From the moment of our handshakes, I immediately felt the passion, intensity, and compatibility between the two.  It was later proven that my feeling did not come unwarranted, as I found out that they took no time in stopping the course of love and got engaged just after two months of dating!

Mental toughness is not the only attribute that they possess.  Perhaps it is the common love for physical toughness that has drawn them together like peas and carrots.  On the day of our shoot, Brittany half-jokingly warned me that she just ran a half marathon earlier that morning so she could be a little stiff.  Sadly enough, I don’t know many that can run a mile not to mention a half marathon!  Yes, I know I am unfit and I guess I don’t know many athletes either hehe! Brittany was far from being stiff and was expectedly a natural model.  The second the camera was on, she embraced her role and wooed the camera with her beauty and charm.

Running a half marathon is an accomplishment in its own rights but prepare yourself for the ultimate physical toughness.  Now for those that follow MMA and boxing fights, you may recognize Joe as in Joe “Hybrid” Duarte. That’s right!  He is a professional mixed martial artist from Guam and from the look of things (his muscles hehe), he’s one tough metal!  You may have also seen him on the reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter.”  Well the saying goes…behind every strong man is a stronger woman…well it’s definitely an added plus because Brittany is drop dead gorgeous too!

Brittany and Joe:  Thanks for choosing me to photograph your engagement session.  I had a wonderful time (minus the battle wounds: bug bites and scratches) capturing your love and beauty.  Congrats on your upcoming nuptials this winter and have an unforgettable time in the Cayman Islands for your big day!

We took a quick break and decided for a wardrobe change… and so the shirt came off! Yes, I love my job! hehe!  What initially was a concern actually worked in our favor… the wind that is…I love the dramatic effect that the wind has added to the picture below.  Also, the lighting was glowingly perfect! It was a good day.

Thanks Nyla and Greg for being such wonderful models and a delight to work with.  I can’t wait for your wedding in February!!!

From the paper boy hat and suspenders to the gorgeous dress and cute shoes…this theme reminds me of the Notebook.

Another one of my favorites…the sunflowers really did it for me!

Naturally working the camera…

Can Greg really concentrate reading with such a beauty by his side?  I think not!

Greg is taking his bride-to-be on the “ride” of her life.

Flirting is an understatement.

Nyla’s feather hairpiece is to die for and the best part is that she made it herself!

One word…..Fierce…

As you know from my sneak peek, Nyla and Greg were the models that embraced and seized every moment of this God given day.  Thanks Nyla and Greg for allowing me to capture the unparallel love and chemistry you share with one another.  The pictures don’t lie!

There is a beginning to every love story… A good friend and colleague led Nyla to Greg.  For several years, Jennifer who is Greg’s sister-in-law played the role of cupid by trying to set them up on a date.  However, her efforts did not come to fruition until years later as the beginning attempts came at an inopportune time for Nyla.  But Jennifer did not give up!  She had strategically asked Nyla to come by for some jam and banana bread (Nyla’s favorite) while Greg was visiting.   After prolonging what seemed inevitable, they finally met and hit it off.   They instantaneously knew that they can no longer be apart from each other and waste anymore time.  They took a chance on love and won each other!  When describing how they met, Nyla said he was the sweetest surprise that has ever happened to her and I’m sure Nyla was everything Greg’s been waiting for and more!

Mission San Juan is so beautiful…I’m so glad they picked this spot. 

They look so fierce in this photo! I love it!

They were so comfortable with each other and in front of the camera.

So sweet and romantic!

Ohhh how I love the….DRESS!!!  Nyla totally rocks in this dress…she looks so radiant!

Don’t they look like they belong in a classic love story?  Such a beautiful and perfect couple!

Nyla is so beautiful inside and out……Greg can’t even keep his eyes off of her!

Love! Love! Love!

Be sure to check back for Part II!  You definitely do not want to miss it!

I feel like it took FOREVER before my blog was finally up!  Between experiencing married life as newlyweds and making our first HUGE purchase of our first home together, the blog is what had to suffer – BUT it’s finally here in full force!  I hope you enjoy my work!

These pictures were taken before my blog was up and running, so here is the first glance at the wonderful couple.  Let me introduce Jenny and Quang and share with you their sweet love story.  This all began during their college years at UCI when Quang noticed Jenny studying in the library.  I guess you can call it love at first sight because from that moment on, he grew the nerves to make his way over to her and has since not let her out of his sight.  He knew what he wanted and was a man with a plan.  He figured that if she wasn’t going to succumb to his “good looks” then she would at least, admire his persistence.  Quang quickly knew that he did something right because in due time they were an inseparable item.  Jenny had no idea that with Quang’s charm and wits that she’ll be swept away.  All in all Quang made it happen!!!  Best wishes to a great match and their journey of love.

Here is one of my favorite shots of the day…

I absolutely felt the intensity and love in the air…

It’s hard to pick my favorite, but this is right up there!  I love the passionate gaze they exchange in this one…absolutely stunning!

They are effortlessly great models and work so well with the setting!

The sweetest thing….

Thanks to “my assistant for the day” and my biggest supporter ever…my hubby Brian!  I took these photos while the couple took a quick break.