Estela contacted me back in January for a photo session to celebrate her recent engagement to her long-time beau, Jose. We met up for coffee in Gilroy and I connected with her right away. A girlboss herself, she was drawn to a natural, country setting for her engagement shoot which is my favorite. Life took over, but I was so excited when she reconnected with me in April for an engagement photo session in June.
On a Sunday evening in June we all met at The Running Shop and Hops in downtown Morgan Hill for a beer and to get to know each other better. I find that the photo-taking process is often a very personal thing, so getting comfortable helps a lot! Estela and Jose are a fun and friendly couple and we could have easily lost track of time talking about their life and future plans.
Estela and Jose met while playing volleyball with friends and have been together for over ten years. They have an ease with one another and a deep respect that can only come with time. They both work a lot, but when they get time together they like to discover new places such as beaches, restaurants, and towns.
Estela and Jose were originally hoping to do their engagement shoot in a cherry orchard, but plans changed and we decided on Anderson Lake County Park. I love this place, but not many people know about it. My favorite location in the park is along the Coyote Creek Trail where there are fields of tall grasses, huge oak trees, a bridge, and a fantastic sunset. Estela and Jose didn't think they had been to the park, but when we pulled into the parking lot they were happily surprised to recognize this as the place where they used to meet up during their lunch breaks when they were first dating. So the location ended up being even more fitting than we thought!
Estela and Jose were especially drawn to the bridge so we decided to concentrate their photos around it. I love the leading lines it creates in the photographs, plus it has great light before and during sunset. Estela and Jose went outfit shopping the week before and I love what they coordinated. Plus, how great is Estela's white dress?! We both agreed that if wedding planning got too hectic...she could elope in it!
Estela and Jose both expressed that they were a little nervous about their engagement shoot, but they totally rocked it! I am delighted that they were able to let loose and have fun. Their playfulness and passion with one another was such a joy to experience and photograph.
Until we meet again for a beer, I wish you all the very best Estela and Jose!