Southern California Fine Art Wedding Photographer - SherriJ » Engagement

I met Aurora and James last month as they began planning their September 2012 wedding at a villa in San Juan Capistranio. They had only been engaged a month, and I was so thrilled photography was a high priority on their list of things to book first! Their ideas for an intimate wedding with lots of handmade details, made my heart happy. Aurora and James met in Long Beach and are planning to relocate at the end of the month to be closer to James’ new office. To celebrate this time in their life and how they met, they chose to have their engagement session at the Queen Mary and a nearby lighthouse!

I actually photographed the Queen Mary a couple of month ago for one of my architectural projects… during that shoot I learned the hotel was recently the location of choice of a Victoria Secret Campaign. CLICK HERE to watch the behind the scenes video of that. As we walked around the ship, we found so many great locations! The following 2 shots below was one of my favorite location finds… angel wings!

We were about to leave the Queen Mary and head over to our second location, when James found this amazing photo spot! I love how you can see the sign, boats, and the lighting on their faces is just beautiful!

Location #2 was across the river at a lighthouse. There were lots of people around, so we had to wait for just the right moment to get these shots.

Michael + Adrian: Engagement at Griffith Observatory

sjphoto — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:11:40 +0000

Adrian and Michael met during college and have been together for the past 9 years. Tonight, we met up at the Griffith Observatory to capture their love during a fun engagement session with a beautiful sunset. And of course we did just that…. definitely in style!

Melissa + Jeff: Sunset Engagement

sjphoto — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:41:01 +0000

Every once in a while, I get a couple who decide to book me as their wedding photographer, without ever meeting in person. They’re usually referrals from a friend’s wedding I’ve photographed. I’m actually super flattered in these cases, but also a really nervous! Last night, I met one of my 2012 clients in person for the first time, Melissa and Jeff. They were giggly and loving right from the start, which always makes my job super easy. They chose to have their engagement session during sunset at one of their favorite spots in Malibu, Paradise Cove!

Bianca + Eric’s Engagement at The Happiest Place on Earth

sjphoto — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:20:13 +0000

I am so lucky to have the coolest clients! Today, I want to share a little love for Bianca and Eric. I met them both a few months ago back in July, as they started planning their intimate beach wedding at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. During our initial consultation they shared details about their lives, some plans about their wedding, and desires to have an engagement session at Disneyland! Deep in my heart I knew we were a perfect match, and I just hoped that they felt the same way. I was beyond thrilled with the news when they chose me! This past weekend, as the kids were back in school and the weather was cool, we found the perfect chance to explore the happiest place on Earth!

We first started in California Adventure, where we found a sea themed carousel with dolphins and a vineyard.

The sun started setting fast, so we hopped over to Disneyland for the rest of the session. First on our list was a place Bianca scouted online… the “Snow White Bridge.” It was right next to the castle and has cute pink hearts along the sides. Behind the bridge was a wishing well where you can hear Snow White echoing, “I’m wishing, for the one I love, to find me.” So romantic!

Kristin and Jordan: Engagement at Manhattan Beach

sjphoto — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:14:08 +0000

I met Kristin and Jordan last month as they started planning their February wedding at The Victorian in Santa Monica. One interesting fact about their celebration, it will take place at the end of football season after the Superbowl (important factor for the men in attendance!) The winter sun will set early, and they are planning a romantic nigh setting. For their engagement shoot, they wanted somewhere fun and meaningful, so they chose a location about 5 minutes away from their place in Manhattan Beach. It was my first time shooting there and I loved exploring with them!

Monina + Matt: Engagement in Malibu

sjphoto — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:29:16 +0000

Last night, I had a great time hanging with Monina and Matt, my awesome August couple. They both met 6+ years ago during guitar classes and have been inseparable ever since. They’re getting married at Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank, and plan on including many personal touches to their wedding!

Victoria & Tony’s Engagement: Santa Monica Pier

sjphoto — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:09:29 +0000

I met Victoria and Tony last week, as they started planning their April wedding. It so happens, we’re both getting married at Calamigos Ranch! With similar tastes and styles, Victoria wasn’t hesitant booking. She pretty much inquired, consulted, and decided to book within 72 hours! I guess, when you know, you know… and I’m so glad to be a part of their wedding day plans! On Friday, we did their fun engagement shoot at Santa Monica Pier. Victoria brought a couple of props and we had a great time exploring. I think this first picture pretty much sums up their playful spirit! =)

The first outfit matched their school spirit. Blue and gold for UCLA!

Angela + Eugene: Malibu Engagement

sjphoto — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:20:19 +0000

I’m happy to share an amazing session from this weekend, featuring Angela and Eugene. We met during the holidays and they shared some great plans for their June wedding at Rancho del Cielo, in Malibu. For their engagement, they wanted to incorporate some fun and style. The colors of their wedding will be honey and wheat with accents of coral and blue. Angela did an amazing job preparing with cute outfits and a basket full of goodies that included bubbles, a paint kit, letters, and origami cranes and hearts they both folded together. I love the personal touches!

Update: Angela and Eugene have been published on Fabulously Wed! You can check out their feature HERE.

Jen + Rylan: Malibu Sunset Engagement

sjphoto — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:03:17 +0000

This weekend I had the great pleasure of photographing Jen and Rylan’s engagement session in Malibu! These two met at church and have been together for 4+ years. They are planning an intimate-romantic wedding for 250 of their closest loved ones this September at the Seven Oaks Country Club in Bakersfield. This engagement session is not only unique because it is my first one of the year, but it was also the first time we all met in person! After searching lots of photographers in her area, Jen went out on a limb (and comfort zone) and found me online! She ended up booking after just a few short chats. I was so flattered, but man the pressure was definitely on to impress. I did NOT want to let them down! Jen and Rylan did a super job expressing their love and affection in front of the camera and picking cute outfits. I think Rylan get’s the “Best Dressed Dude” award! (Yeah, I just made that one up.)

I was super excited when I learned more about these two and how much we had in common. For starters, Rylan loves themes of 3. For the engagement proposal he planned 3 elaborate dates around the idea of Land, Sea, and Air. For their honeymoon, they are planning a 3 week long adventure to Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand! (Mat and I have considered the Australia/New Zealand trip for our own honeymoon, but adding Fiji sounds amazing! I’m defiantly taking notes.)

We continued to shoot until the sun started to set. I’m so glad Jen and Rylan brought the love and gave some amazing smiles. It really makes my job look easy. =)

I think this last image is my total fave of the evening. Just… wow.

Thank you Jen and Rylan for hanging out. I’m so looking forward to seeing you again soon!