Laguna Beach Engagement : Mikaela+Shane

They sat at a Starbucks, securing two comfy chairs, and placed their drinks on the table. Shane's fruit bar sat untouched as he watched her sip tea. It was their first date and nestled in a cozy coffee shop, they didn't realize it was the start of something big in their lives. Little did they know they were looking at the person with whom they'd share forever. Mikaela didn't tell Shane, but she had been waiting. Waiting for him to come into her life and change her little world.

He's the one who doesn't blink twice if I let my emotions get the best of me and have a breakdown, the one who always takes my hand, who knows to stay out of my way if I'm right in the middle of something and working away, and who encourages me to keep going.

And Shane's encouragement takes many forms, but he's a stickler for details. A little over a week ago, he proposed to Mikaela by recreating the Starbucks where they met…IN THE WOODS. Yes, their Starbucks engagement, was just one way he let her know he's loved her since he first saw her. As part of his proposal, Shane planned their engagement session with me without informing Mikaela. After he popped the question, he called my cell and I wished them congratulations…as well as broke the news that MIkaela was headed to California for engagement photos the following week in Laguna Beach. Okay, and I got teary-eyed. But let's not go there.

Here are a few favorites from Mikaela and Shane's Orange County engagement session…

Mikaela and Shane stayed in Laguna Beach, so we started the session at their hotel…

One of the best things about Shane and Mikaela is their quickness to laugh and their light heartedness. It's one of their most endearing qualities…

JD came on the shoot with me to carry my bags, but he also photographed a bit during the session and the photo on the right is his…

Mikaela, I'm just going to say what everyone is thinking: You're GORGE!!! Special thanks to Carina of Flawless Faces for doing a wonderful job with hair and makeup! 🙂

Shane, if there's a guy in California who can roll his pants, it's you. Really.

While I was shooting this picture of Shane…

…JD was shooting this picture of Mikaela. We're kinda like peas and carrots…you don't want to eat us.

After a quick outfit change, we crossed the street and ended their engagement session along the coast in Laguna Beach…

The entire day was overcast and grey, but we made the best of it and capitalized on the pretty, diffused light…loved it!

Of course, what would their engagement session be without a little STARBUCKS?!

This trip was particularly special for Mikaela because it marked the beginning of her wedding planning process and Shane is just as excited to be a part of the process. Well, kind of.

JD captured this picture…

Oh, stop it!

I'll end this post with photo because it embodies exactly how Shane and Mikaela love…with their entire hearts and smiles on their faces.

To see more of their Laguna Beach engagement session, feel free to check out their engagement session here: