They pretended they were married. It was part of their job.

As pseudo husband and wife, they studied other relationships and synthesized the information for their company. Completing his post-doctorate work at UCLA, Gian met Heather and they worked closely in gaining the trust of the couples they were studying. Together they developed fictious families, a fabulous dating history, and described what they liked most in each other. However, things changed one evening when Gian leaned over and brushed a few strands of hair from Heather’s face. That simple gesture—his delicate touch in front of other people—changed Heather’s feelings for him. Gian’s fingers on her face let her know that he, too, wanted her in no uncertain terms. They no longer wanted to pretend they were a couple, they actually wanted to be one.

The bright sun cast its favorable glow on the UCLA campus for Heather and Gian’s engagement session. It was a natural place to have their photos taken as it was where their relationship first sprouted. They spent time strategizing where they wanted their pictures taken, what spots meant something special to them, what walls had enough texture to make a photo interesting. They can’t help it. They’re researchers by nature and profession! The best part of their story is that they’ve studied and researched what makes relationships succeed, and they are sure theirs is bound to be one for the record books.

I had so much fun with Heather and Gian…and I am stoked to hang out with them again next year at their Calamigos Ranch wedding and meet their friends and families. I feel so blessed to have such amazing clients! 🙂

This was a textured wall they picked out just for me!! 😉

In addition to his research career, Gian is a professor of psychology at UCLA. This is his building…which also happens to be the same place he and Heather met…

While Gian was getting a few things from an adjacent office, Heather sat on this podium and explained how this exact classroom was one of the first times she looked at Gian while he was teaching and thought, He's HOT!
We decided to have a little fun while waiting for Gian… 😉

Heather and Gian are planning on using one of their engagement photos for their Save-the-Date invitations, so they put a lot of thought in what exactly they wanted to produce…here are a couple that caught my eye! 🙂

To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!