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!
The relationship started out as a friendship, Daana and Cory meeting through a mutual friend. He would ride his motorcycle up (and slightly across) from Arizona to California and at the time, you have to wonder if Cory knew there was something more, that the friendship would progress into a companionship where the two would share an enjoyment of freediving and a puppy that would symbolize their future together.
I love hearing proposal stories and Daana and Cory’s involves that said puppy. Daana was looking to get a dog and one day, she arrived home to a brand new puppy. The catch was there was a note attached: “Marry me.” So in front of her family, Cory proposed to Daana. The part of the story that both Daana and Cory laugh at is when Daana tried to take the note off in order to keep it, but the puppy was too busy trying to eat the note. Since then it has been Daana, Cory, and their new addition to the family.
Even though it was breezy and a bit on the chilly side, it was a fun session at Santa Monica beach with Daana and Cory. We were able to talk more about their wedding – they are having a reception in Utah first and then one here in California – and I was able to witness more of the duo – Daana is the more bubbly one while Cory is a bit more shy. They bring out the best in each other and you can see it when Daana looks fondly at Cory and Cory has a serene smile as he looks at his bride-to-be.
Congratulations again, Daana and Cory! You two are a lovely couple and it was wonderful sharing an evening out on the beach and pier!
The sunset was absolutely stunning…and super romantic!
After our journey on the beach, we headed up the stairs to have some fun on the pier. There was no luck on the rings game, but Daana and Cory had a good laugh trying to win a gigantic stuffed animal.
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