Chico CA Engagement Photographer: Jenn + John's Engagement

Once upon a time, in the vast world of online dating, Jenn and John's love story began. After talking for a couple of months, they finally met in person. John drove from Oroville to take Jenn out to lunch at the Bear in Chico, and little did they know that this would be the beginning of their forever love story.

Despite coming from different cities, Redding and Vallejo, they found a common ground in butte county and their love for each other and in the activities they enjoyed doing together. They love gaming, puzzles, roller skating, mini-golf, and arts and crafts, but they also cherished the simple moments of cuddling at home and watching their favorite shows. Jenn is enamored with John's sense of humor and his quirky jokes, while John loves the little gestures of affection from Jenn, like wanting him to kiss her goodbye before going to work.

Their love blossomed into an inseparable bond, and they share countless memories together, but the most memorable moments were etched in their hearts forever. For Jenn, it was when she saw John get emotional while visiting her grandparents' grave. She knew he was the one even before they met in person, and her intuition proved her right. For John, it was going camping with Jenn for the first time, which was a life-changing experience for him.

But their love story reached a new height when John proposed to Jenn on a rainy weekend that they were supposed to go camping. Even though the weather canceled the original plans he went all out to make it special, from creating a romantic indoor tent, to going roller skating, and they stopped at a couple of lookout points. Jenn knew something was up when John started acting nervous, and he finally popped the question. Overcome with emotions, Jenn cried and said yes, and they embraced each other, knowing that their lives would be forever intertwined.

Their engagement session at Upper Bidwell Park captured the essence of their love and chemistry in the beautiful surroundings of nature. They both looked forward to growing together in their marriage.  We are so excited to follow this couples love story and capture their wedding day.   

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!

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!

Paradise Ca, Wedding photographer: Mr. and Mrs. Domenichini

Bri and Merill Domenichini, are by far two of the most incredible people I have had the honor of working for.  Their kindness and generosity knows no bounds and they have been so marvelous through the last 3 months I just don’t know what I would do if they were anyone else.  Their wedding was on a lovely property down a country road in Paradise California.   The wedding was on an October afternoon surrounded with great weather and old oak trees.   The day began with Bri getting ready with her bridesmaids having a few drinks, laughing and sharing stories.  Bri was a little nervous but it wasn’t due to her marrying her best friend.  The day was low key, relaxed and so enjoyable, surrounded with great hearted people made my job feel like a day off.  Merill and his groomsmen got ready down at the reception site, enjoying a few laughs and a few beers.  Merill was clear with his decision, he had no worry or nervousness he was just excited to finally take Bri as his wife.   

Bri and her father had a first look and my oh my how much that made me and every other onlooker cry. A man of strength looked at his baby girl as if for the first time and became overcome with emotion.  His love, and pride for his daughter was clear, he was glowing. 

The guests arrived and filled nearly every seat,  the ceremony began.  The bridesmaids were delivered to the groomsmen in classic model cars.  The flower girls met their ring bearers and walked down the aisle tossing out shot gun shells (bride and groom are both avid hunters).  Bri and her father came down in a Model T.  Once she started walking down the aisle Merill looked at his bride took a deep breath and attempted to hold back his tears.

  The ceremony was beautiful as the sun slowly hit the golden hour.  The couple exchanged their vows and sealed it with a kiss.  The same Model T was waiting at the end of the aisle to parade the newlyweds around their guests.  The ceremony was followed by a lovely reception with many wonderful people.  After dinner we swept the bride and groom away for sunset photos that over looked the valley.  Bri and Merill were complemented so nicely with the setting sun the whole setting was one from a dream.  As they returned to the reception the evening proceeded with toasts, cake cutting and the formal dancing. 

The couple shared their first dance under white lights as their guest surrounded them watching intently.  Bri was met by her father showing off some skills on the dance floor swinging his little girl around as if they’ve been doing this forever.  Merill joined his mother on the dance floor he spun her around and they laughed together once the song was over he gave her a final spin and escorted her off the dance floor.  Soon after the dances they called all the single ladies and gents for the bouquet and garter toss.  The evening continued with dancing and great company.  

I was fortunate to be a witness to these two getting married.  Jena and I had a wonderful time sharing the day with you both.  Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do for those you love.  Your hearts are truly amazing,  I am so blessed to call you friends.

Bodega Bay Photographer: Bodega Harbor Yacht Club Robert and Christina Zolotoff Wedding

Robert and Christina are two amazing people who are incredibly perfect for one another.  They both had some nerves before their ceremony but once they were together they it was clearly washed away with happiness.  This couple had to be incredibly flexible during their wedding due to the weather.  Their beach wedding was moved into the Bodega Harbor Yacht club where they exchanged their vows, kissed, laughed and danced the night away.   I am so happy to have been included in their wedding and I'm so happy for them in this new chapter in their life!  Cheers to Rob and Christina!