Make Mine A Grande!
One of the cool things about being a wedding photographer in Orange County is shooting engagement photos of all these great couples. Being in Southern California there is so many places to choose from. I’ve shot engagement photos at the beach, the mountains, the open fields, parks, downtown districts with all the old architecture, and even amusement parks…. But a Starbucks? Why not shoot Ethel & Hugo’s Newport Beach engagement session at a Starbucks, works for me!
Ethel and Hugo have a deep love for their coffee. So shooting the session at Starbucks made total sense. Spoiler alert – they got engaged at a Starbucks too!! They both came from Mexico and both are highly educated as they both go to college in Mexico, even though they live in the U.S. You can’t say these two don’t know how to live.
I wish them both well as they are getting married this summer. Enjoy their story.
Ethel and Hugo’s Love Story
Ethel’s Perspective….
Q: What do you do for work? What do you enjoy most about it?
A: Currently, I am a full-time student at Univesidad de Montemorelos studying for my Master’s in Public Health – Preventive Medicine. I work with the University´s staff in the Wellness Department and part-time I teach physical education to first-year university students. I enjoy educating in the Health Department and how to live a healthy, spiritual life as well.
Q: How did you first meet Hugo? Describe to us your thoughts upon first meeting him… was he goofy, weird, prince charming, etc?
A: I met Hugo through his little sister, Xiomara. We belonged to a Christian drama team and he decided to assist in one of our meetings. Since he is eight years older than Xiomara, I was very intrigued in his silly, yet serious manners. I was hesitant at first, but Hugo always made me feel secure and loved. I was immediately attracted to his mature and silly ways.
Q: What is something that you find totally cute about Hugo?
A: When no one is looking he dances in the cutest ways for me to see. I love how comfortable he is for my pleasure only. He´s got some moves!
Q: What’s the proposal story? How did it all unfold and were you surprised?
A: We took a trip to Monterrey, Mexico on Oct 31, 2015, for a photo session with his Ph.D. graduating class. Following the session he took me to a Starbucks and we went to the second level. He presented the cutest presentation on his computer and the last slideshow stated: Will you marry me? I was thrown off so much and began crying after seeing the ring. He was sooo nervous that he even forgot to get on his knees haha.
He tells the story better of course.
Q: As you plan your wedding, what has this experience been like? What’s your advice to others as they plan their wedding?
A: Our experience with wedding planning has been very blessed and I haven’t felt that stressed yet. I am anxious to be his forever. I advise others to enjoy all the little things and not stress so much. The wedding plans are temporary, but the aftermath is the most important. Why plan such a huge wedding when the actual bride and groom-to-be are always angry and stressed? Enjoy the plans and don´t DIY everything.
Q: If Hugo were an animal, what would he be and why?
A: A wolf. He is very independent, serious and quick on his feet. He fears God and loves his family.
Q: What’s something unique about your culture or family that will play a role in your relationship that maybe others don’t have?
A: Luckily, we are both Hispanics. I am half Guatemalan and Mexican and he has Mexican and Spaniard ancestors. The Latino side plays a huge role from sports, to raising kids. Our Adventist denomination also is something we both share and that´s something important that unites our relationship with our families too.
Hugo’s Perspective….
Q: What do you do for work? What do you enjoy most about it?
A: I graduated with my Ph.D. in Biotechnology Sciences in Monterrey, Mexico. Previously, I earned my M.D. at Universidad de Montemorelos in 2009 and will practice medicine in the U.S. I enjoy the challenges that my career brings.
Q: Describe Ethel in one word. Why did you choose that word?
A: Happiness. She enjoys the little things in life.
Q: Tell us about your first date. What did you do and were you nervous?
A: Our first date was at the Molino. I took her out to eat lunch on a Friday. I wasn´t nervous but I was quietly observing Ethel and wanted to know if she was someone I could trust, and now we are getting married!
Q: Was Ethel surprised when you proposed and why did you choose to propose the way you did?
A: Ethel was very surprised. She was a bit distracted at first because the way I proposed was a way that she couldn’t find out. It was during a time that she would not know it would be about her. I proposed at a cafe because she will always remember that day whenever she walks into one now.
We both share a love for black coffee, therefore I knew she would always walk into a coffee shop and look back on that special time.
Q: Looking towards the future, what do you most look forward to doing with Ethel?
A: I look forward to living as a couple together and traveling to Europe and Asia before bringing kids into the picture. I want to enjoy being with her first.
Q: What is something unique, quirky or special about Ethel that you’d come to admire?
A: I admire that she is able to live a lot with so little. She is able to adapt to her environment without influencing bad decisions.
Your premier Orange County & Los Angeles wedding and engagement photographer.
