Retro Engagement Session at Santa Monica Pier by Stephanie Ponce Photography


"Andy and I have been dating for six years, but we’ve been friends for over seven. He knows how much my family means to me, as I am the youngest out of six kids and the last to get married. Around Christmastime 2014, we went up to Seattle for my family party. After everyone had opened their gifts, Andy got everyone’s attention because he had (secretly) avoided opening his present until last. We all thought we knew what he was going to open, and gathered around to watch him open our family’s white elephant gift. He gave a little speech about how the last present wasn’t really for him, and I thought he was going to pawn it off on me! Then suddenly he cast the package aside, got to one knee, and revealed a ring box in the hand that was behind his back the whole time. After answering him with “Are you SURE?”, “Finally!”, hugs and smooches, we ultimately made him open the package he had cast aside. Turns out he knew it was coming, and thought the proposal would get him out of it: old granny butt pads. My brothers made him put them on over his pants as initiation into the family.

My idea for our engagement shoot reflects my retro style, and who we are as a couple: romantic and fun! Stephanie did an amazing job capturing all angles of our personalities! We are Six Flags pass holders and love carnivals, so shooting at the Santa Monica Pier was the obvious choice. The shoot also reflects the style of our wedding in August: Rustic Retro! I’ve always loved everything mid-century; from the music, to the fashion, to the cars! There was no question about our theme, and with Andy’s love for the Beatles, he was on board from the start.

We love how our engagement session with Stephanie turned out, and we are excited to have her capture the biggest day of our lives in August!" -bride


Wedding Vendors: Photography: Stephanie Ponce Photography | Event Planner: NV Events

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