Audra really wanted wildflowers …
We “made do” with the incredible gardens and views found at both Talley Vineyards of Arroyo Grande and the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila. We headed for the pier to get a glimpse of the sunset but arrived just a bit too late. Always the optimist … I thought if we just hurried we could catch it in Shell or Pismo beach.
The race was on.
I was wrong … we lost …
Although we didn’t get our sunset session, we did get serenaded by a local dude singing the blues. “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone” just didn’t quite fit our mood and we were off again. After catching the last glimpses of the elusive globe, we ended our adventure at Spyglass park.
Some people think I’m crazy spending so much time with couples during our engagement shoots but it helps me to really get to know my couples. I gain some great insights which help me on the big day of the wedding.
Afterwards I got to know Audra and Sam even better over dinner. My new Macbook Pro allows me to upload our images right away and view them together. It makes for a great after party!
Based on the smiles and hugs, I’d say we ended up with some great images … and memories.

Row row row your boat!

He he.
I didn’t think I’d get them in but I did. They may have though I was a bit off my rocker but I did get the shot.
Katie and Mike are quite shy but they are so sweet to shoot. Their wedding will be a large one here at San Luis Camp. The California Guard controls the post but locals can rent the officers club and chapel. I’m really excited to shoot the place. Who knows, maybe Ill get Katie and Mike into a tank!
Mike proposed to Katie at the top of Black Hill in the rain. For her to follow him up there in those conditions – she had to know he was up to something special. He’s been doing special stuff ever since. See, sweet.

I’m loving the vineyards as they turn dark at the seasons end. Couldn’t ask for a better landscape for folks in love. Ah … love is in the air.
Lisa and Aaron are from “down south” so their Avila wedding will be a destination affair. These two have quite a fire burning between them. It’s hard not to notice their connection. After some brief tasting at one of my favorite tasting rooms, we enjoyed the warm afternoon in the bright sunshine. I love Avila and look forward to the awesome opportunities that await us. Surf, sun and sand gotta make sure I bring my sunscreen.

It’s a special treat to photograph locals. Camille and Mike told me of their first date at Home Depot. Well, you know there MUST be a back story for that! We’ll let it remain a mystery. There are a group of barns here that many photographers use for various reasons not the least of which is shooting engagements. The cool part is where these barns are located; just behind the Home Depot. Ah … love finds it’s way back to where it all began. I never thought a big box store would ever have a romantic connection but hey …. the Central Coast is a magical place.
As I’ve mentioned before, most couple have a tough time “getting in the mood” when someone is staring at them through a camera. And these two were definately a bit nervous. But Mike had that look in his eyes. You know the look … a pssionate gaze, that smile that tells you something is brewing down deep. If you ask me, I think he captivates Camille. It’s also quite obvious that Camille has turned him into putty. I could see this was going to be a great shoot.
Camille and Mike are very private people so there won’t be any slideshow today. These few images are here to remind us that you might be a bit shy in front of a camera but chemistry doesn’t go unnoticed. And when it’s captured … the results are lovely.