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!
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.
Paradise California Photographer: Davidson's and the Grandkids
I’ve grown up with the Davidson’s kids so it is extra special to see the next generation of this family extend. Willie and Daisy thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture these moments for you! I hope they always bring you smiles when you think back to how silly all the kids were during our session!
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!
Chico Engagement Photographer: Madison and Logan
This couple! OH MY GOODNESS! There's some people you meet in life and a bond is instantly formed. For Madison this could not have been more true, we met at the Chico Bridal show and instantly hit it off. Madison was enjoying the show with her mom and swung by the booth and filled out my questionnaire. She got stuck on the "What's you favorite movie/show?" her mom responded "Grease duh!" We got to chatting and instantly we just clicked. Jena and I left with her being one of the last brides we talked to and we were stoked "If she's the only bride we book today it's a win in my book." A few weeks later BOOM! I had a message from her in my inbox! YESSSSS! We set up a meeting to meet with Logan and talk about packages and pricing. Some times meeting with the groom for the first time he may be a little quiet will let the bride talk mostly, but Logan was equally interested in getting to know us and like Madison created an instant bond. It is no question as to why Madison and Logan have chosen forever together, they are absolutely perfect! Logan is super laid back and fun and the way he looks at Madison its as if the world stands still for a moment. Madison and Logan have faced many obstacles in their relationship and have grown so much closer from them it is very clear they are best friends as well as in love.
Jena and I are both so incredibly excited to capture your wedding day!
I hope you love these images and weren't too terribly covered in mosquito bites!
Paradise Wedding Photographer Paradise Senior center: Eric and Ariel Janko!
Eric and Ariel, much like their Disney character counterparts, have had a fairy tale romance. They fell in love many years ago and finally decided to “dive into” marriage this year!
Jena and I started our day by meeting up with the bride and her half of the wedding party. The wonderful thing about living in a small town is that so many of us grew up together and one of Ariel‘s bridesmaids is one of Jena‘s oldest friends. That, along with the way that Ariel glowed in anticipation of seeing Eric, made the day such a fun experience!
The weather that day was so beautiful; lots of sun, bright blue skies, and a stunning array of fall colored leaves! The combination created a lovely backdrop for her dress and jewelry; including her grandmothers vintage pearl necklace.
The gentleman arrived at the venue midday to finish setting up. After, they spent their time unwinding with a friendly, if a little competitive, game of beer pong. Eric‘s groomsman were a riot and had Jena in stitches most of the day.
The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of excitement! The First Look was full of emotion, Ariel was overwhelmed with love at the side of her groom and Eric could not stop smiling at his bride! Their First Look and wedding party pictures were taken at the aquatic park in our hometown of Paradise. With the weeping willow and water at the park, we couldn’t help but be reminded of the “Kiss the Girl” scene of The Little Mermaid, how perfect!
The ceremony was as touching as it was charming. The reception was filled with tears and laughter during toasts and throughout the rest of the evening. From the handmade centerpieces, to the hilarious best man’s speech, it was plain to see how much love and care went into their wedding!
Eric and Ariel, thank you for allowing us to capture the beginning of your happily ever after, we hope you love your photos as much as we enjoyed taking them!
Chico Wedding Photographer: TJ Farms Estate. Mr. & Mrs. Williams!
Jeff and Krystle had a very lucky wedding day. The weather was raining most of the week and was projected to be raining all day of their wedding. The Weather graced us with a window to do outdoor photos and soon after resumed the pitter patter. Watching these two connect through out the day was inspiring and electric with happiness but calm with their comfort in each other. I am so pleased to have met the both of them and their friends an family. Please enjoy some of their wedding photos.
Cheers to the both of you and many years!
Anderson Wedding Photographer: Gover Ranch Jason and Holly Thatcher!
I JUST HAVE TO START BY SAYING WE HAD A BALL! This wedding was incredible and a blast! The day couldn't have been more beautiful, it was a sunny day that broke up the rainstorms that hit northern California. Holly and Jason were both nervous the morning leading up to their wedding. Their first look eased all of their nerves and love filled the air. Holly's spunky sweet attitude complemented with Jason's quieter quick witted humor left Jena and I giggling throughout the day. It is safe to say we were in wonderful company during our work day, so was it really work?! I just love this wedding and I hope you do too!
