Category Archives: Engagements

Written by on | 9 Comments

Victor+Kristin: Engaged

Victor and Kristin were part of the same circle of friends for a couple of years. But after serving along side one another at church, Victor began to see his feelings for Kristin start to solidify. To him, she was beautiful inside and out.

They went on a casual lunch date, but by the end, Victor realized Kristin wasn’t quite getting the “date” part. Not one to be discouraged, he shared his feelings with Kristin and then again asked her out. This time on a real date. “Can I think about it?” she responded.

While most would expect a sense of rejection, Victor gladly accepted, “She didn’t say no so that was good enough for me.” After navigating her fears and her curiosity, Kristin accepted his invitation. It didn’t take long for her to finally see Victor as more than just a co-worker and friend. Her feelings for him were real. Much realer than their real first date.

Victor and Kristin, it’s easy to see just how in love the two of you are. And it’s even easier to see why. We had so much fun photographing the two of you that we felt the session was too short. We just wanted to keep hanging out! We are thrilled to be photographing your wedding this November simply because we’re excited at the opportunity to celebrate the two of you again.

Balck and white image of a girl leaning on her fiancee's shoulderEngagement session in North Beach. Guy twirling his fiance.A couple dancing on the street in North Beach, San Francisco, CAEngaged couple holding hands in North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco.Balck and white images of the couple hugging with San Francisco street lights in the background
Chime in  or Share
Written by on | 7 Comments

Sean+Dana
15 Year Vow Renewal

Dana walked into the college campus fellowship night as if it were any other night. As her eyes scanned the room, they quickly landed on the gentleman playing the guitar. They had not yet met, but she thought to herself, “I’m going to marry that guy.” A real story of love at first sight.

The handsome guitar player was Sean. And the thought Dana had that night did come true. The two quickly became friends, fell in love, and got married. When you find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to start right now. I stole that line from When Harry Met Sally.

They promised their lives to one another in the home where Dana grew up. 15 years later, they renewed those vows at the very same place with all of their original wedding guests. Well, almost. This time their daughter and two sons joined them for the special occasion.

Sean and Dana, your vow renewal was beyond what I could have ever imagined. It was romantic, sentimental, and downright fun. Thank you for inviting us to not only be a part of documenting the day, but also a part of celebrating the two of you. Your love is strong and sweet and I’m confident you’ll be celebrating for years to come. We love you!

Couple kissing in the driveway - the place where they first kissedSan Mateo backyard 15 year vow renewalCouple embracing with the wedding ringCouple kissing each other with their kids around them watchingFamily portrait on the front porch of the house
Chime in  or Share
Written by on | 4 Comments

A Photo Date

Whether Vitaliy and I are photographing a couple celebrating their engagement, an anniversary or just because, we encourage our clients to approach their time with us as a date. This is why we call our portrait sessions “a photo date.”

Two years ago Vitaliy and I decided to get some professional photos taken. I was surprised to find that I was extremely nervous as the day approached. Let’s just face it, being in front of the camera is intimidating.

During this photoshoot, Vitaliy will tell you, he kind of fell in love with me all over again. It was the first time we’d had our pictures taken since our wedding. And as most couples will find themselves in marriage, you do a lot of living side by side and not enough living face to face. Getting all dressed up, away from everyday life, and getting to look at each other, to really see each other, was a very special experience.

Ever since that photoshoot, we have approached photographing our clients differently. For us, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the photos. We want our couples to have a blast and fall more in love by the end of the session.

One of the ways we like to make this happen is with some form of “date idea” incorporated into the session. Take for example the Beach Party For Two. Having items like the beach ball and the picnic lunch helped loosen Kate and Brian up. It was less about us in front of them with a camera and more about the two of them having fun together. This encourages natural expressions instead of stiff, and sometimes uncomfortable posing.

And by the end of the session, everyone is at ease. They’ve had a good time. They realize being photographed is not as intimidating as they once thought. And they’re more comfortable with us too. This is the sweet part of the photoshoot. It’s at this point that we can push them a bit passed their comfort level where they’re willing to connect with one another in a way they typically only do when nobody else is around.

They’ll look at each other in that way that no one ever sees. Share the caress that is usually only shared when they’re alone. They finally let us in.

We are then able to deliver photos like these. No props or details. Just the two of them. Kate and Brian. Exactly as they are, in love.

Chime in  or Share