Hello, friends!

Its been a while since our last post,

so…

 WELCOME BACK!

Let’s pick right up where we left off, shall we?

Part III of the beautiful story of Heidi + Scott’s Green Mountain Ranch Wedding!

After their emotional ceremony,

Heidi + Scott spent a few quiet moments alone together as the sun set behind the trees..

Love emanated through their shared glances.

These moments in-between the ceremony and reception feel sacred when we photograph them..

Amid all of the excitement, this is when time stands still.

Together, Heidi + Scott took a few moments to be quiet and savor.

But when it was time,

The party began!

Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Reception was full of tightly-knit family and friends who often feel like family

The smiles were radiant, and the laughter was constant!

 Every detail was a perfect reflection of Heidi + Scott,

from Heidi’s surprise ice cream cake (Scott’s favorite), to their wedding favors:

mix CD’s with songs these two musicians cherish together.

Although Heidi + Scott’s wedding was six months ago,

I still remember tearing up at the heartfelt toasts.

“I saw Scott touch Heidi’s face tenderly, and I knew!” Deborah said,

“And when I talked with Heidi about how she felt with Scott, she agreed that she felt at home.”

She feels at home.

It gets me every time.

As the light grew dim, and the photobooth lit up,

the dancing began -

and if you know anything about Heidi + Scott’s friends, you know that they love to dance!

Why? They’ve got moves..

And everyone joins in!

It was the BEST time.

Heidi + Scott, you are incredible people -

What an honor to photograph your Wedding!

We have so much love for you both.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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It was Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Day!

Guests were in their seats, and family members were lining up:

and Scott was standing in front of all of his loved ones, waiting for the Bride.

As the anticipation was building, Scott embraced his parents warmly,

And the sound Heidi + Scott’s friends playing music signaled the beginning of the processional:

Finally, the time had come!

Isn’t Heidi absolutely beautiful?!

After Josh led a moment of prayer,

Heidi + Scott joined together in front of their family and community, under the shady trees by the lake.

It was a peaceful, gentle moment on their Wedding Day.

Throughout the ceremony, Heidi’s smile radiated joy. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her smile like she did that day!

As Heidi + Scott shared their vows, Scott was tearful – a reminder to everyone present of the significance and sacredness of the day:

Is there anything more meaningful than intentional, thoughtful, and steadfast people committing to love one another in sickness and in health?

Just as the tears came easily at Heidi + Scott’s Wedding, so did laughter.

When a gust of wind unexpectedly wrapped lace streamers around them, they paused and enjoyed the spontaneous interruption.

Heidi + Scott’s openness to playfulness, finding enjoyment is simple moments…

is utterly life-giving to everyone around them.

Moments later, Josh pronounced Heidi + Scott husband and wife.

And their first act in marriage?

Serving Communion to parents..

And grandparents, and friends.

And then they shared a kiss!

Before walking back down the aisle hand in hand, Scott looked at Heidi,

and gave her a giant bear hug.

This is what love looks like when it overflows.

Without hesitation, Scott and Heidi turned to Josh and gave him a hug, too -

And then exited the ceremony with applause, as Mr. and Mrs. Haskins!

Two weeks ago at church, I met an old friend of Heidi’s.

“Oh, you know Heidi + Scott?” I blurted out,

“They’re two of the best people I know!”

With a glimpse into their Wedding Day, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. Heidi + Scott, thank you so much for letting us photograph your Wedding!

P.P.S. Can you believe that there’s a Part III to this story? We can’t wait to share it with you!

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We have known Heidi for over 10 years, and we consider Heidi + Scott some of our closest friends.

They are simple people who love God and neighbor.

They are playful in spirit, hard workers, and deep thinkers.

We have laughed together and cried together.

To us, Heidi + Scott are rest.

Heidi + Scott were to be wed on a warm day in late July at the aptly-named Green Mountain Ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains.

