Shirley + Spirit’s Engagement Session – Besides a destination wedding, I’ve never done an engagement session for a couple whose wedding is in less than 2 weeks. But everything was so effortless and fun with Shirley and Spirit. After meeting in college a few years ago, these two lovebirds are ready to tie the knot in Temecula over Memorial Day weekend.

I know I said this a kazillion times, but it’s because I truly mean it: that no matter what else is going on in your life, when you have a camera in your hand and two people absolutely in LOVE (and not afraid to show it!) right in front of you, it’s one of the best feelings ever. It was a pleasure hanging out with Shirley and Spirit, see you guys again in about 10 days. Also, for Spirit, I think Hangover 2 comes out on May 26th not May 28th :D (inside joke there).

Sabrina + Mike’s Engagement Session – It was 5AM Monday morning; having been up all night catching up on last week’s work, it didn’t occur to me that I should try to sleep before the sun came up. My flight to San Fran was in 5 hours, so I figured a few hours of sleep would be better than none. And before you know it, when I opened my eyes, I was right in the middle of Union Square having an amazing time photographing Sabrina and Mike’s engagement session.

Of course a few other things happened in between, like fighting traffic at 8AM to make it to LAX and getting through the security line, only to make it to the gate right when the flight attendant was closing the airplane door. Talk about a close call, no thanks to the old lady in front of me taking the time of her life getting through the metal detector. But all was well, as ONE of my favorite cousin/non-cousins Philina greeted me at SFO (thanks so much for picking me up!). After having lunch, she dropped me off at Sabrina and Mike’s house.

I met Sabrina at Sandy and Mike‘s wedding back at the end of 2009, where she was one of Sandy’s bridesmaids. I didn’t get a chance to meet Mike (as in Sabrina’s Mike :P) at the wedding, nor did I ever talk to either on the phone before this past Monday, as we communicated solely through e-mail. Sabrina got engaged last May (Happy One Year Engagement Anniversary guys!). She and Mike met at work a few years ago, and before you know it, they’re planning their big day later this September :).

As I walked up the steps of their apartment to their front door, I heard the voice of Mike telling me to come in. And when I met/talked to him for the first time…BAM! It was like we were friends from elementary school. Mike’s one of the most standup, classiest, and social guys I’ve ever met (okay Sabrina and Mike’s friends: if you’re reading this, you can’t make fun of him :P). And shortly after meeting Mike, I said hello to Sabrina, who looked absolutely amazing!

Special thanks to one of her MOHs Charlene for taking the time to help all of us out on Monday, especially me;. She deserves all the credit on these photos :). Charlene was not only making sure Sabrina was all dolled up the entire day, but she was my honorary light assistant and making sure my camera didn’t get stolen (as I tend to leave it in the weirdest places – long story). So there we were, four crazy kids running around the streets of San Fran, breaking a few rules here and there, getting all sorts of photos!

It would be an understatement to tell you how AWESOME Sabrina and Mike are. From the very first e-mail I got from them to the last one just yesterday telling me how they’re okay having a pretty weird photographer for their wedding :P, Sabrina and Mike have made everything so easy and fun for me. Really, if someone from Mars landed on Earth right now and looked at Sabrina/Mike and me, they would think we’re old friends and I’m the client, not them. I feel so blessed to have wonderful clients like Sabrina and Mike. It makes rushing that poor lady at the airport security line much more reasonable and worthwhile :). Thanks again guys for a great time on Monday…for driving me around, treating me to dinner, and going all out during the shoot. Hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

Elaine + Adrian’s Engagement Session – I love these two!!! To see a slideshow of E + A’s e-session photos, please click here.

Jessica + James’ Engagement Session – It was SO worth driving out to Redlands a few days ago to hang out with Jessica and Jim. When I first met them in early November, all thanks to Coco and Lysander, I was crossing my fingers and seriously hoping that I would get to work with J + J. These two are perfectly made for each other, which is exemplified by their first encounter and how they just hit it off the next day.

During our e-session, I asked Jessica and Jim to remind me of that story, of how they met through Jim’s cousin and went on their first date 24 hours later. Now that’s love at first sight, or in the case of Jessica and Jim, one being a bit extra nervous during the car ride from Orange to Highland ;). We had a chance to visit several different spots around Redlands, a city filled with lots of history, culture, but with no restrooms to change clothes and random people that come up to Jim and tell him how amazing he looks, sorry Jessica (inside joke there :P).

Although I showed up an hour late to the session, no thanks to literally seven accidents between Long Beach and Redlands, Jessica and Jim were all smiles and ready to rock the shoot when they greeted me. It all worked out beautifully as we caught the late afternoon light and even had a chance to shoot in Downtown Redlands at night. We even stopped by The Bull, where Jim proposed to Jessica last Fall.

I’ve no doubt their wedding is going to be absolutely AMAZING! When you’re around rare, awesome individuals like Jessica and James, you know you’ll always be happy and have the time of your life. That’s how I felt on Friday, and am stoked to share with you a few of my favorites from their e-session, enjoy!