Jonathan and Clarissa met at Starbucks. Jonathan manages the store and Clarissa was a regular. She would come in everyday and while Jonathan was quite taken with her he didn’t make any sort of move as he had to maintain a professional work environment, of course. Over the course of a full year they would see each other. Clarissa would order, Jonathan would make her drink, and friendly conversation would ensue. One day a breakthrough finally came in their barista/customer relationship: Jonathan and Clarissa had been going to the SAME church the entire time! As their church is fairly massive, they never met or saw each other at all. One would enter from the right and sit there, the other from the left. Pretty crazy right? After that point things happened very quickly and they fell head over heals in love with each other. Their wedding is this June (the week after ours!) and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it.
Its not too often that you meet a couple whose love is as sweet and open as theirs. It was a privilege to be able to document and makes me so thankful that I do what I do. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them!
To go straight to the slideshow click here.
We walked along beautiful paths in a nature center, found a bright turquoise wall to photograph in front of, went to a park and had a picnic, and saw lots of cute critters along the way. Here are a few of my favorites from the day:
I think Jonathan and Clarissa might be part time models. They’re gorgeous right?
I love the sweetness of this:
This was such a beautiful pathway in the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach.
This little guy posed for my camera =)
Matching Toms get major bonus points ;)
Jonathan and Clarissa carefully considered everything from their outfits to the locations and props. I think it really shows who they are as a couple and creates a lot of interest. Love that they brought a picnic basket with scrabble, books, and delicious kombucha.
The weather was perfect for a relaxing cuddle under the tree.
Clarissa! You are so beautiful and project such poised confidence in front of the camera. This is one of my favorite shots.
And Jonathan was quite handsome, himself.
Clarissa loves birds so I made sure to take plenty of bird shots. That goose wanted to get me!
Next we headed to Naples in Belmont Shore, Long Beach. I can’t believe we have so many amazing little gems in Southern California. I can see why people never leave.
Jonathan and Clarissa, Tim and I had so much fun spending the day with you. We are so happy to have clients like you and can not wait for your wedding day. I know that it will be just perfect.
by admin
These photos took my breath away. Absolutely beautiful.
Jess, I think these might be the best photos you’ve done so far. You’ve successfully captured “emotion” and it shows in so many of these photos. I love the pictures with all the gray colors. Congratulations on such fine photos. And as for their story, God does work in mysterious ways!
Jess, these look so good! Love the adorable picnic! These 2 have awesome style and you captured it beautifully! :)
Great photos Jess! This couple seems so genuine and you captured those real moments…Awesome :)I think this is what an engagement photo is supposed to be!!
Well then-i want to get married just so i can have pictures as gorgeous as this!
PRESSLEY DOING WORK. Nice job guys, and what a great looking couple!
Looks fanfreakingtastic! I love that black and white one by the lake. beautiful beautiful.
i also love that you got to shoot a girl that fits into that small bracket of women who can successfully pull off a high waisted long skirt! LUCKY you; lucky HER. :)
These are gorgeous! I love the locations picked and the style they chose to go with the photos. What a fun story to read :) You did an amazing job capturing it all, I cannot wait to see the wedding images!