{Adam & D’Ann // intimate engagement session // solvang, ca}

I met my bride D’Ann and her best friend/wedding planner, Mona, for D’Ann’s initial wedding photography consult back in May. We met at The Vineyard House in Santa Ynez, and right off the bat I knew D’Ann and her fiance were going to have a fantastic love story. I watched D’Ann’s eyes light up as she talked about her fiance, Adam.

We met in the end of June to photograph their engagement session, and they chose both Hans Christian Anderson Park and the Santa Inez Mission as their locations. On the day of the session, the chance of rain was getting higher for the end of the day, and I messaged D’Ann, letting her know we could reschedule if need be. Her response was along the lines of, “No worries, we are troopers! Let’s see what we get!”

This is what we got, with their responses to my engagement questionnaire included. Enjoy!

How did you meet your Bride-To-Be?
I saw her at work at work one day and knew I had to meet her.

What was the first thing you noticed about her?
First her hair. Then her beautiful face.

What were your thoughts the morning of the proposal?
I was nervous, but “pretty sure” she’d say YES.

Three words that describe your Bride-To-Be:
Beautiful. Caring. Independent.

What was it about your Groom-To-Be that told you he was The One?
His Eyes! From the very first time we REALLY held eye contact, I knew he was going to be the one. I don’t think he knew, BUT I DID.

Where was your first date & what did you do?
Dinner at Shalhoob’s in Santa Barbara. It was cold and raining and neither of us had an umbrella so we had to make a “mad dash” to get into the restaurant without getting soaked. Also a friend of his managed to “tag along” with us at the last minute. -Which was odd at first, but ended up adding an element of amusement to the whole evening. Our first date was romantic and comical all rolled up in one, like a romantic comedy movie.

How did he propose & where?
At my house. I was sitting on the couch wearing a spa bathrobe and drinking a glass of red wine. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee!! He totally caught me by surprise!!!

Three words to describe your Groom-To-Be:
Funny. Loving. Extremely affectionate.

What do you love about your Groom-To-Be?
I love the way he loves to holds my hand. No matter where we are, or what we’re doing, if he’s next me, you will almost always find him holding my hand!!!

What are some words that describe you as a couple?
Tender. Devoted. Enduring. Humorous. Committed. Blessed.

Describe your perfect Saturday together:
Any Saturday that BEGINS and ENDS with a KISS….

What are some hobbies you enjoy together?
Watching College Football. Working out. Eating Cold Stone’s ice cream. Going to concerts. Snuggling on the couch. Playing any trivia game about “80’s” music and movies!!

Describe your ideal engagement session:
Fun and light hearted.

 

I can’t wait for their wedding in August!

{Jenna & John // ellwood butterfly reserve // santa barbara engagement}

These two are getting married this week! Enjoy this beautiful session at the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve in Santa Barbara //

{Stephanie & Mani // old mission santa barbara engagement}

Stephanie and Mani are getting married! We got together in May to photograph their engagement session, which we had planned for over a month. The day we had set for their Santa Barbara session, was the first day in a long time that it rained in Santa Barbara County- and I mean it was pouring!

 

We had to pick a new location and fast. We all decided Old Mission Santa Barbara would offer shelter from the rain, gorgeous architectural colors- and if the rain let up- possibly some photos in the rose garden.

 

This is how it went!

What was the first thing you noticed about your Bride-To-Be? M: Her super blonde hair and deep blue/green eyes.

What were your thoughts the morning of the proposal? M: I was so scared. We drove up to Big Sur and the whole car ride up there I was a mess, but I was super excited as well.

Three words to describe your Bride-To-Be: M: Beautiful, smart & kind.

Describe your perfect Saturday together: Taking our dogs for a walk to the park, having lunch at South Coast & an afternoon nap.

What was it about your groom to be that told you he was the one? S: His eyes, the way he treats his family & our puppies. He is the only person who makes me calm.

How did he propose & where? At this beautiful little cabin in Carmel & he asked me while we were snuggling in front of the fireplace.

What do you love about your Groom-To-Be? He is a genuinely kind-hearted person who really loves his family & friends. He works hard to make a good life for himself.