Engagement · Crystal + Steven

Taking pictures near/during sunset is among the top of my list of favorite things to do, primarily because the finished products never cease to disappoint. This time around, on a chilly Friday evening in Sacramento (yes -- mid-70's is "chilly" in Sacramento), I had the honor of taking Crystal and Steven's engagement photos!

Despite a rigorous 3 hour commute (which was originally supposed to take no longer than 2 hours) that resulted from Bay Bridge construction in San Francisco followed by other numerous traffic incidents on I-80, everything was justified right as I stepped out of my car. Parked along Sacramento's Capitol park, Crystal, Steven, and I were immediately greeted with beautiful golden light and immediately transitioned into taking photos. To finish off the shoot, we took advantage of the soft light that the setting sun brought at none other than old-town Sacramento, where both rustic and modern-styled buildings meshed truly well. Crystal and Steven were awesome, and it was clear how much love they had for each other simply by taking their engagement photos. This only makes me more excited for the coming year, where I'll have the pleasure of photographing their wedding!

Engagement · Rhea + Brian

One of the best things about photography, to me, is that even in the midst of a busy day, I know I can rely on it to clear my mind and express myself in ways that are often unmanageable with words. Enter Rhea & Brian, who's engagement session took place immediately after I got out of class on a busy Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco.

From the locations we visited to the gorgeous light show the sun & sky decided to play that day, the entire photoshoot was a success! The images turned out lovely and I'm completely stoked with the results. Couples need to get their engagement sessions done in San Francisco more often! Surely, parking availability isn't anywhere near ideal, but it's well worth the time -- especially if you're able to have an extra person or two drive around.

Special thanks to my good friend, Rinna, who happens to be Rhea's younger sister, for helping me out during the entirety of the photoshoot and keeping me company!

Engagement · Jade + Greg

Had the pleasure of driving up to sunny Sacramento on a calm Sunday evening to photograph Jade and Greg's engagement session. Jade and Greg are a wonderful couple that have a great sense of humor and are simply a pair of down to earth, fun-loving people. Greg is also an avid Superman fan, hence the last image from this little "teaser" set -- 100% their idea! This was also my first time ever taking pictures in Downtown Sacramento, and it's safe to say that this place is a goldmine when it comes to rustic, old-fashioned locations to go about and take pictures! The photos turned out great, as the light that day was absolutely spectacular. Enjoy!

Engagement · Jamelyn + Robert

Photographed Jamelyn & Robert with my good friend Rolo Tanedo on a not-so relaxed Sunday afternoon at Stow Lake. Traffic was horrendous in Golden Gate Park any time after 12 PM due to the One Republic concert that was attracting most of the park's visitors today, as well as a local elementary school's walkathon taking place at Stow Lake itself. That said, even with all of the hustle & bustle the day was already managing to bring before the photoshoot finally went underway, Stow Lake proved it's worth, once again, becoming the primary setting for the engagement session with it's never-ending backdrops and simply wonderful overall ambiance. Robert & Jamelyn were an absolute delight to photograph, were incredibly easy to work with, and of course - validated that which true love consists of. Love is all about making sacrifices for one another and ultimately looking past imperfections to make them perfect. Jamelyn & Robert show just that!