The overcast sky shielded the sun from the Balboa Island coastline, outlined by the colorful skeletons of the carousel and ferris wheel. Amanda and Joel stood closely together and from a distance one could easily see her thin fingers laced in between his.

They met a few years ago at her college bookstore. Amanda was on her way to law school and Joel helped her find a computer to suit her needs. When the transaction was complete, and he asked her name, Joel promised himself he wasn't going to date another girl until she matched Amanda's qualities–pretty, sweet, and smart. Apparently, during their first interaction, she set the bar quite high. A while later, they both randomly met up at a wedding of a mutual friend. This time, however, Joel wasn't going to let her walk away without her phone number and an ensuing date.

It's easy to like Joel. He immediately puts people at ease with his humor and wit, and his smile is nothing short of genuine. Just by the way he touches Amanda–with his hand on the small of her back–it's evident he's head-over-heels for her. As they walked along the Balboa boardwalk, she asked what he was planning to do while she spent the next semester studying in London, England. He properly replied, Missing you, of course, and quickly followed up with, “And working on getting a six-pack for the wedding!” He then patted his belly and flexed his arm muscles. Amanda laughed out loud and the lovingly patted his soft shoulders…it's quite apparent she loves him too.

I'm so excited to shoot Amanda and Joel's wedding…if it's HALF as much fun as I had during their engagement session, it'll be a smashing good time! 🙂 Here are a few favorites from their engagement session…

As they approached the carousel, Amanda ascended the taller of the two horses, and Joel turned to me and said, There's Amanda…always getting on her high horse! 🙂

Joel and Amanda were full of SO many great ideas for pictures…it was awesome photographing people who wanted something a little different, fun and funky!

We then headed over to the Balboa Arcade where Joel and Amanda had their first date. One of Joel's favorite arcade games is House of the Dead (or something like that!), so as he slipped his quarters into play, Amanda decided to still work it for the camera.
Is it just me or is Joel really into this game?! 😉

A little photobooth action…

To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!