Engagements Archives - Jasmine Star

Corona Del Mar Engagement : Holly+Blaine

Jasmine Star — Wed, 04 May 2016 14:30:07 +0000

Palm trees and the smell of the ocean–even if faint–were the sights and scents of their hometown in Hawaii. They met their sophomore year of high school in math class when they were paired together for group work. Holly thanked her lucky stars she was matched with Blaine, the smartest (and kindest) guy in class. They laughed, worked, and sat together, but their friendship didn’t extend beyond geometry because Blaine had a girlfriend.

After graduation, Holly left the island to attend college in California and Blaine continued on at the University of Hawaii. Longing for the shores of home, Holly returned during a break from school bumped into Blaine while out with her friends one night. Years after their geometry class together, they had something even better together: chemistry.

They committed to a long-distance relationship and as soon as Blaine graduated from college, he packed his bags and together they moved to Corona Del Mar, California. Palm trees and the smell of the ocean are the sights and scents of their hometown, a place they’ve grown to love and call their own.

Holly and Blaine started their engagement session at home, simply relaxing and enjoy the afternoon. Holly is a calligrapher, so she crafted a special note for Blaine…

I casually joked with Holly that because she’s SO good at what she does, I might have her create all my stationary, Christmas cards, birthday cards, banners, and a tattoo for me

Holly and Blaine adopted Poki a few years ago and he’s just the sweetest pup you could ask for…I wanted to take him home with me!

We decided to walk to the beach and enjoy the beautiful day…

Corona Del Mar is a small neighborhood in Newport Beach, and has the most stunning beach views…

After a quick change, Holly and Blaine enjoyed sunset…

Holly, thank you for trusting me. You are stunningly gorgeous and I feel incredibly lucky our paths crossed in yoga class. Namaste, good friend.

It was overcast when we walked to the beach, but just before the sun set, the sky broke and golden rays of goodness poured forth…

Blaine is the type of guy everyone wants to be friends with. He’s quiet, kind, attentive and has an amazing sense of humor. No one can make Holly laugh at the drop of a hat they way he can…

The sun quickly disappeared and the day became cold, so Blaine just wrapped his arms around his fiance and all was well in that moment…

Home is wherever they are together…

Can’t wait for their wedding in Hawaii later this summer!

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Oak Glen Engagement : Kylie+Austin

Jasmine Star — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 06:30:23 +0000

She had enough. She told Kylie that she was going to find her a good man, someone who’d treat her well and love her. The only problem was they were at a bar. Undeterred, she scanned the room on behalf of Kylie and her eyes landed on Austin. In a small-world turn of events, she recognized Austin from high school, so she sauntered up to him. She pointed Kylie out from the opposite side of the bar and said it was his lucky night.

Austin and Kylie met just outside of the bar, but what was supposed to be a jovial conversation turned into a lifelong commitment of love, kindness, and fun. After dating for six years, Austin asked Kylie to be his wife and they’re planning a perfect wedding at The Montage Laguna Beach later this year.

We met in Oak Glen, California, where they’re building their lives together. Literally. Austin is building Kylie a wedding venue, but before they open the doors, they’re opening their hearts to each other for eternity.

Many thanks to Abby Lee Events for connecting me with such a sweet couple…

It was a gorgeous afternoon in Oak Glen and the light was perfection…

Kylie is soft-spoken and kind, but Austin knows how to make her laugh with just a few words…

Austin and Kylie have the cutest son, Ryder, who charmed his way into pictures every chance he could get…

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Griffith Observatory Engagement

Jasmine Star — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 16:35:39 +0000

Of all the students at USC Law School, she stood out. Of all the blond-hair, blue-eyed girls in Los Angeles, she stood out. Of all the kind-hearted Californians (by way of Massachusetts), she stood out. Phillip was determined to meet Stephanie because she was the type of girl who left an impression. He made sure their study groups overlapped, even returning one night to the library after attending a Lakers game, much to the surprise of his friends. That was a true sign Phillip simply wanted reasons to be around Stephanie.

After a group trip to Mammoth, Stephanie and Phillip began to see each other as more than just friends and soon became serious. They graduated and began their careers in Los Angeles, trading in nights at the library to nights together at home. When Phillip proposed, Stephanie happily agreed to marry one of the sweetest men she’s ever encountered.

They planned their engagement session in LA, the city of dreams, as it was the perfect background to their love story. As the sun set along the city skyline, they held hands, danced in the sunlight, and enjoyed an afternoon in each others’ arms.

Many thanks to Kerrie Underhill for connecting me with this amazing couple…I know their wedding will be nothing short of amazing!

The light was perfect, the day was bright, and the sun was golden…I couldn’t ask for more!

The Griffith Observatory is always crowded…with view of Los Angeles like this, it’s impossible not to be. However, it seemed like for a entire minute, the couple had the place to themselves…loved it!

Phillip spoke highly of the architecture of the Observatory, so I hope this archway shows off two things he finds beautiful: The historic landmark, and his fiancé!

What a perfect way to spend a beautiful day in LA!

