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aloha! in case you were wondering, ohana means family. our ohana is made up of david, kim, april, rain, and kona the dog. welcome to our blog! we are san diego wedding photographers, but we put everything in here. san diego weddings, orange county weddings, hawaii weddings, destination weddings, road trips, and even friends with beach balls. come on in and share a little aloha. please leave comments as often as possible. we love hearing from our extended ohana. mahalo for stopping by!
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our website: www.ohanaphotographers.com
email: david@ohanaphotographers.com
cell: 858-663-3283
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

danielle and david's hot and steamy poolside engagement session in san diego


i knew that title would catch your eye. :) well, danielle and david are more than just eye candy pal! :)
i'm going to do something a little different for this post. i want to share who this couple is, through some of their own words. of course, there will still be images of them from there engagement session in san diego, but i also want everyone reading this to feel a little of what we get to feel when we talk with our couples. as new friends, we try to get a better understanding of who our couples are, how they fell in love, and how we can capture images of them that show both their individuality and their love for each other.
we look forward to meeting new couples like kids look forward to hearing the recess bell. we totally geek out when we hear their knock on the door.
from the moment i opened said door and saw danielle's sweet smile and david in his dinosaur shirt from the san diego natural history museum (that he said he got when he was 13) i knew we had just won fun-couple bingo. we were instantly in L-O-V-E with this couple.
by the end of our first meeting we felt like david and danielle had been our friends for years. they are both just wonderful people. i am so glad our paths crossed and that we were given the opportunity to be david and danielle's friends with big cameras.
one of our favorite things to ask our couples is how they met.
this is how david remembers it:
"Let me start off by saying Danielle doesn't remember the day we met (how sad.... but then again she was like 12 or something). Anywhoo she was in a speedo, I was in a speedo... it was pure magic (lol) or something like that. She had just started swimming on the same swim team I was on, and I had been away for a while, and when I came back, there she was... and I was like, cool! Here's a girl who is crazy, has fun, and doesn't care what other people think. There wasn't love at first sight or anything like that, I just remember thinking “what a cool person!” The love came a couple of years later."










when we asked danielle and david to tell us about a date they went on that they will always remember they both said prom. how often does that happen?

david said: "Prom was our first real date, other than just hanging out together at the mall and such. It was a pretty crazy day. We both just competed in high school CIF swimming championships that morning and had to run home, get dressed, and go! We had a nice dinner followed by a rather forgettable dance, but all the while there was a look on her face that let me know this was more than just a high school fling."

danielle said: "Our first date was pretty memorable. It was David’s prom and the day of CIF. We went to the 94th Aero Squadron for dinner and I remember having French onion soup (don’t ask why I remember). We just had a good time talking to each other about the excitement of the day and getting to know each other better. One drunk restaurant-goer thought we had just gotten married and yelled from across the room “are you a bride? Contrats!” or something to that effect, which was really awkward/funny as a 15-year-old on her first date. We got to the dance when it was almost over, because CIF/prom prep took so long. Afterward we took a walk downtown by the Star of India and I just remember how cute David looked under the moonlight."







the question with the most anticipated answer for us is about the proposal. this is how danielle remembers that day:
"It was last summer and I was getting particularly annoyed being at home, so I asked David on a Friday if we could go to the mountains that weekend to walk around Julian. I had this really horrible cough that had lasted for over a month, so I wasn’t feeling that well, and I definitely wasn’t expecting to do anything athletic. David, of course, suggested that we go on a hike, and I said yes because I can sometimes be a little too hard core/competitive about all things athletic…even with my cough. We went up to Mount Cuyamaca and started getting ready when I realized I had misplaced my camera and so I grabbed the backpack (with the ring hidden inside) and started rummaging through it to find the camera. David about freaked out and immediately gave me his keys and told me to look in the car. He thought I had seen the box, because I had jostled it out of its hiding place, but I still had no clue. Even when David offered to carry the backpack the entire way up (we normally switch off) I thought he was just being sweet because of my cough. About half way up the mountain a light thunderstorm rained on us, which actually felt really good because it was very humid that day. Oh, I was also paranoid that a mountain lion was going to jump out at us because my mom told me that a hiker was attacked on Mount Cuyamacca the year before. I carried a huge stick/saber with me the entire way up. The elevation change was so dramatic that I really didn’t think I would make it to the top. I even told David that I wanted to turn around at one point, but he was persistent we should get to the top “for the view.” When we got up there, it was hot and there were a bunch of people around. I proceeded to suck on about 3 cough drops and find the only little bit of shade there, which everyone else was under too. David finally got me to move away from the crowd and then he started talking about our relationship and how much he loved me and somehow I still didn’t get it until he started to cry as he got down on one knee. Of course, then I started crying, and he proposed. I was so overcome with emotion that I was laughing and crying and coughing and he didn’t hear me answer him, but trust me, I definitely clarified that! We sat up there for awhile and talked and hugged each other and when we finally went back down the trail it felt so much easier than it did going up! Afterward, we went to my house, and then to his, and then out to our favorite Thai restaurant."













