Minh recounts the story of how he and Elaine came to be as we prepared to enjoy some Japanese food for lunch. For a brief moment it seems like Elaine was preparing to interject…but instead, she motion that she is as interested to hear the story from Minh’s point of view as much as we are. Continuing, Minh recounts how he first took noticed of Elaine during lunch in their company’s cafeteria. But it wasn’t until a work project with a mutual coworker opened up the perfect opportunity. What started as work time lunches with three peers strategically gave way to lunches as two and then meetings beyond company time.

What was a tactical strategy for Minh is more an organic growth for Elaine. As Elaine said, “slowly…like 10mph” they grew their relationship over 10 years. From Minh’s point of view, strategy was needed before that organic growth could happen because Elaine had a boss with maternal and protective instincts that needed to be won over first. It’s always great to hear our couples’ story and even better when the other partner hears the first person recount of that story for the first time with us.

Elaine and Minh had a few places in mind for their engagement session, but otherwise was up for anything. One thing that stuck in our mind was Elaine’s comment about wanting a photo upon a cliff, with the wind blowing and the waves crashing below. So we set out looking for cliffs around their home city of San Francisco.

As all San Francisco residence know, it’s always a gamble heading into the city. What looks like beautiful weather in the southern skirts of the city is usually covered with fog and mist as we head closer to the northern bay and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The morning of the engagement was no different as we explored the grounds of the Legion of Honor. We knew we wanted something more natural and organic and set about looking for cliffs in the surrounding area, being mindful of Elaine’s request.

The heavy fog gave a majestic view of the bridge’s peaks. A truly heavenly sight.

The heavens further smiled upon us as we watched the fog lifted to give us the clearest San Francisco day I have ever remember seeing.

We loved how the morning sun was reflecting off the walls of the Legion.

Such lovely light and colors.

Elaine and Minh are so cute together. And when they laugh, they laugh with their whole body. We LOVE photographing happy people in love.

But there were many tender moments in between as well. We love it.

We hiked, explored and found an awesome, private location off the beaten path. Minh went off to make sure it was safe first before motioning for Elaine to join him. The view was breathtaking.

My perspective on the left and Ham’s unique view on the right. I love the alternate point of views captured of this moment.

Dreamy…

Elaine and Minh are so cute together.

A short trot up the hillside and we came across the cliff shot we’ve been searching for. The best view of the Golden Gates I have seen and on the clearest day in San Francisco that I have witness. What a lucky opportunity.

We took a drive to the beach that was far below our cliff location for some more photos. I love the movement of this shot.

Elaine and Minh, you guys are so lovely together. The elements align for a majestic view of your city and we had absolutely no parking issues at all which is amazing in itself. We can wait to see you both again shortly to celebrate your wedding. -DH