Vina Ca, Engagement Photographer: Elizabeth + Braden
Engagement photography sessions are always a special and memorable occasion for any couple, and Elizabeth Zepeda and Braden Pisani's session was no exception.
Chico CA Engagement Photographer: Jenn + John's Engagement
Once upon a time, in the vast world of online dating, Jenn and John's love story began. After talking for a couple of months, they finally met in person. John drove from Oroville to take Jenn out to lunch at the Bear in Chico, and little did they know that this would be the beginning of their forever love story.
Despite coming from different cities, Redding and Vallejo, they found a common ground in butte county and their love for each other and in the activities they enjoyed doing together. They love gaming, puzzles, roller skating, mini-golf, and arts and crafts, but they also cherished the simple moments of cuddling at home and watching their favorite shows. Jenn is enamored with John's sense of humor and his quirky jokes, while John loves the little gestures of affection from Jenn, like wanting him to kiss her goodbye before going to work.
Their love blossomed into an inseparable bond, and they share countless memories together, but the most memorable moments were etched in their hearts forever. For Jenn, it was when she saw John get emotional while visiting her grandparents' grave. She knew he was the one even before they met in person, and her intuition proved her right. For John, it was going camping with Jenn for the first time, which was a life-changing experience for him.
But their love story reached a new height when John proposed to Jenn on a rainy weekend that they were supposed to go camping. Even though the weather canceled the original plans he went all out to make it special, from creating a romantic indoor tent, to going roller skating, and they stopped at a couple of lookout points. Jenn knew something was up when John started acting nervous, and he finally popped the question. Overcome with emotions, Jenn cried and said yes, and they embraced each other, knowing that their lives would be forever intertwined.
Their engagement session at Upper Bidwell Park captured the essence of their love and chemistry in the beautiful surroundings of nature. They both looked forward to growing together in their marriage. We are so excited to follow this couples love story and capture their wedding day.
Bucks Lake Engagement Photographer: Gabby+ Jerrod
Gabby + Jerrod
Emma and I have known Gabby and Jerrod for many years as we have all worked for the same non-profit at one time or another and when they chose us as their photographers we were so excited! They are very funny and easygoing people, this makes them both a joy and a pleasure to work with because they make it so fun! It is so easy to be our fully authentic selves when we are around them, geeky references, dad jokes, and all!
Gabby and Jerrod both wrote the most beautiful responses in their questionnaires. Emma and I were taken aback by the sweetness and utter devotion they have to one another and we are overjoyed to be able to share them with all of you…
Their story begins, as with many of their other tales, with humor. Gabby had been dating a friend of Jerrod’s in high school. This boyfriend had been keeping her close to the vest so to speak and since he and Jerrod went to different schools at the time, Jerrod playfully decided that Gabby didn’t exist and the joke was born. One day, Jerrod decided to reach out to the “imaginary” Gabby on Xfire (they’ve really dated themselves here with that callback!) to tell her she did not, in fact, exist. Gabby, never one to be one-upped, began (in her words) to ruthlessly cyberbully and tease him. When they did eventually meet in person, they became fast friends and even when her relationship fizzled out with the boyfriend, Gabby still came out on top with a best friend, Jerrod. In Gabby’s words, “We were (and still are) best friends for twelve years before we decided to date. That’s the best part, we’re best friends who are pledging to be best friends forever.”
Time passed and they only grew closer. They had begun a tradition that they affectionately called “Fishing Fridays.” As time went on, they began staying out later and later, having long conversations where they opened up to one another while stargazing under our beautiful Northern California skies. This is the point in time when Jerrod marks the beginning of their relationship. However, it wasn’t until his brother’s wedding that he began introducing Gabrielle as his girlfriend to everyone. In classic Gabby fashion, she had a witty retort proclaiming that this was news to her since he hadn’t asked her yet! Jerrod wasted almost no time in making it “official” the very next day.