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Oak Park Engagement Photos : Renee+Kevin

Jasmine Star — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 03:31:00 +0000

Their university was perched on a hill, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Malibu. Bright-eyed and wide-smiled, Renee walked into her Organizational Management on the first day of class and found a seat. Focused and determined, she somehow missed Kevin’s gaze…and continued missing it until they worked on a group project together.

Kevin asked her on a date and she agreed, though–years later–they couldn’t agree where it took place (it may or may not have involved Red Robin). In between falling in love, moving in together in the near future, and adopting two pugs, they realized their lives would be empty without each other.

They’ll wed later this year in Orange County and have a beautiful day in store, but they wanted their engagement photos to reflect their home town love. We met in Oak Park, California and spent the afternoon with their pups enjoying love on a sunny afternoon.

The park was a nature preserve, so the trees and gnarled paths were nothing short of stunning…

Sometimes a little bit of sunshine makes the biggest difference…

Many thanks to Jeannie Savage of Details, Details for sending Renee and Kevin my way…she has some beautiful wedding details in store!

I loved seeing Lily and Milo make a sneak peek appearance…I mean, a floral color and matching yellow bow tie? Stopppppp.

With El Nino’s storms in full effect, we were hours from postponing the shoot, but the sun burst onto the scene providing beautiful light amongst the grey sky.

Renee and Kevin love their dogs in a way that seems so familiar…it was nice to talk about our mutual “crazy” love for our pets!

Oh, Renee, go ONNNNNN with all your gorgeousness…

I’ll end of this lovely photo…here’s to wish them a lifelong journey of love to them!

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San Juan Capistrano Engagement : Ashley + Max

Jasmine Star — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 05:38:00 +0000

They met on a soccer field in San Diego. Under the fluorescent lights and a dark sky, they played on a coed team and enjoyed a friendly relationship. Max noticed Ashley’s blue eyes and bright smile and knew she was different. He was intrigued and planned to get to know his teammate.

Max arranged an additional practice one evening for himself and three other players (Ashley was, of course, part of the practice team). As luck would have it, the only two players to show up for practice were Max and Ashley. Together they laughed, kicked a ball, and enjoyed a night together.

In a matter of days, Max invited Ashley on a date and years later they’ve remained teammates…for life. They’re planning to marry this summer in Bel Air and their day will be filled with lots of cheers from the sidelines.

One of the best things about Max is his ability to make Ashley laugh at a moment’s notice…she’s truly smitten with him…

It was an overcast day, but the gorgeous terra cotta hues from the walls brightened our day and created a warm glow to the photos…

Oh, Ashley, you are beautiful. Inside and out.

Many thanks to Heather White of Brooke Keegan Special Events for referring this amazing couple my way…I can’t wait to see what she has planned for such a gorgeous wedding day!

The San Juan Capistrano Mission is a stunning location for an engagement session…

Max and Ashley have a Tuscan inspired wedding planned, so meeting at the San Juan Capistrano Mission was the perfect location for a rustic vibe and historic appeal…

These two are effortlessly chic…

I’ll end on this note because it’s one of my favorites from the shoot…

I can’t wait for their wedding!

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Orange County Engagement Photos : Nasimeh+Sebastian

Jasmine Star — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:11:00 +0000

There’s this thing about him. It’s a palpable energy surrounding him, like an invisible glow. When Sebastian talks to you, his bright eyes crease at the ends in way that appears he’s always on the verge of a smile. And he is. Sebastian and Nasimeh met on New Year’s Eve in 2009, but reconnected a couple years later a mutual friend’s birthday party. It was Sunday night and Nasimeh made the promise to herself she’d leave the party early because of work the next day. She started the evening dead-set on getting home at a reasonable hour, but her plans unraveled like a spool of twine when Sebastian approached.

The evening passed in what felt like a second due to their connection, conversation, and endless laughter (Sebastian would also say his charming left-cheek dimple helped seal the deal), and left at 2 a.m.. The following week, Sebastian asked her on a date and the rest is history.

The couple will marry at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach early next year, so they opted for an outdoor, nature setting for their engagement photos…

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you: The Dimple.

Sebastian has a way of making Nasimeh smile in an instant, and her adoration is evident…

The day was overcast, but the light was soft and lovely…

Many thanks to Michelle of Details, Details for connecting me with the couple…

I call this the anatomy of a piggy-back ride…

Okay, let’s try it one last time…this? Them? Perfection.

Nasimeh and Sebastian, I can’t wait for what’s in store next year…thank you for the pleasure of getting to know you better…I look forward to doing the same with your friends and family!

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Fullerton Engagement Session : Melissa+Wes

Jasmine Star — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 07:12:00 +0000

They met while in college. While attending the California State University at Fullerton, Melissa saw Wes the minute she walked into a Halloween party. Dressed like a cavewoman, complete with ratted hair and animal print, Melissa saw a different type of animal cross the room. A life-sized cow strolled passed her and smiled. With his cow belly exposed, Melissa was udderly impressed.

Within moments, the cavewoman and the cow were chatting and their lives were forever changed. They earned their degrees and their relationship blossomed into being the foundation upon which their dreams grew. Years later, Wes asked Melissa to join him at the beach, where he surprised her by getting on one knee and asking her to spend the rest of their lives together.

