This engagement session kind of… sort of.. really won my heart.
But I did made one big mistake:
I should have added in the photography contract that I need them to move to California.
In the fine print, our contract would read,
“Must move here by tomorrow, live on my street, and hang out as much as I ask. By reading this contract, you hereby agree to the document, and its extended terms.” Cool? Cool.
SO.MUCH.MORE.BEAUTY to share. Coming soon!

One of the coolest perks of marriage is the immediate inheritance of family. One minute you’ve got two parents, the next four. Your two sisters become five, and your brotherless-ness is voided. Now your sharing bathrooms on holidays with people you didn’t know a few years ago, and even more than that, you’ve got the same last name. All of a sudden, Christmas time looks WAY more exciting, and electric, and… expensive, but whateva. Their family. They’ll understand the gift of regiving. Maybe.
For only-children, the ability to inherit siblings for the first time must be REALLY special. And for those who have lost a parent, or sadly sometimes both, to [...]

Seven years.
They’ve been dating for seven years.
I’ve never dated anyone long enough to know what that’s like, but I have some rough idea of the amount of change that happens over this period of time. When I reflect on the past seven years, I can quite literally grow tired thinking of all the pain, joy, growth, and more that I’ve personally met. I’m not the same person I was seven years ago. And thank GOD for that, because although sophomore year of high school was a riot, I don’t think my graphic T’s and sassy attitude would look as good on me at 23.
Beyond the personal change that happens over [...]

When I was little, I dreamt a lot about love. Like other girls, I imagined things that people would later tell me is precious… but unrealistic. My heart was saddened by the world’s lack of participation in what my mind could envision. As I listened to their dull reality of what to expect, I nodded, but quietly marveled at the invented girl and boy who lived in color.
Something that I appreciate about being a photographer is the creative ability to make fairy-tale realities happen for people who feel vibrant things about one another.
Mark: For you, a girl in a red dress. With bright blue eyes that sparkle when you speak. [...]

It was Valentine’s Day. Courtney, Mike, and I were on our way to Laguna Beach to shoot their e-session at this private beach we had in mind. We had it all worked out. The place. The lighting. The mood. It was ours. Almost.
If you live in Southern California, and have a brain, you know that Laguna Beach is going to be slammed with lovers on their way to the Charthouse, to the White House, or to whatever-else house that serves steak, lobster, and cocktails. Unfortunately, I only had Courtney and Mike on my mind. I forgot that the canyon to Laguna Beach is a two-lane pain, synonymous with “parking lot” on [...]

Six years ago, Matt asked the beautiful girl at the desk next to him if she’d be his Valentine. Brooke said Yes.
This year, Matt asked that same beautiful girl if she’d be his wife. Brooke said Yes.

She is the gravity in his story. He is the anchor in hers. A full engagement post coming soon!