Where to begin… Gabrielle and I met probably about 4-5 years ago as we hung around the same group of friends but knew of each other since high school (Small Town Santa Fe). We really became close about 3 years ago when an MA position became available at the holistic center I was working at and Gabrielle got the job. We eventually got Leo and Stephen together and they hit it off just as much as we did (actually maybe more ha ha). It was a match made in heaven!
Then along came baby (for us) which is when most friendships (especially the ones that only one side transitions into parenthood and the other is still free to go out and have fun as they please) fade. Not this one! Not once did Leo and I feel that awkward transition out of our friendship with Gabrielle & Stephen. Everything we started doing they just made sure Armina was able do it as well. It really meant everything keeping a little piece of our lives normal after the literal huge over night change we experienced. Gabrielle was actually the first person (after Leo of course) that knew about Armina when we got the call about a baby girl. She let me have a freak out moment in the office then shared in my excitement as she knew what this meant to us. 2 weeks later we had our baby shower in which she was so helpful planning and coordinating. Aunt Gabby and Uncle Stephen are such huge pieces of both our babies lives and we know that will not be changing anytime soon.
This sweet couple has been through so much from moving, to nursing school for Gabrielle (Ahem Gabrielle RN), to new jobs and lots of exciting travel. They have been side by side every step of the way and are truly a couple to admire. When Stephen told us he was going to propose we just about burst! The moment couldn’t come soon enough. When the weekend finally came we waited with our phones on loud to get the news and when the picture of Gabrielle finally came through with her new bling we were overjoyed! I don’t even think that word covers it. Some of our best friends were getting married!! She facetimed me and let me watch the video of Stephen proposing and we both just cried all over again.
Stephen did an amazing job
A. With the beautiful custom ring
B. With the beautiful outdoors backdrop just perfect for a proposal. It was so them.
When they asked me to shoot their engagement photos I was so honored they chose me to capture such a significant moment in their lives. Engagement photos are the beginning of a beautiful life together looking towards forever. There is such a magical feeling shooting engagement sessions because you just have this amazing energy of love, excitement and anticipation of what’s to come. It’s the best vibe! These two knew exactly where they wanted to go for their session. We had actually been planning for weeks getting ideas on Pinterest and they were scouting locations. Well when it rained all weekend I was so worried we were going to have to reschedule but it seemed like just in our little area of shooting the rain wasn’t hitting, thank God! They were so sweet in making sure I dressed for some hiking as I am the least outdoorsy person ever and thankfully Stephen drove us in his truck because we did quite a bit of off roading. The weather was perfect and we were really able to capture essence of who they are as a couple with their choice of location. It was tailored just for them.
Of course we CANNOT forget their baby, Jackson Brown! He was so excited from the moment I got in the car. He knew something special was happening. He did so well through all of the drive and gave us the cutest photos! He only tried to eat the ring once and thankfully missed.
I hope you all enjoyed a little behind the scenes recap of our day with this beautiful couple! Please feel free to offer well wishes to the couple below. They deserve all the happiness in the world! Congratulations again, you guys! We are so blessed to have a friendship like yours.