Vina Ca, Engagement Photographer: Elizabeth + Braden
Engagement photography sessions are always a special and memorable occasion for any couple, and Elizabeth Zepeda and Braden Pisani's session was no exception.
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.
Chico California Engagement Photographer: Augie + Laura
Laura+ Augie
Halloween shenanigans always make for fun memories. Sometime the best memories are made. This happens to be the setting of Laura and Augie’s story. Laura came to a party hosted by her co-worker. She noticed Augie from the moment she walked in. Augie is a quiet guy but Laura was drawn to him, he has a contagious smile with dimples she adores. She spent the evening flirting with him and at the end of the evening they shared a super awkward side hug that they still joke about today.
After a few days Laura kept thinking about Augie and asked her co-worker to pass along her phone number to him. With little delay, Augie texted Laura that night and asked her out on a date. This date lead to many like it. Laura loves sharing time with Augie they enjoy playing catch and talking. A perfect date for Laura would be a Giant’s or A’s game at Oracle park and then Pizza afterwards.
The first time Laura told Augie she loved him was when he had driven her to the airport. She was about to have a girls trip and she felt like it was a perfect time. She was so nervous the whole drive to the airport, meanwhile he thought it was the flight she was nervous for. When she finally got the nerve to speak those three words, Augie’s face lit up. She says seeing his happiness is something she will never forget.
Augie is often thinking about their future. Laura loves hearing about all the ways he plans and dreams about their life together. Laura looks forward to eventually having a family and raising kids together. She knows Augie is going to be and amazing dad and looks forward to that adventure with him.
During this session you could see this loving connection where they are both so happy to be in each other’s arms. The cuddles, and giggles were so genuine and sweet. I loved that they had a mini tailgate sporting their team’s colors and enjoying a few Sierra Nevada Brewery’s Hazy Little Things. Laura and Augie share a little competitive banter over their teams but they never let it be too serious. You can see just how much these two complete each other. They are best friends, and what better way to spend the rest of your life?
Jena and I left the session so excited about the time we spent and we are looking forward to capturing your wedding day this fall. We know it is going to be so amazing!
Cheers to you both!
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!
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: Sarah and Jack Upper Bidwell Park
Jack and Sarah are two people I absolutely love being around! We have had two consultations and we talk business for about the first 10 minutes and end up closing the restaurant we meet at. Time just flies by when we're chatting and I honestly can say that the connections we've created shows in this very relaxed and comfortable shoot. I am so pleased to work with these two and gain them as friends. Please enjoy Jack and Sarah's Engagement photos.
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!
Duston & Katie's Spring Engagement!
These two are wonderful people, and I am so excited to be a part of some of their most important moments this summer when they tie the knot! I had so much fun with them this past Sunday, while we waited out the rain. We were really lucky to have such lovely light!