Man Takes Engagement Photos With A Burrito, Love Is Real

This is David Sikorski and his beloved burrito, posing for engagement-style photographs around San Francisco. The foil-wrapped companion may not have contributed much conversation, but it certainly understood the assignment. Together, they turned the familiar romantic photo session into a declaration of affection for lunch. Never give up on true love, you guys. Especially when it comes with salsa.

The pictures circulated in July 2015, and the photographer behind them was Kristina Bakrevski. This was a staged comedy project, not an actual engagement announcement. Honestly, the commitment to the bit deserves recognition: if you’re going to introduce your favorite food as your significant other, you might as well give it the full scenic treatment.

Why Photograph a Man and His Burrito?

Sikorski’s inspiration was his Facebook feed, where friends’ relationship and family milestones had become increasingly prominent. Rather than share another conventional announcement, he collaborated with Bakrevski on a deliberately affectionate photo series starring himself and a burrito. In contemporary interviews, both described playing with the conventions of engagement photography. The seriousness of the presentation was part of the joke.

That is a much better premise than simply holding up your takeaway and announcing that you love it. The photographs borrow a visual language people already recognize, then replace one half of the expected couple with something wrapped in foil. You know what kind of moment you’re being shown, right up until you notice who—or what—is receiving the attention.

A San Francisco Romance, With Extra Foil

The burrito came from Taqueria La Cumbre. Contemporary coverage placed the session at recognizable San Francisco locations, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Embarcadero. Scenic backdrops gave this unlikely pairing the same romantic surroundings that might feature in a traditional couple’s album. Apparently a burrito can have a more impressive photo itinerary than I do.

The setting also keeps the gag from depending on a single punchline. Carry the same absurd premise into another picturesque location and the audience gets to recognize it all over again. Every new scene asks us to accept the burrito as a romantic lead. It’s a surprisingly persuasive casting choice for anyone who has ever rearranged their afternoon around a favorite meal.

Give the Photographer Some Credit

Bakrevski’s role matters because the idea needed more than a willing subject and something to eat. As PetaPixel’s coverage noted, she recreated the look, poses, and locations associated with engagement sessions. Treating the ridiculous pairing with the visual care of a conventional shoot helped make the parody convincing. The food was the surprise; the photographic setup made that surprise land.

Now that Sikorski has demonstrated this level of commitment, I’m going to propose to pizza. We’ve been in a serious relationship for years, and it’s about time we made things official. I do anticipate some logistical issues with the ring, and I’m not promising the bride will survive the reception. But a relationship built on shared interests is important, and my interests are mostly dinner.

More Food-Themed Engagement Inspiration

For another take on mixing romance with a favorite meal, explore these related Pinterest ideas. They are presented as additional inspiration, rather than as photographs from Sikorski and Bakrevski’s original burrito shoot.