While Valerie and I were discussing possible locations for their engagement shoot, she mentioned that Eric loves golf.  So we decided to do their engagement session at the Pacific Palms Resort and Golf Course in Industry Hills.  I was so excited to photograph them at the golf course.  I had visions of scenic views, rolling hills, golden light and riding around in a golf cart.  And I was not disappointed.  And not only were the grounds beautiful, but also Eric and Valerie were so at ease and willing to show their love in front of the camera, that the session was spectacular.

We started the session at the Pacific Palms Resort lounge area since we had a few minutes before their tee time began.  It was nice to be able to talk to them and get to know each other before I started photographing them on the course.

Awwe – how sweet it is to be in love.

What a nice rock she’s got there!

I was in love with those boots!  I wish I still had that much style to wear those cute boots.  But alas – being married for 7 years and having two kids and a mortgage payment puts a real damper on buying cute clothes and shoes.

And so finally our tee time came.  The staff and management at the Pacific Palms Resort and Golf Course were so nice to work with.  They were very accommodating and helpful with arranging our photography session on the grounds.

I had visions of golden light and beautiful grounds for this session and I was not disappointed.  Pacific Palms even hooked us up with a golf cart, which was a nice prop in addition to helping us get to some of the most scenic holes (which would have been pretty far to walk).

Eric was the expert golfer, so he showed Valerie how to swing properly.

Actually, I kept having to remind him that her swing didn’t really have to be have good form.  I was really trying to get the club at the right angle for a picture.

Okay, so I will totally admit that I have never driven a golf cart and I was TERRIFIED I was going to hit something or make it roll down this steep hill.  Somehow this did not feel like driving a car at all.

So, the two gentlemen in the background were the managers that made this whole thing happen.  They were so patient as we held up their end of the day golf game.  And the third cart in the photo was mine although I would have much preferred to share a cart with Valerie and Eric.  I don’t think I will be driving a golf cart again anytime soon.  I even made Eric turn mine around to go back to the resort.  Can you say “wimp”?

We took one last opportunity to get some portraits of Eric and Valerie.  I love Valerie’s smile.  So cute!

In Valerie’s email to me, she mentioned that her fiance, Eric, “comes off as being a serious, to the point–attorney type of guy. But, when you get to know him he’s a big kid with an amazing heart. He definitely brings out that side of me as well.”  And she was so right.  Eric was a sweetheart to Valerie.  He totally took care of her and treated her so lovingly.

One last portrait overlooking the San Gabriel Valley.  You guys are seriously stunning.

The countdown to their wedding day.  I can’t wait for your wedding in October, Valerie and Eric.

On Facebook this morning (here’s a link to the Amber Katrina Photography Facebook page) I saw that one of my favorite photographers, Tara Whitney was going to be the judge for this week’s contest over at I Heart Faces.  I really wanted to enter it, so I went over to the i♥faces website and found out the theme is moody and dramatic black and white photography.  I wasn’t quite sure what to enter since I don’t tend to do very much moody and dramatic photography.  I much prefer to capture love, romance, happiness, laughter – you get the idea.  So, I went through my pictures and found this shot.

This was taken on one of my first photo shoots over 2 years ago.  I went to Old Town Pasadena to take some pictures of my friends, Tara and Colton.  I was quite nervous.  I didn’t even really know how to pose them or give direction, but luckily Tara and Colton were very relaxed in front of the camera.  We walked around Old Town Pasadena for a while, finding some interesting places.  At the very end of the session, I found this little patch of cattails behind the courthouse building.  The patch was small and the light was fading really fast, but I wanted to try some moody shots.  Luckily they were up for it and knew exactly what I had in mind.  I’m so grateful for my early clients, letting me experiment and learn.

I was so excited when Mihaela called and told me she was engaged.  Mihaela and I attended the same church until we moved a few months ago, and I was genuinely happy that she found someone special for her.   I was even more excited when she said she loved my photography and wanted to know my wedding pricing.  I feel honored that she chose us to photograph her wedding.  I enjoyed getting to know Sterling as well during our engagement session.   She truly has found a special soul to compliment her.  I couldn’t be happier for them.

Sometimes couples ask whether they really need to do an engagement session.  Even if they already have engagement pictures, I always encourage them to do an engagement session with me.  It helps us get to know each other so they will feel comfortable on their wedding day.  I often reflect on how much time couples spend with us on their wedding day – more than anyone except their new spouse.  It’s important to know and like your photographer as a person since you are spending so much time together.  The engagement session also helps couples relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera – something that’s hard to do on your wedding day.

