Engagement

Hyatt Regency Orange County / Amaya Lounge Buena Park / Engagement Photographer / Sangeet Ceremony / Navneet + Sumjyot

        This was a fun engagement event and I would like to start off with a little story about Navneet and Sumjyot. They met online through an Indian matrimonial website (shaadi.com), Navneet and Sumjyot had an instant chemistry when they started talking! Everything just seemed so natural and they found a deep connection with each other. Both Navneet and Sumjyot feel that it was a dream come true that they found each other and it was believed to be true romance. They have been together since August 2014, and engaged for about 10 months now. Together, they both LOVE photography, dancing, traveling, enjoying nature with an amazing view, watching movies, and they're both fanatics for Game of Thrones.

         In a traditional Sikh wedding, it could last several days! It all begins with a ring ceremony followed by Tikka ceremony at the Gurdwaras (Sikh temple) then there is a SANGEET (party from the groom side) followed by the Mehndi (henna tattoo) ceremony for both the bride and groom. Then there's a Fera lunch which takes place at the bride's house the day after the wedding, followed by a wedding reception which is the finale to all the festivities! 

         Marriage means a lot to Navneet and Sumjyot. They believe in growing old with your better half, a commitment for life. Through all the ups and downs that come with life they stand together as two bodies ONE soul. Marriage also means spending your time with that special someone who makes life so much more enjoyable, and also being a great support system every step of the way. They are both thrilled to be going to Hawaii for their honeymoon. These two cuties envision spending their married lives together with tons of traveling, loving and smiling every step of the way... and they would love to have children in their future as well. 

          This was my first traditional Indian wedding, and I love everything about this colorful and friendly culture. There was so much dancing, entertainment put on by the couple's families, delicious Indian foods, and everywhere I looked there were gorgeous gowns worn by beautiful ladies. My camera couldn't stop clicking! I simply enjoyed every moment of the festivities. Thank you Navneet and Sumjyot for choosing my husband David and I as your engagement/wedding photographers and allowing us to capture your greatest joy with your loved ones! We can't wait until your wedding next week... YAY! Please enjoy some great photos through the Janice Owen Photography experience. Thank you.

Highland Springs Resort Cherry Valley / Engagement Photographer / Kimmy + Phong

One bright and warm summer day in Cherry Valley, California, I had the pleasure and honor in assisting my good friend and mentor, Carissa Woo, as her second shooter. The happily engaged couple is Kimmy and Phong, both with great chemistry, charisma and style. They are getting married in December 2015. Overall, this engagement session was bursting with colors, fun, and especially lots of love. I really admired capturing the couple's great love energy and the outcome is a beautiful one. Please enjoy some great photos through the Janice Owen Photography experience. Thank you. 

* Venue: Highland Springs in Cherry Valley // Hired Photographer: Carissa Woo Photography // Styling and Florals by Chloe + Mint // Dishware: Dishwish Girl // Makeup & Hair by Angelina Pham *

California State University of Long Beach / Engagement Photographer / Cortney + Drew

Cortney and Drew have such a cute love story that I must share with the world. They became friends back in 2005 while working as college student aides for a brief time at a Long Beach school. They later bumped into each other at the Cal State University Long Beach campus, got back in touch, and eventually began dating. Cortney and Drew shared their first kiss on the night of his birthday in 2008, and he later proposed in 2014 on the exact same date of December 5th. They will soon get married in November 2015. Cortney is a middle school English teacher who really enjoys her weekly yoga sessions, so I'm glad she and Drew were able to coordinate their yoga poses during the engagement session. Drew's passion is coaching baseball and he's a big fan of LA Dodgers baseball and Kings hockey. Together, Cortney and Drew share similar interests and they can be a pretty competitive couple, enjoying bowling, games, and even Jeopardy! 

Cortney and Drew will be married a week after their six-year anniversary. I'm very excited to capture their big day in November and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it! Please enjoy some of their great engagement photos through the Janice Owen Photography experience.