Vina Ca, Engagement Photographer: Elizabeth + Braden

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!

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. 

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 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!

Chico California Engagement photographer: Eric and Elise

What’s a better way to ring in the new year than to celebrate love?!

This adorable couple is ringing the bells for their upcoming wedding! I am so pleased Elise found me to capture her and Erics wedding in April. Their engagement session started at Jon and Bons Yogurt Shoppe in downtown Chico. Their first date had been shared there and we wanted to pay a tribute to this monumental date. This date changed their individual lives and started something incredible! Chico was foggy and not really what we were looking for so we raced the sun to catch golden hour up at paradise lake. We were surprised and excited to see there was snow. Elise and Eric were troopers and while the snow and ice were slick it didn't stop the beautiful moments we captured. I absolutely adored watching Eric and Elise flirt and interact during this portion of the session. Something about snow brings out the playfulness in everyone. I am so excited to follow this love story and capture their upcoming wedding at the Historic Patrick Ranch.

Cheers to the beautiful couple!

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! 

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!

Burney Falls Engagement Photographer: Brian & Brandy September 2017

What a session!  I am in love with these shots!  Beautiful people, beautiful scenery, and great lighting!  When Brian and Brandy first met with me we spoke about where they might want to do their photos, I don't even think I let them complete their thoughts before I said "YES, LETS GO THERE!"  For months I have been looking forward to this shoot and it did not let me down.  The day was perfect!  We were able to enjoy our walk around the falls without the weather being too hot and there wasn't too many people out.  When we went out to Brian's childhood home the sun was just down enough for what photographers call "golden hour".  Brian and Brandy matched the beautiful light with some very natural sweet moments which was a pleasure to capture.  I'm pleased to share these with you all!  I hope you enjoy them! 

Chico California Engagement photography: John and Sarah

I am so excited to have met this adorable couple.  While long distance planning is new to me, I am so pleased to be trusted by them.  On our first in person meeting  a month right before their wedding we fortunately had a beautiful day up at upper Bidwell Park capturing some precious moments.  I learned that John and Sarah are kind fun loving people with a great sense of humor.  I couldn't be more excited to celebrate their wedding day with them in just one more month!  Please enjoy!

Chris and Emma

First off I would like to state how awesome Chris and Emma are!  They made this session so comfortable and easy by joking and laughter.  I absolutely love coming to a shoot where theres ice cream, hammocks and wonderful company.  I have some of the best wedding couples, these two are no exception!  

Please enjoy!