Jamie and Drew's Engagement!

I already know what you're thinking...two blog posts in two days? Albeit sheer madness or awesomeness...I'll let you be the judge.

Although if you've already cheated and looked at this amazing couple, I think the scales may just be ridiculously tipped to the AWESOME side of things.

Jamie and I go way back...to the good ol' days at University High School in Irvine. We were both involved in the Christian Club there and she continued on to lead in a great way! Also, my sister and her shared even more good times as I graduated and went on to do college (to earn a degree I am doing absolutely nothing with...can you say happy parents? haha).

Well my jaw just about dropped to China when I heard that Jamie was engaged! Not only engaged to the man of her dreams...but she was also a photographer to top it all off! I know...AWESOME, right?

We took these two love-birds to a new location (or so we thought) we found driving around Irvine and all we could say was, WOW. We loved this place. I kept recognizing it for some reason and then it finally dawned on me...this was the location where Jasmine Star has her famous workshop portfolio shoots! Small world here in the OC.

Jamie and Drew shared an instant connection through their love for music. They met actually when she was auditioning for Drew's band! He plays the banjo....AWESOME...I know! The rest, as they say, is a long story fit for a Blue Grass ballad. We cannot wait to shoot their wedding at the always beautiful Strawberry Farms in Irvine. You probably remember Julie and Jon's wedding there! Once Jaime saw our blog photos from there, it convinced her that was where she needed to marry Drew. Well strike up the banjos...because we want to be nowhere else this November!

These two could not be more in love...the pictures just took themselves with these two...we hope you enjoy!

Engagement at The Montage in Laguna Beach: Shiri and Andrew!

While her wedding day will soon be upon us, Shiri is by far the most relaxed bride I've ever come across; it's amazing! Combined with how fun Andrew is, they are just a non-stop good time! We met up with these two at the Montage in Laguna Beach and while the clouds rolled in, we rolled out a rocking engagement session with these two! P.S. I think it was the ONLY cloudy day Orange County has experienced the entire summer! made from some great images! We can't wait for these two to tie the knot this December in Laguna Beach! Without a doubt, it is going to be a great time!

Here are a few of our favorites...and you'll see what I'm talking about :) Enjoy!

Mt. Woodson Castle, San Diego: Shooting with Becker!

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of shooting with the one and only [b]ecker! Founder of the [b] School, Poker Guru, and king of all that is Diet Coke! Seriously, I love this guy...and that was before I even shot with him! The fabulous wedding venue at the Mt. Woodson Castle in San Diego, California, was a hidden treasure I'd NEVER heard about having lived in Southern California all these years. It was a little trek to get there, but a drive well worth it if you are looking for a gorgeous vintage location. Laurie Davies from 5 Star Weddings met us at the door and kept the entire day running smoothly from start to finish despite it being unbearably hot! Jackie Wonders, an awesome SD photographer and HILARIOUS gal joined us as well...it was just a party all day, so much fun!

Codie and John Michael were quite the couple! Their love for one another and their excitement to start their lives together was so infectious.

Throughout the entire day, I learned first hand what [b]ecker says is the key to his success. "Our goal today is not to get amazing pictures, our goal is to make sure everyone loves us!" And to say that everyone loved [b]ecker would be an understatement. I lost track of how many times I heard people comment on how great he was during the day despite the blazing hot conditions. And it wasn't the quantity of pictures or amount of time he spent glued to the couple that made the day such a success, it was the QUALITY of the time he did spend with them that left them raving about him to their families and friends. Don't get me wrong, we got some smokin' awesome images of these guys...I don't think they could take a bad picture even if they tried!

A huge "Thank you" to [b] for inviting me to join him, I had a great time! Also, if you're a photographer and haven't checked out the [b] School, you should click on it and go see what it's all about. I haven't seen a tighter knit community that is more committed to helping one another grow and better themselves at what they love to do!

Here are a few images of the awesome wedding!

**Technical note: A majority of these photos were taken with the buttery Nikon 200mm f2.0 lens! Shooting wide open! Look at those backgrounds blurred out like crazy...you can't help but have your eyes jump right to the couple!**











** Becker likes to brag on Twitter how his brides are always the hottest brides...jealous anyone? haha**

Our Bridal Shower!

So as most of you know Erin and I are getting married SOON! October 18th to be exact, and as our countdown gets smaller and smaller we both can't help but get more and more excited for what is to come!

One of the first "Oh my gosh the wedding is soon" moments was when we had our Couples Bridal Shower thrown by my wonderful parents at our house in San Juan. This was shower #1 of 4 for my soon-to-be-bride but my one and only chance to partake in the gifting and accessorizing of our new place! Granted I get to enjoy all of the gifts until Erin moves in after the wedding, but she get's to open them?? No fair!

I digress...

So pretty much for us you just have to walk into a Bed Bath and Beyond or Crate and Barrel store....close your eyes...and point to something and you can be we need it! Haha, we really don't have anything. Which makes our excitement over silverware seem cheesy, but it's really not! We couldn't be more stoked about a fork and knife :)

Since this is my one and only wedding shower, I decided to grab my camera and get a few details and moments from the night! It was such a great time with family and friends. We are so thankful for all of your love, support, and generosity! I'm sure by now you've all received you 'Thank You' notes (which Erin did all the next day...annoying how on top of it she is...is she even human?), but I once again wanted to say "Thank you and we love you!"

Here are a few photos from the night. Thank you to Jenni for getting the pictures of us with everyone! :)









Erin's Mom and Dad, Dan and Sheryl...the new In Laws!




Some of the awesome appetizers we had! Stuffed Mushrooms, yumm.


Torrey could smell the mushrooms and wanted some handouts.




Dad and I...can you see the family resemblance?








The bar menu for the evening. My uncle Jim tended the bar and mixes a wicked Bellini!










Our premarital counseling couple and mentors Ed and Angie...they're pretty much awesome :)


No....Erin is not giving the bird...she's holding our newest addition to our kitchen!




Insert awesome caption here...


Max and Christina!


Us and Cheyne...one of my groomsman