Here’s an engagement session I shot a few weeks ago but am only now getting around to posting (what else is new, right?).   Ellen and Stuart are Huntington Beach locals who lived in the same condo complex .  One summer morning while Ellen was laying out by the pool, a cute guy who was just “checking something out at the pool” (uh-huh, sure :-)) introduced himself.  They chatted briefly and Stuart went on his way.  After that first meeting, they would look for each other around the complex, but wouldn’t cross paths again until a year later at the neighborhood Memorial Day BBQ.  Ellen was with her friends when Stuart approached her for the second time.  Instantly, she felt butterflies for the friendly neighbor.  Stuart gave Ellen his business card and they began their relationship as all modern day couples do – by texting and email!

The two would often meet up at the place where it all began – the pool, for friendly chit chat and banter and Ellen quickly developed a crush on her around the way boy (yeah, I’m droppin’ it L.L. Cool J style).  Despite their fondness for each other’s company and obvious attraction, Stuart waited 8 months until taking Ellen out on their first date!  The fact that Ellen had just started dating someone else may have been a motivating factor, though Stuart will recount a different version to the story (I just like Ellen’s better, so we’ll go with that!).  It wasn’t long into their courtship that Stuart realized Ellen was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and a year later, he proposed.

Ellen and Stuart are a perfect match and I’m so honored to be shooting their wedding this summer at the Meadowlark Golf Club in Huntington Beach.  I had such a blast spending the afternoon with this fun couple.  They claimed they were nervous about the session and not so great in front of the camera, but you’d never guess by the way they rocked their engagement shoot.  Take a peek…

The future Mr. & Mrs.

So cute the way she looks at him:






Love this one:

and this one:

Thanks, Ellen & Stuart for choosing me to document your love and your special day.  I can’t wait to see you at the altar!

By Vanessa