Catherine + Eric’s Engagement Session – It was last September that I got Catherine’s inquiry to shoot her wedding. After a few changes to the date, we finally made everything official and met up for the first time this past Sunday for their engagement session. It was wonderful not only chatting with Catherine and Eric for the first time (we’ve only been communicating via e-mail the past year), but also just putting faces to names :).

These two lovebirds met several years ago and will be tying the knot this January at Castaway in Burbank. Catherine and Eric couldn’t have been more easy-going and fun to work with. Although the day was a bit chilly and gloomy (which actually made the lighting that much better!), the way they looked at each other and interacted with one another totally warmed me up!

I can’t thank Catherine and Eric for choosing me to document their wedding just based on a few e-mails. And although we met up for the first time a few days ago, it felt like I’ve known Catherine and Eric for much, much longer. And Eric, I hope you surf again, this time with Catherine right next to you :). Enjoy the sneak peek you two, see you again in a few months!

Diana + Allen’s Engagement Session – From goldfishes and balloons to bubbles and silly strings, can’t tell you enough how much fun Monday was shooting Diana and Allen’s e-session :). I just love how they thought outside the box and brought some really fun props to play with.

Also, special shout out and much thanks to one of my past awesome couples Hanh and Don for referring me to Diana and Allen. Looking forward to seeing you both again at their wedding! I’d write more but gotta pack and get ready for tomorrow’s trip, thanks again Diana and Allen!

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!