“We had the best time shooting Katie & Ray’s engagement session. These two (well, three including their handsome pooch, Sampson) are simply stunning! Not to mention, so in love! They could’t take their eyes off each other. Seriously, on Cloud 9! We later found out that they were practically honeymooning – they had been legally married only one week prior in order to certify their move to Hawaii (Ray is in the armed forces and got re-stationed in Hawaii). So, engaged, married, honeymooning, and moving to Hawaii… what a high these two rode out for their engagement session! Katie & Ray are planning their “real celebration wedding” for 2014 (on the one year anniversary of their legal date, how romantic!). Side note: the gorgeous dress Katie is rockin’ is the dress she got married in. Love!” – Gina & Ryan Photography

“I first met Gina & Ryan in 2007 when we worked together at a restaurant. They were such a charming couple and you could tell they were best friends. Right away it was easy to get along and make friends with them both. Later in 2008 Gina and I started working at a different restaurant and that is where I met Ray. Ray, Gina and I worked together for a few more years and also got along great. Later we each went our separate ways with new jobs but when we got engaged earlier this year I immediately thought of Gina and Ryan to do our engagement session. They are such a fun, outgoing, and charming couple and I knew Ray and I would feel completely comfortable with them having a camera invading our personal space!

..As of now the only thing we have planned are DIY-ing the flowers (orchids my favorite!, lilies, and cherry blossoms) submerged in water under a candle for our centerpieces. I saw it on Pinterest and thought it was beautiful. I have many other things in mind and on my Pinterest boards, and have many people involved looking over things with me. I am currently living in Hawaii and I have to plan a California wedding from over seas!

..How can I pick?! It’s such a special day and it is taking a year to plan! Everything from our venue – Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont, to the dancing, the little gorgeous details, and celebrating with family and friends… I would say that is one of the most exciting parts for Ray. He is in the Marine Corps and a lot of his friends are now in different states all of over the country. Our wedding will reunite them for the first time in almost a year! I will be so excited to see them all again as well. One thing we are trying to see if we can get approved at our venue are floating lanterns to be set off as one of the last events at our wedding! That would be a dream come true and the perfect way to say ..”and they happily ever after.” – Katie, the bride-to-be