I was at a hard time in my life…and then Sam showed up. It's like when we met, I knew I'd be okay. She showed up at the beach with a group of friends, some who had been contacted by Sam to ensure Stephanie would go. He played football in the bright sun and when Stephanie ventured into the ocean alone, he was the only person to follow her. On that day on the beach, they knew something drew them close, as if the earth tilted on its axis to ensure their paths crossed. They ended up a sandwich shop together and Stephanie fell into his gravitational pull, immediately feeling heat emanate from his body as they waited in line to order.

Stephanie stood next to Sam and felt their arms touch–and her heart melt–and all Sam could think about was him smelling like he just played a football game. In the blazing sun.

Within three weeks of talking and going on a date, they knew they met their best friend. Stephanie was at a point in her life where she held a million pieces of her dreams…and Sam came along with a suitcase to help with her heavy load. They're doing life together and making it official this August in Malibu…and I'm incredibly honored to document their wedding. We started their engagement session in Venice Beach and later ventured to Santa Monica for view of the ocean…where it all began.

The engagement session started at the Venice canals and the overcast day provided some amazing light…

Getting to know Stephanie and Sam has been amazing. They booked me online and after a simple phone conversation, I knew immediately they were an awesome couple…however, meeting them in person exceeded all expectations. They're a different kind of awesome.

Dear Sam…I know you wanted a photo showcasing the canal…I hope I didn't let you down! 😉

I was nervous asking Stephanie and Sam to stand on this buoy (oh, because, it was as sturdy as jello), but they hopped right on, thus highlighting my non-risk-takerness…

I've always maintained if my brides met each other, they'd all be friends. This idea was confirmed when Stephanie confessed to buying a new wedding dress after reading that Meg bought a new wedding dress a couple weeks before her wedding ceremony. If you're a prospective J* groom reading this, I take no responsibility for the multiple dress purchases (but I totally condone it!)…
Oh, and, Steph….you're way gorge. Seriously. Many thanks to Sheree Pouls of Lips and Locks for doing an amazing job with hair and makeup!

We drove to Santa Monica to end the session…

To see more of Stephanie and Sam's Venice Beach engagement photos, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow with music found at WithEtiquette.

Happy Tuesday!