Their proposal story unfolded beautifully at the Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay in Redding. If you, dear readers, are unfamiliar with this event I would highly encourage you to detour over to Google and check out the image results a search turns up. It is a veritable WONDERLAND of lights and definitely set the scene for a timeless proposal. After wandering around and feasting their eyes on all there is to see, Jerrod pulled Gabby to the side to ask if she would sit with him a while on a private bench. He then asked their friend, Jessie, who had come along if he would take their picture; he seized this moment to completely surprise Gabby by getting down on one knee to ask, his voice breaking with emotion, if she would be his partner forever and (now to use Jerrod’s wonderful words) “...she said yes. What a sucker.” 😂
When asked about what their favorite activities to do together were, they hilariously and so sweetly had the same answer- we are best friends, we like doing literally everything together! But, when pressed, they also BOTH said they would choose late-night fishing together where they can be outside and talk to each other for hours and hours.
There are a million little ways that they express their love for one another from picking wildflowers along the side of the road because he knows it will make her smile to making sure the house is warm when he gets home because she knows the cold weather makes him feel a little down. These small expressions are what really matters in the long run; they are always looking for ways to make one another feel seen and loved. It is often not the Grand Gestures that are the secret to lasting love, but the small pockets of care that we can grant to each other that, even in their smallness, shout to the world, “I LOVE THIS PERSON!”
When it came time to plan their engagement session, being deep in nature was a must. We all met up one chilly morning at Buck’s Lake just before a storm was due to break and welcome in autumn properly. The rain was much anticipated as there had been fires in the area and rain has a wonderful way of washing away the smoky air and making things new again. We were so happy to find that rain waiting for us to complete our session before it began. The weather was perfection; cool, clear, with a little haze from the fires- almost exactly the kind of weather we hope for. Gabby and Jerrod arrived ready to jump right in and, after discussing options for where to begin, we opted for a little ways down the road where we could see the dam and they could fish a spell. While they got to casting, we struck up conversation, just making jokes and sharing funny memories from work. Emma and I told them about our recent adventure to Buck’s Lake for a wedding we captured over the summer and had them laughing about our near miss with a bear and nearly freezing our booties off when the temperatures dipped well into the low 20-30’s that night (we really should have a separate blog just to regale you all with tales of our Wedding Adventures!) Buck’s Lake is also special to Jerrod who knew his way around the lake and helped show us some new places to take photographs as well as to Gabby who would go to Buck’s as a kid.
As time went on, we hardly noticed the hours fly by as we laughed and enjoyed to flora and fauna; Gabby was especially taken with all of the woodland creatures we encountered, particularly all of the cute little chipmunks/ground squirrels who were curious as to what we were doing in their yard! We went to a few different places along the lake including the dam, Indian Rock Beach, and a separate hidden lake. At each location, the couple seemed to grow more relaxed while Emma clicked away and I offered one liners and other comic relief. Also, can we talk about Jerrod’s smize?! This man became more and more comfortable in front of the camera as the day wore on and we were swooning over his intense gaze! Nothing, however, compared to the way these two looked at each other. When Jerrod would stare into Gabby’s eyes or when Gabby would look up lovingly into Jarrod’s face, everything shifted. Because, at the end of the day, that is all they really need– just each other. Emma and I love these moments when we can just fade into the background and let the couple before us just be present with one another, that is when some of the best magic happens in photography. And sometimes, those incredible moments happen at a secret little lake in the mountains. I’ll let their images tell the rest of the story from here…
Gabby and Jerrod, thank you for letting us go on this adventure with you both! We cannot wait to capture the next chapter at your wedding!
Oroville Engagement Photographer: Sam + Kassy
Sam + Kassy
Kassy and Sam met at a country bar they liked to visit in San Diego where they were each living at the time. Sam spotted Kassy from across the room and thought to himself, “Man, that girl is beautiful!” Kassy noticed a coworker of hers standing with a group of other guys pointing in her direction. The group walked over to Kassy and her coworker introduced them all to her as his roommates; one of these guys was Sam. Kassy said when she was introduced to him, she gave him a big hug and thought to herself, “Damn, this guy is hot!” They had an instant attraction. However… another one of the guys from the group, Oscar, was also interested in Kassy and initially tried to pursue her. Sam, being the good guy that he is and not wanting to break the bro code, took a step back until Kassy expressed to Oscar that they would always just be friends. Well, no one needed to tell Sam twice, he asked her out as soon as he was able and she said yes immediately! And, to quote Kassy, “If you’re curious…both of us are still friends with Oscar, no hard feelings there!”
