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January 13, 2012

Yay, it's Friday! This is one of my last weekends off for a while and I'm determined to make the most of it! So far on the to-do list: grab lunch with the girls, watch Harold and Maude with friends, maybe go to the roller derby, go out to breakfast, then happy hour at a historical bar in Los Angeles, and finish with the Griffith Observatory with Josh... do you think I can fit it all in? 

Anyway, if you haven't noticed by all the previous posts, I'm rounding up all my favorite photos from 2011... and today it's all about engagement sessions. I loooooove shooting engagements! It's such a fun way to get to know my clients and it really makes the wedding day go a lot smoother because we're all comfortable with each other. Of course, it's also just a great excuse to make fun photos. 

Everyone did an awesome job thinking up great locations/themes for their shoots this year. I always encourage my clients to think of places or themes that really represent them as a couple and will remind them of who they were at this point in their lives... that way the photos are still valuable and fun to look at even after the wedding photos are done. Ya dig? 

Well, here we go... my favorite engagement photos from 2011:  

Kevin + Nicole wanted to incorporate Kevin's new guitar because he was just learning how to play it

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Rob + Lauren love the movie "Up" so they had to incorporate that into the shoot. 

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Shane + Charity loved all the colors and fun atmosphere of the OC Fair

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Chuck + Emily love the vintage shops in Long Beach so that's where we shot :)

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Jeff + Christi wanted a romantic, rustic location so we headed over to San Juan Capistrano to take advantage of the pretty light and the warm colors.

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Michael + Jenny had just moved to Vegas so we had to pay Fremont Street a visit to capture the quintessential lights.

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One more from Chuck + Emily.

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Ian + Diana love the charm of the Orange Circle...

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Jon + Keri met while studying abroad in Italy and then coincidentally ran into each other in California years later. Crazy, huh? I love the travel theme they came up with to remind them of how they met.

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More from Charity + Shane's OC Fair shoot... all the colors make me happy :)

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One more from Jon + Keri's shoot... I love the washed out background!

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Jeff + Missy love going to Disneyland so of course we had to shoot there... this spot is right outside the park. Missy always imagined having her engagement session in the midst off all the trees... I was more than happy to oblige :)

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Jeff + Christi again :)

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Patrick + Deanna in San Juan Capistrano

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Eugene + Shawna love the outdoors so what better place to shoot than the Fullerton Arboretum?

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Steve + Tiffany wanted a photo booth engagement shoot to mimic a photo strip they made on one of their first dates... I LOVED that idea!

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Alex + Anna's session took place at the same park they got engaged in... and of course they had to incorporate their adorable little puppy, Lila :)

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Todd + Adi's session in Venice Beach was very urban and fun... just like them.

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And yet another from Charity + Shane's shoot... I really loved this session :)

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I love the bold light and bright colors here :) 

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Efrain + Yvette love vintage glamour style so that's what we went with...

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Mike + Kristen had their first date in Laguna Beach and really wanted their engagement shoot to pay tribute to that part of their lives. Especially because they'll be moving to New York for work soon... I'm gonna miss them :(

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Thanks again for looking!



(I'd love to hear from you)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: 2011 Favorites! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://amandapatrice.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/132

September 22, 2011

Steve and Tiffany came to me with an awesome (and different) idea for their engagement session... an old school photo booth style shoot! Check it out: 

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And, just for some variety I dragged them outside for some fun night photography :) They're so hot right now! 

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Thanks guys, I can't wait for your wedding next March!!!

(I'd love to hear from you)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Steve + Tiffany . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://amandapatrice.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/106

September 8, 2011

Today's lovely post is brought to you from San Juan Capistrano! Jeff and Christi are getting married there next month and they wanted their engagement session to be there as well... and I was happy to oblige! I love the colors and the beautiful soft light that comes in over the mountains... just look at this prettiness: 

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The light coupled with this adorableness is just awesome:

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Jamie Michele did an awesome job on Christi's makeup... she is just gorgeous!!!

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Don't you just love Christi's style? Her coral jumper and worn boots are so cute!

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Outfit change!

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Quintessential spot in San Juan Capistrano :)

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One of my favorites of the day...

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And that's all for now! Thanks for looking!

(I'd love to hear from you)
Kristin Yonan says:

These pics are AMAZING! I love them all!

(09.08.11 @ 11:16 PM)
Nichol Interlicchia says:

Christi you look beautiful, love your outfits! The last 2 photos are my fav! Best wishes to you and Jeff!!

(09.09.11 @ 09:30 AM)
Shannon Bethel says:

Gorgeous couple and beautiful pictures!!! So excited for the both of you! Best wishes..

(09.09.11 @ 11:07 AM)
Maria says:

You guys looks so great together. Great pic! Congratulations to you both!

