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!

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!

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!

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!