Fast forward to when Sam knew he wanted to propose. He had been loosely planning to pop the question and had purchased the perfect ring in advance so when a trip to San Diego with Kassy’s family came up, he adjusted his timeline and set his plans into motion! He decided on a location, arranged for a friend to take his camera so they could photograph the moment he asked for her hand, and (most importantly) pulled Kassy’s dad aside to ask for his blessing–which he excitedly gave! The next day, he suggested to Kassy that they go to Mission Beach for a little date. She liked the idea so they set off! Unfortunately, the one thing Sam didn’t factor into his plan was the fact that this was the morning San Diego hosts its annual beach marathon so there were literally thousands of people running on the beach as far as the eye could see. Kassy remembers Sam being so irritated by this and not understanding why– she was oblivious to his plan! However, after walking for about half an hour Sam brought her to the water’s edge to take a picture since the crowd had thinned out. Unfortunately, Kassy gave him a little grief because she didn’t want her Vans to get sandy and wet. Sam later laughingly recounted how he had to kindly pull her to the water while she protested just so he could ask her to marry him! Kassy is so glad that he did! After he asked she instantly started crying and was even more emotional as she saw their friend running up snapping photos of the entire moment. It’s a moment neither of them will ever forget.
We connected with these two after Sam’s mom met us at the Chico Bridal Show and later told them, “You have to book these photographers!” How sweet is that?! So at their engagement session, Sam was sure to snap a photo of our card to text to his mom saying, look what we are up to and she was thrilled! We love familial connections; weddings are such an intricate web of relationships and on “the Big Day” we work with families as a whole. More than once we have asked if we could be adopted by a loving mother, father, auntie, or grammy!
I hadn’t had a chance to meet Sam or Kassy yet and I was really taken with what positive and warm energy they had from their first hellos! We had rescheduled their session once before as it had initially been planned for a week when the weather was well into 100+ degrees and we were SO glad that we did; the weather on their engagement session day was utter perfection– warm, with soft breezes. As Anne of Green Gables said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
It was easy to strike up a conversation and begin cracking jokes; almost as if we were reuniting with friends who live out of town we hadn’t seen for a while. We talked about all kinds of things, from their shared love of Vans shoes to their adorable nine-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback. As we walked around the afterbay sanctuary location, both Sam and Kassy were taken with the beauty of it but I think Sam especially so. He remarked upon the trees, the fish, etc., and how excited he was to return to this location another time with his fishing pole! They were so playful with one another and willing to try silly and adventurous poses which make for the best candid photography.
Between the easy conversation and the absolute gorgeousness of this couple– both inside and out– the time flew by and we were chasing the sunset (and then the mosquitos were chasing us!) and it was time to say our goodbyes for now. We are so looking forward to being there to capture your wedding memories, Kassy and Sam, see you in December!
Chico engagement photographer: Nicole+ Brett
Hi all, Jena here. We are in the height of our wedding season for the year so while Emma is editing away I will be helping write the engagement blogs. I hope you enjoy!
Nicole + Brett
It’s not often that you meet a couple who arrives at a consultation saying, “ We already know we want you, let’s do this!” And even though Nicole and Brett were sure we were their photographers, we still spent three hours at the T Bar talking as we lost track of the time and slipped into easy conversation. Nicole’s charming sweetness and desire to have us for their big day and Brett’s easy, subtle sense of humor had us saying “YES!” right back to them! We always say we get the very best couples and these two are absolutely no exception.
Brett and Nicole’s story began when they met through mutual friends while playing a party game. Nicole remembers that Brett was really good and that sparked her competitive streak so she wanted to play next to him. After that night they went their separate ways, only seeing one another here and there through those mutual friends until Nicole was invited over to Brett’s place for a BBQ by one of his roommates during the summer of 2015. That was the summer they discovered a shared love of the Golden State Warriors and became the “Summer Crew”. That was also the summer that Golden State Warriors were pretty much unbeatable and won the championship—the rest, as Nicole puts it, is history.
When Brett knew he wanted to marry Nicole, he waited until they were with family at Christmas time in San Diego. The whole family was in on the gambit! Everyone suggested they go watch the sunset and Nicole, oblivious to the scheme, didn’t think anything of it (even when they suggested Nicole change into hiking boots) because Brett’s sisters love photographing sunsets! On the hike to Sunset Cliffs, Nicole wanted to stop to look at the tide pools but everyone told her there’s no time to stop because if they do they will miss the perfect sunset. Nicole noticed the tide was coming in but Brett’s sister Jill mentioned she checked the tide chart and they should be fine; however, as they look up, a wave comes crashing into them above knee level. By this time, Nicole was a little over it and told Brett she didn’t want to do this anymore and asked why they couldn’t just go back and watch the sunset from the beach. Brett, being the wonderful gentleman he is, adjusted his plans and signaled the family to turn around and head back.
Back on the beach, Nicole was feeling much more at ease, enjoying looking at the tide pools and finding shells; in fact, she was so preoccupied that she didn’t notice that Brett was setting up his proposal! With his sister Jill hidden away with the GoPro in the cliffside, Brett led Nicole over to a “good shell spot”. Nicole remembers how nervous Brett was as he professed his love to her. As he got down on one knee to propose, he pulled from his pocket his Grammy’s ring. The answer, of course, was a huge yes! Afterward, they rejoined his family who was ready with warm congratulations and shots of tequila!!!
From there, they have continued to have fun together; enjoying backpacking, fishing, camping, etc. Nicole says Brett makes the outdoors fun for her and she looks forward to their adventures together. They love to be outside most of the time, but when they aren’t out having adventures, they spend their days at home together and Nicole says their perfect date night would be having sushi and a movie night at home. She also told us about what an amazing cook Brett is, he makes dinner for them every night and that shows her how much he cares for her. How sweet is that?!
At their engagement session, Emma and I fell back in love with them! Brett and Nicole are such friendly and easygoing people that it is impossible not to like them instantly. We met them at a new location that we scouted and it was the perfect backdrop to showcase the love of this gorgeous duo! It was one of the first days that felt like autumn; the air was warm but the breeze was cool and the colors were all rich and golden. As Emma clicked away on camera, performing her magic, we talked about how Brett is nearly finished with the school where he is studying sustainable manufacturing/engineering as well as Nicole’s job at Parent Infant Programs where she works with families who have children with developmental disabilities and helps them get the services they need. We all laughed and talked and took beautiful portraits and before we knew it, another few hours had gone by!
They are so excited to step into this new chapter of their lives together and we are so honored that we are the ones who are able to capture it for them forever!
Bidwell Park, Chico CA, Engagement Photographer: Sam + Scott
Sam + Scott
We are so excited to be following this couple and their love story. Scott is an old high school friend so when I got the email to capture his wedding I couldn’t be more excited. Scott and Sam are two awesome people that have great personalities and a mutual love for Subaru.
It was because of their Subies and apartment living that Scott and Sam became acquainted. Their friendship was one that naturally grew stronger and eventually at the right time they would take off the brakes and start dating. Scott moved to the Bay Area while Sam was still in Chico. Scott would make trips every week to visit Sam. Unsure of the future of long distance they both took it slow, and with supporting one another’s ambitions and careers they created something magnificent. Sharing interests and hobbies has made this couples story unique. I have never met a couple that exchanges car parts for Christmas or celebrates their 2 year anniversary by getting their cars pro-tuned. But it works for them. Sam grew up wrenching on cars with her dad, She actually rebuilt her beloved WRX Vader. She’s lifted Vader to take her on more off road adventures. While Scott’s WRX is built more for street performance. The pair can go most anywhere.
Their Engagement session was full of laughter, banter, jokes about bacon, and pure fun. During our session we learned the full story of the proposal from both sides.
Scott and Sam had their annual trip planned to visit Scott’s family in Arizona. Scott had ordered Sam’s engagement ring and had anticipated it’s arrival in time for them to leave, however there was a delay and Scott had to have them reroute the ring to his parent’s home in Arizona. They had a day trip planned to Sedona but Scott’s dad had to miss out to “wait for his medication to be delivered.” While Sam thought this odd she didn’t quite put the pieces together. Between covert texts and conversations Sam had an idea something was going on. She wasn’t really expecting a proposal but Scott and his parents were all a little “off”. Later in the evening Scott and Sam went on an evening adventure to Mingus Mountain. They did a little exploring and a little wheeling in her Subie. When they got to the top of the mountain they found themselves enjoying the view of the valley from a hang-glider launch, it was a perfect moment. Full of nerves Scott held Sam’s hands started to tell her how much he loved her and how he wanted her to be in his life and to be a part of his family. So when Sam saw Scott’s shaky hand starting to reach into his pocket all of the pieces clicked into place. She made sure to move the both of them away from the cliff side to insure that the ring didn’t find its way on a solo flight of doom. Sam was thrilled but needed to make sure one thing. “Did you ask my dad?.” The couple called Sam’s Dad to make sure they had his blessing and fortunately they did.
Sam and Scott enjoy adventures together and just relaxing at home with their cat Slinky. Their adventures consist of sushi date nights, camping trips, drives, hiking, car shows, and Subie meets.
We cannot wait to celebrate your wedding day with you! Just a few months to go!
Bidwell Park, Chico CA, Family Photographer: Tim, Megan + Little Carter
When the right people find you in a saturated industry it just makes you feel like you’ve won the lottery.
There are many amazing photographers in the Butte county area and I was found by Tim’s mom. Tim and his wife Megan live in Oregon and but they are both from Chico. For Christmas Tim’s mother bought both he and his sister gift certificates for their family photos.
Megan and I picked out a date earlier this year and we were fortunate to be met with beautiful weather. Tim and Megan are so sweet and their little man was a bundle of fun. For most toddlers the world is for adventure and there’s no telling what will happen in the next five minutes. Having a toddler at home I am well aware of the independence and how we have to go with their flow and embrace their need for space. We were able to focus on mom and dad while Carter was playing in the grass. Eventually I won him over and was able to capture some cute individual images of him too.
It is always refreshing to watch children experience the world differently than we do. Carter stopped and watch the ants as they made their way in single file. He found flowers in different shapes and colors, and watched the waterfall and was fascinated. As adults forget to embrace or appreciate these everyday occurrences it is fun to watch children bring the adventure back to their parents.
After exploring the park we started walking back to our cars where Megan and I chatted about kids and patience. I had to credit my patience to my previous job, where it turns out I had the pleasure of working with her brother for a few years. It always amazes me on how small the community of Chico and Paradise can be and just how fate finds its way to bringing us all together. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and capture this little family.
Merlo Park, Stirling City Engagement photography: Chelyse+ Larry
"People are strange when you're a stranger..." Luckily for Jena and I, Chelyse and Larry didn't feel like strangers after the first 5 minutes of their engagement session. We met them at Merlo Park in Stirling City for this session which was perfect because it is a beautiful backdrop to showcase their love for one another. Chelyse has fond memories of feeding the fish there (even way back when there were Koi fish!) and she loved the waterfall while Larry was in awe of all of the different varieties of trees and flowers the park had on display; however, it all paled in comparison to how this couple lights one another up! They are so at ease in each other's company, making our job a dream! Everything about the time we spent with them just exuded genuine sweetness; from the way that they couldn't get enough of each other's kisses, to the dreamy grin on Chelyse's face when she talked about how Larry proposed with an adorable little teddy bear, to how Larry giggled and got the most mischievous twinkle in his eye when we asked him to blow a raspberry on Chelyse's cheek for a photo! They just made us swoon!
We chatted about their hobbies while walking around the ponds and through the trees and they spoke about how they love karaoke-- The Doors for Larry, specifically, "People Are Strange" (see what we did there 😉) while Chelyse loves singing to anything! They love their husky--not the fur so much-- and also work on building their garden and watching it grow. They are also so in love with their children; Chelyse has a grown son and Larry has FIVE daughters (bless that man!) You could tell by the way they spoke that they are excited to blend families and involve everyone in the wedding-- Jena and I CAN NOT WAIT to capture these moments for them! When families come together to grow by more than two, there is an extra special kind of magic involved; one that only has room for more and more love to bloom.
In just three and a half short months, “They are goin’ to the chapel and they're gonna get married!” Jena and I are both honored and excited to be the ones that get to document the day that they say "I do" and make it official for the rest of their lives.
Chico California Engagement Photographer: Augie + Laura
Laura+ Augie
Halloween shenanigans always make for fun memories. Sometime the best memories are made. This happens to be the setting of Laura and Augie’s story. Laura came to a party hosted by her co-worker. She noticed Augie from the moment she walked in. Augie is a quiet guy but Laura was drawn to him, he has a contagious smile with dimples she adores. She spent the evening flirting with him and at the end of the evening they shared a super awkward side hug that they still joke about today.
