Engaged! Lorren and Jessica

These two lovely folks were referred to me by Paul Mullins (http://www.mullinsstudio.com/) a few months back and when we first met for a consultation, everything seemed to go great. A few months went by and I didn't hear from them, so I thought worse case scenario: "Oh no, they hated me! They're going with another photographer!" or "Uh-oh. Maybe they aren't getting married anymore....." dun dun dun. Well, what REALLY happened amidst all my anguish was that they just happened to be darn busy. Okay, so then I felt stupid when they finally called me to meet for a second time, because I had already assumed the worst.
BUT all is wonderful now, we had an awesome time with the shoot today, regardless of the scorching heat.
So, here's a fun fact: you know that old burnt down (except for the doorway) schoolhouse out on Shepherd and Minnewawa?
Well, I always thought that would be a cool place to take some pics. It turns out, when I mention this to Lorren during our consultation, he tells me his great grandfather (or was it grandfather? I can't seem to remember) actually went to school there!
SO of course we had to take their engagement pictures there.
At first we were worried about it because there is now a huge barbed wire fence surrounding the area, and it's obviously on private property. Now, being a photographer, I have had my fair share of getting yelled at for taking pictures where I don't belong, so I was nervous that someone would come out through the orchards with a shot gun and tell us to get off their property.
Thank God for Lorren, who just strolled right up to the house on the lot and asked the inhabitants if we could take a few pictures out under the arch.....for free.....and the kind gentleman said "Sure".
Now, I have to say that my pride and joy of this shoot is the strawberry stand. Growing up in Fresno, I have come to love and cherish those stands and shed a tear every time one of them gets torn down to be replaced by track homes. Ugh.
I feel that these stands are something about this town that is unique, and Jessica and Lorren seemed to agree with me.
I really had a wonderful time with these two. They are both hilarious, sweet, full of fun and laughter and ready for anything. Also, they did anything I asked them too! Hallelujah! Even though we weren't fast enough to chase down the sunset, I think we got some great pictures and got to know each other just fabulously.
Thanks you guys! Can't wait for your wedding! (and thank you for the water bottle! it saved my life)