There’s something about Mission San Juan Capistrano in the late afternoon. The light turns soft and golden against adobe walls that have stood since 1776. We photographed the Gilmore family here on November 1, which happens to be the day the Mission was founded, and that felt like a sweet little gift. The bells hung quiet above us, the fountains trickled, and bright bougainvillea spilled over the old stone. It’s one of our favorite places in South Orange County to slow down and just be together.
These were the Gilmore family’s holiday photos, with three generations gathered in warm rust, camel and plaid: Grandma, her two daughters and the whole family. The two little ones stole the show from the very first frame. They hugged by the fountain, laughed cheek to cheek and held hands all the way through the arcade. Our videographer friend Venture Outbound filmed alongside us as we wandered from the bell wall to a brick archway to a quiet wooden doorway. Allen also shot a few frames on his Canon F-1 with Kodak Gold 200, and I love how soft and timeless they turned out.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (ESV). I kept thinking of that verse while this family laughed together under walls that have held so many stories. If you’re planning photos at the Mission, book its photo reservation ahead of time (I helped this family with theirs), and you’ll find plenty of street parking nearby plus a few paid lots. Thank you, Gilmore family, for spending such a warm fall afternoon with us. If your family is hoping for holiday photos this season, we would love to meet you. Reach out at raeandreystudio.com/contact and let’s find a time that works for you.
Looking for an Orange County family photographer for the holidays or anytime? We’d love to hear from you.
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