For their e-session we spent the day roaming around Pasadena looking for cool spots.  Old Town Pasadena is full of alleys with great lighting and textures.  We got kicked out of our first alley, but the rest of the day went smoothly.  I actually don’t consider it a successful engagement session unless we get kicked out of at least one place ; ).  I always encourage couples to bring personal items to showoff their personalities.  Allan brought his motorcycle, which is honestly, one of the best personal props.

Herrianne and Allan are a great fun loving couple. I can’t wait to join them in Hawaii!

Jay grew up in LA and the couple wanted to have an urban feel to their session.  I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to shoot around the LA River and this was the perfect chance.  It’s always great to have an engagement session in an area that means something to the couple.  I also took them to Melrose, where I’ve shot before, and have been wanting to go back.  I knew by Rachel’s stunning model looks she would look great in any setting, especially with some high fashion poses.  I can already imagine how awesome they’ll both look on their wedding day.

Our original shoot date was set for Jan 2nd. They wanted some images for their Save the Dates, but the weather at the beginning of the year was not helpful.  Rain was forecasted for the first two weekends of the year.  But in the end it worked out great and we got a perfect day.  Lot’s of wispy clouds and a calming breeze.  Rachel and Jay’s engagement session was an exceptional way to start 2011.  The Beginning.

I’ve known Kathleen for over 14 years and it was truly a pleasure to be able to capture her and Lionel’s most precious moments.  Kimi is the sweetest girl and Lionel is just as thoughtful.  These two are all smiles and it’s infectious. The day was filled with laughs, love, candy, an awesome LOST spoof, and lots of drinks!  Everyone had a great time as they celebrated with the joyful couple.  They had one of the most unique photo booths I’ve seen and the guests loved it.  It was actually more like a photo diorama.  The wedding was complete with it’s own online twitter account.  Guests were able to tweet to @kathleen_lionel and send messages to the couple in real time.  The Twitter page was shown on a big screen so everyone could follow the play by play.  Of course, as the open bar and the night went on, the tweets got a little crazy.  But hey, that’s the beauty of Twitter right? Everyone was literally a part of the action and sharing their happiness for Kathleen and Lionel.

Overall, a tremendous day for an incredible bride and groom.  Welcome to the club guys!

Don’t forget to check out Kathleen and Lionel’s engagement session and their custom wedding website.

I met the two in Little Tokyo on a Sunday morning.  After spending a few minutes with them, we quickly realized how much more we all had in common.  They loved Little Tokyo for all it’s great places to eat. Personally, if I had one place to pick to each lunch everyday… it would be Little Tokyo.  They were getting married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels by Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik.   My wife and I were also married by Msgr. Kevin at the Cathedral.  The groom, Jason is also a bit of a sneakerhead. Which I must admit I am guilty of as well.  And of course, more importantly, the groom and I share the same awesome first name.  The list goes on and on… we spent the whole morning talking, sharing, laughing, and connecting.

After seeing what a fun couple they were and how much we had in common, I really wish I could shoot their wedding. But overall, I’m grateful that I met Marianne and Jason. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future to hang out and take pictures again.  You know, like their family session for when the kids come!  Oh, I forgot to mention, they also wanted to have twins. But as a parent of twin toddlers, that’s a whole other conversation for another blog post.  First things first, enjoy your engagement and have a great wedding you two!

Engagement sessions are more than just photo shoots, they’re like dates.  A date night for the bride and groom as they celebrate their engagement.  A date between me and the couple as we get to know each other.  Hanging out with Aleessa and Jason showed me what a great couple they were.  We shared stories, laughed, and talked about everything.  I know for sure we’ll have fun on our second date.  I get to meet their families, party it up, have some cake, and capture their most beautiful moment together…. their wedding day.  I can’t wait!

We shot their engagement session on a Friday afternoon. I had never seen Griffith Observatory so packed. But, I never really worry when there are a lot of people around anymore.  Generally, people know when a couple is engaged. They see it instantly. Sure they see the big camera, but they also see a happy couple; holding each other, looking into each others eyes, and showing lots of PDA. They smile, say congrats, and get out of the way.  LOL.

Yes, there were lots of people around and they all got to witness Vince and Garnette’s moment as a happily engaged couple. Everyone should have a moment like that.

Congrats guys!!! Can’t wait for the wedding day!