A Timeless Engagement Session in California

Emily and David’s photographer,  London Light Photography, said their relationship came straight out of a Nickolas Sparks novel. They met in high school and began dating off and on throughout the years, but in college they broke up for good due to the distance. Then, 13 years later they reconnected and only a year later Devin was asking her and her two daughters if he could be a permanent member of their family.

Since they managed to keep their love alive through trials and tribulations they decided they wanted their engagement shoot and wedding to signify timeless love. While they were still in high school they began writing love letters to each other, which continued throughout the years, they used this as the main centerpiece of their photo shoot at Temecula’s airport and Humphrey’s Estate in California. Their romantic shoot captured the intensity the couple has for each other, which continued to draw them together throughout the years. The joy on the couples faces as they look into each other’s eyes makes you believe that love withstands all barriers. We hope their wedding this July is filled with love and happiness!

How They Met

Devin and I met in the 11th grade, outside of the school lockers, at Forrest City High School (Arkansas). We dated briefly before I returned home to Los Angeles my senior year. We dated again, in college, long distance, communicating through letters and going long periods without seeing each other. We broke up due to the distance, and remained close friends and stayed in touch often. We recently reconnected after 13 years.

The Proposal

A year after reconnecting, Devin moved from Arkansas to Irvine, CA. He dedicated his first paycheck to our love by treating me and my two daughters to a shopping spree. He called it “Family Appreciation Day”. After a full day of shopping and dining (a girl’s dream at any age), he called all three of us into the room, and said “There was just one thing that was missing from today, and that’s the fact that I was not “officially” part of the family!”. That’s when he got on one knee and proposed. The three of us were all crying and jumping up and down yelling “we are getting married, we are getting married”. It was perfect.

The Engagement Session

We collectively decided to bring to life the theme of love letters. Emily and Devin’s love letter writing ways began in high school. For our first scene we decided to photograph at Temecula’s airport. I wanted to show separation. It was important to show Devin and Emily parting ways. A few photographs show even though there is physical distance, there isn’t distance at all within their hearts. For our next location, we photographed at the beautiful Humphrey’s Estate nestled in foothills of Temecula, CA. Touched by Time Vintage Rentals and I both loved the idea of creating a private space for Emily to write love letters to Devin. We decided that space would be in a charming greenhouse. Nancy and Kelly, owners of Touched by Time Vintage rentals always stop my heart with their stylized sets. I adored the set they put together for Emily and Devin. Chandelier, birdcages, aged writing desk, typewriter, roses, a chocolate box, and of course love letters garnished the greenhouse. There I would photograph Two halves becoming one. Devin would surprise Emily. All the stars would align and love letters would go flying! Which was so much fun to photograph. I can’t wait to photograph Emily and Devin’s wedding in July 2014. I look forward to hearing them read one of the most important love letters they will ever write to one another, their vows.

Advice for the Bride-to-be

Get a wedding planner as soon as possible, and have fun during the process.

Looking Forward to the Wedding

Walking down the aisle to  become one.

Vendors

Photographer:  London Light Photography