SONOMA COUNTY ENGAGEMENT SESSION : MONICA + HUMBERTO

As I made my way through the 2nd set of gates, I still couldn't quite lay my eyes on the property I was to be shooting at this past Sun. evening...I'd received a few images from Monica via cell to get my opinion of the location, but they didn't quite show THIS! ...what I found was a Photographers' Dream!

It'd been raining all morning, but by now - we had full sun. Since we had plenty of time before the sun would ease, we decided to start our Session in the Courtyard of the Villa. Why...hello! These amazing gentleman serenaded us with their festive Mariachi all evening...! So fun!

I love getting to spend time with our Clients before the actual Wedding day. That belongs to them & their Families - right now's my chance to chat & get to know them better...and see just how GORGEOUS they look in front of my lens together! EEE!!!

STUNNING!!

Monica + Humberto told me they've been together almost a year...and, looked positively stunned when I told them it took me nearly EIGHT YEARS to finally get my ring! ...but, let's not forget - Niels & I were 15 + 16 when we 1st started dating...going out...whatever the kids called it back then. Hee hee! 

As we continued to shoot, I could tell these two were going to be so easy & fun to work with. Humberto & Monica both are driven, dedicated & genuinely nice people. Easy to talk to, totally photogenic + easy to work with? I couldn't ask for anything more...

 LOVE this personal touch with the Emeralds! 

Oooh! The sun's behind some heavy clouds - let's try to play in the Fountain!

Never-mind...get back in - get back in! "-)

Grandpa was wondering just what everyone was up to out here! Today was a Family affair...except we were missing Momma! She'll definitely be there with us next time!

 I don't know how many times I called out 'we should do the Wedding HERE!!'

After a moment to catch a snack + a quick wardrobe change, we headed out to the 'Chapel' - an enormous cluster of phenomenal Redwoods that encircle the perfect space to relax & enjoy the shade...I was in awe. I wish I was raising our Family on this Land - so diverse, gorgeous & just...breathtaking...

There we go - the sun has settled just  enough for us to move about the Property...

I could've shot these two all day - they were both so gracious & patient with me! THANK YOU!

Well, I think we got the 'one or two' we needed! LOL!

I apologize! We actually ended up with a LOT! And, I love them all! 

CONGRATULATIONS, guys!! I am positively thrilled you've chosen to work with us & I can't wait to see what you have put together for your Wedding day!!! xo

SONOMA COUNTY ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER : LAKE SONOMA

Christine & Clay are just...well...let's go with 'Cupcakes'!! I love them & could never get enough!! Watching them interact positively brought endless smiles to my face - they are just sooo sweet & 'real'!!

What makes me love them even more? It's who they are as people - what they give back to this Community. It's priceless.

Being a Nurse + a 6th Grade Teacher? Neither job is easy - both take up an endless amount of hours on the job & away - they influence Lives in a way that can last a lifetime - and I am just so grateful for people like them doing what they do! Can you feel my hugs from here? Really - THANK YOU...!

So...here we are at their very 1st photo Session together from last night! At the location of their very 1st Date, nonetheless! How fun is that? Your 1st time meeting this amazing girl & it includes a little hiking, good company & of course - Christine's beloved companion, Dotty! I assume Dotty must have approved - because here we were this day - preparing for their gorgeous Oct. Wedding!!

...although, as soon as I laid eyes on her...I could tell right away poor Christine was scared silly to do this Photo Shoot! So, I wanted to start somewhere 'easy'...let's lay down, enjoy the cool grass for a moment & see where this takes us...I don't know why, but I just assume everyone has a camera shoved in their face 24/7 like we do! hee hee.

Next stop? A wonderful overlook...where an older gentleman had beat us to his naptime spot, so we'll snap a couple & just move along...

 Down to the Marina for some shade while we wait for the sun to settle just a bit...nervous giggles...it's okay - you look AMAZING!!! ...and 'personality' photos are my fav, anyways!

 I love how no matter what I said, laughter erupted!

Such a beautiful, kind & loving person...these two couldn't be better matched!

 I told them on my way home, I could tell the 'Bridge' photos would be my favorite - the Lighting was just delectable!!

 Here we are...the place where it all began...a steep overlook with brush billowing all around us...with the sun all but gone, we had been moving locations & shooting for over 2 hrs now...and I'm just SO thankful they were willing to stick with me & let me play!

It took a few tries, but Dotty was willing to join us just as we were preparing to head out...YAY!! The photo that mattered most!! THANK YOU, Dotty girl!! (LOVE how even their dog is Orange + Black - go Giants! Which also happens to be how Christine just knew she'd found 'the one' - shower time for her after the Hike? Giants game for him - a man after her own heart!!)

...as the evening wore on...and the light faded...so did the nerves & now? I can tell Christine is totally ready to NAIL that Wedding Day shoot!! She's going to be STUNNING & I can't wait!!! Clay, you be ready ~ I have a feeling this girl's gonna take your breath away!! xo