i asked both danielle and david "what about your fiance do you love?" their answers made me have to tell kim that my eye was having an adverse reaction to a sand particle that was dangerously lodged in it, aka NOT CRYING.

danielle: "I love HIM!!! David is cute, he loves God, he’s funny, and so much more. I love that he has the ability to loosen me up and teach me how to love life the way that he does. I love his integrity and his good character. I love his goofiness. I love talking to him about everything and nothing and how he knows what I need/feel sometimes even before I do. I love that he loves knowledge and learning new things. I love the half smile he makes when he tries to be romantic and his “thinking man” pose that he does when he’s concentrating. I love that he doesn’t care about what others think, but strives to live a good, fulfilling, honorable life. He is wonderful."

david: "I love her nose, eyes, lips, hair, smile, voice, hugs, kisses, laugh... and that's just the physical stuff. I also love the way she makes me feel (kinda like that michael jackson song (lol) RIP. I love how much she cares about other people, I love how much she loves me! I love how she always makes me smile. And most of all I love that no matter where I go with her I always feel like I am home."































danielle and david, thank you. thank you for sharing your feelings, your memories, and your words with all of us. my words could not have expressed your love for one another any better than your own. we feel blessed to know you and to have shared this awesome time in your lives.
check back soon to see images from danielle and david's beautiful wedding at the Rancho Guajome Adobe in vista california.




have a wonderfuliria honeymoon on the big island of Hawaii danielle and david. don't worry, that was not said with an ounce of jealous sarcasm. :) seriously, have fun! see you when you get back to San Diego. we love you two!



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54 comments:

Rachael Earl said...

SO fun! You're number 1 in my book. I always send my B+G questions to find out more about them! I love these, especially the pool ones and the ones in the carts!!!! Next time we're in Cali, we're coming to see you guys :)

Tana H said...

Those are the coolest Target shopping carts - ever! Seriously, you have some of the funnest clients! Way to bring out their personalities!

Paige said...

Oh my gosh your couples always look so happy and in love! I love the pool shots! The inner tube is so cute! those night shots are awesome!

erica said...

soooo cute and original!!

Jessica said...

i remember danielle from high school, she was the swim captain my freshman year and definitely my favorite. shes so sweet and genuine. :]

Anonymous said...

adorable use of the carts! :-)

Tira J said...

Wow! I love this shoot. I was a swimmer years ago and still have my swim parka! And, I used to work for Target in my other life! ha ha! Every image rocks and the couple is gorgeous!

Wai Reyes Photography said...

I love, love, love the cart images by the bridge! So creative!

kymberli q. said...

This is one of your BEST ever! So many images I love! The shopping carts, the bridge, the feet shot (of course! LOL) and I loved what they love about each other! I teared up! LOL Awesome job, guys! You rock each session!!!!

Blair Van Bussel said...

holla! These are awesome! The bridge shots are so fun, lovin that lighting whoot whoot! - oh and totally rad love story to boot!

Enoch Photography said...

How fun and fresh... awesome you guys. The shadow of them forming the heart... very creative, very cool ... you guys rock. //enoch

Carrie Hasson said...

I love hearing them tell their love story along with your interpretation of it with your photos of them...it all belongs in an album together!

Brinna said...

I love how in love they look in all these pictures! What a wonderful way to remember their love! Love all the pool pictures and that last night shot is haaaawt!!

linda ressetar said...

awesome pictures...loved the shadows w/heart!

Jamie Burnett Photography said...

ahhh... I love the shopping carts... they made me smile!

Cathy Crawley said...

These are so much fun! I love the ones with the diving mask and the target trollies! Oooops, you guys call them shopping carts. Delete my trolly comment..... ;)

Brandi said...

So much fun. Love the shopping carts too!!

amanda thiessen said...

these are so fun!! love the stop sign with the shadows :)

Sylvia Borgo said...

