Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph John’s older sister’s engagement portraits! I felt so honored that they asked me to photograph this special time in their lives! :)
Eric & Jen met one Sunday at church (Evergreen LA)! Eric shared his first memory of Jen, and I couldn’t help but lough out loud when I read it!
“I met [Jen] 7-8 years ago on the worship team. My 1st impression was that she was cute, fun & very talented. The 2nd time I met her, we said Hi & she touched me on the shoulder… so my impression naturally, was that she was touchy.”
Haha! Now Jen’s take on how they began equally made me laugh:
“I initially first met Eric at church (Evergreen LA). I was one of the worship leaders and Eric was assigned to be on my team, though he never actually played with me. We had a few interactions here and there (and even were seated at the same table at a dear friend’s wedding, but I was coordinating and didn’t even remember this), but it wasn’t until that fateful day when Eric “stalked” me at church that we began interacting more.
My first impression of Eric was that he had a great personality, warm, friendly, fun, and…nice teeth! (little did I know he had just as many dental problems as I did)”
I love the words they carefully chose to describe their first couple of encounters with one another! Haha! This is just a glimpse of not only how fun their engagement session was, but also a glimpse into their relationship of bringing one another joy!
“Our first date was at 38 degrees Ale House & Grill, which was an interesting choice because I don’t drink (which he later found out). Eric and I hit it right off from the start and had a fun memorable first date laughing, discussing the Lakers/watching the game, and getting to know one another… …Two things that definitely stood out for me were his maturity (both spiritually and emotionally) and his beautiful garden! ”
– Jennifer
Right from the start, this sweet couple enjoyed one another’s company, and it definitely showed during their session! :)
As if the Arcadia Arboretum wasn’t beautiful enough, the Anthropologie spread Jen prepared for their session gave their session a fun, colorful touch! The Arboretum was a fun location for the two of them, since they both love enjoying nature together and hold memberships to not only the Arboretum, but to the Huntington Gardens as well!
Aside from enjoying nature, they shared with me a couple things they enjoyed doing together!
“[We love] DISNEYLAND! Eating at Bachan’s and Toro’s sushi. Exploring. Watching movies together.”
– Jen
It was so nice seeing Jen & Eric enjoy one another’s presence! It was great discovering the things they have in common, as well as the things they didn’t! For example, Jen actually doesn’t like donuts! Haha! They’re Eric’s favorite, though, so she wanted his loves to be included in the photos! (It’s okay, she at least enjoyed the berries!)
“I appreciate [Jen’s] thoughtfulness. She always does things for me that show I am on her mind.”
– Eric
“It comes as no surprise that Eric has such a giving heart and always goes out of his way for me, especially given the demands and stress at my job. He does so many things for me that I appreciate but the few that stand out are doing my laundry, packing me food for the week to eat, listening to me vent when I’ve had a hard day at work, and of course…SCRATCHING MY BACK! :)”
– Jennifer
As I waited for Eric & Jen’s outfit change, Mr. Kwok (John’s dad, who graciously helped assist me during the session since John was at work) and I were accompanied by a beautiful male peacock!
I loved Jen’s dresses during her session! Her fashion is actually one of the things Eric pointed out to me about her when I asked him to describe Jen! Haha! What a good man!
“Fun, generous, fashionable & weird (in a good way…. most of the time)”
Of course, that last characteristic had to be said! ;)
Jen was a bit more thorough about describing Eric to me!
“Gaseous- self explanatory :(
Humble- Eric consistently puts others needs before his own. This is especially reflective in our relationship and with his student ministry. He is the first to admit to the errs of his way and consistently thinks of others before himself
Silly- he can always find a way to make me laugh, especially with his “interesting” dancing skills
Patient- I can always rely on Eric to be the calm amidst the storm. He even taught my 90 y/o grandma how to use Gmail!”
Their answers never failed to make me laugh! Haha!
After the Arboretum we took a little break before heading to our second location that overlooks the City of Angels. :)
Now I’m sure you might be wondering how Eric proposed to his beautiful fiancé?
