For the second half of their engagement session, Hana & Toshi chose the stunning Griffith Observatory {see Part I of their session here}  As we brainstormed ideas, Hana googled some past sessions that were done there, and came across some lovely photos that my friend Caroline Tran had done, sending a couple to me as her inspiration. Hana loved the concept of a pink balloon and decided to double the fun with two, as well as some adorable handmade cards which you will see below.

I loved shooting at the observatory! The combo of the whimsical balloons, the glittery city lights, the watercolor sunset, and an absolutely sweet & down-for-anything couple made for the dreamiest session.

** On a side note, just discovered last night that we were nominated for the Poppytalk awards! I was so excited as I love their beautiful design blog! Would be so honored if you would vote for us here! **

The first photographer-client meeting is sort of like a blind date. You come in not quite knowing what to expect, get to know each other, find your common ground, and all the while, search for that special “click”. After meeting with Liz – as has happened in many wonderful initial meetings – I left totally smitten. She was laidback yet obviously so giddy-excited about her special day, full of great ideas, passionate about her wedding photos, and all in all a perfect Adrienne Gunde Photography fit. She explained that I was the first of a few photographers she planned to meet, so I encouraged her keep in mind that as important as it is to find a photographer whose style you love, it is equally as important to love their personality, as your photographer is with you all.day.long on your wedding day!

So you can imagine my excitement when I came across a sweet email in my inbox a couple weeks later, confirming she felt the “click” as well! We had a second meeting at a cozy Starbucks to finalize everything, and when we both ordered green tea lattes it most clearly was meant to be :)

I had tons of fun brainstorming this engagement shoot with Liz & Adam. We conjured up a batch of colorful balloons, a bouquet of the prettiest pink roses, and Save the Dates they handrew with love (and with admirable speed, right along Pacific Coast Highway!) We shot at my most favorite “secret” location, then chased the light to the beach to finish up. As evidenced below, Liz & Adam are so beyond sweet, wonderful as individuals, and absolutely perfect as a couple. I cannot wait for their wedding next July at the La Venta Inn!

They had met in the dorms at UC Irvine – during those golden years of staying up late, playing football in the halls, spending 75% of the day in pajama bottoms, and swiping a card that magically lets you into a land of all-you-can eat pizza and ice cream. On a grassy knoll on campus during these happy times, Rick asked Christina to be his girlfriend. 4 years later, they found themselves back on campus at the very same spot. In place of the grass was now the Student Center, a tall brick building, surrounded by tables and meeting areas. And although the scenery had changed, the school had changed, although they no longer frequented dining halls or spent late nights chatting in dorm hallways, what was most important in their lives had stayed the same. And so Rick asked Christina to be his wife.

I was so delighted when Christina told me they wanted to do their engagement session at the campus where they met and fell in love. When planning the e-session, I always ask couples to think of someplace that is meaningful to their relationship, and UCI was definitely their perfect location. As we wandered through the campus, Christina and Rick pointed out the benches they rested on, the buildings their classes were in, their most favorite nooks where they had spent their college days. It was so much fun hearing about all of their memories – not to mention getting a spectacular tour of the campus!

An extra dose of excitement was added to our email exchange when Christina disclosed that she was would be bringing balloons! I have been wanting to do a session with balloons for the longest time and was beyond on board with the idea! (Additional fact: Christina chose green since the color reminds of her Rick.. apparently when they first met in the dorms, his freshman wardrobe was quite green-intensive! ;)

Love the sexy boots!

Where the proposal happened!

A quick change of clothes and more exploring around campus! During the change, we tied the balloons to Scott’s camera bag. When we took off again we decided we might not really use the balloons for this part of the session, so we left them attached to his bag. You can probably guess what happens next – I’m snapping away, Scott goes “uh oh”, we all look up, and there are the balloons 30 feet up entangled in the top of a eucalyptus tree! We felt horrible, but of course Christina and Rick were beyond sweet about it, and the show went on!