For their engagement session, they returned to the place they fell in love: Cal State Fullerton. They walked hand-in-hand through the campus arboretum and later Downtown…

On a perfect fall day in Orange County, the couple spent the afternoon enjoying a golden sunset…

Although Melissa’s sweater is cute and warm, Wes is the best thing to keep her cozy…

After a quick outfit change, the couple made their way to Downtown Fullerton for a little fun…

…and a little more FUN!

Melissa gives me hair envy…

Wes is a charming guy with a soft heart and a great smile…

California dreamin’…

Smooth moves, smoother love.

Can’t wait for their wedding in Santa Barbara next year!

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Dallas Engagement Session : Becky+Jeff

Jasmine Star — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 05:19:00 +0000

They were introduced by a friend, on multiple occasions. Three or four times, perhaps. But it wasn’t until Jeff approached Becky at a bar in Uptown Dallas that he saw her, and the glow she possessed. He asked if they’d met before and Becky smiled her sweet smile, responding yes. They spent the night talking until they were the last at the bar and continued their conversation late into the night, under a starry Texas sky.

On that night, Jeff knew she was different; Becky was a candle amongst matches.

He called her shortly thereafter and invited her to join him at a Mavs basketball game on their first date. They don’t remember who played, the score, or what they ate because they spent the entire evening talking. In fact, it wasn’t until their fourth date that Becky confessed she really wasn’t into sports, so they didn’t have to spend evenings together courtside. As long as Jeff was there, any place was perfect.

They fell in love in a big, Texas-sized way. She arranges travel plans around the NFL schedule because she loves him, he lets her dress their dogs because he loves her. And they continue to talk and dream of how good life will be when they’re husband and wife.

Becky and Jeff are planning to wed in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, so we started off their Dallas engagement session at a local Mexican restaurant. Because, really, there are few things better than a midday margarita on a hot day!

I loved how Becky and Jeff planned out their session because it showcased their fun personalities…and also provided a great opportunity for them to incorporate the themed photos into their future wedding website!

Jeff works for an awesome marketing agency in Dallas, so he was always conscious of good lighting…something I wholeheartedly appreciated!

It was SO hot outside (103-degrees…in the shade!), so they cooled down with Mexican soda, Jarritos.

Thankfully the manager turned on the outdoor misters, which cooled the area, but Becky and Jeff kept things hot. Or shall I say EN FUEGO!

After a quick outfit change, a sweet friend brought Becky and Jeff’s dogs to the engagement session…too cute!

Yes, that’s a miniature mohawk on this pup!

Sometimes a photo happens in between moments…Becky is just one of those girls who is enjoys the moment, and savors the silliness of life…

In spite of the mid-afternoon heat, Becky and Jeff strolled together to get to a beautiful hidden gem at a nearby park…

Many thanks to Maitee Miles for a beautiful job with hair and makeup!

I’ll end with this photo because it’s a quiet moment of two people in love…and ready to take on Mexico with flair!

Many thanks to Julian Leaver for connecting me to Becky and Jeff…I adore working with amazingly talented friends who’ll make the wedding day come to life!

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Crystal Cove Engagement Photos : Kathryn+Corey

Jasmine Star — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 04:55:00 +0000

When they went on their first date, they laughed and smiled the entire night. At the end of the meal, their waiter looked at them and insisted they’d be married one day. The laughed it off and walked out of the restaurant onto Melrose Avenue under a darkened sky. They’d met a few months earlier as friends, but kept their distance. It wasn’t until Corey ran into Kathryn again that they knew they shared a special connection.

Corey asked her out and they agreed to dine at Franco, which led to an unforgettable evening…which led to unforgettable years together. It was no surprise when Kahryn said yes!!! to Corey’s marriage proposal in front of the Eiffel Tower, with Paris lights twinkling in the background.

As they plan to wed next month, they planned a beach engagement session in Newport Beach, at Crystal Cove. I was thrilled to spend more time with this amazing couple and I can’t wait to document their first day as husband and wife soon!

Corey and Kathryn are the type of couple who can light up a room with their love…

Kathryn, you are seriously and unfathomably beautiful…

In case you’re wondering, yes, Corey has Kathryn’s name tattoo’d on his left foot…

In a matter of seconds, Kathryn can do something that makes Corey sit in awe of her beauty, grace, and tease!

Some blog readers might remember Kathryn and Corey from my 30 Day Photography Bootcamp…I was lucky enough to record the first time we met at my studio for a consultation. As nerve-wrecking as that experience was, it helped a lot of photographers see how I conduct my client meetings…they were such great sports about it and I’m SO lucky to have them as clients!

I mean, just look at them…their loves glows!

Working with Corey and Kathryn has been extra awesome because Jayme Vainer of A Good Affair has been in control of planning…can’t wait to see what her team dreams up for decor!

This couple makes a sandy beach look sultry…

In a matter of mere seconds, Corey can bring out the best laugh in Kathryn…as seen here…

…and here…

I’ll end on this happy note…a slightly foggy sunset…a pink sky…and the Pacific coast. What couple needs more?

Happy Monday!

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