It was super windy that day and frigid cold, but upon seconds of meeting Xinlei and Matt {we had previously “met” via only Skype, oh technology!}, I knew they were the type of people to let go and have fun in almost any kind of situation. They seriously were in amazing spirits the entire shoot and embraced the sunny side of it all – that the wind lent beautiful movement to the photos, that the cold made them snuggle that much closer :) I had so much fun with them both and was a little sad when it came time for them to drop me back off at the airport, although they did send me off with a cupcake! Did I ever tell you about that one time, where I always get to work with the coolest couples ever? True story.

Kelley & Edmund love the movie Up, and wanted to incorporate tons of balloons into their session as a tribute to the film. Armed with a helium tank, a spool of ribbon, and scissors, we pushed through finger cramps and blew up & tied about 40 colorful balloons in the parking lot for the shoot. I adore Up as well {even though I always end up bawling literally 10 minutes into it, how does that happen, THE MOVIE JUST STARTED} and am so glad we could incorporate a bit of its inspiration into their session!

Can’t wait for their wedding at the Smog Shoppe this fall!

I love shooting in Palos Verdes! It feels like an extension of my backyard. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Torrance, and you’re met with cliffs, breathtaking views, and quiet solitude. My sister and I drove up once (pre-SLR days), and took pictures in one of the random fields with a point-and-shoot. And now, years later, I get to make pictures of amazing couples in the same area? Life is awesome, yes? :)

Hanaya and Darren are the types of people who bring the happy with them wherever they go. They both share a super sweet and mellow vibe, and complement each other so so perfectly. We’ll all be heading back up to PV for their wedding in July!

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