One of the coolest parts about being a wedding photographer in Orange County is the opportunity to shoot engagement photos at all the various locations this county has to offer. From the beaches to the hills and all the structural places in between is really a lot of fun for me. Yet the best part is still to meet some wonderful, in-love couples. The engagement of Leslie and Clayton once again took me to a pretty awesome place to shoot their photos…. Angel Stadium!
It was really cool as we had the whole stadium to ourselves. Leslie and Clayton are huge Angel fans, so this was a really great venue choice. In addition, we got to play catch on the field, where Leslie showed off her good throwing arm. Sadly, however, we searched, but there was no Mike Trout sighting.
Not only did Leslie and Clayton have a great photo session, but you can really see their excitement for each other and the love in their eyes when they looked at one another…. that was fun for me to see. They are getting married in Downtown Fullerton in 2016.
Enjoy their story!
Leslie’s Perspective…
What did you enjoy most about wedding planning?
Decision making together. But really when it comes down to it, wedding planning is very stressful and overwhelming, to say the least. Trying to budget for a wedding on one income, plan the wedding, attend school and attempt to work part-time is means for disaster. But in a way I can’t quite explain, Clay always brings me back to reality. He constantly reminds me that it’s all going to be ok.
How has planning your wedding grown you both closer together?
The teamwork that is involved in planning our special day has really brought us closer.
What is something new you have learned about Clayton during this time?
His calming nature. He’s a lot more patient than I thought he was.
What are you most looking forward to on the wedding day?
Becoming Clay’s wife and celebrating it with our family and friends.
Describe Clayton in three words?
Only three? That’s going to be hard. For starters, I have never laughed so hard in my life with someone so I’m going to say Hilarious. Also, he is extremely Caring and Encouraging…. he’s my biggest supporter in life.
How did Clayton Propose? What’s the story and were you surprised?
It’s a long story and when I tell it, it manages to be longer than needed, but I love our proposal story and it goes a little like this…..
It was a Saturday in March and Clay was picking me up from work so we could be at our church, Saddleback, 35th anniversary service at Angel’s Stadium. The minute he walked in the door I knew something was wrong, he wasn’t his happy, smiling self, so I asked, “what’s wrong?,” to which I got the response of “nothing” with a head shake. On the complete ride to the service and home I, like many females, continued to annoyingly ask the same questions and got the “nothing, love” response.
Once we got back to his house I was determined to get to the bottom of it and we were going to talk it through so as he was in his closet changing, and I in his hallway, asked again….”what’s wrong? Did I do something? Did something happen at work?” Followed by Clay looking down and shaking his head saying nothing. As I stood there thinking in my head this is not like him at all I said “what can I do to make you happy?” After a brief second, he stepped out of the closet, ring in hand, got on one knee and said “say yes.” I squealed, asked if it was for real (because he always joked around), waved my hands as if I were swatting a fly, stomped my feet, cried and said…. YES, Please and Thank You!! And then YES a few more times.
I’m sure you wondered why was Clay in a bad mood? He pick up my ring that afternoon and to him, it wasn’t perfect and he only wanted the perfect ring for me. My response is that it’s the most beautiful ring and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Still, almost a year later I will look at it and cry thinking how blessed I am that God put the most amazing guy in my life and I now have the pleasure of becoming his wife. Also, I get to experience this crazy journey called life with my best friend.
I knew the proposal was going to happen as we had shopped around for rings, but I had no idea he had a ring already or when it might happen. To be honest with you, he didn’t even know it was going to happen then. I just happened to say the right thing at the right time.
Clayton’s Perspective….
What has been your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Planning the honeymoon. I’ve had a lot of fun coming up with the game planning of the honeymoon.
What’s something that stood out to you about Leslie during the planning process?
Her ability to make things look easy. At least from my point of view. She knows what she wants and gets it over with and moves on to the next issue without hesitation. Knocking one thing out at a time with little stress.
Do you think you’ll cry when she walks down the aisle?
I’ve actually thought about this and yes, I think I will.
Describe Leslie in three words?
Beautiful, Caring, Determined
How did you first meet Leslie?
At our work. I worked with an outside vendor at the auto dealership she worked at.
Tell us about your first date…
A classic first date. Awkwardly silent dinner, a car breakdown, great seats to game 7 of the hockey playoffs, hit in the head with a hockey puck. The only negative of the night was the Duck’s loss.
Where are you going for your honeymoon and why did you choose that?
Pacific Coast Highway road trip. A two week trip going all the way into Canada. Spending multiple nights in San Francisco, Vancouver and Seattle…. Always wanted to do the trip.
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
