot WAIT to go back and visit again!!!! I will be back for the Better Buzz Coffee breakfast, Lucha Libre burrito, the beautiful beaches, and explore The Joshua Tree National Park! Cannot wait!!! I’m very grateful for the time to experience San Diego this past week and I look forward to the next adventure! 🙂

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