Downtown Orange is such a cute place. It’s got that small town America feel that’s lost in the vastness of busy city life in Southern California. A late summer Saturday afternoon there is a nice way to just relax and hang out, to have lunch, take walks or just people watch. It was the perfect place for an engagement shoot for Chris and Mike.

From the moment I met Chris and Mike, the first word that came to my mind was “chill.” They’re such easygoing individuals, which make for an easygoing couple. They’re so funny, letting us know early on that being all affectionate in front of the camera is something they’re not entirely expert at, and they were shy in the beginning. After awhile, though, they warmed up to our clicking and started goofing around like they were just hanging out, which set up the perfect circumstances for those of us who were trying to capture them au naturale.

They walked towards us, hand in hand and smiles aplenty. We knew then that it’d be a fun day of shooting in Downtown Orange with Jacquelyn and Jason.  

It’s always a challenge when you’re taking photos of a couple for the first time. I, personally, always worry how much energy and reassurance I’ll have to provide to make sure they’re never bored or self-conscious. I’ve learned that one of the most important things to remember is how to provide just enough direction to make them feel, quite simply, comfortable when the camera is clicking away.

With Jacquelyn and Jason, I felt almost like we were just hanging out. There is an ease about them as individuals and as a pair that’s undeniable, and in the 3 or 4 hours that we were fixated on them, there was one thing I couldn’t help but notice (and be completely jealous of) – the way they look at each other. Whether they’re laughing at one another or happen to take a quick, passing glance, it was just…there. That look. That, “I can’t believe he/she picked me” look.

They really are a fun couple, and over dinner, we were treated to their funny tale. Between Jacquelyn dropping hints, waiting for Jason to ask for her number, to Jason being a total guy and either not noticing or waiting too long to respond, we were all cracking up. Their big day is next weekend and I just can’t wait to see these two make it official.

I’m cheesy, I know. But as I took photos of my younger cousin, Elisha and her fiance, Stephen, I couldn’t help it. I’ve watched this girl literally grow up and I’m still coming to grips with the fact that she’s getting married. Crazy!

About a month ago, we spent an afternoon on the Colorado Bridge in Pasadena. I couldn’t believe this was the first time I’d ever set foot on it. I’ve driven through it to get from Glendale to Pasadena numerous times, yet never realized what a beautiful structure it is.

My sister and cousin, Joey, tagged along to be my 2nd and 3rd shooters (I’ll try to remember to post some of their photos later on) and of course, my cousins Mari and Keshia provided wardrobe, hair and make-up. After our afternoon on the bridge, we spent an evening in Old Pasadena and then had some sushi for dinner.

I can’t wait for Elisha and Stephen’s wedding I know it’ll be beautiful!