Nikki & Paul - Engagement Shoot

As a wedding photographer, there's nothing better than shooting a couple that's on the same wavelength you are.  It relaxes everyone, the laughs keeps coming, and you can really capture who your couple is and the absolute joy and love they're experiencing.  And that's exactly what we got at Nikki and Paul's engagement shoot - the real Nikki and Paul!

We started off the day at Point Lobos State Reserve, on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, then headed down the road to the Carmel River State Beach for some champagne on the sand.  Point Lobos holds a special place in my own heart because that's where Josh proposed to me, and it was great to visit again.

After a short walk through the pine forest and along the cliffs of Point Lobos, we headed on over for some champagne on the beach.

The ring Paul gave to Nikki has been passed down through generations, and was truly gorgeous!

Lori and Mario - A Few More

A few more favorites from Lori and Mario's engagement shoot that didn't make the first post...

Coming up next week - a beach engagement from Monterey!

Lori & Mario - Engagement Shoot

They met while working at the Elephant Bar, mostly agree that their first date was at P.F. Changs, and firmly believe that the third time's a charm.  Lori and Mario are one of the most adorable couples I've met yet.  For their engagement session this week, they brought out the big guns.  A full wardrobe, including some fan-tab-u-lous shoes, a gorgeous rose garden, and not one, but four classic cars!  I can't wait to see what their wedding next month will bring, but I'm sure it will be absolutely stunning, and I'm so glad to be a part of it!

Lori, I have just one word for you here:  RAWR.

You are a very lucky man, Mario.

A quick wardrobe change, and on to car number three, the Chevelle!

Channeling the Blues Brothers....

These last two shots make me smile every time.  You know it's true love when even a mock proposal brings this much joy!

Lucy and Emma - Pet Portraits

Lucy and Emma are my parents' dogs.  Lucy follows my mom around, and, when she's not following Lucy, Emma hangs out with my dad.  They both completely ignore my parents when my little sister visits from college.  Somehow, they just know Andrea is a dog person, and they parade around after her like the Fourth of July.  While visiting my folks for the holiday weekend, I took a few minutes to get some quick portraits of the barking duo.

Happy Wednesday, folks!