Valerie Mitchell photography

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Eric +Lupita: Hart Park Engagement

“And I want to walk with you

On a cloudy day

In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high

So won’t you try to come.”

-Nora Jones

Often times I ask my clients about how they met, or what their first date was like. I love learning how each couple’s love story first began. Well, when I asked Lupita and Eric about their blind date, they both replied instantaneously….”AWKWARD!!!!!” I am not going to go into details about their meeting because it is not my story to share, but all I can say is, I am so glad they looked past that first date and continued to pursue each other. The love these two share is a fun, happy kind of love that is completely contagious.

Their entire session was full of laughs, smiles, giggles, and sweet embraces. I have never watched a couple have so much fun while taking pictures. I am so excited to be part of their beautiful wedding this coming Saturday. It is going to be full of special traditions and I am assuming it will be the biggest party of 2017. I know that the day will only be a small glimpse into the lifetime of love, family, happiness, and success these two will share together. Congratulations Eric & Lupita. I cannot wait to celebrate with the two of you this weekend!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Engaged: Tyler + Sarah

"Come to me my sweetest friend

Can you feel my heart again

I'll take you back where you belong

And this will be our favorite song

Come to me with secrets bare

I'll love you more so don't be scared

When we're old and near the end

We'll go home and start again."

- Goo Goo Dolls

Every couple has something special and unique about their relationship. No two couples share the same love story. Some people love to watch movies together, some love to eat exotic foods, some enjoy reading, or traveling, or adventure. The lists are literally endless.

When Tyler and Sarah met in college at Fresno State (Go Bulldogs!), they instantly developed a friendship that lasted for two years before the thought of being a couple even surfaced. Their first date as a couple was the Fresno State Fair, where their love for each other really began to blossom into something more than just a friendship. They have always been up for fun and adventures. Over these last three years, they have spent time not only learning everything they can about each other and falling deeper in love, but also traveling all over the world. They had already successfully seen 5 countries and 4 states together before Tyler decided to get down on one knee and propose during their Hawaii vacation this past August.

It came as no surprise to me when Sarah told me she would love to do their engagement session at Yosemite National Park. "Would you be willing to meet us in Yosemite for our session?" she asked. Umm....let me think about it.... YES PLEASE!!!!!!!! Who doesn't love snow, giant trees, amazing waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Sign me up this instant! These two made my long all-day trip worth every single minute. Prior to this, we had only briefly met once. The rest of our communication was done via email, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with how they interacted with each other. They were AH-MAZING!!!!!! It was such a pleasure watching them play together and enjoy Yosemite and all its beauty. We even forgot how cold it was (well, until they picked snow up with their bare hands). It truly was an incredible day and I would go back in a heartbeat. I might have to find a new road dog though since my husband now realizes how truly far Yosemite is from Bakersfield....but that is just fine with me. Sarah and Tyler, the countdown is on and I cannot wait for your Fresno wedding! It is going to be beautiful!!!!

Monday, March 20, 2017

Engaged: Kelly + Patrick

And I asked can the birds in poetry, chime?

Can there be breaks in the chaos sometimes?

Oh, thanks God, must have heard when I prayed

'Cause now I always want to feel this way."

-Coldplay Amazing Day

Every girl dreams of the day their boyfriend will propose to them. I am sure it goes something like this, prince enters the door, sweeps princess off her feet, tells her how much he adores and loves her, and begs her to spend the rest of their lives together. Am I right?????

Well for Kelly, I am pretty sure Patrick did darn near close to sweeping her off her feet. The two of them love going to the beach to relax, spend time together, and de-stress. This trip was no different to Kelly than the occasional day trip to visit their friends. Little did she know, Patrick had timed their entire day perfectly down to the minute. As the evening approached the two of them were walking along the beach when a violinist began playing Kelly's favorite song "Amazing Day" by Coldplay. Coincidence??? I don't think so. As they listened to the beautiful music, Patrick got down on one knee and professed his love to Kelly while a hidden photographer documented the entire moment for them, and their family and friends quietly watched on a hillside. Umm...YES PLEASE!!!! What girl doesn't want a guy that puts that much effort into sweeping her off her feet?! I must say Kelly picked a winner, and a huge "thank you" to Patrick's parents for raising a great man who knows how to treat his lady.

We had such a blast at their session. Patrick was such a good sport and allowed us to laugh at him many times, while Kelly was a complete natural in front of the camera. Their love is so pure and heartwarming that I can hardly wait for their fall wedding. Patrick and Kelly, thank you for adventuring with me. I look forward to sharing in your special day at The Noriega House this fall.

MUA: Stephanie Gutierrez

Friday, March 17, 2017

Santa Margarita Ranch: Jeff + Bre

"From the first time I saw you, I knew that you'd be mine

And from the first glance you gave; my world it slowed, you stopped the time.

And in that moment I could see all of the things that we would be

You were the girl I was waiting for, that I'd ask to marry me."
-Tim McMorris

It's not every day you meet a woman firefighter. As a matter of fact within the Kern County Fire Department there is a total of one woman, Bre, currently employed as firefighter in the field. That tells you something about the strength of women in this profession. I am certain that when Bre walked in the door and Jeff saw her for the first time, her strength and knowledge of firefighting is exactly what attracted him to her..,.besides of course her overwhelming beauty. I'm not sure if it was love at first sight or not, but I am certain that Bre's confidence and strength definitely drew Jeff in, and it was only a matter of time before he fell head over heels for her.

This year California needed rain. I mean...like...really really needed rain. However, Bre and Jeff really needed...ok ok....wanted...a dry day, for their wedding. I am guessing God decided to meet them halfway because they still got that beautiful outdoor ceremony they were hoping for, but we spent most of our time taking pictures in the rain. The day started off a bit on the frazzled side, but the second Jeff looked into Bre's eyes you saw both their anxieties and stress melt away. Their love was undeniable. They laughed, hugged, kissed, danced, and celebrated the day away with all the amazing family and friends who joined them to celebrate. It was truly a perfect day. I would even bet all the guests had an amazing time. Bre and Jeff took extra consideration to treat their guests as royalty and make sure their day was just as perfect as it was for the two of them.

Congrats you two. I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness and cannot wait for a little firefighter to be made. Thank you for allowing me to participate in your special day. It was such a pleasure to spend my day with you!