San Juan Capistrano Engagement : Keren + Pieter

She called him Frenchie, after discovering he was born in France. Unsure if he even liked the nickname, that's what she called him. It was either that or Cute Boy on Crutches, and since that was too long, she opted for the former. Keren first saw Pieter in college at USC. He stood out from a group of fraternity brothers in black suits because he was in jeans, hobbling on crutches. Pieter attended college in Santa Clara, but visited a pinning fraternity ceremony in Los Angeles, where Keren and her sorority sisters watched from a distance. Keren and Pieter spent the entire evening chatting and laughing, deepening a new friendship.

As weeks past, they remained friends of friends–Keren was most notably heard to say to Pieter's friends, Say hi to Frenchie for me!–but after a few months, they became real friends. And then something changed on a trip to Lake Tahoe with a group of college buddies. Frenchie became Pieter, a boy who stole Keren's heart and sealed the transaction with a kiss. They dated long distance for four years–graduating, living in different cities, Keren going to law school–but their love grew over increasing phone bills and being A-List members of Southwest Airlines. While Keren studied for what could be the most stressful test in her life–the Bar Exam–Pieter surprised her one day while she studied in the library. Armed with her mother's favorite recipes, Pieter spent the day in the kitchen preparing a celebratory meal. Because, really, Keren was bound to pass the Bar and he was just ready to celebrate early.

But that's Keren and Pieter. Two amazing people whose lives have intersected perfectly and they're planning to spend the rest of it, side by side. Forever. They're planning a fabulous wedding–with the help of Courtney Toney–this September at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel and I'm thrilled to document their journey. I shot their engagement session in San Juan Captistrano and we had a blast…this was literally the first frame out of the camera and it captures them perfectly…

Pieter is one of the nicest guys I've ever met…and Keren has a unique way of bringing out his best qualities…

Bling blingin'…

Keren, you're so fierce you made a jacked up fence look fab! 😉

The sun was particularly fabulous in San Juan Capistrano last week and I'm extra thankful…

I love when couples bring along items that define who they are, so when Keren and Pieter brought along stacks of books, maps, a quilt, and globe, it was as if I was given a sneak peek into their lives and I loved it! Brilliant world travelers…who love being in love…

Pieter, while Keren chatted with me a bit ago, she mentioned your favorite piece of legal jargon is Promissory Estoppel. I will scream this phrase at your wedding if you're willing to look this handsome. All day. Deal?

Rawr.

The week's earlier rain brought about random patches of fields and the sunset gave about a truly beautiful glow. Add a dash of Keren, and it's a recipe for fabulousness…

To see more of Keren and Pieter's San Juan Capistrano Engagement Session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!