After a few days Laura kept thinking about Augie and asked her co-worker to pass along her phone number to him. With little delay, Augie texted Laura that night and asked her out on a date. This date lead to many like it. Laura loves sharing time with Augie they enjoy playing catch and talking. A perfect date for Laura would be a Giant’s or A’s game at Oracle park and then Pizza afterwards.
The first time Laura told Augie she loved him was when he had driven her to the airport. She was about to have a girls trip and she felt like it was a perfect time. She was so nervous the whole drive to the airport, meanwhile he thought it was the flight she was nervous for. When she finally got the nerve to speak those three words, Augie’s face lit up. She says seeing his happiness is something she will never forget.
Augie is often thinking about their future. Laura loves hearing about all the ways he plans and dreams about their life together. Laura looks forward to eventually having a family and raising kids together. She knows Augie is going to be and amazing dad and looks forward to that adventure with him.
During this session you could see this loving connection where they are both so happy to be in each other’s arms. The cuddles, and giggles were so genuine and sweet. I loved that they had a mini tailgate sporting their team’s colors and enjoying a few Sierra Nevada Brewery’s Hazy Little Things. Laura and Augie share a little competitive banter over their teams but they never let it be too serious. You can see just how much these two complete each other. They are best friends, and what better way to spend the rest of your life?
Jena and I left the session so excited about the time we spent and we are looking forward to capturing your wedding day this fall. We know it is going to be so amazing!
Cheers to you both!
White Ranch, Chico CA. Engagement Photographer: Cassie + Connor
Some romances start on a date, some happen by accident, and some are built over time with many years building into something wonderful. For this couple, their romance was a slow burn that ignited into something much bigger and more beautiful.
Cassie and Connor met at a Paradise Dancers class years ago, Connor had joined a few months before Cassie and their meeting was during a triple time swing lesson. Connor, being the more experienced dancer helped teach Cassie’s class and was paired up to show Cassie the steps. Cassie admits to instantly forming a crush on Connor that day.
While the romance didn’t catch right at that moment; it was just a matter of time before they would kindle the spark. Fast forward a bit and Cassie and Connor were co-teaching a class. During this time they both learned so much about one another and their romance started. Dance is a very connected and intuitive activity, you may know all the steps but you don’t ever really know the one your partner will lead you to next. It takes trust. Dance is a close and intimate connection. It is no surprise to me how many couples who met at Paradise Dancers have gone on to get married. (Thank you Don for giving so many young people a place to find a life-long connection and community)
Cassie and Connor found themselves spending more time together, flirtation grew into kisses and kisses grew into comfort. The relationship just took off and has been warming their hearts since. Cassie loves Connor’s compassion and how he takes time to acknowledge when she is upset and asks how he can help. He loves that Cassie encourages him to treat himself when he’s had hard days. They both express that there was not a singular moment of “they are the one for me.” But that it has been every moment growing together and working together, building each other up and encouraging one another.
Connor and Cassie’s proposal story was a night of drinks and light-hearted banter among Cassie’s family while they were camping. It came to light that the couple just felt as if they were already married minus the paperwork and they would when they wanted to. The conversation shifted to “Wanna get married then?”. The morning came with distant memories of the conversation but with a little cute (figurative) elephant in the room. After a few days Cassie finally came out and asked “Sooooooo, are we going to talk about this weekend?” Connor having a hazy recollection of the conversation asks her what they needed to talk about. She cleared his fog and they both agreed that it was indeed time to tie the knot.
In October the couple will be celebrating their marriage with their friends and family in Oregon.
We are so excited to join you in the festivities and capture the magic!
Oroville Engagement Photographer: Brian + Kelley
We met Kelley and Brian at the Winter Chico bridal show. Jena was washing her hands when Kelley kindly complimented her hair, she noticed Jena’s Vendor badge and Kelley inquired to see if Jena was a hair stylist. Jena gave her a little info about our booth and encouraged her to check us out. When Kelley made her rounds we noticed her at the end of our aisle and we waved excitedly. We instantly adored her and hoped we’d talk to her soon! Fast forward a few weeks and we were talking wedding plans!
This couple complement each other so well, Brian is reserved and Kelley is bubbly. Kelley is a planner and Brian goes with the flow. There’s no question here why they’re so compatible. The way Brian looks at Kelley when she’s not looking says it all.
Kelley said their meeting was “sort of by accident” but I wonder if fate had a hand in it.
