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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

Christmastime is full of scandals.

Some are sacred, from long ago:  A virgin heavy with a baby out of wedlock..

Others are current and uncomfortable: conspicuous consumerism in a world brimming with need.

And then, there is one scandal that we have been chewing on this month, in our community of faith:

Waiting.

Um.. you might be saying to yourself, Scandals require a THING. What are you talking about?

Here’s what I’m thinking: in our production-obsessed, stressed out, caffeine-fueled, lightening-speed, drive-thru culture of instant satisfaction…is not the hardest, most scandalous thing to wait?

I’m not preaching here.  I’m speaking from experience.

I was recently challenged by some friends to pray in solitude and silence for 15 minutes, as part of an experiment to initiate some meditative rhythms in life. I had to tell them a couple weeks later that not only did I not do it, I didn’t even want to do it. The waiting part was too hard.

Here’s another story:

Back in 1972, there was a mischievous Stanford researcher who made children wait to eat delectable marshmallows. He would place a fluffy piece of 100% high fructose corn syrup in front of each child, and tell them that if they could wait to eat the marshmallow until he returned, they could have two.  Then, he would leave them alone in the room, and observe the children squirming through their temptation through a two-way mirror. If they could resist, as promised, they would be rewarded with two marshmallow treats.

I totally would have failed that test.

But that’s OK. Because the difference between that test and real life is that life doesn’t happen in a sterile research lab. It happens in community – hopefully, a community that has grace for when Chubby Bunny happens instead of delayed gratification!

Mountainside Communion has been helping me to see the value of waiting. We’ve been talking lately about what it means that in this season of Advent, we are reminded that we wait for God. We wait for Christ to come – both as a helpless infant, God incarnate in human flesh, and to return with power to usher in what our pastor (and others) call “the Reign of God.”

In this mysterious time of waiting, we are trying (sometimes impatiently) to wait with—and for—hope, love, joy and peace.

And that is this year’s Christmastime scandal.

We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones!

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. – In lieu of a Christmas card,  please enjoy these images of our family’s home around Christmastime!

This year I (Megan) made Daniel an Advent calendar with goody-filled envelopes hidden around our home.

Whatever the contents—a  Cashew Cookie Lara Bar, a brachiosaurus, or an adhesive mustache—its fun for everyone!

For the first time this year we live in a home that has a big window facing the street.

I love being beckoned home by the gold star and white lights shining warmly in the window.

Each ornament conjures memories.

Like this one, bought on our unforgettable road-trip Honeymoon to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite!

Each December we help my parents place a few decorative touches around their home –

always settling them in the exact same places as the year before.

We’re big on rituals.

We eat Christmas breakfast off the Spode Christmas dishes we’ve eaten on for my entire life, and beyond..

And we open our bulging stockings, which are actually my Grandmother’s old nylons..

Then there’s the nativity scene, complete with Lucy: the blessed chihuahua..

Who enjoys(?) flamboyant festivity this time of year!

And on that note, Merry Christmas!

Tweet

As we finished capturing Leah + Armen’s portraits in a scrumptious warm glow,

We all got pretty excited, because…

It was time to party!

Let me tell you, there is no better place to have a Wedding Reception

than on a warm evening on an organic family lavender farm!

The air smelled delicious – like lavender lemonade -

and everybody was grinning ear-to-ear.

I mean, how could you not? This was paradise.

Leah + Armen’s friends created a tree together as a guest book

(they’re a creative bunch),

Armen brewed lavender beers for his friends and family to enjoy

(I know, it just keeps getting better),

And everyone had the time.of.their.lives.

At Leah + Armen’s reception, everybody was surrounded by loved ones, and people had to shout to each other to be heard above the endless streams of laughter.

As the night grew dark, the tender toasts and slow dances began,

And soon, Leah + Armen’s friends swarmed the dance floor -

It was WILD in the best of ways.

See what we mean? A GREAT time.

 But the highlight of the reception, for us?

A photo booth, of course!

We love photo booths because they’re a way to ensure great photos of guests.

Also, they are HILARIOUS!

I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard since Leah + Armen’s Wedding!

My favorite photobooth images are when guests joke around with each other:

We just love it.

And photo booths are awesome because EVERYBODY can get involved and have a great time:

Friends,

Families,

and couples!

So, Leah + Armen:

Thanks for being So. Awesome.

For having amazing friends -

and for helping us have a job that we love, with people like this..

We hope that your marriage is full of playfulness and memories together.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture | Wine: Smoking Loon by Don Sebastiani & Sons | Lavender Beer: Home-brewed by the groom

Tweet

Imagine what it feels like on a balmy October afternoon on an organic lavender farm,

nestled in the bucolic countryside near San Diego.

You have already had some unforgettable moments,

and now everybody you love is gathered together with anticipation -

Eager for the ceremony to begin.

And there find yourself, with your Love.

It is your Wedding Day.

Isn’t it lovely?

What struck me about Leah + Armen’s Wedding was that beneath the excitement, there was a serenity.

Do you ever experience something, and find it impossible to envision it any other way?

This was Leah + Armen’s Wedding:

the way it was supposed to be.

Perfectly sweet and simple, both intimate and shared.

Peter, Amanda and Scott provided the music,

Melanie crafted a delicate handkerchief banner,

A homily was given by the Father of the Bride;

and prayers read by Leah + Armen’s friends..

We believe in “better photography through relationships” -

but I think its also true that weddings are better when couples are enveloped in a loving community.

As these two said their vows to each other with huge smiles on their faces,

those gathered together took a vow as well:

“Do you promise to do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

We will!

And Leah + Armen became Mr. + Mrs.

This is another moment when I had to use my photography-while-blinded-by-tears skills.

Isn’t this moment beautiful?

This is my second favorite photo of the day (my favorite is coming)

because of the blissful expressions and the context of those gathered.

This photo is what Leah + Armen’s Wedding felt like.

Isn’t it dreamy?

The family and Wedding Party kicked off the party of all parties

(you won’t want to miss Part III  – its nuts!) ,

And Leah + Armen slipped away

into a land of gorgeous warm light and lavender fields…

The first moments of marriage feel sacred -

Can you imagine a better place to spend them?

Leah + Armen seemed at peace and utterly happy.

It was a quiet moment in between the anticipation of the ceremony,

and the party that was to follow.

And for these few moments, it was like nothing else existed in the world but the two of them.

This, by the way, is my favorite image from the day.

Leah + Armen, you were amazing to photograph.

Just LOOK at you! You’re best friends in love.

Could there be anything more beautiful?

And the best part? The reception is yet to come.

And let me tell you – those images are downright WILD.

But we’ll reveal those next time!

Because today?

I think we’ve soaked up all the love there is in the world.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Leah + Armen’s Wedding Part I if you missed it.

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture

Tweet

There are a lot of ways that I could tell this story,

but here’s the best way I know how:

Days like this, Leah + Armen‘s Wedding Day, are our ‘Remember When’s.

The Wedding was to take place at Keys Creek Lavender Farm, an independently-run family farm in San Diego County.

Away from the Southern California sprawl, the farm is a remote and rural hideway,

and comes with the scent of lavender wafting through the air…

Perfection.

On the morning of her wedding, Leah is radiant,

 And the best part?

She is surrounded by giddy friends and loving family,

who traveled from India to be with Leah on her special day.

One thing I love about Leah + Armen’s Wedding

is that every detail was hand-picked and personal:

From her flirtatious purple pumps

to the vintage-inspired dresses – and that’s only the beginning!

Although the elements of the Wedding were beautiful, the character of the people gathered was what shined.

The happiness of these wonderful people was palpable:

it was nearing time for Leah + Armen’s First Look!

Before the First Look,

I remember Armen stating, “Today is my Wedding Day.”

It gave me goosebumps: it seemed so natural, yet was also a paradigm-shift.

It was his Wedding Day, and Armen was ready.

The men gathered to surrounded him in prayer

on the open porch next to a lavender field,

And Armen waited for his Love..

Isn’t this exciting?!

He turned around, and they were lost in each others’ eyes.

I had to catch my breath, it was so tender

 and sweet.

They were moments away from marrying their best friend!

As I’ve said before, the hardest thing about being a photographer is capturing images while tearing up…

Aren’t they an adorable pair? The world is a better place because of their being together.

In fact, I think that they included the whole world in their wedding party!

Leah + Armen are adored and supported by a great community of people, as you can see:

They all happen to look like Anthropologie models, and they’re so much fun together.

Photographing them was a blast.

I guess that’s why they call it a Wedding Party! Ha..

 The moment for the ceremony to begin was drawing near, and the preparations were complete.

Soon, walking down the aisle would be Zeke the dapper Ring Bearer,

Sydney the giggling Flower Girl,

And Leah, the breath-taking Bride!

We can’t wait to share the ceremony with you in Part II!

It was unforgettable.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture

Tweet