Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Katrina Santos

When Hannah and James suggested that Brandon and I go up north to Monterey for their engagement shoot, we were more than excited. Our first stop was on top of Monterey’s beautiful cliffs, where James proposed to Hannah by having her decode a message he spray painted on the rocks that was a variation of “Will you marry me?”

Little did we know that we were in for a little adventure. When the four of us finally reached the proposal site, we encountered some of the strongest winds we’ve ever experienced! Our cameras were literally lifting out of our hands all while at the edge of a very high vantage point, which wasn’t good for Brandon who has a big fear of heights.

Despite the crazy weather, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful spot to photograph. We drove through Monterey’s cliffs, toured a gorgeous seaside, and ended the night with dinner and drinks in Cannery Row. Although it was only a two day trip, we soon knew that we had gained two beautiful new friends. Hannah and James, we can’t wait until your wedding.

Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong

Katrina and I shot Desiree and Eric at Descanso Gardens where they had their first date. While walking through the trails, they both seemed to go back in time to that very moment. The entire time Desiree and Eric could not help from joking around and simply having fun throughout the laughter filled session. It’s people like Desiree and Eric that make our job easy, fun, laid-back and enjoyable. Later on we stopped by their usual date locations in Old Town Pasadena and ended the night with some great conversation over sushi.

Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong

When Lisa and Patrick met us for the first time, we were surprised to find out that all four of us were actually going to be neighbors. We hadn’t moved into our house yet at that point, so it was a relief to know that we had some great company nearby.

The couple lived in Irvine their entire life so it was only fair to shoot in the same city. We traveled to the high school where they first met along with Irvine’s very own Great Park. At night we gave them another surprise by taking them on a hot air balloon ride. I am terrified of heights so it was a bit of a challenge for me, but the pictures and experience in the end was worth the ten minutes of trembling legs.

Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong

Jack is a fellow photographer and contacted us to photograph his proposal to Dawn less than week before it was actually going to happen.

When we finally reached the “special” peak of Griffith Park, Jack pulled out his vintage Polaroid Camera and took a photograph of Dawn. Instead of looking at a portrait of herself she was instead surprised by a drawing of a ring. Behind the polaroid was Jack on his knees asking her to be together for the rest of their life. Witnessing their engagement was such an emotional journey for Katrina and I and we were just happy to be there for them to document it.

The four of us ended up grabbing some Thai food afterwards and concluded the night by explored Hollywood Boulevard and the W Hotel for some more portraits. Since Jack is a wedding photographer and Dawn is a wedding designer I can’t even imagine how amazing and unique their wedding will turn out to be. Once again, congratulations Dawn and Jack. We’ll be ready to workout to Insanity in the very near future.

Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong

Occidental College has always been an integral part of Anne and Neil’s relationship, in fact it’s where they first met. The couple told us about how Neil used to “study” in the library as Anne worked there part time and about their first kiss under a school stop sign. As we walked by their old dorm rooms, classrooms, and other buildings Katrina and I could see the couple reminiscing about their earlier years. It was nonstop laughing and great conversation the entire time. We ended the night at the delicious Spitz which was coincidentally started up by two graduates from Occidental.