Today, I was inspired by this photo from a recent engagement shoot with Scott and Kate. We could all use a little more laughter in our lives… because really, life isn’t supposed to be serious all the time…. it’s supposed to be enjoyed thoroughly.

She had just transferred from a university in Boston to Humboldt State University, changed her major completely, and moved across the country. Life was nothing like what she thought it would be, but all the change felt fresh and good. As she walked into yet another new class, unfamiliar faces passed her by in the echoing hallways of the Education building. She took her seat and took a deep breathe. A small smile formed on her lips and a reassurance of His faithfulness warmed her soul. Just then, Andrew walked into the room and made his way to his seat…. a few desks behind Molly. She saw him and all sound left the room. He walked past her without noticing her at all, but she noticed him.

Fast forward to a couple months later, Molly was asked by a teacher to give a special presentation for a class. Unbeknownst to her, Andrew happened to be in that class. And on the day of her presentation, just like he had done everyday for the past few months, Andrew walked into the class room and made his way to his seat without noticing her at all. She gave her presentation, everyone was impressed, the teacher praised her, and Andrew finally noticed.

Fast forward a little while later….. Andrew fell head over heels in love with Molly and asked her out on their first date. Of course, Molly said yes! (and did a happy dance when no one was looking…) And now, after months and months of adventures and romantic dates, they’re engaged to be married. (insert cheers here.)

In planning their engagement shoot, they decided they really wanted to showcase their life in Humboldt county…. the beauty of their surroundings, and their shared passion for elementary education. So I made the long trek up to the tip top of California… a trip that included a big plane, a little plane with propellors, and a car ride through southern Oregon. I’m not usually a road trippin’ kind of girl, but the scenery as we drove from Medford through the Redwoods of the Northern Californian Coast…. it was simply breath-taking. The way the giant Redwoods meet the rocky cliffs of the NorCal coast was such a sight to see…. majestic is a pretty fitting description. I probably looked like a little kid with my fingers and nose pressed up against the car windows, wide eyed and open mouthed at the scenery.

The whole trip was so great and it was such fun to spend time with these two in their stomping grounds. Besides some great home-cooked meals and sight-seeing hikes, I’m pretty sure the engagement shoot itself was the highlight of the trip. (Well… that and almost accidentally  hugging a banana slug…. it’s a toss up.) We began the shoot in a greenhouse…. it was AWESOME! Check it out…

From there, we made our way to the park where they had their first date…. not too shabby, if you ask me!

After some quality frolicking and picnicking, we headed back to HSU and ended with the “teacher inspired” portion of the shoot…..

Stay in school….

‘Twas such an amazing trip, an amazing shoot, and two amazing people whom I loved spending a few days with! Andrew and Molly…. it was more than a pleasure and I look forward to shooting your wedding in September!!!

There’s something a little different about this latest engagement shoot. I’ve had quite a few couples requesting rustic and old architecture paired with nature-ish shots, but there’s something really refreshing and exciting about clean lines. This is just a sneak peek, but I had to share my favorites with you because I’m pretty excited with the way they came out…

Their quiet nature creates a sense of comfort and their enthusiasm is contagious. Donna has this sweet and helpful nature, which is perfect because she’s an elementary school teacher. Mark, in one word, is passionate. Together, they’re PERFECT and watching them bring out the brighter colors in each others’ personalities is so fun. I’ve known Donna for about six or seven years now…. and I have to say, I LOVE her and Mark together. On a warm January day, we met at Forest Home, a place near and dear to Donna’s heart, to take their engagement photos. My friend Erin Wade came to be my 2nd shooter, and we all had so much fun together! Before we began, Mark warned me that he’s not used to being in pictures, as he’s mostly behind the camera shooting landscapes. However… both Donna and Mark ROCKED this shoot! Here’s some favorites from the afternoon…

This series is one of my favorites…

A nice bench overlooking the snow-covered mountains…

This series from Erin’s angle was another one of my favorites that day…

How cute was this “thank you” idea of theirs? Mark’s super excited about it…

Erin’s angle…

Donna also had this super cute idea about showing what “a catch” Mark is.” I laugh every time I see the shot on the right… she’s like a little kid with “a catch”… Haha… so good!

After a little while shooting up on the mountain, we made our way down to Redlands to take a few shots with Donna’s “baby”, her vintage blue VW Bug!

Donna, you’re hot. Just sayin’…

I just have to say… about halfway though the shoot, Mark’s inner model came out… and when I asked him to “smolder”… this is the look her gave me.

And as we were about to take off for the evening, we all noticed how amazing the sunset was… so, naturally, we took FULL advantage of the intense colors in the sky. Aaaaand again… Donna, you’re HOT!

Hanging out with these two was so fun… and I seriously can’t wait for their Picnic themed wedding in April! WOOHOOO! Congratulations, Mark and Donna!