People often express that they are uncomfortable in front of a camera, so we’ve learned how to coach our couples through their engagement session to great result, but we’re always learning. The lessons come infrequently, but they’re always when they come. In this way, Gabriella and Andrew were an education in joy; specifically that you can’t control it, you can only hope to contain it.

It’s a testament to their relationship and truly deep connection that in they’re time with us, they were always laughing together. They were downright charming how they’d try to keep it together for us, but more often than not, they would both break out in laughter. That’s not to say that they would let go of each other; if anything we found that they actually came closer together, grabbed onto the other a little more and tighter. This worked out great for us once we figured to really embrace the lighthearted sincerity between them.

It was clear that this phenomena of falling closer together for comfort was a manifestation of what they meant to each other; they’re engaged to marry, but you also get the sense they’re best friends. We can’t think of a better, more fun dynamic between couples, and that their relationship is beautifully expressed in this obvious joy makes thema lot of fun. We should all be so lucky!

We spent time at their Alma Mater, UCSC, and Lighthouse Field State Beach, and they were fun incarnate. It felt like catching up with old friends as we explored campus and the beach, and had just a great time. We couldn’t help share the laughs with them, and their joy proved to be wonderfully infectious. As we worked them, we saw a strong dramatic side, but we always came back to the laid back joy that defines them. We became grateful for their easy going nature when we miscalculated the reach of the waves on the beach, that caused Andrew to unwittingly sacrifice his dry shoes/socks to the photoshoot gods. In a fashion we came to expect, this turn of events didn’t result in any more than grins, laughter, and being thankful for being able to share the experience with us.

We couldn’t ask for more from an early evening hangout by the beach, and we can’t wait to be with them for their wedding day this Fall.