Los Angeles Engagement Photographer
There are two things I love about being an engagement photographer in Los Angeles. The first one is the opportunity to photograph at some of the coolest locations in this magnificent city and county. The other are the people and couples I come across. Seeing their excitement in their faces and in their stories about their futures together, as well as their hopes and dreams. It really pumps me up to execute the very best quality photographs I can for them and to make the entire experience memorable.
I had the chance to do all of this recently with a really great couple, Andrew and Stephany, as I photographed their engagement session at Brand Library Park in Glendale. This location is such a unique LA gem and it’s rare I get asked to shoot here but I always love doing so. The Brand Library Park combines amazing urban architecture with a lot of natural beauty. It also combines the library itself with a park and Japanese Friendship Gardens. These gardens are one of my two favorite parts of the park itself. But sadly, the Japanese Gardens area was closed due to COVID 19. But my favorite part is the stairway going up to the library. Its architecture is really unique and highlights the photos with great character.
We met Andrew while he was a groomsman in Ben and Danielle’s wedding. He told us that he had such a fun experience working with us that he knew he wanted us to photograph his own upcoming wedding. The engagement session with these two wonderful people was so enjoyable for us to do.
Just to think, from a first date being done virtually over Skype to a beach proposal to an engagement photo session at Brand Library Park, these two cosplayers were naturals in front of the camera and the amount of ease they were with each other only makes my job easier.
Although Covid-19 hasn’t made wedding planning easy, Stephany and Andrew have continued to press on and has planned a small intimate ceremony for February with plans for a bigger party down the road once it’s safe.
Stephany and Andrew are getting married in February 2021 in Bakersfield and the staff at Three16 Photography couldn’t be more excited for them!
Check out their love story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Stephany and Andrew’s Love Story
How & When did you first meet? Describe your thoughts and how you felt about each other, and tell us, was it love at first sight?
We were both cosplaying in the local Southern California cosplay scene. We met online from Instagram through a mutual friend who was also a cosplayer. Stephany developed feelings for Andrew very quickly after interacting online, while Andrew found Stephany attractive.
We first met in person in January of 2015 at an Anime and Video Game convention in Bakersfield, CA called Bak-Anime. Andrew developed feelings for Stephany the moment he saw her for the first time in person.
What do you both do for work?
Stephany works with Medical Records at a small Oncology practice, and Andrew is a Web Developer at a large corporation.
GROOM: What was it that made you first start liking your bride-to-be?
Besides for finding her to be very beautiful, it was her genuine personality.
BRIDE: What was it that made you first start liking your groom-to-be?
He was very charming, passionate about his hobbies, and handsome.
Tell us about your first date. What was going through your mind, where did you go and what did you do?
Our first date was a virtual one over Skype. We watched an Anime together called, “Anohana”. The call lasted 10 hours. At the end of the call, we both confessed our feelings to each other and became official.
What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together and what makes your relationship unique?
Our relationship is special because our nearly opposite personalities complement one another. Stephany is patient, thoughtful, and shy, while Andrew is impulsive, passionate, and outgoing. Some of our favorite ways to bond include traveling to new places, cooking new recipes, and watching new tv shows and movies. We are both also big nerds and enjoy Anime, Video Games, and more.
Tell us about your proposal story! How and Where did it all unfold? Were you surprised and tell us, who cried first?
On the weekend of Andrew’s 30th birthday, he invited Stephany to celebrate at her favorite beach on a Sunday morning. Andrew typically does not like to go outside, so he had to use his birthday weekend as an excuse for wanting to go outside.
After arriving at the beach, they ordered fish and chips from their favorite restaurant. Then they took the food and a couple of camping chairs onto the sand right in front of the waves. The weather was beautiful. The sun was out and there was a very light ocean breeze.
After they both finished eating, they took some photos together using the tripod that Andrew had “mysteriously” brought along. Andrew then got on one knee and popped the question. Stephany’s shy response was, “right here? right now?”.
She said, “yes!” Andrew was the first to start crying while embracing each other. Stephany on the other hand was partially surprised. Being the more observant one of the couple, she typically catches onto Andrew’s “surprises” before they happen. In this case, however, the tripod that Andrew had packed had only made her slightly suspicious.
What is one piece of advice you have for couples just beginning the wedding planning process? And what have you enjoyed most about planning your wedding?
Stephany says to be mindful of your budget. Know the differences between what you absolutely must have versus what would just be nice to have.
Andrew says to be considerate of guests. Especially those traveling from far away. Give information ahead of time and try not to surprise people with last minute changes.
Anything else you want to add?
Don’t give up on love and to have reasonable standards.