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!
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 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!
Paradise California Photographer: Ashley and Wyatt
Motherhood is beautiful, fun, hard, exciting, moving and messy. At the end of the day our love is our driving force. It moves us to be better, stronger and take chances that maybe we wouldn’t always make.
Ashley it is so very clear how much you love Wyatt and how much he loves you. I’m definitely going to miss you guys! I hope you love these!
