Helvin + Ang | Nostalgic Love Story (Engagement) Session | Coronado Island, CA

Helvin + Ang weren't necessarily looking for love when Helvin got clocked in the back of the head by a piece of ice thrown by a pretty girl at the bar. But eyes locked and love was born that evening. Below are a few more details from H + A’s love story and why they chose Coronado Island for the backdrop of their engagement / love story session.

We met on Coronado Island. I was visiting on a girls weekend and Helvin was there on the island to depart. We randomly met at a bar, I was talking to someone else when my friends were trying to grab my attention throwing ice cubes. Those same ice cubes hit Helvin and his friends and we all ended up having breakfast together at the Night and Day Cafe just down the road. Long story short, we became pen pals and our relationship blossomed from there. …Coronado fits us best and reminds us of the beginning of our love story. It has most things we love, the beach, the Navy, the nightlife and quaint feels. We like the mix of scenery and relaxed vibes from being there. We envision this session will capture us relaxing in Coronado whether that’s downtown or on the beach. Coronado is a special place for us as our meeting spot and a place we frequent often as Helvin comes and goes from there often and I am usually there on the pier the day he leaves.

We LOVE to be together! Our favorite pastime is golfing together and being active. When we aren't working out together, we like to drink coffee, drink wine and many other adult beverages. We love to be silly together, just goofing around. AND we love holding hands, catching hugs, kisses and any type of snuggles.

What was she like as a little girl? Angie comes from a family of 4 children, 3 boys and her. She is the princess. She was quiet but fierce and adventurous. She loved fairytales and still does. A true sucker for a love story. Angie was always involved in school and extra curricular activities.

What was he like as a little boy? Helvin was brought up to be a strong, independent little man. He was always getting into mischief and looking for adventure. He grew up with a younger sister and his parents in Long Beach, Ca. Helvin was often playing in the neighborhood, riding bikes, skate boards, dirt bikes and trying to stay out of trouble.

Helvin + Angela, you guys are crazy fun! What a treasure to be part of this season of your life and trusted to capture this sliver of your love story! | LKM

Nathan + Emily | Childhood Friends get Married | Navy Blue + Silver | Upland California Wedding Photographer

When I heard Nathan smiling through the phone I wanted to squeal. But I knew that'd probably embarasse him.....so I did. 

He was calling to tell me he talked to Emily's dad and that they were courting. My brother had watched and waited for this little lady for a million years --a good long enough time to have his eyes fixed and his heart hopeful. Who would have thought that back then on the tire swing and in the sandboxes and Awanas and clown parties, they'd have their future hearts align and fall in love. Gaining Emily as a sister is...just so crazy beautiful! :) Here are a few highlights from the Bugbee's winter wedding in Upland, Southern California :)

Guys started off getting ready at Foothill Bible Church. Super casual at a place the Bugbees call home... Nathan found these sweet 'wallet ninjas' as gifts for his men...

We were able to jot down the road a bit to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Trail where Emily snuck up to have their first moment together... by far, one of my most favorite moments of a wedding day is the First Look. The emotions are all just so raw. And there is no pressure, no weird audience oggling, just pure nervousness and crazy beautiful excitement for each other. 

Nathan's groomsmen....were on par. (note: the picture below with emily and her brothers...was NOT posed. Her brothers had never seen her kiss before and were legitimately shocked and flipped out a little.)

Mr. Nakamaura is a long-time friend and notorious for his tears...we joked about what he would be like throughout the day. We were surprised and tickeld to see both he and mother of the bride so so joyful....it was the aisle, however, that broke him. When he saw Nathan's face perhaps. Or realized he was giving away his only daughter... it was a sweet, sweet thing to see. Giving her to this man that waited for her. And would strive to lead her...the whole ceremony was full of celebration and worship!

At some point during the ceremony it rained hard. And before preparing for the couple's reception grand entrance, we grabbed a few sweetheart spins together in the puddles outside of the church.

And then it was time to dine...speeches were raw and the theme was deep deep gratitude. It was casual and large and hugs and 'yehaws' resounded in the church gym topped off with a surprise groomsmen dance for Emily.

Congrats you two!! It was such a treasure to be part of your wedding day! I hope these moments and this full full day is such a treasure-trove of memories for years to come! Welcome to the family Emily! | LKM 

P.S And also....super important to name a few key partners for this particular wedding... Emily Rickard & Elyse Defoe came to join the LKM team and capture this story! They took the reigns whenever I (Laura) could be IN family pictures and also be part of the story too! So so thankful for their precious spirits and creative eyeballs! 

Luke + Juliette | Corn Fields, Rock Quarrys + Shire-Like Hillsides | Engagement Session

I get another sister folks. Lets start with that. and this is her. and my brother. on their engagement session last weekend in the foothills of Mt. Baldy, Southern California. My brother is a prodigy of an artist. It's kinda rediculous. The things that he makes out of nothing (beat). They were highschool sweethearts and part of Luke's proposal included a series of paintings that told their love story as missionary kids in the Philippines, love birds and college students and now soon to be weds this summer. This is a snippet of some of their affection...