As an Orange County wedding photographer, I love shooting photos of couples that are playful with each other. It makes the shoot not only fun for me, but I feel the photos come out incredibly better and more natural. The recent engagement photoshoot for Idania and John really was the essence of playfulness.

We did their engagement shoot in Manhattan Beach, CA where Idania once lived, and just really loved the beach and the pier. She has since moved to Sacramento for work and of course, to be with John. You can tell they are family orientated especially since Idania’s parents came to the shoot and were very friendly and supportive.

John’s Thoughts:

Q: Describe Idania in one word.

A: Extraordinary.

Q: Why did you choose that word?

A: She is the most amazing and thoughtful person I have ever met.

Q: Tell us about your first date?

A: Technically our first date was with her best friend and mine who were dating at the time.  The four of us went to dinner at a restaurant in Manhattan Beach and then went out for drinks afterward.  I flew in that night just to meet her, but she didn’t know this at the time.

Q: Were you nervous?

A: Yes

Q: Was Idania surprised when you proposed?

A: I hope she was.  I don’t think she knew it was happening that day.

Q: Why did you choose to propose the way you did?

A: I wanted us to be in a place that we both loved and to finish something we had started together the year before.

Q: Looking towards the future, what do you most look forward to doing with Idania?

A: Spending the rest of my life with her and raising a family.

Q: What is something unique, quirky, or special about Idania that you’d come to admire?

A: She is truly one of the most thoughtful and giving people I have ever met.  She will go out of her way to help anyone that needs it and I admire that very much.

Q: What is one of your favorite hobbies that you both do together?

A: We both love the outdoors and really like to go hiking together.

Idania’s Thoughts:

Q: How did you first meet John?  Describe to us your thoughts upon first meeting him…  was he goofy, weird, prince charming, etc?

A: My best friend was dating John’s good friend and the two decided to introduce us.  John lived in Sacramento and I lived in Manhattan Beach, so John flew down to meet me one weekend.  (I didn’t know he specifically moved down to meet me until over a year later. It made me very happy when I found out).  I thought he was tall, handsome, and funny and we hit it off right away.  My FAVORITE thing that drew me to him was not only his looks but his voice.  He played a joke on me within 30 minutes of meeting, and to this day we laugh about it. Still one of my favorite memories of us.

Q: What is something that you find totally cute about John?  What’s your favorite nickname for him?

A: He is definitely a protector and is always quick to go out of his way to help me. He makes me feel safe and taken care of.  There is nothing I find more “cute” and loving than when he shows a more sensitive/ flirty side. Love when he calls me Muffin.  Babe is really my only name for him, it is standard I know, but haven’t called anyone else that so it’s just for him.

Q: What’s the proposal story?  How did it all unfold and were you surprised?

A: We started a hike in Tahoe last Spring. We were unable to finish the hike due to snow, so he asked if I wanted to finish it last Memorial weekend.  We hiked 4 hours up and he did it at the top with the most beautiful view you could imagine.  He was very nervous but completely adorable. I knew we were getting engaged sometime soon, but I was very surprised that day because even though I hoped it would happen that day, there were no clues that led me to believe it would, so not one part of me thought it was actually going to.

Q: As you plan your wedding, what has this experience been like?  What’s your advice to others as they plan their wedding?

A: It has been a lot of things… fun, exciting, stressful, overwhelming.  As we get closer, and more things are being checked off our list, the more real and exciting it becomes.  We have been pretty laid back and just trying to stay on some sort of timeline.  I would tell them to get “The Knot” wedding guide, as it lists out all that needs to be done with time frames.

Q: If John were an animal, what would he be and why?

A: Tiger. He’s strong, determined, a protector, and loyal.

Q: Do you have any funny/embarrassing date stories you’d like to share?  Make us laugh!

A: Many, but not to have in writing. Most of them are on my end…. Ha!