I’m a romantic at heart and when I heard the story of Lena + Barry, there was just this sigh of content. They met 10 years ago, when Barry was stationed in North Carolina. A chance encounter at church started the path of their relationship, but after Barry got out of the Army and moved back to Los Angeles, the long distance relationship was difficult. Lena and Barry broke up, but then, in May 2010, Lena visited Los Angeles while on vacation with her friends and called Barry to see if he would like to have dinner. And that is when it all picked up again. This time, though, it wasn’t going to be a long distance relationship; Lena moved to L.A.
Can you not see how this is the sweetest gesture and ultimate commitment to love? So on their 10 year anniversary of their first date, October 8th, Barry proposed. He wasn’t going to let her slip away again and happily, Lena said yes.
This story feels simply like a fairytale. I loved hearing it, especially from Barry’s point of view, and cannot wait to capture the big day in April!
I love to be inspired. And that is what happened during the engagement session with Adriana and Jeff. They are an artsy, cool funk couple who brought along a handmade, crafty, garden inspired sign (showcasing their wedding date), a guitar, and an umbrella. I was ecstatic that there were props (just because I haven’t worked with such a variation before) and was quite giddy that Jeff made the sign – he intently placed the flowers and he made and cut all the numbers himself! That is where my inspiration came from.
Adriana and Jeff wanted to incorporate aspects of their lives into the engagement session – Adriana is a teacher while Jeff is a musician – so I was able to capture him strumming his guitar and trying to teach Adriana how to play. The lesson might not have gone too far, but there were some nice laughs in between. I loved that they brought ideas of their own – having the American Gothic look – while also being open to exploring Cal Tech’s campus, which has beautiful architecture and design.
It was a wonderful afternoon getting to know Adriana and Jeff more and capturing their relationship. We had a good “scare” when a praying mantis wanted to join them in their photos, especially when it went into a defensive position when Jeff tried to gently move the little fellow to the grass. There were many laughs and the light-hearted mood and atmosphere made it easy to see why Adriana and Jeff found each other.
Congratulations again, Adriana and Jeff! It was wonderful to meet the two of you. Good luck this school year, Adriana, and maybe I will catch you on the road, Jeff!
I love to meet couples who exude an air of sweetness. Amanda and Michael are that couple – kind, easy going, and laidback. Even after driving six hours – they live in Las Vegas – and getting ready in the wee hours of the morning – hair and make-up done prior to the engagement session – Amanda and Michael were excited and cheerful despite the lack of sleep. On top of that, that particular Saturday morning was excruiatingly hot and still, they were all smiles! Together we beared through the change of plans and the (at times unbearable) heat. I was able to learn more about the two of them – the proposal at Disneyland, both of them finishing up their schooling, their wedding plans – while capturing their love behind the camera.
Congratulations again, Amanda and Michael! It was good to finally meet the two of you after corresponding through email and hopefully, the next time you two are down in Southern California, you will be able to visit Disneyland in some nice, normal California weather!
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