Brian and Kelley have been dating for 10 years and for years, Brian had been waiting for the right time to propose. As unexpected as life is, the right time is unknown. Until BOOM it’s happening. After all these year they agreed the time was officially right and they would schedule their wedding May of 2022. So Brian took Kelley to pick out a ring. Brian was nervous about doing this alone and couldn’t imagine these moments without kelley beside him. Kelley chose a stunning opal ring, Brian really felt she deserved diamonds but her heart was set on this lovely opal. While browsing for her ring he also spotted the one for himself. So, while there is no proposal “moment” they share the experience of being together finding the perfect rings that will symbolize their commitment to one another. They have been building a lasting relationship that IS the grand splendor. Kelley expressed how Brian is so kind, loving, supportive, and that he is so helpful. To further express to you Brian’s willingness to please his bride; she asked if we could stage a proposal. Without fuss or grief, Brian asked “where” and got down on one knee and presented Kelley her stunning ring. After this gesture and Jena and I were so taken by Brian; it was so clear to see the love between them in that single moment and it was beautiful.
In my eyes everyday gestures outshine most grand proposal moments. Everyday spent loving, trusting and understanding one another is more than a singular big romantic gesture.
Brian and Kelley have put ten years into building a sturdy foundation to create a beautiful strong marriage and life to come.
The wedding day is quickly approaching and we couldn’t be more excited to capture the magic.
Cheers to you both!
Oroville Engagement Photographer: CJ + Samantha
Samantha and CJ are Halloween enthusiasts loving all things Halloween. It is so fitting that their wedding day would be Halloween inspired as well. Authentic to them Samantha and CJ came embracing the full theme at their engagement session. While there were hints of spooky there was nothing to fear here. These two are the sweetest! Both so deeply in love with one another. Their love story has been in the making for many of years.
The spark of their friendship began when they were both in middle school, Samantha was new to the school and remembers the first time seeing CJ as a 6th grader chasing his friend, She said she specifically remembers that “mop of curly hair”. CJ recalls their friendship beginning on his moms school bus, bonding from the common love for Dragon Ball Z and then becoming best friends.
Samantha and CJ shared a note book in high school, at their lunch period Samantha wrote in the note book and asked CJ out. As most best friends would he was timid to this. Not wanting to lose the friendship they’ve built so far. Samantha reassured him she would always be his friend. So the two of them took the leap. They became even more inseparable than before.
CJ and Samantha’s relationship is very beautiful, I’ve enjoyed getting to know what they value in their partner and just how strong their connection is.
Road trips are their favorite thing to do together. Whether the adventure be short or far every moment exploring together is one they cherish. Samantha loves that CJ can be in the moment with her and appreciate the scenery and participates in the selfies. He too loves that she shares these moments with him and it makes the adventure more rich.
The proposal story was one of these trips, CJ had surprised Samantha with a trip to their favorite coastal town of Fort Bragg. He rented a cute cottage where he decorated the room with rose petals. He set up a camera to capture the moment and when the moment was right he flipped a switch and showered the room in more rose petals. Samantha says it was “magical” and it was perfect.
Samantha and CJ have a deep love, the highs and lows are treated with compassion and both express a sense of safety with their partner, a knowing that they are the love of their lives.
When you choose your best friend, life is the adventure.
Jena and I cannot wait to celebrate with you at your wedding, we are both working on our costumes already!
Chico Ca, Engagement Photographer: Marie + Gareth
This couples story is not like many, their first date was a blind date of sorts orchestrated by Gareth’s Sister Rebecca and Marie’s good friend Lori. These two match makers clearly knew what they were doing.
Let’s set the scene for this blind date:
Rare Air Trampoline park, balloons, cake, paired with excitable young kids all gathered for Gareth’s niece who turned four.
The attraction was pretty instant, (although they were a bit distracted by the party) there was just something about Marie and Gareth’s connection that day. Without much alone time to talk in depth Marie was hoping Gareth would get her number after the party; but in Gareth’s own words “I almost screwed it up and let her get away.” Fortunately he hunted down her number that evening and asked her to lunch the following day.
