Emily and Russell’s engagement slideshow is up. It’s always hard to find that perfect song that fit with what I feel and envision for the show. But I work tirelessly until I can find that one song that portray the feeling I have while processing the photos. Either that’s the artist side of me or the perfectionist side of me talking, I am not sure. Just a tip for you photographers out there. Try to do your song searching in the morning because searching through hundreds of songs at night puts me in that relax state where I can not keep my eyes open. :)  So without further ado…enjoy!

Each June bring with it excitement, anticipation and joy for many as they close one chapter in their life to begin a new one the following fall. Today Monica graduates from middle school and look forward to beginning her life as a high schooler come fall. It’s so awesome to witness her grow and mature these last two years as she assimilate to life in a new city living with her uncles and making new friends. Enjoy your summer vacation and a big congrats!

Here’s Monica surprise to see me sniping her with my telephoto. Her friend said check out that guy with the big lens. To which Monica replies: OMG…I know him.

Can we say…Happy?

“Presenting…my two uncles, Denny and Lee!”

Looking more and more like a young lady everyday.

Acting silly which is perfectly ok for her age. :)

Congratulations. We’re all proud of you and what you’ve accomplished. You look amazing today.

Their memory differs slightly about how they first met. She said it was her cab he was trying to steal. Somehow Russell remembered it a little differently. These minor details can get fuzzy after seven years. Many of which were spent long distance, racking up the phone bill. Emily confesses to getting in trouble once racking it up at work. These were the days before unlimited long distance calling plans and one needs to be creative when trying to “reach out and touch someone.”

But that’s all behind them now as they look forward to planning for their future and saving for their first home. First thing’s first…get through the final planning for their wedding coming up at the end of August. The ceremony and reception site they picked out in wine country Sonoma is absolutely beautiful.

We are so excited and can not wait to be there to witness and capture the result of your planning as it comes to fruition. Here is a small selection from the day. We went overboard and got more images than our typical engagement session. But it will at least make up for your average of two picture per year of dating. Father’s day festivities cut into time in front of the computer so check back tomorrow night for the slideshow. In the mean time…enjoy this small sampling to hold you over.

We started off with some urban in trendy downtown Palo Alto. All the pictures was taken a square block near the Apple store.

Can you believe we found a mini forest in the middle of downtown Palo Alto. We had to work this into the session.

The setting sun made for some gorgeous flares and beautiful back lighting as you’ll see below.

We just love these tiny gesture and soft touches like these. These are the things we look for and make sure to capture during the wedding day. It is usually sweet little moments like this that can go unnoticed.

Emily and Russell – thanks for trusting us and spending your Sunday with us. We kept saying “one more shot and it’ll be done,” but the beautiful surrounding just begs for more pictures. It was all worth it as the day just got better and better and you guys were so fun to shoot. And many thanks for taking us out to dinner afterwards. The food was delicious as you can tell by what little was left on my plate. :)