KJ comes from a very traditional Hmong family and wanted one of her outfits to be the traditional Hmong attire. I love the contrast between the bright colors and silver ornamental jewelry pieces. We decided to photograph a few frames with the customary bridal umbrella. Traditionally, the umbrella represents the union of not only the bride and groom, but also of both their families. (We think.) =p

Above: a pose from yester-year… And below: a pose of today, casually simple.

We were lucky enough to find the perfect bridge for this particular shoot and came away with a pretty neat heart shaped frame for KJ and John.

The road ahead…

… is full of big laughs! Yays These two have the best smiles!

Once the traditional clothes were carefully put away, they slipped into something a little more comfortable. This intimate moment is one of Ty’s favorite frames from that day.

We found a beautiful jetty at a nearby beach. Kajua was so beautiful in this dress and it caught the wind just right! Great job finding our always insisted on “flowy” dresses.

Here’s another favorite, “The Ring” shot.

When you are around KJ and John… you quickly notice how much fun they have with each other. Water always adds an interesting element to photographs and thankfully, they weren’t afraid to get a little wet, who could ask for anything more?

We finished the session with a trip to the State Fair! Our pretty couple surrounded by pretty lights, it was the perfect way to end the evening!

One of my favorite sequences of the whole session. John loved being the lucky recipient.

The carousel lit up their tender moment perfectly.

How’s the saying go? What’s yours is mine, what’s mine is mine? ;p

What’s a carnival without games and prizes!?

You know love is in the air when, KJ is still willing to kiss John looking like this!

Kajua and John: You both are so inspiring to be around. Thank you for letting us catch a glimpse into your lives together and at a beautiful thing called love. =) Can’t wait to capture your wedding day!

Being a small town girl who grew up on a farm, we thought it would be a fun way to start off their story with a visit to the beautiful countryside. Get ready for a MEGA post because we had so many favorite photos.

Sebastien didn’t let the light sprinkle or soggy shoes spoil the day. He was a trooper! They both did an awesome job making the best of any situation.

We were quickly joined by a few engagement session crashers. Fresh milk anyone?

Hello world! Meet Toddy, quite possibly the most photogenic cow in Oregon… and definitely not camera shy. And take a look at Toddy’s bff… she even winked at us!

Being in the rainy northwest, we have an umbrella handy at all times.

Were they jumping for joy just because? Or was it because they finally got away from the lick-happy cows?… I’m still unsure.

What’s a farm without egg laying chicken right? I loved the ease in which they interacted with each other and their surrounding.

Right away, it was evident how comfortable Erica was on a farm. She picked up a clucking hen even before we thought to ask! =p

Alas ma cherie, we meet! In a barn?

After they got reacquainted at the farm, we introduced Erica and Sebastien to a new old friend of ours: le vélo.

Shooting the moving frames was quite fun.. especially for us!

How good looking are these two?! Vous êtes beaux! What did I just say ahah? =/

After the workout with the bike and stairs, we visited the birthplace of their love story: Oregon State University. OSU is such a beautiful campus, with so many wonderful backdrops.

One of our favorite spots was on a simple patch of grass.

I <3 heart hair.

This reminds me of playing hookie back in school ;p.

With countless hours spent together in the school library, it was the perfect place to reminisce at.

One of my favorite photos captured of the two of them: an intimate exchange of a whisper and smile.

Erica was radiant in her ballerina (?) dress.

What’s a ballerina dress without a little bit of hallway dancing? All lights on them! Another favorite of mine.

… but didn’t think Sebastien would bust out the dirty dancin O.o!

Theirs was the perfect occasion to reveal our new swing! I loved how playful the two were with each other.

Was Sebastien pushing her on the swing or conjuring a fireball?

Sebastien revealed he had a phobia of swings…lol, we tried to help him get over it but he still looked a little green in the face while riding it, poor guy. =p

We finished off the day with a stroll down the nearby city lights.

They (they who? the writer of love stories of course) couldn’t have written a better script for Erica and Sebastien’s story. Because unlike a book or a movie, theirs is even better. Their story is real and the “nice guy” DOES end up with the “girl”.

Eric and Sebastien:

We are so happy for the two of you (and to have met you). It was quite an adventure photographing your engagement photos; we enjoyed every minute of it!! Can’t wait until your big wedding day arrives.

Here are some of our favorite photos of our engagement session with them. They were so fun to shoot.. we lost track of time (you’ll see the gradual transition from day to night in the photos).

Remember that crazy hail storm awhile back? Well we went back to the same location; this time we brought along a few more props. It’s what happens when Kay gets a few extra days to get creative =).

Millie had the perfect summer chair sitting in her living room! We hauled it out there, of course =p.

Pheng is an avid fisherman so we wanted to incorporate it somehow into the photo-shoot. He brought along his gear (not to mention the perfect vest!)… gotta love it when a guy isn’t afraid to get creative in front of a camera. You can see how playful they are below.

These two below are Kay’s fav photos. Doesn’t Maiyer look like Kelly Hu there?… definitely a keeper!

After the sun went down, we changed locations to capture them purdy city lights.

Captured the pretty light show =) We <3 willing couples.

What better way to end a riverfront night than with fireworks! Doesn’t it look like the union of two fire dragons?

Everyone says Doan looks like a Hollywood celebrity haha! Which male actor do you think he looks like?

Here are some shots, click through to see more:

Gear used:

• Nikon D700
• Nikon D90
• Nikon 50mm/f1.8
• Tamron 28-75mm/f2.8
• SB-600 speedlight
• Nikon SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander