I just HAD to get this post up today because Becca & Brad are getting married tomorrow!! I can’t believe how quickly this day came. I’ve loved getting to know this sweet pair & their funny, set-up of a love story. We had so much fun roaming around downtown Los Gatos eating gelato, piggy back riding and laughing at each other’s dance moves for their engagement session – you’re gonna love it!

When a young man from Argentina & a pretty girl from Portland start working in the same tech office in San Francisco, all it takes is a simple office party to make a perfect love story! That’s how things came together for Bri & Fer! If that isn’t already sweet enough, during a trip to Spain, Fer surprised Bri with tickets to Paris and surprised her with the most romantic Parisian proposal on a bridge overlooking the Seine. Hello – dreamy!!

I cannot wait to capture Bri & Fer’s wedding in Sonoma this June! In the meantime, enjoy their beautiful springtime garden session in Walnut Creek!

This session is so much more than just a Newport Beach engagement session. You see, Jeanie & I go way back. When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester studying art in New York (yeah – it was awesome!) and when it was time for me to move back to Southern California, I needed an apartment to live in! One of my friends at school needed a roommate in her apartment (where 3 more girls also lived – you know that college hustle!). Of course, we all wanted to make sure I was a good fit, so before I moved back, I FaceTimed my friend from my NY apartment one night after class. This is where Jeanie comes in — it was quickly clear to me that Jeanie was the leader of the pack haha. They even called her “Mama Scott” (Scott is her last name!).

I honestly expected to be on the call for about 30 minutes, but ended up chatting with Jeanie for at least 2 hours that night! I felt like we were instant friends because of her warmth and enthusiasm. Since then, I’ve always been so impressed with how passionately she goes after the things she wants and cares so deeply for the people in her life. This friendship is a constant blessing & I’m so grateful to know this girl!

Now … here’s the fun part. A couple years ago with that same vivacious personality, Jeanie caught the eye of a sweet guy named Costel & he was instantly hooked! His charm wooed a dinner date out of her and the rest is history! The two will tie the knot this May!!

After she accidentally friended him on MySpace (when they were 14 years old!) thinking he was a boy she had a crush on, he messaged her like, “do I know you?”. She basically said, “oops! wrong person!”.  Then fate brought them back together their Sophomore year of high school — on the first day of her history class, boom! There was this guy! She was nervous and embarrassed meeting him in person (OMG, I just have to stop right here and say how much I love the irrational minds of teenagers and what makes them nervous 😂). She ended up really warming up to his rambunctious personality and after a year of friendship began dating. Here they are 10 years later & these high school sweethearts are preparing to tie the knot! I am so excited for their wedding celebration in Lake Tahoe this Summer!

Can we talk about how gorgeous Rosie & Joe are!? This couple is fire and full of fun, spontaneity and style. I love that their friendship is so obvious the second you meet them and they’re just oozing with affection for one another. We had so much fun together taking their engagement photos at the beautiful Fullerton Arboretum. The garden grounds are so lush and have so much variety!

We are just about a month away from their big day, which will take place in gorgeous Palm Springs! Cannot WAIT to share even more of their love story with you guys – it’s gonna be amazing!

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Okay let me stop happy crying for a minute so I can write this! This Grand Canyon proposal was extra special because the recipient was my baby sister, Ashley! We grew up in Arizona & our family planned to visit for the Thanksgiving holiday – so Sam started planning. He researched the perfect peak at the Grand Canyon to pop the question and gave my siblings and I a detailed map leading us to hide in the right spot! After tricking Ashley into thinking it was her idea to drive to the Grand Canyon for a siblings outing, his plan was in motion. After driving into the park & finally snagging a parking spot, the rest of us executed our perfectly crafted excuses for why we needed to stay back & Sam was able to have a slow walk to the peak with Ashley – reminiscing about their relationship and talking about the future. Before you knew it, they arrived at the peak, Sam was on one knee & he put a ring on it! We celebrated with some fun photos of them in the park & a dinner of her favorite restaurant in Arizona. I am beyond thrilled for Ash & Sam’s union & cannot wait to celebrate their wedding day this August!

I am obsessed with Christa & Kyle’s vibrant and colorful anniversary session at The Saguaro! Christa & I went to college together, and now both work as wedding photographers. We made a trip out to the desert in November where she shot a wedding with me, and we just couldn’t head back home without capturing she & her husband at the famous Saguaro hotel.

My favorite part of the session was when C & K broke out their swing dancing moves for me!

Did you know that 40% of engagements occur between November and February? The holiday season is the perfect time for engagements, since people have time off work and usually travel home to visit their families. What does that mean?! That means a decent amount of my 2019 & 2020 couples got engaged THIS WEEK!! I am beyond excited to meet each and every one of you, whether you were engaged on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or even about to be engaged on New Years.

I bet you’ve been playing with your ring, watching it sparkle in the light and your heart is exploding with love + excitement. Suddenly, it hits you…”What are we supposed to do now!?” Don’t worry, there’s nothing to stress over! I’ve got your back with the 3 first things you should do after you get engaged.

1 | Call Your People

First & foremost, call your people. I’m talking Mom & Dad first, then your sibs, besties, anyone you’re really close with. Call them on the phone, don’t text them, don’t immediately hop on insta story. These are your people, and they deserve to know this big news before anyone!

2 | Think Big Picture

It may be tempting to head on over to your “secret” pinterest board and immediately dive in to the nitty gritty details of planning your wedding. Rather than dive in eyes first, set aside a couple hours to brainstorm the big picture with your fiancé. Ask yourselves/each other these questions:

How do we want our wedding to FEEL? List 50 words, then narrow it down to 3 together.

What kind of venue will you get married at? Will their style inform your decor and wardrobe?

What is most important to you about your wedding? The dress? The food? The venue? The party the DJ or band will begin? It’s great to start off knowing where you’ll want to spend the bulk of your budget and begin nailing down the most important details first. This will look different for every couple, so don’t feel like you have the wrong answer here. Do you, boo!

3 | Book the Major Players

Now that you know which elements are most important to you, begin researching and reaching out to the vendors who provide those services and build your squad. I always recommend starting with a planner (here’s an article with some why’s), then venue (to make the date official) and then your photographer (because we book up quick! I’m already 50% booked for 2019 so get that inquiry in!). Having your key players down, you’ll actually have time to focus on the fun stuff like dress shopping and menu tastings!

If you were engaged this holiday season, shoot me an email because I’d love to be one of your major players! Congrats! Xoxo

I absolutely adored getting to know Kara & Mike at their engagement session. Kara just has a heart of gold and I loved Mike’s sense of humor. The pair got engaged in Sausalito at Cavallo Point, so we knew we’d be revisiting that spot for their engagement photos. We began the session by popping some bubbly at beautiful Rodeo Beach and then drove over to Cavallo Point for the sunset! This was such a gorgeous afternoon on the other side of the bridge – I hope you enjoy the photos!

Rodeo Beach

Cavallo Point

Engaged?

Inquire HERE so we can capture your love story!