“Occasional showers possible. Highs in the mid 60s and low in the low 50’s”. Shit. It’s going to rain. So like any professional photographer would do, I panicked and quickly texted Lydia. “It’s going to rain. Buy umbrellas.” But I shouldn’t say I panicked. More like sprung into action. One thing about this business is it’s important that you are flexible and are able to adapt to any situation at a moments notice. A sunny day can turn into rain. A happy bride can turn into a bridezilla. And all the pre-planning that you do can be for naught. But on that day in Calistoga, CA., Lady Luck decided to cast her smile upon us and gave us just the right amount of clouds and sunshine. 
So Lydia and Tessa finally arrived. I could tell they were nervous. Heck, I was nervous. Not because of the fear that I might botch-up their esession, but because Lydia and I went to nursing school together. I guess I always put more pressure on myself when it comes to photographing friends and acquaintances. Especially nurses. 

One day, in your search for happiness, you discover someone by your side, and you realize that your happiness has come to help you search.” – Robert Brault

I was actually surprised to read her text message. Nessa wrote: “I apologize. Our love story is nothing out of the ordinary.” Over the last three years that I’ve been speaking to couples and hearing their stories, I feel that each and every one of them is special. No matter how much of the initial courting stage might feel mundane or oft repeated, it’s what happens in between the lines that speaks volumes. 

We finally arrived at the desired location. I stepped out of the car and walked toward where my client was standing. Jeffrey, looking a bit pressured, was trying to decide which outfit he should wear first. “Yeah, you gotta wear the gray sweater first.” I reassured him. I then peeked over the rear window of his car. To my surprise his back seat was filled with props and items that are all intended to be used for the shoot. I knew then and there that this was going to be a great session.

We were invited to dinner by Tuan and Maria the night before their esession. Either to calm their nerves or to get to know us better. Nonetheless, we talked and laughed over Korean BBQ and some good red wine. Listening to Maria and Tuan recall their past was amusing. Each person had their own version of the story to tell. Despite Tuan’s version being a little bit more on the comedic side, you could still see the sincerity in his eyes.