During my girls trip earlier this month to San Francisco, I made some time for a wonderful engagement session with one of my lovely couples: My & James. My & James live in Sacramento, CA so they drove down to meet me for a lil’ San Francisco treat . And what a treat it was to shoot with these two! They were a little nervous at first, but warmed up quickly to the camera and didn’t need a lil’ liquid courage after all . We ended up wandering around the city for hours and honestly, I could shoot My+James+San Francisco any day. James – next time we will find the house from “Full House”!

We started off by the Ferry Building. It was a beautiful, warm day! And these two were all smiles from the start.

The Bay Bridge:

One of my favorites of the day:

San Francisco = Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately it was cloudy near the bridge that day

You can’t give me grass like this and not expect me to have my couples frolic in it!

We ended our session at Golden Gate Park near the de Young Museum. After a lil’ wardrobe change – they looked great in their pretty whites.

Not sure what is going on here but I love their expressions!

My & James thought of these next two poses all by themselves – I definitely enjoyed them!

It’s a wrap! I can’t wait for their wedding in September!

I could not wait for my shoot with Luci & Ernesto! I met Luci & Ernesto a few months ago and immediately felt our Bruin bond . So naturally we ventured back to where these two lovebirds first met – the beautiful UCLA campus followed by the spot of their first date – the lovely Santa Monica Pier. It is always a pleasure shooting great couples, but it’s also an added bonus when I get to feel a little nostalgic for the day.

Judging by how much fun we had during our engagement session, I now cannot wait for their wedding in December!

Love Luci’s glittery gold shoes!

Love how happy these two are!

Soooo pretty!

Ok I think I may have gotten a little too flare happy that day. With this light – how could I not?!

This is actually the spot where Ernesto proposed to Luci – right in front of Joe Bruin!

Here’s that flare again!

Following a lovely surprise proposal, Jenna & Steven made their engagement official with a beautiful traditional Vietnamese engagement party for family and close friends. It is custom for both families to meet and announce the acceptance of the engagement. Their was definitely no objection here as everyone was all smiles and cheer for this wonderful couple. There were even some tears…ahem…Steven . I am so blessed to know Jenna & Steven and meet all of their amazing family and friends. I simply cannot wait for their wedding in 2010!

The gorgeous couple:

Some details of the day:

Guests begin to arrive, with some dressed in traditional Vietnamese dresses:

The bride’s side awaits the arrival of the grooms’s family:

Here they come!

In keeping with tradition, Jenna’s father walks her out to greet the guests:

Smiling faces everywhere!

Hmmm…guava cake…

The journey continues…

Funny story.  So I met with Michelle & Tony last fall and halfway during our meeting Tony explained to me that his aunt is my sister-in-law!  Such a small world and I’m glad it is!  These two are so much fun and sooo perfect for each other!  Our session was all laughs, even though we were never quite blessed with the best SoCal weather.  Nevertheless, we had an amazing shoot and I cannot wait for their wedding next weekend!

We found this backdrop that matched their outfits perfectly:

LOVE Michelle’s purple shoes!

I *heart* this photo! And check out Michelle’s legs!

Playing with some photoshop textures:

One of my faves:

HAHHAH…it was all Tony’s idea!

What a way to end the day!

And for more, you know what to do – click HERE !!!

Steven contacted me in February and told me he was planning a surprise proposal for his lovely girlfriend Jenna. I was thrilled when he asked me to capture the day after the big proposal. It’s such an honor to be a part of something so special for two wonderful people =). He decided to pop the question at the same exact hotel Jenna’s father had proposed to her mother. And the week before the proposal, he kept Jenna busy with friends so he could go to her parents’ house and ask for their permission! How sweeeeet is that?! You definitely scored some points there Steven =). Judging by the love and care Steven put into the proposal, I know that these two are going to take very good care of one another. And I’m sure the wedding will be well planned! =)

We met up at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles:

This was the restaurant Steven proposed to Jenna the night before:

And this was the bling he gave her =):

The hotel had a beautiful upstairs garden which we made sure we took full advantage of :

Aren’t they sooo cute together?!

One of my favorites of the day!

Steven is one lucky guy! =)

And what engagement session would be complete without a super-duper SLIDESHOW !!! I know, I know, you love it.

I had a great engagement session with Lynda & Mike in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA. last month  These two are high school sweethearts (ever since Mike stalked Lynda =P) who are going to make their union official this Saturday!  I am so excited for their wedding!!!  Check back for photos from their extra special day!!!

Check out Lynda & Mike’s engagement slideshow by clicking HERE !!! DO IT! =)

Before I left for down under, I had the honor of being a guest at Galina & Steve’s incredible wedding! Their wedding was one of the best weddings I have ever witnessed. Their wedding was non-stop entertainment, laughs and good times. Not to mention they had cocktail hour with an open bar and sushi BEFORE the ceremony even started, a dessert bar AND wedding cake, a made-to-order cappuccino bar, candy station with chocolate covered raisins (my fave), 20 appetizers for each person (that does not include the main course!), a band that sang “World Hold On” by Bob Sinclar, beautiful Russian dancers and oh endless bottles of Vodka and wine at each table!!! Now that’s what I call a party in any culture!!! More importantly, I have never seen Galina & Steve happier than they were on their wedding day. Congrats you crazy kids!!! “Gor’ko” (means kiss in Russian) one more time for me!!! =)

Here’s a photo my friend took of me and my dear friend Gayla, a.k.a the beautiful bride. I didn’t take any photographs that day – I was being a guest as strictly ordered by the bride =).

Soooo why was today sooo good you ask??? Well because I got a few new things!!! The first is not for me, but for Galina & Steve’s wedding on Saturday! Their engagement album/guest book arrived in the email today and it’s just so lovely I had to share it with you all:

I think albums that double as guest books are a great idea and great way to share your photos with your family & friends. Plus they are so much better than the boring guest books that come in plain white and just have lines in them. C’mon – you know you want one! =)

And the second thing I got today is just for me – mine, all mine!!! Yep, NKOTB’s new CD “The Block”. What a title?! !! And the songs are awesome!!! They have all these collaborations including one with New Edition!!! I have the CD on repeat in my car!! C’mon – you know you want one of these too!! =P

Coming soon…