The quiet and reserved lady behind the Brotbäckerei counter patiently waited as I chose a pastry to enjoy with my fresh cup of Kaffee. I pointed to the flaky looking pastry with something that looked like chocolate drizzled over the top of it and handed over a few coins, hoping I understood the amount correctly. She nodded her head and silently went to help another customer. I let out a sigh of relief and walked out into the crisp air to enjoy my treats…. and I smiled as I thought about how I had just walked through a forest in a small town in Germany to get a pastry and coffee…. by myself. In that moment, I felt so independent… like I was living life as full as I possibly could.

This happy memory flashed through my mind upon reading an email from a young couple from Germany. They mentioned they were traveling to Orange County and desired to spend an afternoon with me documenting their love with a photo shoot. And on a warm summery afternoon not too long after, I met David and Mirjam (more affectionately referred to as “David and Mim”) at a Starbucks to chat and laugh over some iced coffee and tea. They told me all the things they love to do, their goals and passions, and we all bonded over our common experiences in the great land of Germany. Mirjam is a bright and cheery-eyed girl who loves her Lord and loves her David. David is a dedicated tech guru who, besides loving his wife more than anything, also loves photography with a fiery passion. Together, they’re the perfect mix of sweet and serious, playfulness and thought, and most of all…. they’re more in love today than they were the day they got married.

We left Starbucks and headed off to our first location…. an Orange County favorite of mine…. Irvine Regional Park. There, we did a bit of hiking, a bit of shooting, and a lot of laughing. Here’s some of my favorites….

From the park, we made our way to Newport Beach, a place David and Mim were especially excited about shooting. This part of the shoot was probably the most fun because those two acted as though they had died and gone to heaven…. they were STOKED to be at the beach. They ran, laughed, splashed, kissed, hugged, jumped, and took it all in… here’s my favorites from the beach….

It was such a beautiful day, and spending time with David and Mim was a dream. I left feeling full of life and excited for marriage. Thanks for bringing your light and laughter into my life, Kandelhardts…. peace be with you as you travel and continue on in your journey.

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…

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you…
while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

-John Muir