Engagements

As a photographer, you get to witness a lot of love—but every so often, you get to capture something that really sparks your creativity. Courtney and Christian’s engagement session in the golden aspens of Hope Valley was just one of those moments. Their story spans decades: once each other’s first loves, life took them in different directions, only to bring them back together when the timing was finally right. There was something so effortless about the way they moved through the landscape. It wasn’t just a photo shoot; it was witnessing kismet in real time. Their connection is effortless and…

Some of my favorite things and all at once-so energizing! Out on the water, late afternoon light, cool, old, and impeccably maintained Besotes boat, and the son of some dear friends whom I’ve been photographing since their kids were tiny. JACK IS ENGAGED! Isn’t he still an eighth grader at Sierra Ridge? Ok- I digress. I got to meet Dana, who is awesome, beautiful and kind, just like Jack said, as we drove together up to Ice House Lake. Self-admittedly, they are both a little camera-shy, so I appreciated knowing Jack well enough to joke around with him, which I…

I love engagement sessions and the opportunity they provide for me to get to know my wedding couples. Oh my, Grace and Nick couldn’t be any sweeter, any kinder–just lovely people who found each other and lucky for me, found me too! They dove right into their “day date” and embraced their time together while I moved them around in a magical fall wonderland- shifting as the light moved through the trees. They will exchange vows this September at the Flower Farm. Bring on the love fest!

I had such a great time in San Francisco capturing some of the life that is now Lisa, Dave and Ramona’s to share! I lived in SF for a few years before moving to the East Bay back in the late 80’s early 90’s and I enjoyed being in some of my old neighborhoods. After Lisa picked me up in the Mission at the Bart station, we headed back to their home. I finally got to meet Dave who was getting Ramona up from a nap. We hit a few of their favorite spots in the neighborhood as a family…

Karina and Colin will marry this October at a family property in Placerville. It’s going to be a big wedding with lots of guests, but laid back like the vast property they are celebrating on. Karina and her brother Nate were some of my earlier clients when I started my business in El Dorado County. In fact, I must not have started my blog yet as I am unable to find any of their photos in a previous post. I was so honored when Karina reached out about their wedding photography. I’ve had alot of full-circle moments and this is…

With a wedding right around the corner this April, I hopped out with Josh and Melissa in a snowstorm to get to know the two of them better while learning more about how they connect and capturing them doing just that. Josh, the jokester, was playful but such a gentleman when it came to his bride-to-be, guiding, keeping her warm, and keeping the energy fun. Melissa, found the guy that keeps her smiling and laughing. She is so kind, relaxed and lovely to be around. She shines a beautiful smile. As Willie Nelson sang from Irving Berlin’s lyrics, “Nothing but…

These two… There’s so much love and excitement in the air around Megan and Ryan and the sweet love they share makes me smile. They found it- they found each other. I look forward to photographing their wedding this October at The Davies Family Inn at ShadowRidge Ranch. Over the last 15 years, I’ve enjoyed capturing many of the O’Rilley milestones including family photos,  a wedding, and even all their graduation photos. Megan is the final O’Rilley to be getting married and it’s going to be a big celebration and the dance floor will be going late into the evening.…

These two are such an easy going couple. We got to play around at their amazing wedding venue in the sprinkling of rain for some engagement photographs, a week ago. Cory and Jessica are exchanging their vows this fall at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, Ca. Cool, huh? Oh, and we found lupines! Looking forward to it all, Jessica and Cory.

Engagement sessions are so great because you come away knowing alot about a couple and how they are with each other, outside of their wedding day, and before their wedding day. Additionally, they get to know and feel more comfortable with me. It’s always a win.