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.

Even though I am a few days late, I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Easter!  We had a nice weekend with our two boys.  On Easter day we hunted for Easter eggs over and over and over again.  In fact, my two year old, Elijah has been asking me to hide his eggs every day since then.  I think sooner or later, the eggs might have to disappear for my sanity.

I love the symbolism of new life and rebirth of the Easter egg.  This time of year always makes me reflect on our Savior’s sacrifice for us.  I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the gift of resurrection and new life available to us.  It makes me want to be a better person.