There's a good chance you've already heard about the magical "Super Bloom" happening in California this year - thanks to the abundance of much needed rain... If you are in the know, you already know how crazy beautiful the rolling hills covered in colorful florals are. And if this is your first time hearing about the bloom, then you're in for a major TREAT.

The past two years, event designer Shindig Chic and Mary Costa Photography have collaborated on styled shoots in a magical nature setting (at an orange grove + an almond orchard), the next one on their list was a flower field... However, this time, it was Mary's turn to be in front of the camera, with her fiancé, Mike! (and if you missed their proposal with a balloon arch, pop on over to read that as well!)

Mary + Mike jumped at the chance when Angelena of Shindig Chic suggested that they turn their annual styled shoot into an engagement session. Mike is originally from Michigan and Mary is from New Hampshire; the two of them loved the idea of being surrounded by the California state flower - a perfect symbol of the life they've built together on the West Coast.

Shindig Chic shares We had talked about doing a wildflower shoot back in January, before the major rains had even hit California. It was like we were on a scavenger hunt for something that could NOT be found! We scoured for two months with no real luck...then the Super Bloom literally happened overnight in March. We saw this blooming poppy field pop up on a wildflower watch website (yes, it's a thing!), just five days before the shoot and it was fate. Little did we know that this spot near Lake Elsinore would become an Instagram sensation shortly after.

Ready to step into what looks like a watercolor painting? Let's take a look at all the magic captured by Alyssa Marie Photography!

Yes, we see your Unicorn shoes Mary - and we LOVE them!!

Shindig Chic crafted this insanely gorgeous bouquet, which perfectly complemented the colors of the hillside. All those pops of orange + pink have us seriously SWOONING!

To avoid the crowds, photographer Alyssa Marie got to the location early and figured out where they should go. And boy, did it pay off!

Just WOAH.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Mary's gorgeous hairstyle! That some up + some down braid by Nicol Artistry is definitely pin-worthy.

To add just a touch of whimsy, the team created giant paper flowers to pay homage to Mary's true favorite flower: the peony. It's not their season just yet, so this was a fun way to bring them in.

Angelena says The paper flowers + heart piñata will get a special place at Mike + Mary's wedding, too.

How stunning was that?! Thank you to the team of creatives + all the rain we've received this year... We couldn't imagine a better location for an engagement shoot!

photography: Alyssa Marie Photography // event design: Shindig Chic // florals: Shindig Chic // bride's ring: Suzanne Kalan // hair stylist: Nicol Artistry // makeup artist: Nicol Artistry

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