We always love when we have the chance to travel for an engagement session and meet the couple in a spot that is meaningful for them. For Sara and Joe’s engagement photos, we headed down to LA into the Venice Canals. I had never been to this part of LA before and it was so different to stroll through the narrow pathways along the water – such a charming neighborhood. From there, we explored some other neighborhoods around LA – searching for rows of palm trees in this tropical city.

Sara and Joe met at a Fantasy Football draft the day before they both started law school. The critical takeaway here? Sara beat Joe twice during their Fantasy Football run. While initially they were just friends, they saw something more evolving and soon began dating.

The proposal story was truly a memorable one. They shared it with us during their engagement session and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Sara was expecting Joe to propose around Thanksgiving – as Joe had kept asking her about Thanksgiving plans. However, Thanksgiving came and went with no ring on Sara’s finger. Joe had other plans. They went to Mexico together in December (where she was also hopeful), and flew straight to Chicago to be with Sara’s family for Christmas. Every day in Mexico, Joe would check the luggage and make sure the ring was still there – and well hidden. When they arrive in Chicago, the plans begin to unravel. Sara’s friend was supposed to get her out of the house – but her friend tested positive for Covid – so Joe had to get creative and find another way to get Sara preoccupied for a bit. He came up with a plan that involved taking her family out to lunch – so he texts Sara’s brother and says “do you want to be there when I propose?” … however… he accidentally sends that text message to Sara… who he is sitting next to on the couch. She looks over at him and says “You just texted me.” She starts to cry (excited tears) and immediately runs upstairs to go get ready. Joe proposed later that day in Chicago at the Beehive in Lincoln Park. What a story! Honestly, I love it.

Joe and Sara, you two are filled to the brim with good energy and I love watching you both laugh together! We can’t wait to see you in a few short months down in Carmel! What a treat!

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We are husband and wife California Bay area wedding photographers. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.