Burgers, Alligators & Love
I have learned as a wedding photographer that our couples can have some pretty unique stories. Such is the case for Jamie and Patrick. Jamie and I have been friends for quite some time but I have to admit I learn a lot about people while photographing them. One thing that was apparent during Jamie and Patrick’s Laguna Beach engagement photography session was how easily Patrick could get Jamie to laugh. Even more so I don’t think I have ever seen Jamie be as open and relaxed as I see her when she’s with Patrick. It is often said that love can change people and certainly I think it’s true but I think in reality love doesn’t just change you but it helps you be yourself. As I got to hear about Partick and Jamie’s story I was impressed because, through their dating relationship, they have experienced new and certainly interesting things. I guess I might even say odd… Yes, Patrick, eating alligator is odd but it’s okay we still love you!
One of the great things about Orange County is the weather here. While the rest of the country was enduring the cold winter temperatures, we were blessed with a warm sunny afternoon. We started the engagement shoot at the Watermarc in Laguna Beach where Patrick and Jamie enjoyed some coffee and plenty of laughter. It was perfect as we beat the dinner time rush so they got to have the whole dining room to themselves. Afterward, we had a little fun as we walked to the car. Let’s just state the facts right here, you are NEVER too old for a piggyback ride. Once we made it to the car we made the short drive over to Table Rock beach which is one of the hidden gems here in Orange County. It was the perfect setting for Patrick and Jamie’s session as the beach was empty and we got to watch the sunset.
Everything just came together so nicely for their session and our team is so excited to be a part of their wedding day this year! Below we have posted some of the beautiful moments captured during their engagement session as well as a little more about our sweet couple. Enjoy!
We met at Brandon’s Diner in May 2015 (work) Patrick got hired after 6 months after the restaurant was opened and Jamie had already been working there. We met on a Sunday and Patrick was new and Jamie thought “how is this guy going to do here?” since Sundays are the restaurant’s busiest day. We didn’t work together for a while and it wasn’t until September when we connected again. Patrick liked Jamie first but didn’t know if she would be interested until Jamie showed some interest in him and then he had the courage to ask to hang out.
2) Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous? What did you guys do?
Patrick asked Jamie to go to Bass Pro Shop to go shooting. Jamie was nervous because she had never gone shooting before. Patrick was more nervous because he was really into Jamie and wanted to get to know her more so he didn’t Jamie to be bored or not like it because it wasn’t an ordinary first date. After shooting we ate at the bass pro restaurant and Patrick ordered alligator as an appetizer and Jamie thought “wow that is weird!” but tried a tiny piece and did not like it.
3) What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details! Who cried first?
Patrick surprised Jamie by taking her to the Temecula Creek Inn to a private stone cabin for a candlelit private dinner. Before the food was served we walked around the property when Patrick got down on one knee and asked her to marry her! Jamie was so surprised with the whole setup of the dinner there were candles everywhere and flower petals all over the floor in the stone cabin. When we were walking around the property we saw a cute arbor that looked like it was used for weddings. Jamie thought it was so cute and that’s when Patrick asked Jamie to marry her. Jamie thought he was joking and just kept saying “you’re joking! you’re joking!” and started crying and laughing at the same time. It was such a sweet intimate moment. When we walked back to the stone cabin the server who was helping us for dinner said congratulations and took pictures of us. Everything was so romantic and intimate.
4) As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?
We both enjoyed how it brought us together and forced us to start accomplishing things together. We both work really well together. Patrick is a doer and gets things done faster, Jamie takes her time with things but eventually gets things done. We both have enjoyed, appreciated and are grateful for all the generosity our families have blessed us with.