When I met Travis and Vanessa for the first time, I instantly knew they were good people. Granted, I felt like I already knew them! My good friend Ingrid from Molliner Photography had taken their engagement photos already – and while she was visiting California, Travis and Vanessa were kind enough to model for us and let us purely create for the sake of creating! Ingrid and I did all of the typical poses, but we also had the opportunity to push ourselves with no fear of failure. No worry of “what if this is really awkward?” or “what if I botch the focus because they’re moving?” Just two friends having fun with an awesome couple. It was truly a magical day – even though Karl the fog decided to join us for these Muir Beach engagement photos. I dare you to look at these photos and not smile.

Vanessa and Travis have quite the story. They had known each other for years (since high school swim team) but didn’t really connect until years after college. They had stayed in touch over the years – but it seemed to just be as friends. One day, something changed, and with the help of Vanessa’s mom playing wing woman, they ended up on their first date.

The proposal is a story that could be an entire blog post! Travis purchased earrings for Vanessa for her birthday – and when he handed her the little box she lit up (thinking it was an engagement ring)! Well, over the next few weeks, that prompted Travis to purchase 30 little boxes – just to tease Vanessa. In each box he wrote a memory on a piece of paper – and in one of the boxes – he told Vanessa there was an engagement ring. She could open one box a day (although secretly Travis had it rigged so he knew when she would open the ring box). At the beginning, there was so much excitement and anticipation! “I could get engaged any day now!!” After 20 something days Vanessa was a little frustrated by it all. She casually picked a box one morning and Travis suggested they open it a little later after a road trip. Vanessa pulled her hair up into a bun and put on a sweatshirt. Of course, today was the day that the memory included words about creating memories together forever… and Travis asked Vanessa to be his wife along the coast of California. She was so shocked – even though she knew it could be any day! I absolutely love that!

The day of their Muir Beach engagement photos, Vanessa and Travis treated me like an old friend. It felt so good to be part of their tribe, even though we had just met! These two have such incredible chemistry and a positive, “willing to try anything at least once” attitude. They did every single crazy request that Ingrid and I threw their way and I think it was well worth it!

Vanessa and Travis, a huge thank you for being so incredible and fun to work with! I loved our dinner date – and hearing your story. It is so clear that you two adore each other and will have a marriage filled with joy. And Ingrid, thank you for letting me tag along and watch you work your magic. Love you lady!

Hair and Makeup: Janessa Simmons Beauty Makeup // Dress: Anthropologie // Earrings: Mountainside Jewelry // Blazer: Good Man Brand // Pants: Bonobos // Shoes: Camper //

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