She’s always wanted to get married here. A beach wedding, right outside of the Hotel Del Coronado. So Billy knew the perfect place to propose. They were going on a dinner date, and Billy wanted to surprise her. Driving through Temecula, he took one of the exits . . . and got back on the freeway. Where are we going?? Kaila asked. Billy smiled. Just wait and see. It was a cute little Italian restaurant, right across from the Del. Yummy food, fancy prices. Kaila smiled, and wondered. During dinner, Billy got up from the table only to return empty handed. Beautiful dinner, no ring.

Let’s go for a walk on the beach, Billy said. He took her to exactly the right place on the beach. He knew it was the right place because this particular spot is booked up over a year in advance, and already, for a certain day next summer, it was reserved for he and Kaila. Will you marry me? Kaila’s joyful response knocked him over. Literally!

When we met at the Del, Kaila and Billy looked SUPER familiar to me. Do you ever have the feeling that you should know somebody? That’s totally how I felt when Kaila reminded me that she and Billy had tagged along for a friend’s senior photos. I was so thankful she jumped in and told me!! Now that I’ve gotten to spend more time with Billy & Kaila, I am really excited to be a part of their wedding next summer!!

What do they have in common? Everything, she said. We like all the same things. He’s a romantic. She’s smitten. What was their first date? Billy created a private poolside restaurant for her. Complete with dressed-up waiters, gourmet menu, and perfect ambiance. The best part? It was a complete surprise. Kaila was quickly in love.

I’m excited to be shooting their wedding at the Del Coronado Beach next summer, and it was a treat to get to know them during their engagement session. We started at the fountain by the hotel parking, then wandered down by the beachfront houses.

What are some things you love about Kaila? I asked Billy. He started with she’s gorgeous!! And he’s absolutely right . . . Kaila, you’re going to make a beautiful bride!

While I’m taking these photos, I hear a little girl and her mom walk past me. Mom!! the girl says, That lady is taking pictures of them. Do you think they know?? Isn’t that kind of weird??? Ha!! I think that may be one of my favorite moments of all my photo sessions.

After this set on the beach, we headed into the Hotel Del for a quick outfit change and some more photos . . . so look for another post in a day or two!!

I’ve been wanting to share some more favorites from Dizan and Stephany’s engagement session. This first photo almost didn’t happen. I was looking forward to taking Dizan and Stephany down to the big concert area in Balboa Park. I’ve been there MANY times and I have never seen it actually in use – although I always thought it would be cool to go to something there. Well, as we headed down towards the stage with big elegant pillars, we saw a zillion people and heard a full orchestra. Beautiful, but bummer!! But, it made me stop my full charge to the stage, and look around me to see this photo. The light was perfect . . . and I am thankful for the change of plans to get the shot!

They are ALWAYS smiling at each other. I love that about them!

Dizan’s sister, Tina, joined us for the shoot and took care of watching Stephany’s hair and make-up during the session. She’d jump in there for me and help with the inevitable wispy hair, touch up the lip gloss, etc. – it was fantastic!