Being a wedding photographer in the Orange County area has afforded me the opportunity to know so many people. One of the most important aspects for me to truly capture the essence of the couples is to really get to know them, especially the bride. Their stories often inspire me.
The story of Shelby and Jared definitely inspired me during their Laguna Beach engagement photo shoot by being so kind to one another and watching them make each other smile. We shot their photos in the canyon in Laguna Beach so that we could capture some Fall foliage before finishing the shoot down at the beach where we could incorporate the amazing California sunset.
Shelby and Jared are getting married in July 2016 at the Red Horse Barn in Huntington Beach. Here’s just a brief look into their romance thus far….
From Shelby’s Viewpoint:
Q: How did you first meet Jared? Describe to us your thoughts upon first meeting him…. was he goofy, weird, prince charming, etc?
A: I met Jared almost five years ago when I was working as a part-time cashier at the Newport Auto Center in Newport Beach. He was the Enterprise guy renting cars to our customers. He came in one night and was introduced to me as our new Enterprise person. I remember thinking he was cute and a little goofy. He had such a light-hearted demeanor and his laugh was so genuine.
Q: What is something that you find totally cute about Jared? What’s your favorite nickname for him?
A: When Jared is talking about something important, his eyes get really big. It always makes me laugh because he looks so surprised, but is being so serious. I find it really cute when he says something he knows will make me mad (not cute) and then turns around with a big grin on his face because he knows he got me (the cute part).
Q: What’s the proposal story? How did it all unfold? Were you surprised?
A: Jared proposed while we were on vacation in Belize. We were in San Ignacio in the rainforest at a beautiful resort called “Chaa Creek.” We spent the day cave tubing and ziplining. We got back to our bungalow and Jared kept telling me to dress nice. I thought we were going to the bar to have some drinks, but he had bigger plans in store. Walking in the pouring rain, he kept asking me to go to the pool. He practically had to drag me up there because I was not in the mood. I finally caved and we walked up the steps to the pool to find a beautiful candlelit dinner with flower pedals everywhere. We ate dinner and once dessert came, our waiter put a bottle of champagne next to the table and the ring box in front of me. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We both teared up. I said yes!
He continued with the surprise by getting us a Tree Top Jacuzzi Suite that was actually stuck on the side of the hill overlooking the Belize River. It was awesome! The best part was he asked my dad’s permission and managed to keep the secret from my three sisters. I got to call home and share the big news with them!
I have never been more surprised because he always said he would never propose on vacation. Too big of a hassle to travel with a ring, he said. He fooled me! I never expected him to propose the way he did.
Q: As you plan your wedding, what has this experience been like? What’s your advice to others as they plan their wedding?
A: All-inclusive is the way to go! It has been so awesome not having to worry about seeking outside vendors. Being a first-year teacher, I don’t need any more stress. Planning has been so painless and so enjoyable.
We were happy we were able to get our own photographer though. Jerrick from Three16 Photography is wonderful to work with.
Q: If Jared were an animal, what would he be and why?
A: I would have to say he would probably be a lab. Dogs are loyal, happy and loving creatures. Jared has all of these qualities. Not to mention, he always greets me at the door and is happy to see me when I come home. His energy and excitement for life are contagious.
Q: Do you have any funny or embarrassing date stories you’d like to share? Make us laugh!
A: We were out at a pub called, “The Celt” in Dublin, Ireland. A drunken Irishman gave us a great life lesson. He taught us never to be embarrassed to dance. He said, “What are you afraid of? Just go shake your arse. Who cares what anybody thinks! Go dance with your man, twinkle toes!” And we had a blast dancing to the live music and drinking Guinness the rest of the night.
From Jared’s Viewpoint:
Q: Describe Shelby in one word and why did you choose that word?
A: Stunning. Her smile lights up a room. Her patience is unlike any other (she puts up with me). She is always and completely herself, beautiful inside and out.
Q: Tell us about your first date. What did you do and were you nervous?
A: Shelby was busy with school, so I had to settle for a day date. We went to Johnny Rocket’s at the Bella Terra in Huntington Beach. We had ice cream sundaes, and of course, I had to get fries to dunk in my ice cream. Then, we walked around and looked at the shops. I was a little nervous, but once we were able to sit down and get to know each other better, I felt really comfortable around her.
Q: Was Shelby surprised when you proposed? Why did you choose to propose the way you did?
A: Shelby was definitely surprised when I proposed. I knew that I wanted to propose in a big way because I would only be doing it once in my lifetime. We have enjoyed traveling so much together, so I had to find a way to do it while in Belize. There was a lot of planning with the staff at “Chaa Creek”, but I pulled it off!
Q: Looking towards the future, what do you most look forward to doing with Shelby?
A: I look forward to continuing our worldly travels together, living and growing together in the same household and starting a family together.
Q: What is something unique, quirky or special about Shelby that you’d come to admire?
A: Shelby cannot and will not be late. I have come to admire this trait because I know I can count on her in more ways than one.
Q: What is one of your favorite hobbies that you both do together?
A: Creating memories of a lifetime while traveling the world.