They met for lunch the next day at Broadway Heights, followed with a walk. They shared long deep talks of their wants and needs in a partner and for their future, the puzzle pieces just started falling into place. Gareth left that day knowing Marie was the one. Marie mutually felt that her connection with Gareth was different and special. Within this whirlwind romance Gareth was living in Oakland, CA and Marie here in Chico, CA many miles between and short weekend visits the couple only built a stronger foundation for their future.
Marie and Gareth both share a lot of common interests and views. They both have a love for the outdoors and while they haven’t had the chance to do some of the things they love together, they look forward for all of the adventures they will have and the memories they will create.
For their engagement session we met in Bidwell park near the cedar grove. They brought along their beautiful husky Sierra. (Jena loved spending time with Sierra she was such a good girl and minded well) While here, we shot in a new (to us) location capturing some beautiful glow-y light. Marie and Gareth were so natural to pose and easy to work with making the shooting go by quickly. We learned of Marie’s love for big oak trees and made it a mission to capture some images with the epic-ness of the large oaks. So we headed up to the five mile section of Bidwell park. We were successful on our tree hunt and found some of those mighty oaks we wanted to capture, we also enjoyed finding some wild flowers among the tall grass. Marie and Gareth were troopers and I’m very happy with the images we created.
We are so excited for the opportunity to capture their wedding up in the Lassen forest at Highland Ranch resort. We have no doubt that the wedding is going to be stunning and the reception will be a fun filled party! We cannot wait!
Cheers!
Chico Ca Family photography: Karissa, Kyle, and Family
It was such a pleasure capturing this session for Karissa and Kyle. Their blended family is mixed with some amazing little spirits! I had so much fun goofing around with the kiddos capturing their silly sides. Here are a few highlights from the session!
Stirling City Engagement Photographer: Michael + Hailey
Hailey and Michael are SO MUCH FUN! Jena and I had such a great time capturing these images and we were all laughing the whole shoot. Making these connections with our couples is so important and it really makes me treasure the engagement sessions so much more. WE are so excited for the wedding!
Thank you for such a fun time!
We hope you love these images because we sure do!
Chico California Engagement photographer: Eric and Elise
What’s a better way to ring in the new year than to celebrate love?!
This adorable couple is ringing the bells for their upcoming wedding! I am so pleased Elise found me to capture her and Erics wedding in April. Their engagement session started at Jon and Bons Yogurt Shoppe in downtown Chico. Their first date had been shared there and we wanted to pay a tribute to this monumental date. This date changed their individual lives and started something incredible! Chico was foggy and not really what we were looking for so we raced the sun to catch golden hour up at paradise lake. We were surprised and excited to see there was snow. Elise and Eric were troopers and while the snow and ice were slick it didn't stop the beautiful moments we captured. I absolutely adored watching Eric and Elise flirt and interact during this portion of the session. Something about snow brings out the playfulness in everyone. I am so excited to follow this love story and capture their upcoming wedding at the Historic Patrick Ranch.
Cheers to the beautiful couple!
Chico Family Photographer: Dustin and Abby Maternity
Oh my goodness! I am so incredibly excited for this little lady to come into the world. I have no doubt of the love she will be surrounded with. Abby and Dustin, I am so happy for you both. You will be great parents. Life is about to change so much, I hope to be along to capture the journey!
Chico Ca, Family Photographer: Reynolds Family
The Reynolds family is always up for an adventure, we took a nice stroll through the nature preserve while playing red light green , admiring unique leaves, and creating walking staffs. It was a perfect day for family photos, it wasn’t too hot or too cold though the morning had started off gloomy and foggy, the day became lovely and allowed us some great light for golden hour. I always enjoy myself in the company of the Reynolds family and I’m so happy to capture their quests in life.
Oroville Ca, Engagement Photographer: Kayla and Devin
I would like to introduce you all to one of my 2022 wedding couples. Kayla met Jena and I at the Chico bridal show, I was so pleased to connect with her and her fiancé Devin. We planned right away for the engagement session however , the original date we had planned was rained out but fortunately it gave us an extra element for the new date.
There is nothing more fun than a couple who is open minded and goes with the flow. The idea of playing in the puddles seemed a bit crazy but Kayla and Devin were troopers, and rocked it. Our session was a blast, I’m pretty sure we all had a good time. This engagement session has me so excited for their wedding in October I can hardly wait!!!
Kayla & Devin, I hope you had as much fun as Jena and I did. We hope you love these photos and we look forward to helping tell your love story!
