Lauren + Patrick’s Engagement Session – If a picture is worth a thousand words, then hopefully these images can thoroughly explain to you how out-of-this-world AWESOME Lauren and Patrick are. Before I even met this dear couple, Lauren had already e-mailed me explaining her interest to do a paint-themed engagement session. And not just a few dabs of paint in a natural-light setting, but buckets and buckets with a commercial/editorial look. Plus, Lauren and Patrick wanted to wear a wedding-type attire and use their wedding day colors (love the green + black + white combination!) for the paint.

Besides being such a creative, unique, and daring couple, Lauren and Patrick are two of the nicest, caring, and fun individuals I’ve ever worked with. Along with my wedding photographer colleague/friend Mr. BFP, who helped me dearly at yesterday’s shoot, we all had a blast hanging out around Laguna Beach. We started at a boutique-type hotel and afterward ended up in the fields, where the paint war took place ;). Lauren and Patrick brought everything from an easel, blank canvas, buckets of paint, champagne, and even flowers for a bouquet toss. All my single ladies, or in this case, all my single Patricks? :)

It was seriously a TON of fun working with Lauren and Patrick. Their enthusiasm and more importantly love for each other really motivated and inspired me to give my all. I feel really blessed to not only have met Lauren and Patrick, but to have their trust and confidence in me to do something like this. I can’t wait for their wedding next July 20th, right here in Long Beach, home to Lauren, Patrick, and myself :). Thanks guys for a wonderful time yesterday evening, and for showing me a new and special side to true love. Hope you both went to work this morning looking exactly like how you looked last night!

Paulette + Richard’s Engagement Session – I met Paulette a few months ago when she inquired about photography for her wedding next June. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn’t get a chance to meet Ricky as well. But just a few days ago, when I had the opportunity to hang out with Paulette and Ricky for their e-session, not only did I get to meet him, but also their dogs! Not one, not two, but THREE large yet adorable ones!

This wonderful couple have been together for about 14 years, dating back to their high school days! Now that’s determination, dedication, and true love :). Only Ricky knows how to make Paulette laugh, smile, and be her true self, just as only Paulette knows how to bring the soft side out of him :). It’s no wonder these two have been together for so long, as they’re perfect for each other!

Thank you Paulette and especially Ricky for being so patient, and putting up with me :). Also, special thanks to Ricky’s brother Jeremy for helping us out and watching the three dogs while I was working with just P + R. Looking forward to seeing you all again (be sure to invite the little animals!) on your big day. Hope you enjoy the preview!

Daria + Ryan’s Engagement Session – What a sweet, sweet, sweet couple Daria and Ryan are! They met during their pharmacy school days at Touro University. And as Daria put it perfectly on Sunday, Ryan pulled a felicity and followed her down to Southern California after finishing school :). What a joy it was hanging out and shooting these two, as they picked two beautiful spots to have their engagement session at: Viceroy Hotel and Santa Monica Beach.

I just love how Daria and Ryan picked out some stylish attire and were not hesitant to show some PDA for the camera and folks watching us ;). Special thanks to Daria’s MOH Annie for helping a lending hand! She deserves all the credit for these photos :). I kid with Daria, Ryan, and Annie that I never felt more safe in my life than when I was hanging out with them, as two are doctors and one’s a cop. So on the wedding day, I’m totally going to eat whatever I want and break some rules knowing Daria, Ryan, and Annie have my back ;).

Thanks Daria and Ryan for a great time this weekend, I had a ton of fun working with you! It was wonderful getting to know you both better, and I can’t wait for your big day in just about a month. I almost forgot, a super duper thank you to my past client/friends Michelle and Kevin for referring me to Daria and Ryan, see you both very, very soon ;). And remember Daria and Ryan, if you guys have any questions on what camera to get for your honeymoon, don’t hesitate to let me know :). See you on your wedding day, enjoy the sneak peek of your e-session photos below!

Jodie + Brent’s Engagement Session – I wished everything else in life would be as easy and fun as it is meeting, getting to know, and working with Jodie and Brent. It only took a few e-mails and an hour meeting to make everything official between us. Jodie and Brent are high school sweethearts, and will be tying the knot next July, yay!

Not only are Jodie and Brent super duper easy-going, but they’re beyond sweet and caring. The 3 hours that we spent shooting went by like minutes, as we hung out around the different parts of Laguna Beach – downtown area, hills/fields, and of course, the beach!

One thing I’m super jealous of, besides how awesome they are, is how Jodie and Brent are just starting their life – together and career-wise. Jodie is already a nurse and Brent is in Med School, and both are in their early 20s. Man I feel old being 28 :P. Congrats guys, hope you like the sneak peek!