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

SANTA ROSA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY : SARAH & JACOB

When Sarah contacted me just a few weeks ago for their Wedding next September, I was super excited! They're getting Married at Contento Vineyard - which is just stunning in the Fall! Rolling hills, green grass & a sunset overlooking the entire Valley - a photographers dream! 

They also knew they wanted to get an Engagement Session in RIGHT away - not only to make sure they had some fun photos to send out for their 'Save the Date' cards, but to also check in with their Photographer + make sure they'd selected just the right person...choosing your Photographer can be one of the biggest commitments of your day (in my opinion) - you want to get it right!!

Sarah told me to be prepared. That they'd never done any formal photos - and that they weren't quite sure what to expect. These two worked flawlessly together - they communicate, they share & they're just 'right' for one another. Just how it should be!

Having met at a bar where Sarah worked, she mentioned that she's usually the one to open the bottles. I think she might've been just a tad nervous watching...?

 Of course, it all turned out alright!

I just love these kind of candid moments...you can't 'make' that joy + happiness...it just IS! 

I have to say - I had to be extra careful working with this ring outdoors - we were in the hills, surrounded by lush brush - definitely NOT allowed to drop this beauty!

As the sun was setting & it was time for me to head home...there was laughter billowing from the house - gushes over the gorgeous couple showcased on my display screen (had to let Mom know JUST how adorable her baby girl has grown up to be!) & hugs for the Photographer...! Yay! I have a good feeling (and hope) that Jake & Sarah are comfortable that they've made the best selection for them...! I can't wait to see what their big day brings! xo

SANTA ROSA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER : RAILROAD SQUARE

Oreos & Milk...Chocolate & Peanut Butter...some things just compliment one another PERFECTLY, right?! Dan's a little bit shy - Shari's a whole lot of 'not'...together - they are absolutely IN LOVE!!!

For their Engagement Session, we first met at the Property in Santa Rosa where Shari currently lives - which is also where he proposed...

I'm sure having your Best Friend right there with you during a Photo Shoot helps when you're a bit nervous in front of the lens! The candids I captured Sunday are my favorite - their personality together just translates!

Somehow Niels knew ALL about this fabulous ring already when I started gushing about how GORGEOUS it was!! My man keeps up on the Wedding World more than I was aware!! "-)

With an amazing Photographer for a Sister & a career firmly rooted in the acting World, Shari's used to being in the Spotlight - she knows just how to 'work it' for me effortlessly!

Next - we headed off to RailRoad Square Downtown for some new backdrops...

Okay, yes - I am quite obsessed with shoes & the women who choose them...me? Flats...flip-flops...anything that doesn't HURT!! LOVED these on her!!!

I sure hope you guys had as much fun as I did on this cute, little E-Session! I can not WAIT for the Wedding later this Season!!! See you adorable peeps SOON!! xo