Featured in Issue 31, this California engagement session at Pasadena City Hall and El Matador Beach exudes classic elegance and cool LA aesthetics.
Korina and David’s modern love story began during the pandemic after matching on the dating app Hinge; however, when it came time for their first date, Covid-19 got in the way.
Korina recalls, “Right after David asked me out and our first date was scheduled, he told me he had Covid. I was like, “Sureee you have Covid. How convenient.”
They laugh about it now but it wasn’t until six months later that David admitted he only took a Covid test to be safe for their first date.
“He was so shocked he tested positive with no symptoms and was bummed we had to wait the full 14 days of quarantine.,” Korina shares. “The second he was negative he sent me a picture of his results, and our date was back on.”
Due to the pandemic, their first-date options were pretty limited. They decided on a trip to the mall where they walked around, played games together on their phones, and had ice cream before dinner. The highlight of the evening was a car ride around the city listening to their favorite music.
He reached over to grab my hand in the car, and I literally felt a spark. The night ended with the best first kiss and the beginning of our lives.
– Korina (The Bride-to-be)
Read more about Korina and David’s love story (including all the details from their proposal!) below. The talented Japhet Odigie of JAO Photography captured all the details from their gorgeous California engagement session.
Steamy glances, stylish attire, and beautiful backdrops await you!
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- Full names of the couple: David Pailin Jr. and Korina Barefield
- Occupations: David (Civil Servant/ Entrepreneur), Korina (School Administrator)
- Wedding date: June 20th, 2024
- Wedding location: Aubrey, Texas
- Location of Engagement shoot: Pasadena City Hall & El Matador Beach, California
Proposal:
“It’s going to be after I graduate.” That was the only thing I knew from David about him proposing.
On June 16th, 2023, David was graduating from UCLA with his MBA and I was in proud girlfriend mode all day. His family was in town from Texas, and his Morehouse guys were here from Atlanta for his big day.
Literally an hour after his graduation and an “unusually quiet” drive back to his apartment, we started walking to the rooftop of his apartment building. It’s actually a helipad with stunning views of downtown LA, but I didn’t think anything of it because we went up there all the time. Plus, we were having a graduation party for him that night, so I figured everyone was probably up there enjoying the Cali sunset. I didn’t know, but the ring was in his pocket the entire graduation.
As we walked up the stairs, he started to say, “I thought it would be the perfect time…” That’s when I saw flowers, candles, and his friends capturing the moment. I happily said yes, and right as I was hugging him I saw my mom, dad, brother, and all my girlfriends pop out from different corners. I couldn’t believe he turned his day into “our day”. The whole moment was magical.
Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?
The vision for our engagement session was to capture our favorite LA aesthetics, classic elegance, and iconic beaches. Since LA is the backdrop of our love story, it was only fitting we combined both elements into our dream shoot. Japhet, our photographer, is a master at capturing Black love, so with his lens and our vision, we knew we would cherish these photos for a lifetime.
What did you do on your first date?
Our first date was at the mall. It was right in the middle of the pandemic, so options were really limited. We walked around, played tic tac toe on his cell phone with a truth or dare twist, and had ice cream before dinner.
The best part was when he asked me to take a drive with him (again because nothing was open), and we drove around the city listening to music. He reached over to grab my hand in the car, and I literally felt a spark. The night ended with the best first kiss and the beginning of our lives.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Our favorite thing to do as a couple is to listen to music and dance. We share a great love of music.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Honestly, our faith is carrying us through the process. The hardest part was securing the venue, but once we tackled that, everything felt so much smoother. I couldn’t imagine doing this without our family and a wedding planner. It really takes a team.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
David: I can’t wait to steal her away amidst all of the wedding festivities, but seeing each other for the first time when she walks down the aisle is the moment I think about most.
Korina: That aisle moment for sure, but also dancing all night surrounded by the beautiful people in our lives will be unforgettable.
Looking for more California engagement session inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Event planner: Annie McNutt
- Hair: Trinity Lewis
- Makeup: Julie Jules
- Photography: JAO Photography
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