When the locations right, when the clothes are styled well, and when we hear the click of our medium format camera we simply remember our favorite things and then we feel excitement. Here are a few of our favorite film engagement sessions from this past year. We start the blog with Shane and Alyssa. They chose Hart Park as the backdrop for their session. Although the backdrop was rural, the styling of their outfits was chic and contemporary. We love being able to mix nature with high fashion. Adding an adorable hat and a tulle skirt (by Bliss Tulle), is a great way to add visual interest to photographs and it creates an unexpectedness that our eyes love. Some other fun things to add to your engagement session are props that represent  you as a couple. Samantha and John  had a very elegant styling with his suit and her more formal cocktail dress. Once they threw in a football their true personalities came out and we see pure enjoyment and FUN.   Jade and Jake went ahead and brought along their guns for their almond orchard session since they met at a gun shop where Jade worked. In the central valley, agriculture often becomes a photo location, as was the case with Courtney and Craig.  After working in the Bees and Honey industry, it seemed fitting that Craig propose in an Almond orchard. Not only are the orchards beautiful when they bloom they are a great filter for light the entire year through.  Choosing a location out of town is another way you can make your session personal. Larger cities often have old architecture and off the beaten path nooks and crannies that can be found.  Kehau and Justin definitely hit the jackpot during their session in San Francisco, California at landmarks such as Sutro Baths, Legion of Honor and Palace of Fine Arts. Medium format photography is one of our most favorite things we love being able to add to your engagement session and to our art form. Film photography creates a sense of nostalgia. The colors are richer, and the textures are bold. Like I’ve said before I can’t help but love when that Medium format camera makes that “click”… definitely  music to my ears.

I woke up on August 1st and started getting ready for my three year anniversary celebration with Steven.  All I knew was that we were going wine tasting, the location was a surprise but I was excited to have good wine in my near future.  While scrolling through my Facebook news feed that morning, I noticed Steven had “liked” a ring store….. but I knew Steven wasn’t ready and I didn’t think he would propose on a big date like our anniversary or Christmas, so I ignored it.

We arrived at the first winery. Steven told me he planned for that one because we could have lunch there.  I recognized it right away. It was the very first place we had ever gone wine tasting before we had even started dating.  We did some wine tasting, walked around, then headed to the next stop.  As we pulled up to winery number two, that one was familiar as well..  “Babe, those are the boccie ball courts you played on!  Remember?  I still have pictures!”  Steven acted surprised and said it was recommended by a friend… sad thing is, I fell for it.

It was perfect weather for a walk around Baileyana Winery. Like always, I really wanted to get an anniversary picture of us.  Steven insisted I put my stuff down and told me he wanted a photo of me first. He put me into position and instead of pulling out his camera he got down on one  knee and pulled out a beautiful, sparkling ring!   Steven asked me to marry him.  I said “YES”!  There was cheering and hoots and hollers in the background from the boccie ball players and after a moment I saw Steven look up and wave. There was my second shooter and great friend, Elena and her husband Mike, taking photos and video of our special moment! The whole day was perfect. Best. Day. Ever.