As an Engagement Photographer in Orange County, I hear all sorts of love stories about how couples meet! Whether it be online, blind dates, going to the same high school, work, or something else, we love getting to hear how love first begins to bloom! Although there are so many different stories, it’s rare to hear about a couple getting set up by one of their moms! But that’s exactly how Cambria and Wayne first met! Wayne’s mom did a little matchmaking, even though Cambria absolutely hated the idea of being set up. All Cambria expected for the evening was to grab drinks and that be it! Little did she know that she and Wayne had so much in common and that they would end up falling in love!
Years later, now they’re engaged and planning their wedding! Looks like mom really does know best! 😉
We had the awesome opportunity to capture Wayne and Cambria’s engagement photography session at Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange- just a few minutes away from our office! We went just before sunset- during Golden Hour, so we ended up with some beautifully lit photos! These two were so much fun to capture, and we can’t wait to photograph their wedding this December at Los Willows Wedding Estate!
We hope you enjoy their photos from their Santiago Oaks Regional Park Engagement session and their love story!
Q. How & when did you first meet? Describe your thoughts / how you felt about each other. Was it love at first sight?
A. We were set up by his mom!! So our first date was our meeting!
Q. What do you both do for work?
A. He’s a premier banker at Wells Fargo and I’m a hairstylist.
Q. GROOM: What was it that made you first start liking your bride-to-be?
A. Her beauty and kindness!
Q. BRIDE: What was it that made you first start liking your groom to be?
A. When we connected as friends I loved hanging out with him going on our dates! He was so fun!
Q. Tell us about your first date. What was going through your mind? Where did you go, what did you do?
A. At first I was very hesitant about it and just thought I was meeting for a couple of drinks and that would be it. Considering we were set up and I hated to be set up! We went to Dave & Buster’s at the bloc. As we sat down and got talking we had very very similar interests and the night took off from there and we stayed late and I didn’t want to leave him. I would say we hit it off! Haha, but he was a gentleman and made sure I got to my car and gave me a little hug.
Q. What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. What makes your relationship unique?
A. We love to talk about our goals together and support each other. We have very similar interests so he is truly my best friend! We also love doing new things together and exploring anything new! What makes our relationship unique I would say is I don’t have to say anything if I’m sad or upset or in need of something he already knows what to do and it usually is the exact thing I need! Which always puts the biggest smile on my face and immediately weight is lifted! It always goes both ways so I do the same for him.
Q. Tell us about your proposal story! How / where did it all unfold? Who cried first? Were you surprised?
A. We went out to dinner for our three-year anniversary, but before dinner, we wanted to watch the sunset which we occasionally do so wasn’t out of the ordinary…he took me to castaways Park it overlooks Newport Back Bay! We would right our bikes there in the summer. so it was a special place for us. We walked to the top and at the lookout point, he got down on one knee and asked me to Marry him! It was such a beautiful moment that was private and perfect that we will remember forever! Simple but sweet.
Q. What is one piece of advice you have for couples just beginning the wedding planning process? What have you enjoyed most about planning your wedding?
A. Stay organized! It’s been very enjoyable so far. Getting my dress and venue first took so much stress away and doing the planning with my mom has been the most fun for me.
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