(09.09.11 @ 11:24 AM)
Katie Simitzi says:

Your pictures are amazing! You guys look great!

(09.09.11 @ 11:49 AM)
Ryan says:

Jeff and Christi's pictures are so great! What an awesome couple, so glad they came out looking so good. Nice job Amanda!

(09.09.11 @ 12:18 PM)
Kristen says:

These are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!

(09.09.11 @ 02:58 PM)
Corinne Wombacher says:

Amazing!! You guys are so beautiful together!!!

(09.09.11 @ 03:31 PM)
Lars says:

Come on!

(09.09.11 @ 05:23 PM)
Corrine Hensley says:

I'm not partial, or anything, but Christi and Jeff are two knock-out georgeous people... inside and out! GREAT photos!

(09.09.11 @ 07:25 PM)
Rachel says:

These pictures are fantastic!!!! Love you guys...congrats to both of you!

(09.09.11 @ 08:49 PM)
Michelle Nance says:

These pictures are beautiful! You both look great. Congratulations!

(09.10.11 @ 11:12 AM)
Cheryl says:

These photos are terrific. I can't wait to see the wedding photos. Great candid shots!!!!

(09.10.11 @ 11:24 AM)
Linda Smith says:

Beautiful photos of a beautiful couple. The black and whites are as fabulous as the color pics. Looking forward to seeing the wedding photos. Thank you!

(09.10.11 @ 12:14 PM)
Mike Smith says:

You both look great! Can't wait to see more. Thanks.

(09.10.11 @ 12:21 PM)
Frank says:

What great photos. They look happy!!!!!!!!

(09.10.11 @ 02:00 PM)
Sarah Eagleson says:

These photos are just beautiful!

(09.12.11 @ 10:59 AM)
Vanessa says:

Very nice!!!! What an adorable couple! My fav is the rr track!!! Auntie V

(09.12.11 @ 11:14 PM)
Uncle Bob says:

Cool. You both look real cool. Uncle Bob

(09.12.11 @ 11:18 PM)
Keith and Katie says:

Jeff looks the real Leonardo DiCaprio and Christi...well she is just gorgeous!!!! Looking forward to a party!!!! --Thers

(09.12.11 @ 11:39 PM)
Gwynn says:

Beautiful pictures!

(09.13.11 @ 04:30 PM)
Jessica says:

Those pictures are so amazing! You guys look great!

(09.13.11 @ 04:34 PM)
Daniel says:

Pics look great! Can't wait for the big day next month!

(09.13.11 @ 10:28 PM)
Daniel says:

Pics look great! Can't wait for the big day next month!

(09.14.11 @ 08:46 AM)
Jen Fulton says:

These pictures are amazing!! You guys both look fantastic and in love!

(09.19.11 @ 09:46 AM)
Danielle Hanna says:

Holy Goodness. Absolutely LOVELY!

(09.19.11 @ 09:57 AM)
Brain Fox says:

You guys are HOT!!!
Great Pictures!

(09.19.11 @ 10:36 AM)
corey piazza says:

Great pics!!! you guys look so happy!!

(09.19.11 @ 10:43 AM)
Robert Bustos says:

Christi & Jeff,

I cant wait to for the wedding pics! These pics are awesome!

(09.19.11 @ 10:43 AM)
Gabe Carmona says:

Wow!!! This Pictures are amazing. I like the way you catch the "in the Moment" photos. You guys look great!!!

(09.19.11 @ 10:45 AM)
Todd Chleboun says:

Pictures look great, you guys make a fun couple. Looking forword to October and the big day.

(09.20.11 @ 02:07 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Jeff + Christi . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://amandapatrice.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/104

August 15, 2011

Dear Facebook, 

Thank you so much for being so awesome and reconnecting me with old friends from high school. And double thanks for getting me back together with friends that are getting married like Leah and Matt! Bonus!

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Pretty light, pretty trees, pretty smiles... yay!

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I just love laughing photos! Leah can bust out a genuine laugh on demand... it's awesome!

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Again with the light! So pretty!

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The view from the area surrounding the Summit House is pretty amazing...

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My new favorite sneaky photo spot! I can't wait to come back on Leah and Matt's wedding day!

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Well that's all for now! Thanks for stopping by my blog!


(I'd love to hear from you)
Matt says:

Thank you so much Amanda! These are great.

(08.16.11 @ 02:09 PM)
Sheila Mojtehedi says:

These pictures are beautiful!! Great quality...you guys look great :) best wishes!

(08.16.11 @ 02:13 PM)
Leah Longacre says:

So CUTE!!! Can't wait to see the rest of them! Thank you so much! We could not have asked for a better photographer!