What a fun sesssion! They are a cute couple for sure! The new-school Target shopping cart images might have to be my faves. :)

Zak said...

Very cool! Love the carts too. You guys always have the coolest couples. :)

smittengreta said...

so cute and fun! love the lil interview there too! 10 from the bottom is my fav!

melissa o said...

omgosh - the target cart shots are SOOOO COOOL. Did you steal them?

Tiffany said...

You guys blow me away with every shot!

Aaina said...

Oh my goodness, how happy are these two! I love that you can see how in love they are in these!
Bowing to the awesome that is these [=

Marianne said...

I love Target and incorporating that into these photographs is so creative! I love all your stuff! So fun!

Amy said...

what a fabulous session! love how much fun your photos always look!

cindy said...

this is one of the best posts I have ever read or seen! You captured their personalities, their stories, quirkiness, and beauty (inside and out) in a masterful way! Thanks for making me smile!

Erika McCauley said...

Best engagement session EVER!!

Emily Faulknor said...

OH so so so cute! I LOVE the target shopping cart ones and the poolside - totally and completely all them! Great and awesome job you guys!

Frank DiMeo said...

What can I say...it is always such a good feeling to visit and see what you guys are up to. I end up with a big smile on my face and in my heart that stays long after I am gone. Thanks for brightening up our days!

Christopher said...

The colors are just amazing. And how sexy is that last shot!

Alisa said...

so much fun!!

Beth Morgan said...

I am LOVING these. My faves are the one at the bridge (we call that a tressle but I don't know if that's a Southern thing). So rustic, beautiful, and steamy. Great job!

Lisa said...

I love how your shoots are always fun AND sexy! You should be called Ohana the fun and sexytime photographers! Lol!
I love the one's in the Tar-shay carts the best!

Zach and Jody Gray said...

Hey guys! We just got turned on to you by Chris and Lynn! Love your stuff! You really have a unique look and we love how you incorporate what is around you into the images. Nice work!

Afolabi - Fotos by Fola said...

Great fun session and also great story! Nice job as always!

Brianna Phelan said...

LOVE these! The entire session rocks :)

Kristen Demergian said...

Please excuse my random comment, but a went to school with David Richards and
saw a link to his pictures on your site. I used to be a model before I went back to school and have worked with a plethora of people, but I have to say your pictures are some of the greatest I've seen. Keep up the good work and keep art alive; absolutely beautiful.

Kristen

John Bergmann said...

Dig the shopping carts. You didn't get arrested for that right?

Joy said...

I just stumbled upon your blog and was blown away! What incredible captures you have.
How long have you been taking pictures like this......i guess I want to know, how long before I can take pictures like you! haha! Do you ever do any teaching, or recommend any links to help me learn more?
The funny thing is, is that I get people all the time asking me for advice and I feel so far from where I want to be.

dotun said...

very lovely shots here. I do the shopping cart shots often but yours is simply more stunning.

Heather Cole said...

MEOWTASTIC!!! LOOOOVE THEM! :)

Beyond The Lens said...

Love these. It looks like you guys had a ball....my favorite is the Stop sign with the shadow heart....so outside the box! LOVE them all :)

Jen said...

These shots were great!!! LOVE the bridge shots, those were my favorite. Overall looked like you guys had a lot of fun ... and being a kid all over again.

Will Parris said...

love them all (I always do :D) but the shopping cart series was phenomenal. all hail Ohana! ;)

Ashley Smith said...

You guys do the best stuff! So creative. I want you to photograph me and my family:)

Noelani said...

How cute are these two!! I'm in love with them and I don't even know them! Your photos tell such a story and so does your writing. I adore the ones at their "pool" and the steamy ones at the bridge!

Noelani said...

How cute are these two!! I'm in love with them and I don't even know them! Your photos tell such a story and so does your writing. I adore the ones at their "pool" and the steamy ones at the bridge!

Maya Laurent said...

Digging the off camera lighting! This couple seems like so much stinkin fun!!

Jodi said...

I'm lovin these!

Onada - Fashion and Photography said...

love love love this session! Its too cute :)

Stephen Grant said...

GASP, I say! Those shots in the Target carts and how you used the bridge... score! Your posts never disappoint, friend ... freakin' love this set!

Eight20 Photography said...

I love the pool shots! Being a swimmer all through high school and college these just make me smile. What a wonderful, creative idea :) Beautiful photos as always!!

Michelle Guzman said...

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!! The caption is hilarious!!! Love these!!!