A pop of color… and a question?

I first crossed paths with Michael at the coffee bar at Nugget, and from the very beginning, his vibrant energy was absolutely infectious! It didn’t take long for me to learn all about his girlfriend, Mattisse. He couldn’t stop talking about her, and it was clear how much he adored her—his eyes sparkled, and his voice was filled with love. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone gush like that!

At that time, Michael shared with me that they had once been engaged, but Mattisse decided to end it—not because their love was lacking, but simply because she wasn’t quite ready to take that step. Since then, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of photographing their journey together. Every time I'm with them, I’m reminded of the beautiful way they light each other up. They are both such vibrant, colorful souls, and together, they create an electric atmosphere! This is exactly why I love what I do; getting a front row seat of real life stories just like theirs.

So, when Mattisse reached out with her exciting plan to re-propose—this time with her on one knee—I was over the moon! We came up with a fun idea for a “branding” shoot for her doula website, pretending to snap some professional headshots amidst the dreamy lavender fields at Bluestone in Placerville. We even roped Michael into a few “about me” photos to keep things looking spontaneous and natural.

And then came the big moment! I positioned them for a few shots, guiding Michael into place. Of course, with his keen intuition, he started to piece things together. When he turned around and saw her on one knee, he had a witty joke ready (classic Michael!), and we all erupted into laughter—so much so that we must have woken the nearby farmers!

This session was about so much more than just beautiful lighting and a picturesque backdrop. It was a celebration of real love, growth, timing, and trust—all wrapped up in an unforgettable evening. Watching Mattisse take that monumental step and witnessing Michael’s joyful reaction was truly one of the most heartwarming moments I’ve ever had the honor to capture.