(08.16.11 @ 02:13 PM)
Kelliann McCarty says:

Wow! I love these photos! You two look so wonderful! The lighting with the sunset is amazing! xoxo

(08.16.11 @ 02:15 PM)
Carsten says:

That are some really awesome photos. But must have been pretty easy with such professional models ;)

(08.16.11 @ 02:25 PM)
Francine (Mother of the Bride) says:

Amanda, All of these pictures are incredible, they truly capture how happy Matt and Leah are. You are so talented.... Can't wait for the wedding pictures. Leah was so excited after the engagement photo shoot, and now I can see why!

(08.16.11 @ 02:25 PM)
Denise says:

These photos are not Only beautiful, they captured their personalities. Absolutely gorgeous !

(08.16.11 @ 02:36 PM)
Cathy says:

The black and white photos are my favorite!

(08.16.11 @ 02:39 PM)
Liz - Leah's NY cousin says:

Leah and Matt - these are just beyond gorgeous!! What a stunning couple you are and I can't wait to see the wedding photos next year!!

(08.16.11 @ 02:43 PM)
Debbie Walker says:

The pictures are AWESOME...........great job !

(08.16.11 @ 02:43 PM)
Arlene Key says:

These are fabulous photos. They take my breathe away. Love them.

(08.16.11 @ 03:11 PM)
Jennifer Lantz (Friend of Matt) says:

Beautiful pictures. I am so glad Matt has found a girl that he can give his heart to. They make a beautiful couple and these pictures just touch the surface!

(08.16.11 @ 03:22 PM)
Gale Averill says:

Wow! Great pictures....She got alot of great shots. Can't wait to see the rest.

(08.16.11 @ 04:07 PM)
Ashley Schiro says:

Love them Mattoo! Leah you look beautiful! Great scenery!

(08.16.11 @ 08:47 PM)
Anonymous says:

Mattoo LeahQuesadilla Love pictures xoxo addy

(08.16.11 @ 08:50 PM)
Jeremy Schiro says:

you guys look great! I can't wait to see you both! Congratulations Matt & Leah!!!

(08.16.11 @ 08:52 PM)
Beth Sofranko says:

I love the fact that the pictures are no posed for. They are great and I will contacting you in the very near future to take pictures of my family.

(08.17.11 @ 11:16 AM)
Cameron Longacre says:

Very nice pictures. So happy for you guys> But remember Leah dont show mom your capable of taking good pictures all the time! :)

(08.17.11 @ 03:51 PM)
Melody Ortega (Aunt) says:

Leah and Matt: You both look so happy and all the pictures are beautiful. We all wish you the best. See you soon.

(08.17.11 @ 09:30 PM)
Cheryl Hashiba says:

Amazing photos but an even more AMAZING couple! Congrats to Matt and Leah! You guys are such a cute couple. Many blessings to you two!

(08.18.11 @ 04:42 PM)
Vanessa Maloney says:

Love the pictures! You both look great, she did an awesome job! :)

(08.19.11 @ 12:23 PM)
deb tropp says:

Loved the pictures!!! they are so cute together and look so DARN HAPPY!!!

(08.19.11 @ 03:16 PM)
Debbie & John Brady (Leah's cousins) says:

What a great photographer we love the beautiful pictures. Leah and Matt look so happy. We are both thrilled for them and wish them a wonderful life together. We can’t wait for the wedding.

(08.19.11 @ 03:30 PM)
Jeff Braun says:

Those are great shots. Congrats you two!

(08.21.11 @ 12:43 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Matt + Leah . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://amandapatrice.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/100

August 8, 2011

Charity and Shane = Ridiculously fun! I wish their wedding wasn't so far away! February can't get here fast enough! Oh, well... at least we have these fun engagement photos to ponder while we wait :) I heart the OC Fair!

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wilson_eng_blog002.jpgPretty lady!

wilson_eng_blog003.jpgCharity won... 3 times in a row :)

wilson_eng_blog004.jpgOutfit change... which I LOVED! I love how they clash, but still go together.

wilson_eng_blog006.jpgwilson_eng_blog007.jpgThe swings look pretty different at night so we had to revisit them :)

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wilson_eng_blog009.jpgFun house!!!!

wilson_eng_blog010.jpgI love playing with crowds in photos!

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Let the silliness begin!

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I love Charity's 'winning' face here...

wilson_eng_blog015.jpgAnd Shane's 'winning' face here LOL

wilson_eng_blog016.jpgMy favorite of the day! They both have awesome smiles!

wilson_eng_blog017.jpgAnd lastly, we just had to play with the photo booth a little... 

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Thanks for looking at my photos!!! Don't be a stranger!



(I'd love to hear from you)
sigrid says:

OH my gosh you two look so cute! Super stylish and the best part is that you look in Love! Best wishes to the both of you! Beautiful photo session!

(08.08.11 @ 07:49 PM)
nickole haymaker says:

Amazing Pictures, there spectacular and adorable. Charity and shane are a happy couple and the pictures are here to prove it. What Amazing photography.