This first series are my favorite photos from the session, and they were almost the first ones we took!  Mihaela and Sterling are just so happy and in love and it shows.  I hardly had to give them any direction at all.  I just sat back and recorded their natural interactions.

What a beautiful couple.  I love Mihaela’s beautiful smile and Sterling’s piercing blue eyes.

We chose to do the engagement session at The Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena.  I’m glad we did.  The gardens are beautiful and the lighting was golden.

I was going to say that this one makes me happy, but then I realized they ALL make me happy.  This couple just radiated their joy and warm spirits.

After a quick outfit change, we headed back to The Huntington Library and Gardens just in time for sunset.

Mihaela has the best laugh.  It is so contagious.  I’m laughing just looking at this picture.

Ahhh – I love the warmth in this one.

and the sparkle in this one.

I have nothing left to say, other than your pictures make me happy.  I know that is because you two are happy.  I can’t wait to share images from your wedding at the LDS Los Angeles Temple and Cal Tech in Pasadena.  It was the perfect day.

I’ve been wanting to do a shoot at Disneyland for a while now.  So when Tiffany and Chad contacted me about doing an engagement session at Disneyland, I jumped at the chance.  It is a special place for them because they got engaged at Disneyland.

We started the session at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle because that’s where they got engaged.  How special is that?

Love the “heart” Disneyland.

Chad actually proposed at the wishing well, which is beside Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

I loved the light here on the bridge.  Most of the day, we were working with pretty harsh sun, so it was nice to find a spot with that beautiful glowy light.

Tiffany is a make-up artist.  Can’t you tell?  She is gorgeous.

We went to Disneyland on a Tuesday.  Since it wasn’t very crowded, we decided to brave a few rides, like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  I would NOT recommend riding this backwards.  I thought I was going to fly out.  Seriously.

The carousel.

And teacups.  Chad isn’t a fan of this ride, so I convinced him to ride by promising we didn’t have to spin it.  Well, I didn’t realize the ride created quite a bit of g-forces on it’s own.  I felt so bad.  I was really worried he was going to lose his lunch.

Then we headed to Main Street for some classic Disney engagement pictures.

LOVED this Kiss-o-meter.  They were so nice to stand basically in a display for this shot.

Chad decided to play the game, but ended up with a kissing reading of “platonic”.  I asked if they wanted to play again for a better answer, but Tiffany and Chad decided to prove it wrong right there.  LOVE it!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this “Picture is worth a thousand words” quote on Main Street.  I think it may be my favorite shot of the day.

A Disney employee was so nice to let us borrow a parasol for a quick shot.

We were lucky to chance upon the Disneyland band.  Tiffany and Chad are awesome dancers!  They obliged with some very sweet moves for me, while the band played.

Tiffany and Chad are getting married on New Year’s Eve in Los Vegas.  I hope your wedding is as special and fun as you guys are.  Thanks for spending such a fun day with me at Disneyland.

This last weekend, Brian and I shot Katie and Randy’s wedding at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles.   I am still editing their wedding photos, but I figured I better get on the ball and post their engagement session.  We met at the Claremont Colleges for their engagement session, which was perfect.  They like many traditional shots, but there is also a lot of variety in the locations and lighting for some creative shots as well.  I thought it was a nice balance that helped show their playful and loving relationship.

There was some beautiful sun flair as we started.  I just had to take advantage.  To me it looks like fireworks are going off between them, which makes me happy.  :)

They are such a beautiful couple!

We walked around the campus for a few minutes and found some great frames and shadows to play with.

But my favorite was the beautiful golden lighting and flair.  I love how it shows off Katie’s gorgeous hair.

Can’t forget the stunning engagement ring.  Must show off that rock!

This is the photo they chose to send out with their wedding invitation.  I love it!  I’m so glad they picked this one, with the great leading lines and their joyful expression.  It just makes me smile.

Then we found some nice grass areas for Katie and Randy to sit and play together.  My favorite thing to do is just to let couples talk, kiss and make each other laugh, while I capture their interactions.  I try to get people to relax and act as natural as possible in front of the camera.  These make the best photos in my opinion.

One last shot we found as we were walking back to our cars.  I like the pureness and innocence of the sea of white flowers, combined with their loving embrace.

Katie and Randy, I can’t wait to post your wedding photos.  They are as fabulous as you are.  I hope you are having a great honeymoon.