This engagement session is a special one for me!! Brenda has been a bridesmaid & Michael has been a groomsman in multiple weddings Pat & I have photographed. From here in San Diego to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, this couple has seen us in action on many occasions, which is why we were so happy and excited when they booked us to photograph their wedding later this year.

Brenda & Michael met in high school and have such a beautiful story…

“We met when we were teenagers. The attraction, for me, was instant. I walked into our common area on the first day of school and he smiled at me and it drew me in. From that day on we never really shook each other. I never imagined that what started out innocently as children would bloom into a relationship that I would go on to keep through my adult life. Although we are not engaged and in no rush, being able to say we’ve loved each other longer than some marriages, has been an amazing achievement. We’ve navigated through challenges, losses, and triumphs with unwavering love for one another and 16 years later, he still smiles at me the same way.”

Can you believe that Brenda wrote that over 2 years ago when she entered to win my Valentine’s Day photo session give away! We put names in a bowl and picked randomly, otherwise…I would have totally chosen her. ;)

Establishing a great relationship with my clients has become more and more important to me, especially after being a bride myself and experiencing the wave of emotions that happen on a wedding day. I want my couples to feel so relaxed and comfortable with me behind the lens while I document their love story, so having an engagement session is a great way to get to know each other!

For Michael & Brenda, it came way too easy though. Although we had only met them a few times at weddings, both Pat & I remember them being so friendly, welcoming and helpful while we were setting up details shots and organizing group bridal party pictures. I specifically remember Brenda going out of her way to give me a big hug and chat with me at our last wedding & thinking… “That girl is just so sweet! I want to be her friend. :)” Who would have known that as time went on, we would be the ones they chose to photograph their special day and I couldn’t be more honored.

Their engagement session was so fun! Brenda looked flawless with her makeup perfectly done by Makeup by Vanny. And Michael looked dapper, wearing his new suit. Loved both their looks! They chose to do the first location at their high school where they first met, which I loved because it held such a sentimental meaning for them. While we were taking photos, they ran into their old principle and teachers and got to reminisce on good old times. How awesome is that! Then we headed over to the Public Market at Liberty Station (one of our favorite spots for some good food) and finished off the shoot at Marian Bear Park in La Jolla.

Pat & I got to know these two so much better and we were actually surprised at how much we have in common and how they felt like friends we’ve had for years. We are so incredibly happy for the love they share and this new journey their on to soon become husband and wife. I can’t wait to share images from their wedding! I know it’s going to be beautiful. ;) But for now, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from Brenda & Michael’s engagement session!