Rachel and Keith were nervous about taking engagement photos. They were feeling a bit camera shy and weren’t sure an engagement session was necessary. I encourage all my clients to take engagement photos for many reasons.  It’s the perfect way for the couple and the photographer to get to know each other. This helps everyone relax and will make photos much more natural. Couples who are not used to being in front of the camera get a chance to see what a photo session is all about, how to pose, and just enjoy themselves. Any trepidation they may have had about being in front of a camera will disappear by end of the session. That means come the big wedding day they will feel more comfortable in front of the camera and less stressed. This helps the photos move along quicker, and leaves more time for the couple to enjoy their party. In addition to getting comfortable with your photographer and with being in front of the camera, engagement photos also make wonderful keep sakes and decor for the wedding. For my wedding my husband and I framed an engagement photo with a white matte which all our wedding guests signed.  Eleven years later the photo still hangs on a wall in our house and makes me smile each time I walk by.

After finding out a little more about Rachel and Keith we decided the perfect engagement shoot location for them would be the Orange County Fair. Here they could be their goofy selves, doing what they like to do—have fun. Sharing cotton candy we found can be just as romantic as a stroll on the beach. They were able to enjoy the fair, checking out the rides, taking part in a little friendly competition at the game booths and feasting on fair food while I was able to capture them in their element.

Rachel and Keith met through mutual friends and knew right away they were meant to be. They are completely in-sync, and love to make each other laugh. Check out their photos and you can easily get a glimpse of  their relationship and personalities.

‍