Michael + Kate:
Engaged

Before the internet and the world of online dating, people used to get matched up by their friends. A person’s BFF would size up the potential candidate. And just like with online dating, their appearance, general interests, and compatibly would all be factored into the perfect equation to see if they’d be a right fit.

This is precisely how Michael and Kate started dating. Their mutual friends did the math and thought they’d be the perfect pair. They should be given a cupid award for their match making efforts because Michael and Kate have been together since high school.

Having been together for so many years, their love is acquainted, familiar and strong. Their roots have grown deep and a foundation has been set. They are ready to grow old with each other by their side.

Kate and Michael – thank you for giving us the absolute pleasure of documenting your love. To say it was fun would be an understatement. The location, the light, the two of you – it was all perfectly romantic. We are so excited to be photographing your wedding this upcoming October. Cheers to celebrating you!

Golden light and rolling hills. Engaged couple hugging each other.Girl giggling as her fiance picks her up. Goldne grass and an old tree in the background.Couple wearing white summer shorts hugging each other. Engagement photography in the golden hills.Portrait of a couple sitting on the bench in each other's arms with a moon in the sky behind them.Portraiit of an engaged couple sitting on the dock of a lake snuggling together. Engagement portrait.Closeup of a guy and a girl laughing together.Engagement photos with a beautiful sunsetCouple standing in the middle of the field holding hands.Portrait of a guy and a girl with sun flare

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

Birthday Week

Friday is Vitaliy’s birthday. My Mustache Man is going to be 29 years old.

I have planned a full birthday week for Vitaliy. I stole the idea from my dear friend Missy and I’m sharing it here in case you want to use it for your beloved. The basic idea is to do a little something each day to lead up to the actual birthday. Missy recommended picking a theme and then designing the daily gifts/activities around that concept.

After a few demanding weeks, I decided the theme for Vitaliy’s birthday week would be RELAXATION. On Monday, he took the day off and I treated him to a movie that night. Tuesday I took him to a cigar shop. For Vitaliy, there’s nothing more relaxing then smoking the occasional cigar while sipping on a glass of Scotch. Wednesday was a Thai foot massage. Of course, I’m enjoying this birthday week too.

I won’t divulge the rest of my plans, but you get the idea. I have thoroughly enjoyed this idea! I am the worst birthday rememberer- planner-celebrator ever. They always sneak up on me and I never have enough time or energy to execute any of the brilliant ideas I think of. This has felt extremely doable and makes the celebrating last so much longer than just a day.

What other themes would you suggest? I want to be ready for next year!

P.S. I’m also giving Vitaliy a break from assisting me with the blog. As a result, this will be the only post for the week. Please wish Vitaliy a Happy, Happy Birthday and we’ll see you next week!