“I had her tricked, by lying of course, that I would not propose during our family Seattle. I had to change my original plan because of all the rain. I ended up taking her out to meet friends, but instead took her to the Great Wheel of Seattle (Ferris Wheel on the ocean) where the person at the booth brought out 2 large bouquets of flowers. On the ride I took out the ring & asked if I could scratch her back for the rest of our lives… …It felt great. It was exciting to share that moment with each other, & then with others.”
– Eric
I loved also hearing Jen’s side of their proposal story!
“Let’s just say it’s a good thing I was sleepy otherwise I would have caught on! We were staying with Eric’s family in Seattle attending his cousin’s wedding. That afternoon it was pouring and Audrey (Eric’s niece) woke me up from a nap to play hide and seek. We played for almost an hour, when Eric told me we had to leave for dinner. Already exhausted and tired, I told him I wasn’t going to change, which was odd because he kept asking me if he should change his shoes and shirt. We then proceeded to drive in the pouring rain down the hills of Seattle to the pier for “dinner”. Yes I admit I was grumpy! Who wants to go out when it’s pouring and cold?! When we got to the pier, we had passed the restaurant, and I shouted to Eric that we just passed it, but he kept walking to a random booth. I thought he was asking for directions, and the next thing I know the staff brought out two huge bouquets of flowers. I immediately started crying. We then went on the Seattle Great Wheel (like the London Eye) where Eric proposed. Unbeknownst to Eric I hate ferris wheels, so the proposal was a complete blur (I made him re-propose to me later), but it made for a very memorable story.“
I love her honesty! To be honest, I probably would have been quite a bit hangry & not so happy that it’s pouring if I was absolutely clueless to the fact that I was about to be proposed to! Haha! But aw, Eric, what a sweet proposal! Even if Jen wasn’t a fan of ferris wheels, the set up, and even his efforts to dress accordingly to his fashionable at-the-time girlfriend was so thoughtful! :)
Being up on a hill, and during the odd week of June gloom in California, we had the obstacle of wind (& California coldness) against us! But it didn’t keep us from having fun with the awesome LOVE balloons Jen got! Props to Jen who smiled through the chilly wind in her light summery dress!
It was a long day of shooting, but we had so much fun! I was so thankful to get to know Jen and Eric more throughout their session, and capture a glimpse of their love for one another!
Lastly, I asked the two of them if they had any advice they acquired throughout their dating relationship to share with the seriously dating, & recently engaged, and here’s what they said!
“As an “older” bride-to-be and as one who’s had her share of many challenging and trying relationships, a plethora of things come to mind. Over the years, I remember receiving a lot of good (and terrible) advice from people so it’s difficult for me to write this and not do the same as someone now standing on the other side of the tracks.
When Eric and I talk about our relationship with others, it is impossible to discuss our success without admitting to our failures. Before dating each other, we were both in unhealthy relationships that we both stayed in longer than we should. But without going through those experiences and learning from our mistakes through talking with family and friends and therapists, we could have never arrived at this place together hand in hand, walking this path as partners and equals. So in a weird ironic way, I’m extremely thankful for how God used my past mistakes and relationships to help teach me more about myself so that I could present myself, as broken as I am, to Eric as partner who’s ready and willing to admit to mistakes and learn from them and move forward. I’m reminded of Isaiah 61:3 “to bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
So what I offer is this…be malleable. Often times we come into relationships with many expectations, whether it be from societal or familial influences. And we (myself included) all too quickly discard one significant other for another (or do not allow yourself to be open to a potential significant other) when those expectations aren’t met. That’s not to say you shouldn’t hold onto core beliefs and standards, but I’ve learned without being willing to let go of some of those expectations and have the willingness to be vulnerable, you rob yourself of the possibility of finding true happiness, acceptance and love.”
– Jennifer
Eric kept it short and simple, but I loved his answer just as much as I loved Jen’s!
“Never stop having fun together. Never stop working on your individual selves & your relationship.“
CONGRATULATIONS JEN & ERIC! :)
Happy Friday!