There were touches of nature in the details of the day, from Heidi’s wedding ring of silver branches,

To the delicately sewn flowers in her hair.

Heidi prepared for the Big Day with her sister, Sonia.

These two women helped build our church and serve our community with love and grace.

They are my role models.

Heidi designed her bouquet with the help of local florist Aleah Holakoui, and looked utterly beautiful.

The mood was mostly peaceful,

With bursts of excited laughter.
Heidi’s laugh is one of my favorites in the world:

See what I mean?!

As the moment drew near for Heidi + Scott to experience their First Look,

Heidi and some family members paused to pray a blessing.

What a sacred moment.

Meanwhile, Scott was getting ready for the Wedding with his father.

Like Heidi, Scott has an incredible family -
tender hugs like these came often and flowed freely.

Anticipation was building..

And finally, the moment was here:

On the steps of an old chapel, Scott was ready and waiting to see his Bride for the first time on their Wedding Day!

This is why we love photography.

There are no words that can capture this moment:

The moment when Scott first saw Heidi on their Wedding Day.

This is love.

I tear up every time I look at these photographs.

Scott loves Heidi with his whole heart.

Heidi + Scott decided to go inside the chapel to spend some time in prayer over their marriage.

I love these quiet moments before the ceremony when couples can enjoy each other in peace,

before the energy of the Wedding sweeps them up in all of its glorious energy.

What a beautiful thing.

Something that you probably have picked up on, is that Heidi + Scott are best friends.

You can tell by the way Scott keeps glancing over at Heidi,

And the way Heidi melts into Scott.

Heidi + Scott’s friendship was founded in their love for music

(they used to play in a band together, and I was their biggest fan).

So, I thought it would be fitting to show you these next few images, some of my favorites from the day,

with the lyrics of the Coldplay song Scott sang to Heidi when he proposed in the hills around the Griffith Park Observatory:

(Click here to listen to the song on Spotify as you view these photographs)

My song is love
My song is love I know…

I’m on fire for you
Clearly you don’t have to be alone
You don’t have to be on your own

And I’m not gonna take it back
And I’m not gonna say I don’t mean that
You’re the target that I’m aiming at
But I’m nothing on my own
Got to get that message home

And I’m not gonna stand and wait
Not gonna leave it until its much too late
On a platform I’m gonna stand and say
That I’m nothing on my own
And I love you, please come home

My song is love, is love I know
And I’ve got to get that message home

Heidi + Scott, your Wedding Day was one of the most special days we’ve ever photographed.

Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of it!

Friends, you are not going to want to miss Part II of Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Day.

Bring tissues.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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Heidi + Scott are two people we love dearly, and have for a long while -

and the chance to be near to them throughout their Wedding Day was so, so special.

Since the Wedding was at a Green Mountain Ranch, Heidi suggested that the Reception include a Photobooth with a Western theme..

Brilliant.

What happened?

Crazy, hilarious, wonderful things happened, is what!

Oh. My. Word:

We love photographing Weddings! And we love good friends.

What a great night.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. For the rest of the hilarious Photobooth images and a Sneak Peek of Heidi + Scott’s gorgeous Wedding at Green Mountain Ranch,

check out our Daniel + Megan Photography Facebook page!

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Taking engagement photos in Monrovia, our loveable home, made us giddy.

Add Amber + Jonathan to the mix?

Oh goodness.

I mean, just look at Part I of their Engagement Session and tell us you’re not happier for it!

The Monrovia Public Library is one of our favorite places,

And since Amber + Jonathan met at APU,

a studious theme seemed fitting!

I can’t stop looking at their photos because

my brain can’t choose which to focus on:

their adorable relationship,

Or how Amber’s red ballet flats perfectly contrast with green vintage books.

I’m smitten.

(I think they’re smitten too, but in a whole different way!)

After Amber + Jonathan knocked the Monrovia Public Library’s romance quotient off the charts,

We wandered around the neighborhood!

Its funny, I’ve walked down this alley a hundred times…

but add Amber + Jonathan and some gorgeous light at dusk,

and it turns into magic.

Even their feet exude love!

Amber + Jonathan, you are so special. We’re so glad you found each other.

We get the sense that you feel the same…

Thanks for a glimpse of love in our favorite little town

With one of our favorite couples!

We can’t wait to photograph your Big Day!

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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Welcome to Amber + Jonathan’s Engagement Photo Session in Monrovia, CA!

Amber + Jonathan are simply the sweetest couple around, so we’re thrilled that we get to feature them on our blog.

We’ve known Amber for a while (oh, about a decade)

and we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Jonathan over the past few months, so…

Allow us to tell you some things you need to know about these two!

Amber has the biggest heart.

For the past forever (well, maybe 6 years?) she has volunteered with the kiddos in our church – and they love her to death.

What’s admirable to me is how she has served in such a loyal and humble way.

She doesn’t seek out recognition, yet she’s got the most extraordinary ability to make kids giggle.

What a gift!

Jonathan is smart and laid back.

He’s getting his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (a field we know a thing or two about)

and is going to be a great Therapist someday with his knack for setting people at ease.

Also, he’s hilarious!

(What can we say, we’re partial to clients who share our love of 30 Rock and Parks & Rec!)

But I digress. My point is, Amber + Jonathan are two very special people who simply make the world a nice place to live.

In particular, Monrovia – otherwise known as the Best Little Town in the San Gabriel Valley the World.

Amber + Jonathan met when they were students at APU, where they became close friends.

Friendship led to flirtation, and Amber + Jonathan became a couple!

I glanced at Amber’s photos today on Facebook, and I couldn’t help but notice -

every.single.photo with Jonathan has her smiling ear to ear.

She’s not just smiling for the camera either -

we’re talking carefree, happy as a clam, sometimes-goofy-and-always-loving-life smiles.

They’re pretty great together,

Aren’t they?

There are three things we just love to see in couples -

Things that make the relationship spark and shine in a special way:

(here’s a hint: we saw all three with Amber + Jonathan)!

# 1. Playfulness

Good times together keep that friendship alive!

Amber + Jonathan love to be silly together, and its pretty entertaining for anyone around them.

Love it.

Being around them is a fun. Plain and simple.

#2. Attraction

Case in point:

#3. Tenderness.

And we think its clear: they are the very definition.

Amber + Jonathan, your relationship is just beautiful.

Thank you for letting us capture your love.

We are so excited to photograph your Wedding!

But first, we can’t wait for you to see the second half in Part II!

Monrovia Library, here we come!

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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Amber + Jonathan’s Engagement Photography Session was like a double-date with a Mountainside Communion couple we love.

Aren’t they adorable?!

Besides getting to spend a relaxing afternoon in our favorite little town of Monrovia,

We also got to witness crazy-cute moments.

The longer we’ve been married, the more we think it comes down to a deep friendship.

And let me tell you, these two are going to have a blast with married life!

Amber + Jonathan’s Engagement Session was so much fun, we couldn’t wait to give you a Sneak Peek!

Stay tuned for Part I of their love story…

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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I’m having contractions. You can come over.

Never before had I been “on call” – but here I was.

I had been hired to photograph our friends Ivy + Ben’s homebirth, and the baby was coming – quickly.

While I darted out the door with my camera in tow, my phone buzzed with a text:

We’re cooking. So we’ll have some food for you.

Leave it to Ivy to be hospitable while managing contractions!

When I arrived at Ivy + Ben’s house in Monrovia, Ivy was preparing eggs from their backyard chickens.

We greeted each other and caught up, but every few minutes she’d have to take a break for a contraction.

Even in her pain, Ivy was unintentionally graceful.

Heroically, Ivy treated her family and two friends (Jordan and Selah) to a shared meal, which was beautifully ordinary.

