engagement Archive - Em the Gem

Archive for the ‘engagement’ Category

justin + rebecca : berkeley engagement
May 16

Ocean City, New Jersey.

Rebecca + Justin had joined a summer project with Cru that summer to work and serve there along with other college students from all over the United States. They were just 2 of a handful of UC Berkeley Students to go to Ocean City that summer.

They didn’t really know each other before that. But when they arrived, Rebecca was convinced that not only did Justin not really like her, but that he probably disliked her.

At least, that was the only way she could explain why he never talked to her.

But Justin was just blissfully unaware. Isn’t that like guys sometimes? Guys, feel free to speak up or forever hold your peace…I know that’s what happened with Aaron and I. After a month of hanging out, I was sure that I was madly in like with the boy and as far as I could tell I was just another friend he liked to hang out with. And flirt with. and instant message all the time…but I digress…

But Justin (much like my husband) eventually wised up to the fact that he had a girl right in front of him that might just be the one he could spent forever with.

In Rebecca’s words “Justin stopped ignoring her and realized what he was missing.”

I’m pretty happy that he decided to lock things down. I think that now he knows exactly what he’s got…

After we spent some time at the Berkeley Rose Garden we headed over to the Berkeley marina to run around with some balloons. It was a little bit (okay, VERY) windy but I think it made for a fun challenge…

Rebecca + Justin, thanks so much for allowing me to tell your story.

I’m mad that you are spending the summer in Paris without me… but I guess I’m pretty excited for your wedding in September, so we’ll call it even.

xoxo,
Em

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sarah + will : point reyes engagement
April 24

The first time they met, neither of them thought the other would be interested. Except that both of them were. Very interested.

It took a dance floor to get both of them to admit it. Sarah + Will laugh a lot about that first dance.

Now this Southern girl and California boy are inseparable.

Their differences complement and expose each other to the best of each other’s world … the way Will’s family camps with every modern appliance and bakes birthday cakes in the wilderness, to the way that Sarah’s family likes their beach vacations so hot and humid that Will has to lie covered under an umbrella… I love the way they can each laugh about those differences and still appreciate them.

One thing they both love equally is food, so visiting The Marshall Store for some oysters and a little picnic by the bay was a perfect choice for their engagement session.

We took a detour to a meadow that Sarah loves. It was a little treacherous to get to, but I think that just makes things more fun.

Sarah + Will, thanks for the adventure. It was so fun to spend this time with you guys and I am so excited for your wedding.

Also, this post has me craving more oysters. BAD!

xoxo,
Em

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as long as we go together
April 18

This is part II of Brian + Amanda’s Palo Alto engagement session. See Part I here.

Hair + Makeup + Styling by Camille Monique

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amanda + brian : palo alto engagement
April 13

I’ve always believed that what you wear makes a difference. It gives people hints as to what kind of person you are like.

And you can never underestimate the importance of a first impression.

They met through mutual friends. The first time Amanda met Brian… it was all about his white loafers.

She probably noticed his hair, and the way he smiled, but the thing that intrigued her most, was the idea of this guy bold enough for those white loafers.

I don’t know if Brian remembers what Amanda was wearing the first time they met.

My guess is that he was probably more focused on her beautiful face, or her confident, fun personality.

And. Just maybe… THOSE LEGS!

Amanda + Brian, I am so THRILLED you chose me to document your love.

You guys are a dream to photograph … thank you for having fun with this. I am so looking forward to what’s to come.

Right?? I die. Camille did hair, makeup and styling for our session and she killed it.

Part II is coming next week. There was simply too much good stuff.

Have an amazing weekend friends!

xoxo
Em

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jay + beth : san francisco engagement
March 14

I’m not a snob. I prefer the term coffee enthusiast.

In my former life as a speciality coffee barista, the best part of my day would be creating something beautiful for one of my morning regulars. The espresso pulled just long enough and at just the right temperature. Just enough microfoam to create a swirling beautiful design as it layered with the crema on top. Handing over something beautiful and delicious. The highlight of their morning routine.

I guess I should have known then that it was the art of it that really delighted me. There’s an art to coffee that not everyone can fully appreciate. Flavors in a perfectly roasted varietal like mandarin orange, brown sugar, cherries, chocolate, blueberries….

Ok. Have I lost you yet?

Maybe I feel the need to make you understand that when you visit my (adopted) city of San Francisco, I get excited to take you to the places that do it right and not just to show you another sight.

So when Jay and Beth – in town from Australia for their wedding later that week – met me for their engagement session in San Francisco, I wanted to take them to Sightglass Coffee before we hit up Coit Tower.

Thankfully, these two trusted me enough to just smile and nod when I started going off about the espresso and allowed me to shoot some frames I am really excited to show you.

Their wedding is coming up next so I’ll wait until that post to tell you all the other reasons why I love these two Aussies so very much…