(08.08.11 @ 08:27 PM)
AngelinaM says:

You both look so adorable, I loved every single one, some great photography! You two are absoultley amazing & I can't wait to share the big day with you both & Gaige! I love you guys!

(08.08.11 @ 08:29 PM)
darlene shultz says:

These are beautiful pictures Charity and Shane. There is not one I would pick over the other, I love them all. You two are so photogenic, just beautiful. I can't wait to see the two of you walk down the isle.... Love you guys.

(08.08.11 @ 09:04 PM)
Michelle says:

Oh my goodness, these pictures are so cute! What a great idea to take them at the fair. This captures the fun, loving, creative couple you two are! I love you both and cannot wait to celebrate your very special day with you!

(08.08.11 @ 09:05 PM)
Marlena L says:

Beautiful pictures Char and Shane! I LOVE that you did it at the fair....totally shows your still like to have good ol fun side! That pic Charity of you looking in the camera and your body is facing Shane...I cannot say how breath taking that one is! I am soooo looking forward to February!! I can wait! Love you both!

(08.08.11 @ 09:45 PM)
Marlena L says:

It's supposed to say : I cannot wait! ;)

(08.08.11 @ 09:47 PM)
sarah N says:

OMG!!!! they are soooooooo cute! i cant pick my fave!!!

(08.09.11 @ 10:21 AM)
Charity W. says:

I love love them. Thank you guys for all the beautiful comments. Can't wait to share our special day with you all. XOXO

(08.09.11 @ 10:21 AM)
jennah N says:

auntie that is sooooo cute i love it

(08.09.11 @ 10:24 AM)
mazin says:

love it!!!! great pics!!!

(08.09.11 @ 10:26 AM)
mohammad says:

congradulations charity and shane! great pics!!!

(08.09.11 @ 10:30 AM)
Esther Sauseda says:

Happiness/love spews from these pictures. Great photographer/photography. Wish I had hard copies of all of them. Will visit blog to see these often. Kids are having great fun. Great-Grandma

(08.09.11 @ 12:08 PM)
michelle naser says:

congradulations mi hermana, these r the most beautiful pictures I've seen. Great photographer!!! Now I understand what a good photographer is!!! love the look in both your eyes....connected as one!!!! speechless!!!! again congradulations and i wish you all the joy and happiness that God can bless you and your family with!!!! love you long time

(08.09.11 @ 06:29 PM)
Rachael "Mom/Mom-In-Law" says:

Unbelievably FABULOUS pictures!! Now I know why you were s "ocd" about checking for the posts! These are by far the absolute best engagement photos I've EVER seen! I am so impressed at her ability to capture both of your personalities and can't wait to see what she does in February! There is so much love in your eyes, we are truly blessed to call you FAMILY!

(08.09.11 @ 09:43 PM)
Michelle and Ry says:

Love it! Such great pictures!!!!!!

(08.09.11 @ 10:07 PM)
Jessica Puckett says:

OMG could you two be any cuter? Those pics are so fun. I want some.

(08.09.11 @ 10:51 PM)
Matthew the Cousin says:

Pics came out grrrreat! 9th one from the bottom is my Fav! Love you guys.

(08.10.11 @ 02:33 PM)
Lisa Maulit says:

Nice choice in photographers. She did a great job at portraying both of your personalities!

(08.10.11 @ 04:01 PM)
Mom & Mama Jo says:

I loved the pictures. Your photographer captured the true love that you both have and the silly/fun side that you both share. Looking forward to sharing the big day with you. No words describe how truly happy I am for you guys. Shane you are an amazing man to my daughter and I love & respect the man that you are. Love you guys, mom

(08.10.11 @ 06:35 PM)
Uncle Rick says:

Great Pics, very vintage! You guys look very happy, love you both!

(08.11.11 @ 12:42 PM)
Viviana says:

LOOOOOOVE the concept and love that you guys show your personality in the pictures!

(08.11.11 @ 12:47 PM)
jean Wosepka says:

Love these pics of you kids, They are really great pic of the both of you. Love you both Aunt jeanie

(08.13.11 @ 11:47 AM)
jean Wosepka says:

Love these pics of you kids, They are really great pic of the both of you. Love you both Aunt jeanie

(08.13.11 @ 11:48 AM)
Shane Wilson says:

Amanda... Your awesome!!! I can't wait to see the rest, and till February. We couldn't have made a better choice of a photographer! I'm thankful that we get to share our day with you!

(08.13.11 @ 12:43 PM)
Erin says:

They are BEAUTIFUL!! I love all the pictures, Congrats to the both of you..
,

(08.15.11 @ 12:06 AM)
Nicole Pulsifer says:

Matt and Leah look amazing! Good job!! xoxo

(08.16.11 @ 02:45 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Shane + Charity . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://amandapatrice.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/96