The comfort of home freed Ivy and Ben’s sons Diego and Emilio to play and chat about the impending birth.

After the meal, intensity deepened for Ivy.
She decided to transition to the backyard garden, which is full of life.

There, Ivy felt the labor physically and emotionally.

At one point during the process, Ivy and I were discussing what color labor is:

Waves of deep, firey red, fading into purple, she said.

Ivy’s vulnerable strength in this moment was awe-inspiring.

I remember tearing up when I saw her like this, told her the truth about how blessed her family is…

And thought about how blessed I was to witness this sacred time.

“The birth of babies in the world is a sign that God has not yet given up on us,”

our pastor preached on Sunday,  while I was sitting near Ivy, Ben, and the boys.

I heard it on Sunday, but I experienced it yesterday.

What a gift.

Just like waves of contractions, the waves of emotions ebbed and flowed.

As quickly as the intensity came, it left -

and Ivy wanted to go on a walk.

Once again, we were back in the ordinary: going for a stroll around the neighborhood. Whenever Ivy felt a contraction, she would time it on her phone. When she wasn’t having a contraction, she was knocking on neighbors doors to say “hi”.

It was like she was born to do this.

When Ivy got home, the labor preparations began (with the help of Diego). Oils and instruments were arranged,

The tub was filled,

And the midwife began testing Ivy. As the excitement rose,

The intensity returned, and Ivy sought needed comfort from Ben in the kitchen.

Diego, being the compassionate person he is, heard his Mom’s cries,

And provided love.

This is love.

Ivy had garnered strength, and was soon going to give birth to a little boy or girl.

She went into the bedroom, where homemade gifts were hung from beloved friends,

and birthing preparations were made under Ivy + Ben’s wedding photos.

A breeze and sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Emilio wandered the house with his stuffed doll-

I had seen him carry it around church on Sunday, dutifully preparing for the baby in his own way.

Anticipation was building…

A few hours later, through courage and endurance,

Ivy gave birth!

To a beautiful Baby Girl!

She was deemed perfectly healthy by the midwife,

And perfectly perfect by me.

Isn’t she incredible?

What a gift!

I’m going to let Ivy and Ben (and Diego and Emilio) announce her name,

but suffice it to say, its as beautiful as she is.

Welcome to the world, friend!

Ivy and Ben, thank you for letting me be a part of your daughter’s Birthday!

Like Josh said on Sunday,

Today God is still with us.

Warmly,

Megan

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Yes, we are not only professional Wedding Photographers -

We are professional Wedding Photographers who can capture The Kiss in all its glory through bleary eyes, a lump in our throat, and a swelling heart!

That got me thinking: what if I compiled some of the images that communicate sweetness, tenderness, and warm fuzzy goodness?

What if  I collected images who offered both intimacy and perspective?

So that’s what I did.

Today’s blog post is a response to our last blog post, Better Together, which we heard you enjoyed!

May I present for your viewing pleasure, All Teary-Eyed:

Los Angeles Wedding and Lifestyle Photography | All Teary Eyed from Daniel + Megan Photography on Vimeo.

Now you’ll have to excuse me while I go buy more tissues.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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The other day we were sitting around a table having coffee with some friends, when the familiar question was raised. Even though we’re asked this all the time our answer always changes – and each time, I think I’ve got the answer that speaks clearly to this passion.

I guess all good questions have lots of answers.

Which is the perfect excuse for another series on this blog!

How do we love photography? Let us count the ways!

#1. We love being a witness to loyalty and friendship. 

May we present a few of our favorite images from the past year that simply say, “We’re better together.”

Better Together from Daniel + Megan Photography on Vimeo.

Think about your favorite person in the entire world. The person you live for; the person you would give your life for.

Do you have pictures to convey your relationship with that person?

Because in the end, we’re thinking that enduring companionship and unabashed silliness are key elements of life together.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

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