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!

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!

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!