Joel and Bhavani [engaged!!]

It was a Romeo and Juliet story... two people from two different worlds, but love kept them together. It was on the UC Irvine campus that Joel first took a liking to Bhavani. She shrugged it off, not being able to date. But like a true gentleman, Joel quietly persisted... that is, until he couldn't take it anymore. Finally, Bhavani gave into his valient efforts to win her heart and after several years together, the two are engaged to be married. Good work Joel ;) I'm sure she is well worth the wait AND the chase!

Their session began at Balboa Park on a mostly cloudy Sunday afternoon. When I asked Bhavani if there was anywhere in particular she wanted to shoot, she replied, "The Rose Garden"... little did we know, there are no roses in January. So we made do with cacti and succulents. But man, do they make cacti and succulents look good!

Bhavani, you're gorg!

We ended the day at Coronado Beach where Joel had proposed. As we were walking to the shore, Joel told me the story of how Bhavani's father ruined the surprise. In India, men don't usually ask the bride's father for her hand in marriage. So when Joel called to get his blessing, Bhavani's father asked her...why? what does he want?

Even though there wasn't much surprise, Bhavani was still overjoyed and of course, said YES!

We were concerned the whole day that it was going to rain. Luckily, it didn't rain until the very end, and lookie-loo! A rainbow!

WARNING: absolute fierceness below!! :)

Joel and Bhavani, thank you so much for an incredible engagement session! I'm so excited to photograph your wedding in September!

WPPI Prep

Tomorrow is the big day! Lisa Ronco and I will be on our way to Las Vegas to attend WPPI 2011!!! We have waited months for this... eager to attend platform classes by greats like Jasmine Star, Jared Platt, Joe Buissink, Tamara Lackey and Bobbi + Mike. All year long, we follow their tours and their blogs, we are hungry to learn more and more! WPPI is just the place to do it and we couldn't be more excited!

This is actually my second time going to WPPI. Last year, I was clueless as to what to expect and it was a last minute decision to go. I realized that I needed to make a lot of changes this year! So here are my goals for the conference this time around:

1. Be prepared. Last year, I didn't choose my speaker schedule until I had a hard copy of the program in my hands. Heck, I didn't even know there was a program! But I've already printed out my preboard tickets, and I've chosen other prospective classes and placed them on a calendar so I know where I need to be and when! I even went through the vendor list and made a point to highlight each vendor I must see, accompanied with shopping list. Hey, it's better to be OVER prepared right?

2. Sleep. Last year, I brought a non-photographer friend and when I told her we were going to Vegas, she was excited for Vegas things. This year, I'm accompanied by another photog friend who will be just as focused as I am on photography related things. Not that I didn't have a blast last year, it just wore me out and I couldn't take full advantage of the conference like I should have.

3. Network. Last year, I think I talked to one person. ONE! So this year, I have a brand new box of business cards and I'm not afraid to use them! See above picture, aren't they cute?

4. Have fun. Lisa and I have tickets to the Pictage Party at Studio 54. Now, don't get us wrong, we're not party animals in the least, but we do want to meet other photographers and make new friends. There is also another mixer we are excited to check out through Photographer's Unite which is a group of Christian photographers. So so stoked.

5. Relax. This year, we are staying at the beautiful Cancun Resort located right off of the strip. Our suite has a full kitchen so we can cook food and save money. There is also a huge pool with waterslides! Yah, I know, it's going to be about 50 degrees out, but I have to go down at least once! weeeee!!!

So those are the biggies, I'm just about done packing and then I'll TRY to sleep even though I can never sleep before a big trip... wish me luck!

Jeff and Elaina [married!]

She's as witty as she is sweet. He is calm, centered and patient. Patient as he waited for years until he could call Elaina his wife, patient just a little bit longer as she was 45 minutes behind the aisle. But she came... as she approached the alter, arms linked with her father and a bouquet in the other, she approached the man waiting for her. Patiently.

It was one of the most beautiful days in one of the most beautiful areas of sunny San Diego. The event took place at The Thursday Club in Point Loma which offered a gorgeous backdrop to the day. But nothing could compare to the beautiful bride, especially when she snuck glimpses towards her groom Jeff. With the couples' closest friends and family members, the day played out perfectly and God truly blessed the first day of their next chapter in life together.

Jeff and Elaina, thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day! We truly enjoyed photographing the love you two share and getting to know a wonderful couple!

Special thanks to Lisa of Lisa Ronco Photography for assisting me! Love you girl!